Barcelona/Ciutat Vella

The district is divided in four quarters:

• Barceloneta or Little Barcelona was built after King Felipe V ordered the construction of a new fortress (La Ciutadella, nowadays a park) in order to control and punish the city of Barcelona, that fought against him during the war of Spanish Succession. The fortress was planned very close to the city so that a tenth of it was demolished, and the people who lived in this part had no compensation and as a bigger punishment were obliged to demolish their own houses. The people from the demolished part of Barcelona had to move, so a new quarter was planned by the French military. Therefore, the streets are straight and with a square shape. There are still some houses from this period, easy to recognize because they are much lower than the others and have a simple neoclassical decoration. Historically a fisherman's quarter, Barceloneta was traditionally a poor quarter, with dark and narrow streets, but since the 1992 Olympics significant gentrification has taken place. Most noticeably along the seafront. There are now delis serving upscale foodstuffs and high rise office buildings going up.
• Barri Gòtic is the oldest part of the old town. It literally has its foundations in Roman times as it was built upon the old settlement of Barcino. It's quite easy to see these portions of the Roman wall through this area and for those looking to see more, you can visit the City History museum which takes you below ground to tour the 2,000 year-old foundations. Fully pedestrian, this area is quite popular for visitors to see the history of the city. While not as active in boutique shops as La Ribera next door, it boasts its fair share of night life and shops. Most people walk through here to view the quite stunning architecture with the ancient building leaning this way and that on their centuries-old foundations. It is also the location of the Barcelona Cathedral which is a focal point of the city.
• La Ribera is a large section of the old town that encompasses everything between Arc de Triomf and Via Laietana. It is often mistakenly called the El Born after the large, 19th century market that sits in the area below Carrer de la Princesa. In reality, Born is a sub neighborhood of La Ribera much like the area around the upper, Santa Catarina market. Regardless of whether you go to the upper or lower sections, it is a very happening neighborhood with lots to do an see. By day, there are many small shops and local designers. By night, there is a thriving bar and restaurant scene. It's easily reachable on foot and contains no end of old buildings, many of which date back to the 15th century. It's easy to see the thriving, commercial past of the neighborhood with colorful names such as (in English): "the street of jars", "the street of the silver smiths", and so on.
• El Raval is the neighborhood of the old town just to the west of Las Ramblas. Historically, it's had an incredibly seedy reputation, being a den of prostitution, drugs, and general crime. This changed on a tremendous scale right before the 1992 Olympics when the city government demolished tremendous amounts of old buildings to construct new ones as well as to open up the neighborhood to more natural light given that historically, it was known to be quite dark. This move was quite controversial as it displaced thousands of people, but for better or worse, it did change the neighborhood. These days, it's a vibrant place for nightlife and while still very much an immigrant neighborhood, it's home to no end of bars and restaurants. While not as historically significant as say, Barri Gòtic or La Ribera, but gradually more civic structures are sprouting in the area, such as the Filmoteca.

Since Ciutat Vella is also the city center, nearly all public transportation leads you there. The transportation center is , and is possible to arrive by train, subway and bus (many regular ones during day, all the night lines and Aerobus to the Airport).
There are also two other places very close to Plaça Catalunya where the subway and the buses stop, and .
To reach the other parts of the district, the maximum time to get to the furthest part of the city is twenty minutes.

La Ribera

• Palau de la Música Catalana

  phone: +34 932 957 200
  address: C/Sant Pere més Alt 13
  Modernist design by Lluís Domènech i Montaner is a UNESCO World Heritage site, a masterpiece of Catalan's modernist architecture. This auditorium designed by Ramon Muntaner is the most important Modernist example in Ciutat Vella. It was the headquarters of the Orfeó Català, the oldest Catalan choir. The most beautiful part is the stalls with its fine detailing, although all the building is impressive. There are plenty of allegories about music and Catalonia, since the Orfeó Català is strongly bounded with the Catalan Renaixença, the romantic movement that tried to recuperate the Catalan history, language and traditions. It is also the best place in Barcelona to listen to symphonic music.

• Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar

  address: Plaça de Santa Maria
  One of the most representative examples of Catalan Gothic architecture, it features a sombre but beautiful interior. The upsweeping verticality and lightness of the interior are especially surprising considering the blocky exterior surfaces. Built between 1329 and 1383, it was once was home to a Christian cult in the late 3rd century. The church is dedicated to Saint Mary of the Sea, since the quarter was dedicated to the jobs related to the sea, from sailors to harbor works, commerce, even coin exchange. The inside was burned during the civil war, but it is still very interesting. Next to the church, you can see a monument, called Fossar de les Moreres, which is the place where many fighters where buried after the Barcelona defeat in 1714, so it is an important monument for Catalan nationalism.

• Carrer MontcadaThis street has the biggest collection of Gothic houses in Barcelona. In amongst these houses is the Picasso Museum, which is definitely worth a visit. There are also smaller museums along the street, and many tapas restaurants though they may be more expensive on this street.

• Passeig del BornThis avenue goes from the Santa Maria del Mar church to the Born market and is where the legendary jousting matches of the Middle Ages took place, as well as numerous fairs and marches. This is also where men were knighted. It is a really old street, very wide for the time.Don Quijote de la Mancha, the famous Cervantes character, had a contest in this place.

• Mercat del BornThis market was the central market for Barcelona until 1973 and its closing marked the beginning of the neighborhood's decline before its current resurgence. While undergoing renovations, whole streets and homes that had been demolished by Phillipe V's orders were discovered and archaeologists who worked to transform the market in to a new cultural center and history museum. Entrance and street level is free, but to visit the ruins requires paying for a ticket.

Museums

• Picasso Museum

  phone: +34 932 56 30 00
  address: Montcada, 15-23
  Has a lot of art from his first period, before the cubism, but almost none of his most famous works. Pictures are described only in Spanish, but overview texts for each period are available in English. Luggage over 30x30cm needs to be left at the checkroom and there's no liability for lost valuables.

