Barcelona’s City Centre Guide – One Day in the City
Page Content
This page will give you a day’s walking literary to see the best of the heart of Barcelona city centre. I spent a day walking around Barcelona doing all of the things that I feel make up a perfect day in the city centre. I walked from the Old Town’s El Born district, along the Ramblas to the Boqueria Food Market, then on to El Raval and up to Passeig de Gràcia – covering a large percentage of Barcelona’s city centre.
There are two ways to use this guide to Barcelona City Centre. Either you can follow the links on this page to the exact location you are interested in or you can follow the link to El Born. At the foot of all pages in this area guide you will find a link to the next area.
I have covered some of the essential sights, smells and sounds for a first time tourist to the city, as well as some more local gems that can be found off Barcelona’s beaten track.
Click the links below each heading to read about my experience of each area in the city centre.
Barcelona is one of the top city break destinations in Europe. This is probably largely due to its mix of sunshine, sights and culture, with the added bonus of beaches on your doorstep. With a weekend break to the city you only have limited time to enjoy its highlights. Of course, you are likely to already know about sights such as the Ramblas and the Sagrada Família. However, I feel that a truly “Barcelona” experience would not be the same without a morning coffee in a sunny plaza or a long lunch in a local restaurant. These moments are just as important as visits to the major sights – especially if you are coming back on your second or third visit.
El Born – Part of the ‘Old Town’ in Barcelona City Centre
| Passeig del Born |
Tourists to Barcelona are always keen to visit what is known as the ‘Old Town’ (‘Ciutat Vella’).
What you may not know is that this part of town is made up of areas (‘barrios’) other than the Gothic Quarter. My favourite barrio in the Old Town is El Born. This is the area closest to the port and is slightly less touristy and perhaps more affluent than the Gothic Quarter.
Follow my guided walk around El Born neighbourhood and discover some recommended places that are slightly off the beaten track
Plaça St Jaume – A Square at the heart of the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona City Centre
It is a ten-minute stroll from El Born to the Ramblas. If you go up Calle Argenteria you can cross Via Laietana and head up Calle Jaume I and take in Plaça St Jaume on your way to the Ramblas. This is the home of Barcelona’s town hall. I love walking through this grand and busy square. During my tour it looked particularly beautiful in the early afternoon sunshine.
Las Ramblas – Barcelona’s Most Famous Street in the City Centre
| A classic Ramblas street performer |
Las Ramblas is one of Barcelona’s most famous tourist attractions.
Some people love it, some people don’t. But one thing is for sure – no trip to the city centre would be the same without it. This large street runs from the port to Plaça de Catalunya – right through the heart of the city centre.
| A Ramblas flower stall |
As you stroll up the pedestrianized centre of the street take some time to enjoy the many and varied street performers. Human statues are omnipresent, however there are also people displaying capoeira, break dancing or playing music. There are also stalls lining the street. From the port upwards artists and caricaturists lead to flower shops and then on to small pet shops – be warned that animal lovers may not be too impressed with the conditions at these stalls.
Boqueria Food Market – Barcelona’s Largest Food Market in Barcelona City Centre
No trip to Barcelona would be complete without a trip around one of Europe’s most famous food markets. This is a place to whet your appetite before lunch, with an awe-inspiring selection of stalls selling all foods, including the weird and wonderful.
For more information on what is available at the Boqueria Food Market please see my detailed tour of the Boqueria, with some advice on some of the less well-known places to visit
Menu del Dia (Set Menu) – A way to enjoy Lunch in the City Centre
Rumour has it that the concept of the Menu del Dia is, in fact, the law in Spain. This comes from the notion that every man (or hungry woman) deserves at least one affordable meal each day. For this reason, at Spanish lunchtimes (normally around 13:00 – 15:00) nearly all restaurants offer a set meal. This typically consists of three courses, bread and a drink – all at a reasonable price.
Raval – Part of the ‘Old Town’ in the City Centre
Metro: Liceu (Green Line, L3) and Universitat (Red Line, L1)
After a three-course lunch you are likely to want to take a walk. Behind the Boqueria you will find the area of El Raval. This area forms one of the parts of the Old Town. It could be said to be the naughty younger brother of the El Born area – it is louder, dirtier and rougher around the edges, but a lot of fun.
For more information on the area of El Raval please see A Guide to the El Raval Neighbourhood in Barcelona – A Local Expert recommends some places that are off the beaten track.
