Barri Gotic

The Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter) of Barcelona is an appealing cluster of narrow winding alleys, picturesque piazzas, imposing basilicas, and charming medieval monuments in the heart of Barcelona’s Old Town, known as Ciutat Vella.

The bewitching neighborhood stretches from La Rambla to Via Laietana and from Ronda de Sant Pere in the Eixample district to the waterfront.

Often regarded as the city’s cultural hub, El Gotic hosts an impressive collection of landmarks, including the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia, better known as Barcelona Cathedral, the Basilica of La Merce, the gorgeous Gothic church of Santa Maria del Pi, the Palau de la Generalitat de Catalunya, Barcelona’s History Museum, the iconic Plaça Sant Jaume, the vibrant Plaça Reial, the exclusive pedestrian street of Portal de l’Àngel, and the legendary café Els Quatre Gats, once a popular hangout among artists.

Aside from its cultural and historical importance, the picturesque Gothic Quarter is also one of Barcelona’s most famous nightlife spots.

Frequented by tourists and locals alike, Placa Reial and Placa George Orwell are the places where usually the young crowds gather in order to have a beer before heading to clubs. The little squares and lovely streets around the neighborhood are famous for the sheer variety of their bars, restaurants, and quaint sidewalk terraces, so widespread throughout Spain.

All in all, from typical neighborhood dives to intimate cocktail bars and live music venues, there’s absolutely nothing you can’t find in Barri Gotic, from sunset to sunrise and vice-versa.

Another common activity here is shopping. In addition to the small boutiques on Calle Avinyo and its adjacent streets, the Gothic Quarter offers some of the best shopping venues in town: Calle de la Portaferrissa and Avinguda Portal de l’Àngel, which marks the beginning of Barcelona’s famous 5 km Shopping Line. Both streets offer a wide selection of shops ready to please everyone’s tastes.

For traditional crafts’ enthusiasts, however, Placa del Pi hosts a variety of stalls throughout the weekends, with locals selling authentic Catalan craft work.

Whether you’re looking for Spain’s renowned chain stores like Zara, Mango, Desigual, Pull&Bear, or your tastes turn to culture and entertainment, the charming Gothic Quarter with its fascinating mix of old and new, art and nightlife, history and shopping, is certainly a must while visiting Barcelona.