Barri Gòtic

• Palau Güell

  phone: +34 934 725 775, +34 934 725 771
  Palace designed by Gaudí for the industrial tycoon Eusebi Güell. There is a basement and three levels of the palace to explore, the highest featuring a small exhibition. It is in a different style to Gaudi's apartment blocks La Pedrera and Casa Batlló, as well as being cheaper and less crowded than those sites. The rooftop of Palau Güell features the more standard Gaudi style chimneys, and views across El Raval.

• Plaça Sant JaumeThis square has been the political hub since the Roman era. It has been witness to some of the most important events in recent Catalan history, such as the proclamation of the Catalan State in 1931. At one end, there is the Palace of the Generalitat (the one with two flags on the top, the government of the Autonomous Community of Catalunya) and on the other stands the City Hall (three flags). Both are Gothic buildings, although their fronts are newer (the Generalitat's is the best example of Barcelona's Renaissance art). But if you can go inside, both are very important civil Gothic buildings. The two buildings have guides.

• City hall: Visit hours are: Every Sunday, from 10:00 to 14:00. The entrance is free. The Saló de Cent, room where the artisans made the meetings is the most important part.
• Palau de la Generalitat: The second and forth Sunday every month from 10:00 to 14:00. Free entrance. The Pati dels Tarongers, a Patio with orange trees and the main room are the most famous parts.
• In the left part of the City Hall there's a tourist information point.

• Plaça ReialThis square is famous for the nightlife and the uniform architecture, and features fountains and palm trees. It was built during the 19th century on the site of a monastery, after the Mendizábal law expelled the monks. After some years Antoni Gaudí designed the streetlights which are still there. It has lots of activity during the day, thanks to the many terraces of the bars and restaurants.

• Plaça del ReiThis square has two important buildings, the Santa Àgata church, where the kings from the Aragon crown had baptism. Is possible to visit it. The other building has the Saló del Tinell, one of the best civil Gothic architecture examples. Is the place where the royal receptions where held, so is very wide with a wooden ceiling hold by the typical Catalan Gothic arches. It has also a tower from which you can have a good view of the old town. An entrance is needed to visit both.

• Cathedral of Santa Eulàlia

  phone: +93 3042255
  address: Capellans, 4
  The main Gothic church in Barcelona. The cloister is maybe the most interesting part.

• Plaça Sant Felip NeriOne of the most romantic squares in Barcelona, it hides a dark history in that it was built over the city's old cemetery. Barcelona's most famous architect, Antonio Gaudi, was on his way to visit the church there when he was run over and killed in 1928. There is a baroque church (Sant Felip Neri), a 14th century palace and a fountain in the middle. To arrive, take the narrow street next to the cathedral cloister. The palace was moved from its original location in the street Via Laietana during the 1920s. If you look the front of the church, you can see some holes made by a civil war bomb. If you go out the square through the other street, you'll arrive to the street Baixada de Santa Eulàlia, where is said that the Barcelona's protector was tormented.

• Plaça del PiThis square next to La Rambla is one of the prettiest parts of the quarter. It has a pine tree in the middle (Pi mines pine tree), the church of Santa Maria del Pi, which is a very pretty Gothic church with a huge rose window. Many concerts are done here. The Pi square and its twin square, called Sant Josep Oriol, have several bars and artisans, painters, musicians are there to sell their products.

• Carrer PetritxolThis narrow street, that starts in the Plaça del Pi has a very special atmosphere. It is famous because of its chocolate shops, where you can drink a hot chocolate since the 18th century. It has also very important art galleries (Sala Parés, the place where Picasso made a dedicated exposition for the first time). You can enter for free and see, if you are lucky, nice expositions. The street is decorated with flagstones that represent scenes of a modernist book called L'auca del senyor Esteve, by Santiago Rusiñol, which is a critic to the bourgeois society of that time and that he had to live.

• Ancient synagogue

  address: Carrer Marlet
  They open during the morning. It is the re-discovered synagogue from the Jewish quarter, called call. This building, not very spectacular, is important since it has been here since the roman era, and stayed as a synagogue until the Jewish exodus in the 15th century. The guide explains all the facts from the place in several languages.

Museums

• Museu d'Història de la Ciutat de BarcelonaIncludes access to underground Roman ruins and a complex of historic buildings in the center of the Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter), and is a reasonably good historical museum.

• Museu de l'Eròtica de Barcelona

  address: La Rambla 96
  Museum dedicated to erotic and sensual works. A huge tourist trap. The tour is not worth it, unless you wish to see old paintings of the Kama Sutra. The only interest is the huge phallus in the hallway, which makes for funny pictures.

• Hemp Museum Gallery Barcelona

  address: Carrer Ample 35
  This museum in the modernist Palau Mornau offers a unique permanent exhibition on the development of the cannabis plant as a versatile source for industrial, nutritional, medicinal, sacramental and recreational purposes.

Raval

• La RamblaOften the first landmark that people identify with the city. It is the central and the most famous boulevard which cuts through the heart of the city centre and is a vibrant and lively promenade filled with Barcelona action at its best and worst. It stretches from the harbor to La Plaça Catalunya running through the Ciutat Vella like a spine. Come here to see the street performers jump out at unsuspecting tourists, enjoy the flower and pet stalls, or just sit back and watch all of Barcelona walk by. During the day, La Rambla is packed with tourists, at night, the locals come out, as well as many prostitutes. There, you can find newspaper and book stands, birds, flowers, musicians, street-performing artists that all contribute to create a lively and unique atmosphere. If you happen to be here after Barca win, you are in for a treat. A few blocks south of its north end, you will find La Boqueria, a very large, covered open air market.