Plaça de Catalunya – A Square at the Heart of Barcelona’s City Centre
| Plaça de Catalunya |
A walk down Calle Tallers will deliver you back to the top of the Ramblas – where the street meets Plaça de Catalunya. This is one of Barcelona’s largest squares and is the gateway to uptown Barcelona. Conveniently, it is the home of Barcelona’s main Tourist Information centre – definitely worth a visit with any questions that you might have. I have always found them to be helpful and efficient.
Tourist Information
Placa de Catalunya, 17
08002 Barcelona, España.
Opening Time:
| Month | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|
| January – December | Monday – Sunday | 08:30 – 20:30 |
Closed: 25 December
How to get to Tourist Information Office in Plaça de Catalunya
Metro: Catalunya (Green Line, L3) and (Red Line, L1)
Hop on hop off sightseeing tourist bus stop
Nearest stop for Tourist Information Office in Plaça de Catalunya is “Plaça de Catalunya” with the “hop on hop off” sightseeing bus
Public bus
Plaça Catalunya: 24, 41, 42, 55, 67, 68, h26, Aerobús
Car parking
Car parking near Main Barcelona Tourist Information Office in Plaça de Catalunya
Luggage Storage
Click to see luggage/bag storage facility near Placa Catalunya
Passeig de Gràcia – A Shopping and Culture Street in Barcelona’s City Centre
| Loewe on Passeig de Gràcia |
Passeig de Gràcia is a wide and glamorous street leading off from Plaça de Catalunya.
It is a beautiful place to take an afternoon stroll down its tree-lined pavements, past the designer shops and cafés. During my visit the sun began to set, casting a soft early evening light over the old and ornate buildings.
Follow my guided walk around Passeig de Gràcia and discover some recommended places that are slightly off the beaten track
Dinner in the City Centre
| Tapaç 24 |
Tapaç 24 – A Tapas Bar on Passeig de Gràcia in the City Centre.
Having enjoyed a three-course Menu del Dia at lunchtime, I often find that evening time provides an opportunity to enjoy some tapas. As these are smaller dishes that are shared they can be as light or as filling as you wish.
On Passeig de Gràcia my favourite tapas bar is Tapaç 24. This laid back restaurant is the creation of Carles Abellan – a famous Spanish chef. It is a way to sample typically Catalan Spanish tapas prepared to a high standard.
Tapaç 24
Carrer Diputacio, 269
08007 Barcelona, España.
Tel: +34 93 488 0977
Opening Times:
Monday – Sunday: 09:30 – 01:00
Once the day is over and it’s time to rest your weary head and your full belly, take a stroll through Barcelona’s streets and enjoy how they twinkle in the night-time. That’s if you’re not planning to hit the bars and clubs, of course! Barcelona city centre has something to offer everyone.
The 10 best hotels in Downtown Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
Our Top Picks
Lowest Price First
Star rating and price
Top Reviewed
Seventy Barcelona
4 stars
Hotel in Eixample, Barcelona
Seventy Barcelona has a shared lounge, terrace, a restaurant and bar in Barcelona. This 4-star hotel offers room service, a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi.
Perfect location, great staff and stunning interior
Show more
Show less
9.2
Wonderful
2,517 reviews
Price from
€ 234.
80
per night
Check availability
Praktik Èssens
3 stars
Hotel in Eixample, Barcelona
Boasting a terrace, Praktik Èssens is located in Barcelona and is 984 feet from Passeig de Gracia. The property is set 984 feet from Casa Batllo and 1148 feet from Tivoli Theater.
The facilities are outstanding, good location, very clean, and staff is very professional. I will return to this hotel. I am also recommending this hotel to my friends and family.
Show more
Show less
9.2
Wonderful
1,476 reviews
Price from
€ 168.26
per night
Check availability
h20 Madison 4* Sup
4 stars
Hotel in Ciutat Vella, Barcelona
h20 Madison 4* Sup has an outdoor swimming pool, terrace, a restaurant and bar in Barcelona.
With free WiFi, this 4-star hotel offers room service and a 24-hour front desk.
Breakfast is excellent! Lot of choices, sweet and salad ones! Fresh juices, very good coffee. Many choices with a la cart menu!
Show more
Show less
9.3
Wonderful
1,792 reviews
Price from
€ 269.80
per night
Check availability
Yurbban Passage Hotel & Spa
4 stars
Hotel in Ciutat Vella, Barcelona
Located in Barcelona in the Catalonia Region, 1312 feet from Portal de l’Angel, Yurbban Passage Hotel features an outdoor pool and spa center. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant.
