Ciutat Vella Travel Guide

Barcelona

Ciutat Vella
Ciutat Vella
Ciutat Vella
Ciutat Vella
Ciutat Vella

Some of Barcelona’s most famous sites and most famous streets are clustered in the historic centre, with new beauty around every corner.

Passing through Barcelona’s Ciutat Vella are beautiful promenades designed by some of the world’s most famous architects. Look for the influence of monumental figures such as Antoni Gaudí everywhere, even in buildings he did not design, creating Barcelona’s unique mix of tradition and modernity. Put on comfortable shoes and set out. Stop along the way for a break at one of the many cafés and terraces.

Stroll down Las Ramblas first. This wide pedestrian promenade is best enjoyed early in the day before crowds arrive. Have coffee and a pastry and decide which museum to start with. Learn all about the region at the Barcelona City History Museum or understand how the city became powerful with a visit to the Maritime Museum. Wander through an impressive collection of modernists, Catalan and otherwise, at the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art or specialize at the Picasso Museum.

Search for some of the best examples of Barcelona’s famous architecture. Traditional Spanish construction is displayed at the Barcelona Cathedral, while the exuberance of Catalan Modernism imbues the Palau Güell). Wander through the beautiful greenery of the Parc de la Ciutadella, also home to the Barcelona Zoo. Aquatic animals swim through the tanks at the Barcelona Aquarium, which is walking distance from the yachts and clubs of Port Vell, the perfect place to enjoy exciting nighttime activities.

Ciutat Vella is a tourist centre and also the central hub of Barcelona’s transportation system. Reach almost anywhere in the city easily by subway, bus or car. The centre is extremely walkable. Get to the historic centre from the airport in 45 minutes by public transportation or about 25 minutes by automobile. Cars are generally not necessary to explore Ciutat Vella’s most famous sites and parking can be hard to find. Plan ahead, as popular attractions may be extremely crowded, especially in the summer.

After extended walking in Ciutat Vella, get a treat and some education at the Chocolate Museum.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Ciutat Vella

Lamaro Hotel

Lamaro Hotel

5 out of 5
Avenida Catedral, 7, Barcelona
The price is ฿7,156 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
฿7,156
฿8,500 total
16 Nov - 17 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,817 reviews)
"Clean hotel, right in front of the cathedral, lots of dining and shopping options, love the rooftop of the hotel"

Reviewed on 21 Oct 2025

Lamaro Hotel
Barceló Raval

Barceló Raval

4.5 out of 5
Rambla del Raval, 17-21, Barcelona
The price is ฿4,678 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
฿4,678
฿5,624 total
17 Nov - 18 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,184 reviews)
"Good place to stay."

Reviewed on 19 Oct 2025

Barceló Raval
Andante Hotel

Andante Hotel

3 out of 5
Avinguda de les Drassanes, 23-25, Barcelona
The price is ฿4,023 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
฿4,023
฿4,845 total
17 Nov - 18 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,228 reviews)
"This a nice clean hotel with high standards and great customer service. Staff is very friendly and helpful. Breakfast was very good too."

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Andante Hotel
Arc la Rambla

Arc la Rambla

3 out of 5
La Rambla 19, Barcelona
The price is ฿4,522 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
฿4,522
฿5,394 total
16 Nov - 17 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,974 reviews)
"Lits of construction around the property. But still a great place to stay."

Reviewed on 19 Oct 2025

Arc la Rambla
Eurostars Grand Marina

Eurostars Grand Marina

5 out of 5
Moll De Barcelona S/n, Barcelona
The price is ฿5,568 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
฿5,568
฿6,751 total
9 Nov - 10 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,143 reviews)
"My second time at this hotel and its a great location."

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Eurostars Grand Marina
Hesperia Barri Gòtic

Hesperia Barri Gòtic

Ample 31, Barcelona
The price is ฿4,626 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
฿4,626
฿5,508 total
16 Nov - 17 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this eco-certified hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (266 reviews)
"Close walking distance to Cathedral, staff pleasant and helpful and the room was clean!"

Reviewed on 20 Oct 2025

Hesperia Barri Gòtic
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 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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Gothic Quarter

4.5/5(1,039 area reviews)

Known for its stunning cathedral and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Gothic Quarter. Check out top attractions like La Rambla and Port de Barcelona, and jump on the metro at Jaume I Station or Liceu Station to see more of the city.

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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Barceloneta

4.5/5(44 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 Barceloneta Beach or Port de Barcelona while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Barceloneta
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El Raval

4/5(558 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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Sant Antoni

4/5(5 area reviews)

Travellers choose Sant Antoni for its lively bars. Hop aboard the metro at Sant Antoni Station or Poble Sec Station and check out top sights like Sant Antoni Market.

Sant Antoni


Ciutat Vella Travel Guide