• Maritime Museum

  address: Av. de les Drassanes, 1
  Housed in Drassanes, the Gothic shipyard of the city. During the 14th century, the Aragó Crown was the most important power in the Mediterranean Sea, and this was the main place where the ships where built. Nowadays it's the Maritime Museum, worth a visit for the architectonic structure, a still-standing part of the ancient medieval city wall (including a gate), and the reproduction of the royal galley of Don John of Austria, the Spanish flagship at the battle of Lepanto. If you do not want to go inside the museum, you can see a little bit looking inside thorough the big windows at the part in front of the sea.

• Hospital de la Santa Creu

  address: C/Hospital 56
  This Gothic building was the old city hospital, before the modernist Hospital de Sant Pau was build in l'Eixample. Now the hospital has the National Library inside, and is a great example of civilian Gothic archictecture.

• Sant Pau del Camp

  address: C/Sant Pau 101
  A rare example of Romanesque architecture, the prettiest in Barcelona. Its name reflects the fact that the church was once surrounded by green fields outside the city walls.

Museums

• Centre de Cultura Contemporània de BarcelonaThe arts centre’s core theme is the city and urban culture.

• Centre d'Art Santa Mònica

  phone: +34 933 162 810
  address: Rambla de Santa Mònica 7
  A contemporary art venue, showing solo exhibitions by national and international artists. Lots of other activities.

• Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art

  phone: +34 93 412 08 10
  address: Raval, Plaça dels Angels, 1

Barceloneta

• Aquàrium de BarcelonaThe second biggest aquarium in Europe. Watch thousands of fish, penguins and sharks in this interactive sea-life museum. Unlike Genoese Aquarium it has a long glass tube, where you can walk watching sharks and other fish swimming around.

• Parc Zoològic de BarcelonaThis zoo was famous for its albino gorilla Snowflake prior to his death. Today this zoo still has many other features including a science museum inside the zoo.

• Parc de la CiutadellaBarcelona's most central park, and includes a zoo, a lake and several museums. In fact, the park is so large, 74 acres, that the Catalan Parliament can be found in the center of the park. It is a great place to enjoy games, sports or to spend a leisurely afternoon. It was built at the final part of the 19th century in the place that formerly occupied the fortress (ciutadella) built after the defeat of 1714. This fortress was hated by the citizens, and when the middle age walls were demolished, so was most of the fortress. Some buildings where conserved, as such as the church, and the gunpowder magazine. The new park was used as the place to hold the 1888 international expo, and some of the older modernist buildings are there, such as the Zoology Museum, the greenhouse and, following the avenue Passeig de Sant Joan (towards the mountain), the Arc del Triomf, a modernist Arc de Triomphe.

• Port VellThe harbor was closed to the public until the 80s and received a complete makeover before the Olympics in 1992. Some old buildings related to the harbor still exist, such as the Tinglado near the Barceloneta quarter that is now a history museum. There are two main parts in the harbor: the Moll de la Fusta, which are the decks that touch the city, and the Maremagnum, a newly created amusement center/shopping mall, with an Aquarium, an IMAX cinema, discos, bars, restaurants. The clubs are situated on the top floor, which is accessed through the general shopping area via stairs and the like. Even out of season and on work nights you are sure to have a good time, as the clubs are always filled. It is located at the other side of the wooden bridge next to the Columbus monument.

Museums

• Museum of the History of CataloniaA must in order to understand the troubled and sad history of the Catalans.

• Museu de Ciències Naturals de la CiutadellaThis museum is especially recommended for children. Most interesting is the rain forest project, in which you can observe a living forest from various angles, even from below.

• Barceloneta BeachThe beach stretches from the tip of Barceloneta in Port Vell and far away, passing Vila Olimpica and further. On warm summer days it will be crammed with people, and it might be a good idea to find a spot further away or go to a beach outside of Barcelona. There is nothing better than covering your toes with sand and lying upwards in the sun, and there is no better place to do this than on Barceloneta's famed beauty. Sit back, relax and enjoy.

• La RamblaA gorgeous tree-lined pedestrian walkway, the busiest and most lively street of the city. Mostly occupied by tourists, expect to pay higher prices for food and drink. Avoid the groups of people supposedly betting on a game played on a cardboard table, they are thieves. Head off into some of the side streets for a cheaper, more local, and authentic experience of Barcelona. Often called Las Ramblas, because it is actually a series of several different streets, the sections also have distinct feels. As you get closer to Placa Catalunya, you find more street performers doing stunts. In the middle, you will find street performers in costumes. Towards the pier, there are artists who will do pencil drawings, paintings, etc.

• El Portal de l'ÀngelLarge pedestrian walkway with many new and stylish shops to browse in.

• Sit on Rambla de MarCool your toes at the waters edge: with a book, sandwich or just for a short rest.

• Wander the Barri Gotic2,000 years of history that remounts to the days when Barcelona was a Roman enclave, uncover charming squares and hidden gems where the locals hang out these days.

• Enjoy your Sangria at La Plaça ReialGreat place to sit, relax and drink.

• Check out a Flamenco show at Los TorantosTarantos is a small bar and theatre. If you just want a half hour taste of Flamenco then check it out. There are 30-minute shows of flamenco song and dance at 20:30, 21:30 and 22:30 nightly. There are plenty of other clubs on the Plaza Reial, but watch out for pickpockets in the early hours of the morning.

• Walk around el BornA very popular area with great restaurants and places to have a few drinks. If your accommodation is on Rambla, Born is a great place to escape the crowds, enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and meet off-the-beaten track travellers and non-tourist-industry locals—especially in the evenings.

• Jazz SiIn the Raval neighbourhood. Has a cheaper alternative to flamenco nights elsewhere.

• Sip on a coffee in Plaça dels ÀngelsDuring your coffee you can admire the whiteness of the MACBA and the best street skate tricks in town along street art.