Great hotel, very welcoming and helpful staff, clean and located perfectly
Show more
Show less
9.1
Wonderful
1,172 reviews
Price from
€ 306.80
per night
Check availability
The One Barcelona GL
5 stars
org/PostalAddress”>
Hotel in Eixample, Barcelona
Set in a remarkable location, 328 feet from Gaudi’s La Pedrera and Paseo de Gracia shopping Boulevard, The One Barcelona GL features a rooftop panoramic 33 feet plunge pool and a sundeck with views…
I rented the Penthouse Suite, beautiful, luxurious & bright with stunning views of the city, the staff was truly helpful & kind & I loved the spa treatments, highly recommended! The hotel is very central, with fabulous amenities around.
Show more
Show less
9.1
Wonderful
1,159 reviews
Price from
€ 443.76
per night
Check availability
h20 Casa Mimosa 4* Sup
4 stars
Hotel in Eixample, Barcelona
Housed in a 19th- century modernist building, just behind La Pedrera, h20 Casa Mimosa offers an impressive chill-out terrace with a plunge pool and a sun lounger area with privileged views of Casa.
..
Great location – close to many of Gaudi’s works and not far from the old city or Gràcia (great food and drink).
Rooms are spacious and very comfortable.
Breakfast is great.
Show more
Show less
9.2
Wonderful
1,473 reviews
Price from
€ 334.80
per night
Check availability
The Corner Hotel
4 stars
Hotel in Eixample, Barcelona
Located in Barcelona, 0.7 mi from Casa Batllo, The Corner Hotel provides accommodations with an outdoor swimming pool, private parking, a bar and a terrace.
I love everything in this hotel. Staff is very friendly and professional. Service is excellent. Hotel is very modern and amazing, rooms are so clean, cuisine and breakfast are so taste.
Show more
Show less
9.2
Wonderful
1,433 reviews
Price from
€ 207.80
per night
Check availability
Catalonia Magdalenes
4 stars
org/PostalAddress”>
Hotel in Ciutat Vella, Barcelona
Catalonia Magdalenes Hotel is set in Barcelona, 656 feet from the Cathedral of Barcelona and offers a terrace with an outdoor pool with views of the Cathedral and a spa.
The hotel is perfectly located in the heart of Barcelona within walking distance from all the key main attractions. Very close to the Metro stations that can take you easily anywhere you want to go. Its in the heart of the Gothic quarter – side street very quiet and artistic. Staff is amazing. All the interior decorations are modern and welcoming. Room is great and comfortable. Breakfast us superb with eggs to order, pancakes to order and plenty of cheese, bread, meats, vegetables, yogurts, drinks and pastries – Excellent!!
Show more
Show less
9.1
Wonderful
1,314 reviews
Price from
€ 249.80
per night
Check availability
Hotel Omnium
2 stars
org/PostalAddress”>
Hotel in Eixample, Barcelona
Set in Barcelona, 1.3 mi from Somorrostro Beach, Hotel Omnium offers accommodations with a shared lounge, private parking and a terrace.
Great location, neat quiet room, super nice staff
Show more
Show less
9.2
Wonderful
1,209 reviews
Price from
€ 158.74
per night
Check availability
Ohla Eixample
5 stars
Hotel in Eixample, Barcelona
Offering a year-round outdoor pool with city views, Ohla Eixample is a stylish boutique hotel located 10 minutes’ walk from two of Gaudi’s major works, La Pedrera and Casa Batlló.
the location was perfect. although near the Rambla de Cataluña and the Avenue Diagonal you could hear any traffic. the room was clean and allowed us to control the temperature. very nice!
Show more
Show less
9
Wonderful
1,448 reviews
Price from
€ 362.
76
per night
Check availability
See all 1034 hotels in Downtown Barcelona
Barcelona City Center – Barcelona10 – Barcelona City Guide
The center of Barcelona is the area around Plaza Catalunya: on the one hand, the Old Town (Ciutat Vella), where most of the historical sights are located, and on the other hand, the New Town, the Eixample district, where there is also something to see.
The Old Town consists of several quarters: the Gothic Quarter (Barrio Gotico), Born (El Born/La Ribera/Sant Pere) and Raval (El Raval). Barcelona’s long main tourist street, La Rambla, runs through the old town.
Gothic Quarter
The Gothic Quarter is a very good choice for living if you are not afraid of noise and endless crowds of tourists. Alternatively, you can consider Born, which is located on the east side of the Gothic Quarter near the Jaume I metro station. From here you can also easily get to the sights, but at the same time, the choice of hotels in Born is much wider than in the Gothic Quarter.
Note to fashionistas – Born is home to the most fashionable shops in Barcelona. Download our audio guide to the Gothic Quarter and your journey will become even more exciting.
