Barcelona’s Gothic quarter is one of the city’s most visited areas. Located just off the La Rambla area, it is a top choice for things to do in Barcelona for those who visit for the first or the fifth time. Check out our guide with eight things you can do while on holiday in Barcelona.
1. Visit the church
Well, the Gothic Cathedral actually. Built over the course of two centuries, the 13th to the 15th to be precise. The cathedral’s patios and cloisters are our top choice for a visit. Check out the official cathedral website before you go for the latest times for visits.
2. Enjoy peace of mind
There are several squares that are perfect for a moment of quiet reflection in the gothic quarter Barcelona. A quiet place can be found at Plaça de Sant Felip Neri which still has bullet holes in the walls from the Spanish Civil War and Plaça Reial where you will find the Palau Reial Major, once the royal palace. Plaça d’Antonio Lopez is perfect for a coffee away from the hustle and bustle of La Rambla.
3. Head to the temple
As well as Catholic churches and cathedrals, Barcelona boasts a Roman Temple, also found in this area. Tucked away on Carrer Paradís, a narrow street near the cathedral, the Temple d’August is over 2,000 years old and was constructed in the 1st century BC with recent reconstructions in the 20th century.
4. Shop ‘til you drop
Portal d’Angel is the place to head to if you want to go shopping in Barcelona. With Spanish main fashion brands as Zara, Mango or Massimo Dutti, it really is fashion heaven. Check out the shops in the smaller streets off Portal d’Angel for some less mainstream finds such as shoes and leather bags and for super trendy brands go to Avinyó street where you’ll find less fast fashion and more individual styles.
5. Eat local
The most famous market in Barcelona is on La Rambla and is one of the most popular things to do in Barcelona. To experience La Boqueria is to experience a food market in full swing. From fruit to fish, meat and vegetables, everything fresh and local can be found in this bustling, colourful, historic market.
6. Jewish history
As well as Roman and Catholic roots, Barcelona has Jewish history in its architecture and buildings. Sant Domenec del Call street can be found in the old Jewish quarter. Once home to the Ancient Synagogue of Barcelona, small, locally owned shops can be found on this through street to other parts of Barcelona.
7. Eat out
Check out Can Culleretes for a meal in the oldest restaurant in Barcelona. An old favourite in the gothic quarter Barcelona with authentic Mediterranean cuisine, a set menu lunch here is around €17-€20 including house wine.
8. Relax
Tourism is great but sometimes you just need to relax, too. The Catalonia Avinyó hotel has its own rooftop pool and jacuzzi, gym and is just 15 minutes’ walk from the beach. Alternatively, stay at the Catalonia Port hotel, housed in an 18th-century historic heritage building. With its own garden, solarium and swimming pool, relaxing here after a day’s sightseeing is what vacations are all about!