• Go to Teatre del Liceu

• Palau de la Musica Catalana

• Cook&Taste

  phone: +34 93 302 13 20
  address: Carrer del Paradís 3
  Cooking class on traditional Spanish dishes. Get ingredients from La Boqueria; then together with a small group led by a professional chef, cook a few dishes: tortilla, paella and crema catalan; and enjoy the meal you prepared.

• La Central del Raval is a bookshop with a large selection of books on art, architecture and design. C/ Elisabets, 6 (between MACBA and La Ramblas).

• FnacSells books, music, games, and many other interesting items. Fnac is in the El Triangle shopping center in Plaza Catalunya (Opposite El Corte Inglés).

• MaremagnumNice shopping mall by the sea at the end of The Ramblas. The only shopping mall in the city open on Sunday and public holidays. Clothes: mostly mass-market brands; no independent designers; only a few outlets of national chains

• Escuela Mediterraneo

  phone: +34 93 318 70 70
  Offers Spanish-language classes. Easy to reach by metro and bus. Near the Ramblas and the beach.

• Art Montfalcon

  phone: +34 93 301 13 25
  address: Boters 4 (Final Portaferrisa)
  Probably the largest souvenir shop in the city at 1000 m². Almost no ordinary souvenir-shop trivialities; really good choice of creative and artistic souvenirs: watches, plates, jewellery, mugs. Creative mechanical toys: spiders etc. The only missing thing is Kukuxumusu, but there is a choice of other souvenir t-shirt brands.

• El Corte InglesThere are a couple of this nationwide department store chain in the district.

• phone: +34 933 063 800
  address: Plaça de Catalunya, 14

• phone: +34 933 063 800
  address: Avinguda Portal De L'Àngel, 19-21

There is a lovely shop in Carrer Bisbe selling crafts including miniature versions of the dracs (dragons) and gigants (giants) that feature in Catalan processions and fiestas.

El Ingenio, in Carrer Raurich, sells the real ones and is worth a visit just to look - you can also buy confetti, jokes, rubber snakes and other amusements.

My Beautiful Parking

phone: +34 931 867 365

The bike shop lends bikes too. It is specialised on creating fixies according the customers wishes.

There is an underground mall somewhere between Placa del Pi and Born area, with a good selection of child shops.

Food

• La Boqueria MarketTempt your tastebuds at this delightful food market where the food is plentiful, fresh and can be cooked to order in one of about five small restaurants. Also a place for fresh juices and some takeaway snacks. To avoid heavy crowds, or to buy the freshest perishables (e.g., seafood), go well before noon. At least in late Fall, Winter and early Spring months, La Boqueria is closed on Sundays.

• Cansaladeria i Formatgeria Josep's

  phone: +34 93 302 1880
  address: stands 176-179
  Front-line stand featuring most of hams and meats a tourist needs. Accepts credit cards (!) and has vacuum packaging for any purchase so you don't worry through the rest of the day about smell of all the chorizos you bought.

• Happy Pills

  address: C/. Els Arcs
  A petite candy store located next to the Cathedral Square noted for resembling a pharmacy and packaging their product in plastic medication bottles or first aid kits.

Clothes, shoes, and accessories

• Comite

  phone: +3493 317-6883
  address: Notariat, 8 (Raval)
  A group of 7 designers sharing a space where they create and sell their women collections. For women, designers include Cecilia Sorensen, Julia Pelletier, Pia Kahila and Potipoti. For men: Jan iú Més, Bingo and potipoti.

• La Gauche Divine

  address: Passage de la Pau, 7bis
  An incredible multiconcept store near La Rambla. An example of the Catalan design is the decoration of the shop with an exclusive combination of furniture from the 1960s and paintings and sculptures all around. The shop includes a little corner where you can have a drink while watching the latest trend publications and an inner patio with plants and sculptures. They have a lot of clothes and accessories for men and women, the most original pieces you can find in Barcelona. Don't miss the courreges mini dresses brought from Japan and the catwalks and special events they organize every month.

• Amateur

  phone: +34 93 329 1721
  address: c/Riera Baixa 16, Raval
  Small boutique shop featuring several independent designers.

• Juan-Jo Gallery

  phone: +34 933028900
  address: C/Elisabets 20, El Raval. 50 meters to MACBA Museum.
  Fashion leather. Jaquets, bags, hats and complements designed and made in Barcelona with Spanish leather.

• Lluch Sabates

  address: d'Avinyo 14
  Tempting Italian shoe store with gorgeous designs. Features oXs.

• Miriam Ponsa

  address: Career de la Princesa, 14
  Boutique shop offering designer wares.

• Custo Barcelona

  phone: +34 933 426 698
  address: Plaça Olles, 7
  Popular designer clothing brand.

• Camper

  address: Placa de Catalunya
  Standalone store having a wide choice of models and sizes.

You can eat for little money. Avoid La Rambla, since the prices there are much higher and the quality is lower.

Budget

• Bella Istanbul

  address: Pg. Joan de Borbo 2
  The most famous and cheapest Döner Kebab in the city. They have got food for only €3.50. Very delicious.

• BioCenter

  address: C/Pintor Fortuny, 2
  offers cheap and tasty vegetarian and vegan food

• Bo de B

  address: C/ Fusteria 14 & Carrer de la Mercè
  Excellent sandwiches made with freshly chopped/cooked/baked ingredients on fantastic baguette (chicken with avocado sauce is recommended), plates, omelets and salads for reasonable prices (between €3.50 and 4.50 for a sandwich) and generous portions. Located near metro Barceloneta. Service can be a little slow (it's a small operation) but it's well worth the wait!

• La BoqueriaOn the Rambla, and offering a wide variety of fresh, mainly raw foods. Some stall sells many kinds of well cooked ready to eat pasta, fresh fruit already sliced. When buying anything here head to the cheaper stalls at the back - you can save a fair bit.