Rambla
The Gothic Quarter is bordered by Barcelona’s famous La Rambla, the liveliest part of the city, a beautiful boulevard full of shops, cafes and street entertainment. Shopaholics will undoubtedly be delighted with a walk along this street: a large number of boutiques with the best Spanish brands, souvenir shops and, finally, the main market of Barcelona – Boquería – will not leave a chance to leave without shopping. Just do not expect a good lunch or dinner: in search of gastronomic experiences, it is better to go to other quarters of Barcelona. The length of the street is approximately 1.5 kilometers, it consists of five zones. There are three metro stops on the street: Drassanes, Liceu and Catalunya.
Raval
The most controversial quarter in the center of Barcelona is Raval, which is adjacent to La Rambla from the side opposite the Gothic Quarter.
The nearest metro stops are located just on La Rambla. The Raval once had an extremely bad reputation as a haven for prostitutes and drug addicts. In recent years, it has taken on a more decorous appearance, but is still considered an unsafe place, especially in the evenings. It’s worth a visit if only for the Museum of Modern Art and great bars, but it’s still better to choose another place to stay.
Eixample
Fans of modern architecture will certainly prefer the Eixample district, the center of today’s Barcelona, which owes its unique appearance to the talent of Antoni Gaudí. It is here that the main architectural masterpiece of Spain is located – the Sagrada Familia, as well as the famous House of Mila. The nearest metro stations are Passeig de Gracia, from where you will immediately go to the shopping street of the same name, and Diagonal.
Hotels in the center of Barcelona?
Eixample is famous not only for its architectural monuments, but also for its excellent hotels.
Here is one of the best hotels in Spain Mandarin Oriental Barcelona (Passeig de Gràcia 38-40). Small but tastefully decorated rooms, a terrace overlooking Barcelona and a restaurant whose cuisine has been awarded two Michelin stars – all this you can enjoy at Mandarin Oriental Barcelona for 300 euros per day.
For a taste of the Old Town, check into the Hotel España Ramblas (Sant Pau, 9-11), between La Rambla and the Gothic Quarter, where you can enjoy a comfortable room with breakfast for 150 euros per day.
For a budget traveler, the El Jardi Hotel (Placa Sant Josep Oriol, 1) is tucked away in a quiet corner of the Gothic Quarter. Room prices at El Jardi start from 45 euros.
Other hotels in the center of Barcelona can be found at this link.
Choose a hotel in the center of Barcelona
Have a nice holiday !
Barcelona City Center: The Ultimate Guide to City Center
Barcelona City Center is Plaza Catalunya.
It is of great interest to tourists who are not constrained by means, they do not forget to clarify this when planning to be in the city. Apparently, the historical memory is working that the most prestigious place to live is the proximity to the Kremlin, that is, the location near the center can guarantee proximity to the main attractions. This does not work in the center of Barcelona, the city is not built according to the principle – the center is the best, and the areas nearby are deprived of interesting things.
Barcelona is built according to a different principle, and if we compare it with something, it is an amazing city, but rather with a layer cake. To feel the taste of the city, it is not necessary to get to the center of Barcelona, the opportunity to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the city exists in every area:
- The lower tier of the Old Town and the surrounding areas are for the proletariat.
- Medium Eixample cake – for the bourgeoisie and top.
- Close to the mountains – for the aristocracy.
Of course, the attribution of the districts of the city is quite approximate, but historically it happened that way and Barcelona still lives this life.
Where is the center of Barcelona
But for everyone who wants to know where the central part of Barcelona is, we recommend that you come to Plaza Catalunya and see this place, neatly marked and very noticeable. The circle is lined with red mosaics and anyone who wants to stand in a circle can make a wish. Just in case you are an avid traveler who is keen on making wishes in any suitable place, think of something special in Barcelona, so that later you know that it was the central part of Barcelona that brought your dream come true.
Plaza Catalunya is always considered the center of Barcelona. This is a place that gathers thousands of people, buses, trains come here, collecting an impressive number of people.
The central part of Barcelona – Plaza Catalunya – the official and popularly recognized center of the city. Keep in mind that traveling around the city, knowing the location of the center of Barcelona, of course, is much more convenient.
Let’s stand neatly in the center, leave Mount Tibidabo behind us, lean our left hand on the El Corte Ingles department store, our right hand on the El Triangle shopping center. This is La Rambla! And nearby, if you look straight ahead, the Old Town is the most historical central part of Barcelona.
