Gothic Quarter Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Gothic Quarter
Gothic Quarter
Gothic Quarter
Gothic Quarter
Gothic Quarter
If you love exploring medieval streets, watching street artists and eating tapas along shared tables in tiny bars, head straight for the Barri Gòtic of Barcelona.

It’s not a nightmare but a dream to get lost in Barcelona’s bustling Gothic Quarter with its maze of narrow streets. Remains of Ancient Roman buildings, cozy Catalan bars and elegant restaurants, boutique shops and trendy clubs make this barrio irresistible for visitors and locals alike.

The Gothic Quarter forms the beating heart of the Old City (Ciutat Vella) of Barcelona. The atmospheric neighborhood stretches from La Rambla to Via Laietana, and from Ronda de Sant Pere to the Balearic Sea. This was once a Roman village and you can still see some remnants of Roman walls and columns here.

Most people start at the Plaça de Catalunya and stroll to La Rambla, Barcelona’s most famous avenue. Watch the street artists, flower vendors and restaurant touts compete for everyone’s attention as you follow the sea of people along the pedestrian-only street. Watch your belongings, because pickpockets make clever use of all those distractions. The same goes for Calle Ferran, a busy nightlife street that takes you from the Plaça Reial to Plaça Sant Jaume.

Look for hidden Gothic details on the oldest buildings of this barrio. Some are neo-Gothic touches, such as the Pont del Bisbe in Carrer del Bisbe (Bishop’s Street). The covered bridge from 1928 connects the much older Casa dels Canonges (Canon’s House) with the seat of the Catalan government, the Palau de la Generalitat.

Also don’t miss the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, better known as the Barcelona Cathedral. Visit the nearby Museu d'Història de Barcelona to admire the Roman artifacts that were recovered when the Gothic Quarter was built.

Duck into the medieval alleys to discover charming tiled patios and intricately painted façades of the old townhouses, now mostly hotels. Bookings for accommodations are recommended, even outside the peak seasons, and come by taxi or metro instead of renting a car.

On the weekend, visit the markets on the Plaça del Pi, named after its Gothic Church of Santa Maria del Pi. Find a shaded café terrace in the square and taste typical Catalan dishes, which somehow taste even more delicious in the medieval setting of Barcelona’s lively Gothic Quarter.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Gothic Quarter Hotel Deals

Rialto
Rialto
3 out of 5
Carrer de Ferran, 40-42, Barcelona, Barcelona
The price is NZ$389 per night from 4 May to 5 May
NZ$389
includes taxes & fees
4 May - 5 May
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,174 reviews)
Great choice
"Perfect location! Great price! Large shower and good size rooms."

Reviewed on 24 Apr. 2025

Rialto
H10 Madison
H10 Madison
4.5 out of 5
C/ Dr. Joaquim Pou, 2-4-6, Barcelona, Barrio Gótico
The price is NZ$491 per night from 4 May to 5 May
NZ$491
includes taxes & fees
4 May - 5 May
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (961 reviews)
"Great location and service. Friendly staff. Rooms have very limited space for clothes except for closet but no dressers. Food at hotel restaurant is ok but I would rather find a local restaurant to eat as there are so many to choose from in the area."

Reviewed on 23 Apr. 2025

H10 Madison
Olivia Plaza Hotel
Olivia Plaza Hotel
4 out of 5
Plaza Cataluña 19, Barcelona
The price is NZ$407 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
NZ$407
includes taxes & fees
27 Apr - 28 Apr
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"The staff was excellent. Great location. Thought the room could use a freshen up. Dated decor."

Reviewed on 22 Apr. 2025

Olivia Plaza Hotel
Gran Hotel Barcino
Gran Hotel Barcino
4 out of 5
Carrer de Jaume I, 6, Barcelona
The price is NZ$373 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
NZ$373
includes taxes & fees
27 Apr - 28 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (901 reviews)
"Great location and price."

Reviewed on 25 Apr. 2025

Gran Hotel Barcino
Lamaro Hotel
Lamaro Hotel
5 out of 5
Avenida Catedral, 7, Barcelona
The price is NZ$637 per night from 9 May to 10 May
NZ$637
includes taxes & fees
9 May - 10 May
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,766 reviews)
"Central location for a lot of area"

Reviewed on 23 Apr. 2025

Lamaro Hotel
Cuatro Naciones
Cuatro Naciones
2 out of 5
Calle La Rambla, La 40, Barcelona
The price is NZ$323 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
NZ$323
includes taxes & fees
27 Apr - 28 Apr
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,082 reviews)
"This property was a great home base to spend your days out and exploring Barcelona. Basic rooms, but clean and comfortable. The staff were very helpful and polite. The breakfast had a large selection of items, it was wonderful. The location, right on Las Ramblas was perfect, so many things within ..."

Reviewed on 22 Apr. 2025

Cuatro Naciones
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Gothic Quarter

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Downtown Barcelona

Known for its fascinating museums, stunning cathedral and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Barcelona. Top attractions like La Rambla and Plaça de Catalunya are major draws. Catch the metro at Liceu Station or Jaume I Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Barcelona
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Ciutat Vella

5/5(10 area reviews)

Known for its stunning cathedral, captivating waterfront views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Ciutat Vella. Top attractions like La Rambla and Port de Barcelona are major draws. Catch the metro at Jaume I Station or Barceloneta Station to see more of the city.

Ciutat Vella
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El Born

The abundant dining options and interesting museums are just a few top-rate features of the neighbourhood. Make a stop by Paseo del Borne or Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Barceloneta Station to get around town.

El Born
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Sant Pere

Sant Pere is beloved for its fantastic nightlife. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Palau de la Música Catalana and Arc de Triomf.

Sant Pere
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El Raval

4/5(61 area reviews)

Known for its fantastic nightlife and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in El Raval. Check out top attractions like La Rambla and Port de Barcelona, and jump on the metro at Parc de Montjuic Station or Paral-lel Station to see more of the city.

El Raval
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Barceloneta

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

Barceloneta is a destination visitors seek out for its beaches, abundant dining options and seaside views. You might want to check out attractions like Port de Barcelona or Barceloneta Beach while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Barceloneta

Gothic Quarter Travel Guide

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