• Cafe Viena Fast FoodA sandwich bar on La Rambla. Truly some of the most delicious sandwiches anywhere. The bread is fresh and crispy, and you'll leave satisfied.

• Can Conessa

  address: C/Paradís 2
  Cheap and very good sandwiches. Always with a lot of people. They have some tables inside. They close quite early at night (for the Spanish Standard!).

• Delfinon the Born: A good set lunch for €9, with typical Catalan specialties such as salmonetes (little fish eaten whole).

• Fres CoMaremagnum, store 59. A €10 all you can eat buffet including hot dishes and cold and drink. The bread isn't the greatest, although the vegetable quality is quite good, and the warm food isn't terrible either. Warm food includes whatever soup they have on display, some meats, and pizzas. The Maremagnum buffet has fruit juices for €1, while the one on Plaza Catalunya has numerous desserts, such as an ice cream machine and flan, in additional to all kinds of beers, wines, and sodas.

• El Gallo Kiriko

  address: C/Avinyó 19
  Cheap Pakistani food.

• Travel Bar

  address: C/Boqueria 27
  For the budget conscious, the bar offers meals for €1. They also serve a full English breakfast and 8oz Irish rump steaks all day long with ingredients imported from the UK.

• BelgiousC/Avinyó 50. An amazing place in the Gothic Quarter that sells waffles (gofres in Castellano), crepes, fresh juices from Brazil and the most amazing 48 flavours of ice cream, all with natural ingredients and no preservatives. For example the Rosemary ice cream was incredible. They also sell crepes salados or lunch crepes, so not everything is sweet. The best waffles in Barcelona hands down!

• La Bombeta

  address: Carrer de la Maquinista with Carrer del Mar
  Good tapas and more substantial dishes. A great alternative to the tourist traps along the waterfront. Very friendly.

• La Ría de Vigo

  address: Carrer de Sevilla 84
  Go just for the paella and black rice, it's divine. 7% VAT is not included and bread is paid separately, but the quality of food is more than worth that extra charges.

• MaozOffers excellent vegan falafel (including unlimited salad) for around €4. There are several around Barcelona including one on 95, La Rambla, about 10 minutes walk from Pl Catalunya.

• Vegetalia

  phone: +34 93 317 33 31
  address: 54, Escudellers st.
  Offers excellent organic vegetarian foods, as a compliment to the restaurant there's a store carries the full range of Vegetalia products as well as other well-sourced organic foods. The staff are friendly and the prices reasonable.

Mid-range

• Agua

  phone: +34 93 225-1272
  address: Olympic Port, Passeig Maritim de la Barceloneta, 30
  Creative cooking combining Catalonian traditions with Italian cuisine. The terrace outside showcases some great views of Barceloneta.

• Bar Ra

  phone: +34 933 014 163
  address: Plaça Gardunya 3-4
  Great value-for-money cuisine on the backstage of Bouqueria. The only drawback may be it doesn't have a good view. Menu del dia is salad or soup or pasta plus a main meal (fish or poultry or meat-based dish), and changes every day. Great cheesecake. Open for lunch for longer than most other restaurants in the city. For dinner, it may be difficult to find a table.

• Bestial

  address: C/Ramón Trias Fargas 2-4
  Fabulous lunch specials to be enjoyed on their great beach terrace on warm sunny days. Dinner tends to be quite expensive, thus lunch is the value for money option.

• Bar Bitácora

  phone: +34 933 19 11 10
  address: C/ Balboa, 1
  The bar serves consistently good tapas - patas bravas, platos del dias - for fair price. In the evening many come for a drink.

• Cal Pep

  phone: +34 93 310 79 61
  address: Placa de les Olles, 8
  Legendary fish restaurant. With limited seating, the only seats readily available are at the bar if you arrive without a reservation and queue for a while. No menu available, just ask what they have today.

• Drassanes cafe

  phone: +34 93 317 52 56
  address: Av. de les Drassanes s/n
  Quiet location just next to La Rambla and Columbus monument. Menu del dia with simple but excellent food (Sant Cristòfol Gallery, at the end of the route through the museum). Even if you fail to catch the cafeteria open, a bar with a small open-air terrace (Garden of the King) is great place for having a break with coffee and a snack from a bar.

• El Glop de la Rambla

  address: Rambla de Catalunya, 65
  Part of a chain.

• El Setial

  phone: +34 93 295 51 32
  address: Regomir, 11
  Traditional Spanish and some Mediterranean food; also a good place for tapas. Loud music on Thu and Fri evening. Good service.

• Les Quinze Nits

  phone: +34 93 317 30 75
  address: Plaza Real 6
  Good typical paella in a beautiful location, but below average service.

• Los Caracoles

  phone: +34 933 012 041
  address: C/ Escudellers 14
  Los Caracoles which means "The Snails". You can spot the restaurant right away as it has a spit grill in the main entrance window roasting chickens and other meats. The restaurant was named after its specialty however they offer a wide variety of seafoods and roasted meat dishes.

• Melic del Gotic

  address: C/ Montsiò nº7
  tasty Catalan dishes prepared in front of the guests, excellent meat skewers, flawless service and good value.

• Opaqo

  phone: +34 933 184 676
  address: C/Ciutat 10
  Good for menu del dia. Quite small place (6 tables, each for 2-3 persons).

• Orgànic

  address: C/ Junta Comerç, 11
  A little more expensive, around €20 for the menú del día, but is worth it! Whether you're vegetarian/vegan or not, this kitchen is organic and the food is amazing and of high quality. Not a quick eat, but a nice sit down to good food meal. The service is friendly and down to earth and funny.

• Bar Pinotxo

  phone: +34 933 171 731
  address: Mercat de la Boqueria, 466-470
  The best Catalan dishes. No reservations. Always full, don't be surprised if you aren't able to sit.