What districts makes up the central part of Barcelona
Old Town
How convenient the Old Center is to live, I think, will cause different reactions from people living there. The old town, despite its obvious historical value, from the point of view of life, this area of the center of Barcelona is completely unsuitable for lovers of modern comfort, too narrow stairs, small rooms. Without a doubt, this is a tourist area for:
- romantics
- poor people
- emigrants
What is included in the Old City? They are:
- Gothic Quarter
- Born
- Raval
- La Rambla
With worn-out communications, lack of sunlight, without conditions for comfortable living.
Most likely, there will be no changes in the near future, almost every house in the Old Center is of historical value, they will not be allowed to rebuild, and reconstruction costs a lot of money. Houses for the nobility are also in a different state, because each building has its own destiny.
You can see the best hotels in the Old Town using the link on Booking.com.
The best tours of the Gothic Quarter
Eixample
Eixample
If you start from the place that is the center of Barcelona and take a position in which El Corte Inglés is on your right, then the right Eixample will be in front of you.
Orientation in the center of Barcelona comes just from the Old Town, which is the landmark “right-left” of the city. It is the view from the Old City that will help you navigate the new areas. Thus, the right Eixample begins on the border of the Old City, and the left is located two blocks to the left. Between the right and the left is the Balmes street that separates them.
Plaza de España will become the boundary of the left Eixample in width. And in length, this prestigious area is limited by Diagonal Avenue.
Usually, everyone looking for comfortable accommodation in Barcelona chooses not the Old Town area, but rather a modern and comfortable Eixample district – central streets:
- Passeig de Gracia
- Balmes
- Rambla Catalunya and surrounding streets
This is the “convenient” central part of Barcelona. The area is very beautiful and safe, offering a variety of accommodation options, full of cozy courtyards and sights, while the proximity to the Old Town is measured by a ten-minute walk.
You can see the best hotels in Eixample using the link on Booking.com.
Barcelona City Center Attractions
Barcelona City Center is where the colorful and unique buildings of the city are located. The main sights include:
Old Town
Here you will feel the spirit of the city, it is not necessary to live here, but to sit in a cafe on a narrow street, take a walk to the Cathedral, look at the Royal Square means to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of real Barcelona .
In the Old Town:
- Palau Güell
- Boqueria Market
- Gothic Quarter
- La Rambla
This is the Old Center of Barcelona.
Masterpieces of Gaudí
We go down Passeig de Gracia boulevard down to Plaza Catalunya. On the left we will see the famous house of Gaudi – La Pedrera (or the House of Mila). And if you go down a little, then on the right you will see the house of the magnate Batllo. This is where the Quarter of Discord begins.
How to get to the center of Barcelona
Getting to the center of Barcelona from the airport is quite simple, and this is the most pressing issue for all those arriving at El Prat Airport.
Train
The Spanish company renfe.com offers the cheapest way, a very convenient and fast way – the train of this company leaves from the platform located on the territory of the airport. It takes about 25 minutes to get to the center of Barcelona on the road
Fare: about 2.
4 euros if you buy a single public transport pass, and the price becomes about 1 euro if you buy a T-Casual pass for 11.35€.
Regular buses
With some inconvenience associated with this method, how to get to Barcelona from the airport?
- Try an inexpensive municipal bus.
- It is inexpensive, the stop is nearby, you will spend a little more time on the way.
- Buses No. 46 and night flights No. N16 and No. N17 offer their services around the clock.
- The shuttle bus will take you from the airport to the center of Barcelona.
- You can get off at the stops – Plaza de España or Plaza Catalunya.
- Time consumption – about 35 minutes.
Cost: Approximately 2.45 euros if you buy a one-time public transport pass, and about 1 euro if you buy a T-Casual pass for 11.35€.
Airbus
Incredibly fast and comfortable way – Airbus:
- Bright and conspicuous branded Airbus – blue colored buses depart from Barcelona airport at 6 am.
- The traffic on this route ends at 00.30 from Plaza Catalunya, and from Barcelona Airport at one in the morning.
- Airbus fare €8.90. A little more expensive, but the comfort compensates for the increase in cost.
In order to avoid long queues when buying Aerobus tickets, we buy tickets in advance via the Internet here .
Detailed information on how to get from Barcelona airport to the city center is provided in this article.
Barcelona center map
- How to avoid queues at Barcelona attractions. Tickets for Sagrada Familia and Parc Güell skip the line.
- How not to be deceived by local taxi drivers. Order a taxi in advance with fixed rates online. The most reliable service for ordering a taxi is KiwiTaxi .
-
Excursions in Barcelona with locals will help you get to know this city for real. The best way to get comfortable in an unfamiliar city is to walk around it with a person who has lived here for many years.
