Downtown Barcelona Travel Guide
Barcelona
Visit Downtown Barcelona
Popular places to visit
La Rambla
These lively pedestrian streets in the heart of Barcelona are filled with flower stalls, tapas restaurants and street performers.
Barcelona Cathedral
Barcelona’s cathedral dates back to the 1200s, and contains the remains of the city’s patron saint.
Boqueria Market
Allow your senses to run wild as you explore the energetic and colorful food stands and tapas bars of Barcelona’s principal food market.
Picasso Museum
See childhood drawings by Spain’s most important artist at this museum in Barcelona’s old town.
Palau de la Música Catalana
This concert hall is an awe-inspiring example of modernist architecture. Tour the building or get in early for tickets to a performance.
Arc de Triomf
Work out the symbolism behind the various friezes and carvings on this large monumental arch that dwarfs its surroundings.
Things to do
Park Güell: Guided Tour with Optional Gaudí Experience Entry
Barcelona: Park Güell Guided Tour & Priority Access
Barcelona Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour by Bus Turistic
Park Güell Skip-the-Line Guided Tour Barcelona
From Barcelona: Montserrat, Girona & Costa Brava Full-Day Guided Tour
Top hotels in Downtown Barcelona
Rialto
"Very friendly staff, great location"
Reviewed on 3 Jun 2026
Arc la Rambla
"No me gusto la atención de la recepción de la noche, la habitación se veía bien por fotos, pero al llegar la habitación era muy chica, no tenía donde guardar la ropa ni para apoyar nada, pésimo! El desayuno muy bueno"
Reviewed on 3 Jun 2026
Lamaro Hotel Barcelona 5★ | Preferred Hotels & Resorts | Lifestyle Collection
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Reviewed on 3 Jun 2026
Royal Ramblas
"Hotel was nice and clean, staff was very helpful, but the area around the hotel is currently under construction, streets are closed and there is no way of accessing the hotel parking, we had to walk with our luggage for 6 blocks to the hotel."
Reviewed on 1 Jun 2026
Eurostars Grand Marina
"The staff at the front desk were unhelpful. Long lines at check in. Wake up call on departure day to airport was forgotten. No taxi even though I had confirmed multiple times the evening prior. Their answer to every request was a no ( e.g., coffee, taxis). Not 5 star service at all."
Reviewed on 3 Jun 2026
Hesperia Barri Gòtic
"Great space and close to everything. Room was clean, a little tight but still good for 2 people"
Reviewed on 4 Jun 2026
Check Downtown Barcelona hotel availability
Where to stay in Downtown Barcelona
Gothic Quarter
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.
Eixample
Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Eixample. Check out top attractions like Sagrada Familia and La Rambla, and jump on the metro at Diagonal Station or Passeig de Gracia Station to see more of the city.
Dreta de l'Eixample
Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Dreta de l'Eixample. Check out top attractions like La Rambla and Passeig de Gràcia, and jump on the metro at Girona Station or Passeig de Gracia Station to see more of the city.
La Sagrada Familia
La Sagrada Familia is a destination travellers like for its churches, and you might hop aboard the metro at Sagrada Familia Station or Sant Pau Dos de Maig to explore sights like Sagrada Familia.
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.