• Restaurante La Boqueria

  phone: +34 933 04 39 44
  address: Calle de La Boquería 17
  An emblematic restaurant in the center of Barcelona to enjoy the city's local cuisine. Approximately 20 euros per person to eat dishes like Paella or Tapas.

Traditional Spanish food

• Can Culleretes C/Quintana 5 (From La Rambla, go to C/Ferran, and it's the first street at your left). Founded in 1786, it is the second oldest restaurant in Spain (after Casa Botín in Madrid). The prices are mid range and the quality is quite good for the price. They serve traditional Catalan food. But the most interesting from the restaurant is the decoration, an eclectic mix from all the times. A really good option if you don't have much time/money.

• La Dolca Herminia

  phone: +34 933 170676
  address: C/Magdalenes, 27
  Same chain as Les Quinze Nits. No reservation accepted. Bit old-style and dark interior, judging by web site.

• Els Quatre Gats

  phone: +34 93 302-41-40
  address: Carrer Montsio, 3 bis
  Frequented by tourists, Els Quatre Gats, is the successor to the famous cafe where Gaudi drank and Picasso exhibited, in a fine Modernisme building by Puig i Cadafalch. The cooking is of a high quality (if it's not onion soup). The wine list (and wine recommendations) can be quite pricey. The decor is quite old fashioned, while the attentive staff are dressed formally. Local visitors for dinner are either over 40s or families with children.

• ElxValencian paella and Meditterian dishes. One of the few places available for tourists where paella is genuine enough.

• L'Elx

  phone: +34 93 225 81 17
  address: Maremagnum
  Has a summer terrace.

• Elche

  phone: +34 93 441 30 89
  address: C/Vila Vilà 71

Meson David

address: Carrer Carretes 63

A great place serving excellent hearty Galician fare. Try the Lacon pork joint, its amazing. The decor is basic but the atmosphere is great. Expect queues at peak times. You'll eat and drink loads of sangria for €15.

Les Quinze Nits

phone: +34 93 317 30 75

address: Plaça Reial 6

A place to get cheap, huge and delicious paella. The Gazpacho served here is also one of the finest in the world. Some complaints about quality of steaks and paella, however. Overall, good value for money. There's no reservation, so arrive early; the queue starts at 20:00 and frequently is quite long.

El Salero

phone: +34 933 198 022

address: C/del Rec 60

A very mellow place to eat and see Barcelona's beautiful people. International cuisine with a nod to Japanese food. No menu del dia (at least on Sat).

Modern creative cuisine

• Carmelitas

  phone: +34 93 412-4684
  address: C/Doctor Dou, 1
  Large windows; most seats are armchairs. Cuisine focused on market-fresh ingredients brought from Bouqueria. Simple Catalan dishes in a modern setting. Trendy place which is very popular during lunchtime in weekdays. Visitors are mainly local (bit older than in Mediodia across the road).

• Mediodia

  address: Carrer del Carme, 40
  Arguably a nearest competitor to Carmelitas which is just across the road. No-frills but trendy interior, full of light: light walls, large windows. Pleasant terrace in summer. Visitors mix: creative people working around, only locals.

• Silenus

  phone: +34 93 302 2680
  address: Raval, C/Àngels 8
  Also has excellent lunch offers. A very design restaurant just in front of the MACBA. Mediterranean and Japanese cuisine.

Non-Spanish cuisine

• Al Passatore

  address: two locations near Pla del Palau
  Pasta, pizza and risotto in very generous portions for moderate prices. No-frills dishes, but wide choice. Simple interior. Bread should be asked for explicitly. For dinner, reservation essential

• address: Pla del Palau, 8

• address: Placa de les Olles, 11
  Less crowded in the daytime than in the first location.

Betawi

phone: +34 93 412 62 64

address: C/Montsio 6

a really tasty Indonesian restaurant. Portions aren't huge (average) but they know how to cook meat and fish to perfection

Born Cooking

phone: +34 93 310 5999

address: Carrer Corretger, 9

The local Born bakery with all sorts of North American offerings with chocolate chip cookies, pulled pork and cheesecake on the menu. They offer eat-in service, take-away and catering.

Egipte

address: 79 La Rambla

Recommended for a la carte and for tapas. Good fixed-price lunch and dinner menu.

La Locanda

address: C/Joaquim Pou 4

A good choice for Italian food lovers.

Shunka

address: Carrer dels Sagristans, el Gòtic, 5

One of the most appreciated Japanese restaurants in town. Prior reservation is strongly advised.

Breakfast

• Cafe de L'Opera, La Rambla 74, is a marvellous place to have a breakfast with fine strong coffee. As the owner insists on coffee and deserts, they are the core competence. The inside features 1920s decor.

• Marmalade

  phone: +34 932680922
  address: C/Riera Alta 4-6
  Amazing brunch menu on the week-ends, from 10:00 to 16:00 - the best place in the area to find something else than fried eggs or croissant for a late breakfast! Away from the Rambla means less tourist for a quiet morning in a classy setting.
• Pasteleria Escriba, La Rambla 83, a cute little place with great pastries and good coffee. Try the chocolate croissant. Out of this world.

Splurge

• Les Set Portes

  phone: +34 93 319 30 33
  address: Passeig Isabel II, 14
  This is one of the oldest restaurants in Barcelona. Offers the best Catalan dishes around, at a good price. It's especially famous for its Paella Parellada (rich man's paella, so called because they take the shells off), which is really worth a try. The roast kid (goat) is also a great traditional Catalan dish.

• Opium Mar

  phone: +34 932 25 91 00
  address: Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, 34
  Has one of the best terraces for lunch and diner in front of the beach. It is also one of the best night clubs in town visited by famous hollywood celebrities and worlds top DJs like Shakira, Akon, David Guetta, Bob Sinclair, Armin Van Burren, Afrojack, Avicii, Steve Aoki and many more...Situated at the sea shore with its huge terrace, impressive and carefully designed interior, capacity up to 3000 people, has become the first choice of locals as well as tourists. It is one of the most demanding and high profile night clubs in Barcelona.

Cafes

• L'Antic TeatreScreens special artistic productions. There is also a small café inside and outside operated by the association which makes for a great break from the noisy Barcelona downtown. It's only a few steps away from the Palau de la Música Catalana.

• La Clandestina, C/Baixada de Viladecols 2bis (Behind the Post Office in Via Laietana). You can take tea, different fruit juices and vegetable sandwiches in a place that holds some cultural events and lends some books.

• Escriba

  phone: +34 93 301 6027
  address: C/La Rambla 83
  Very old and beautiful confectionery.
• Otman, C/Cirera 4 (between C/Flassaders and C/Montcada). In the Born, very close to the Picasso museum, this Moroccan designer has a clothes shop where you can have a tea in a`relaxing ambient atmosphere. Medium prices.

Bars

• El Bosc de les Fades, off La Rambla. Dubbed the "Tree Bar" by many English speaking tourists. This wax-museum bar features expert-crafted ambiance to look like a forest.

• CatwalkOne of the most popular nightclubs in the city, with the peak time around 02:00. They offer 2 floors with R&B and hip-hop styles mixed with House or Techno. A lot of teenagers go here.

• Comerç 24

  phone: +34 93 319-2102
  address: Carrer del Comerç 24, Born, Ciutat Vella
  A fashion tapas bar. Very creative, very good.
• La Concha, La Concha, located off Carrer Nou de la Rambla on Carrer de Guàrdia, is a bohemian hole in the wall hookah bar. It has a Moroccan gay bar feel, but with a lively, mixed crowd of friendly 20- and 30-somethings drinking cocktails and smoking shisha. Definitely not touristy, and in a neighborhood that requires attention late at night, but friendly and fun for the traveler looking for a little local adventure.

• Danzantoria

  address: Ramon Trias Fargas
  House music fans come here for the pumping beats and funky decor. Offers two floors of dancing, and a terrace to chill out on between dances.
• Dusk, carrer Merce 23. Sexy bar and bistro inside centuries-old stone walls in Ciutat Vella/Barri Gotic. One block in from the Correos (Big Post Office at the end of Via Laietana), "Dusk" offers an upbeat bar and a more relaxed lounge in the back. It's a perfect place to get a delicious bite to eat to start the night off, or to finish the night with funky music and a Bailey's Martini. Overall, a perfect place to get a taste of both the old Gothic Quarter and the new, hip, contemporary Barcelona.

• La Fianna

  phone: +34 93 315 1810
  address: Banys Vells, 15
  One of the busiest bars in the neighborhood with a funky decor and a large selection of spirits. They also have a great dinner menu with an international selection.
• Harlem, C/Comptessa de Sobradiel (Behind the City Hall, ask there). Live music every night. You must buy at least one drink, but the entrance is usually free.
• Jazz sí C/Requesens 2 (Near Ronda St. Antoni). Live music every day by the teachers and pupils of the music school next to it. Pop/Rock, Flamenco, Jazz, Latin music, etc., depending on the day. To get in, it costs €3 but you get a drink on arrival.

• Le Kashbar

  address: Pl. Pau Vila
  With a Moroccan decor, Le Kashbar is the perfect spot to chill out on cushions and take in the ambient music.
• KULAS A cheaper alternative to Chupitos, they serve a selection of 1€ shots and high quality cocktails in a cool chilled out cocktail bar. Passeig de Colom 7.
• London Bar, London Bar is basically a pub, but a pub that has been open since 1910 and used to be frequented by the likes of Dali, Picasso and Hemingway. The atmosphere is lively and friendly, it’s a great place to just pop into and the prices aren’t that bad, bottle beer €3 and a spirit + mixer at €6. There is also absinthe for the foolhardy!

• Opium

  phone: +34 93 150 78 20
  address: Passeig marítim de la Barceloneta, 34
  Great club. Great music. Dance floor, lounge area, and outside bar.
• L'Ovella Negra, or the "Black Sheep" is a large dark tavern-like bar. Located in Carrer Sitges just off La Rambla. You can get cheap and delicious sangria for €10 before 23:00 and €13 after. Fun to sit around with friends or to partake in a game of futbolina (foosball).

• Cafè MilansProbably one of the most dynamic bars of the Gothic Area. DJ sessions, live exhibitions, art, and cocktails.

• RiBborn

  phone: +34 93 310 71 48
  C/Antic de Sant Joan 3. A hip bar in the heart of the Casc Antic, a vibrant section of the Ciutat Vella with a variety of bars and restaurants. RiBborn offers "Funk you till you drop" hiphop jazz reggae and soul with dj Chocolito + guests, Tuesday-Sunday 22:00-03:00. Live music until 01:00 on most Sundays and the odd weeknight.

• ShokoDesigned by a Feng Shui expert, Shoko serves you good karma all night. Depending on the night, the dj usually spins House or Hip Hop tunes.

• Sidecar Factory ClubPlaça Reial 7 / C/Heures 4, (+34) 93 302 15 86, (+34) 933 177 666. One of the best choices for drinks and music in Casc Antic. Offers live music (4 or 5 nights a week, 22:00-00:30). Hosts DJ sessions every night (daily 00:30-04:30/05:00) with DJs of many different styles and from the most important clubs making people dance until the wee hours. Always a good atmosphere.

• Travel Bar

  address: C/Boqueria 27
  Travel Bar is a good place to meet and talk with other people visiting the city. They offer free walking tours guided by long-term 'ex-pat' residents of the city every day at 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00. Has a nice, open terrace. Very much a backpackers' bar, this is a staple hang-out for many travellers. The Travel Bar has a range of activities for every night of the week (pub crawl-like activities are not advertised in the bar - staff 'invite' people they would like to join, otherwise you have to ask), Tapas and Flamenco nights, and a mean Catalan/Spanish paella cooking experience. This is a good place to hang out and meet other English speaking people. It does have some decent perks - notably, the €1 meals at 20:00 every night (again, you have to ask the bar staff to get this and buy 1 drink) and the free Wi-Fi plus free internet computers.

There are a lot of hotels, hostals, and pensions in Ciutat Vella.
Avoid accommodation on/very close to Ramblas: it's not noisy only from 07:00 to 08:30, seven days a week. Compared to Rambla, Born seems much more relaxed and off-the-beaten path district for accommodation.

Hostels

There are youth hostels that offer budget accommodation in dormitories.

• Gothic Point Hostel

  phone: +34 932 312 045
  address: Carrer Vigatans, 5,
  Unique dorm design with wooden cubicules allowing more privacy. Free breakfast, 20 minutes daily of free internet access, free Wi-Fi. Free lockers (padlock not included, but on sale in reception for €3).

• Hostel Kabul

  phone: +34 933 185 190
  address: Plaça Reial, 17
  Has increased its prices considerably to capitalise on its location, popularity and positive guidebook write ups. However it remains friendly and is a magnet for young travellers who come for the party atmosphere. Bookings are available through its web site.

• Hostel New York

  phone: +34 933 150 304
  address: Carrer d'en Gignas, 6
  Youth hostel in Barcelona's Barri Gottic. Includes breakfast, internet, kitchen facilities, and a common room

• Residencia Australia

  address: Ronda Universitat No 11
  Clean, friendly and good value. Family orientated, they also offer ensuites with kitchenettes and small apartments starting at around €75 per night.

• The Welcome INN

  phone: +34 664 127 664
  address: Carrer Hospital, 93
  An alternative to the typical 'dorm bed' hostel. It offers private rooms (some ensuite doubles, triples, quads) in a large apartment with a modern design and common kitchen and living area.

Hostals and pensions

• Pension Alamar

  phone: +34 933 025 012
  address: C/ Comtessa de Sobradiel, 1
  Pensio Alamar is in the Gothic Quarter, in a pedestrian street near La Rambla. Facilities: kitchen, central heating, air conditioning, telephone, tv room, cradle available for babies up to 2 years, and close parking.

• Hostal Quartier Gothic (Barcelona)

  address: Carrer d'Avinyó, 23-25
  The Hostal Quartier Gothic is in the Gothic Quarter near La Rambla

• Chic & Basic Tallers

  address: C/Tallers 82, Raval
  Designer-everything self-service pension with entirely white interiors. Personnel can be seen even less often than other travelers. Features: Lacus massage shower, 25" LCD TV and touch-operated lamps in rooms; fridge, bar chairs and Nespresso in the common area. Rooms feature balconies but are not too spacy; WC, shower and a wash-bowl are almost in the room space (and if you close shower you open WC); white floors are not cleaned during your staymaybe this is why the place is regarded as low-fi alternative to Casa Camper. Self-service breakfast available 24 hours a day in a common room with kitchen. Kitchen has a microwave, but not an oven. One common Internet station per floor (6 rooms); weak-signal slow-connection WiFi in some rooms.

• Pension Barcelona City Ramblas

  phone: +34 934 87 97 62
  address: Les Rambles, 133
  In the central square of Barcelona with La Rambla. Clean rooms with shared bathroom.

Hotels

• Citadines Ramblas Barcelona

  phone: +34 932 701 111
  address: Ramblas 122
  All studios and apartments are air-conditioned and have bathrooms equipped with hairdryers, a kitchen, TV with satellite channels, a hi-fi system, a direct-line phone, and safe deposit box.

• Grand Hotel Central

  phone: +34 932 957 900
  address: Via Laietana 30
  Close to the Born district, the Grand Hotel Central is in an elegant building dating back to 1926. The stylish bedrooms are generous in space and comfort and emphasise urban modernity through the use of cool, natural materials. Large windows provide rooms with magnificent views and a lot of natural light.

• Hotel Barcelona Catedral

  phone: +34 933 042 255
  address: Carrer Dels Capellans 4
  A 4-star boutique hotel in the centre. Every Sunday they offer free guided cultural walks through the Gothic quarter.

• Hotel California

  phone: +34 933 177 776
  address: Carrer Rauric 14
  Renovated gay friendly-budget hotel in the very centre of Barcelona, 100 metres from La Rambla and Placa Reial. Prices start at around €30 per person including breakfast.

• Hotel Cuatro Naciones

  phone: +34 933 173 624
  address: La Rambla 40
  On La Rambla. Rooms varying from single to quad size.

• Hotel Lleó

  phone: +34 933 181 312
  address: C/ Pelai, 22-24
  Two steps from the Rambla, from Plaça Catalunya and from Plaça Universitat.

• Hotel Medium Monegal

  phone: +34 933 026 566
  address: Pelai, 62
  In the heart of the city, in the Plaza Catalunya, a low budget hotel with 50 rooms, some facing to the Ramblas.

• W Barcelona

  phone: +34 932 952 800
  address: Plaça de la Rosa dels Vents, 1
  Beachfront along Barceloneta boardwalk, the hotel has 473 rooms, including 67 suites, two WOW suites and one Extreme Wow Suite with 360 degree panoramic views.

• Pullman Barcelona SkipperThe Skipper is situated at the northwestern tip of Barceloneta's harbour and offers modern design, luxury features and views of either the harbour and sea or inland Barcelona.

Watch out for purse snatchers along the seafront, and never leave anything valuable unattended while going for a swim. On busy days there will usually be patrolling police along the beach. Thieves tend to steal peoples bags on the beach (they even attempt to do so while you are there with your bag). La Rambla as well is a smorgasbord for pickpockets. See Barcelona#Stay safe for more info on pickpocket tactics and other scams.