Gothic Quarter Travel Guide

Barcelona

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

Things to do


Top hotels in Gothic Quarter

Rialto
Rialto
3 out of 5
Carrer de Ferran, 40-42, Barcelona, Barcelona
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿4,833 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
฿4,833
฿5,735 total
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,328 reviews)
"My family and I enjoyed our stay here. Great location in the Gothic Quarter. The front desk staff was extremely helpful and pleasant. The rooms are small and simple but comfortable. A very good option if you just want a simple room with a great location in Barcelona."

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2025

Rialto
Kimpton Vividora Hotel by IHG
Kimpton Vividora Hotel by IHG
5 out of 5
Carrer del Duc 15, Barcelona
The price is ฿8,799 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
฿8,799
฿10,308 total
5 Aug - 6 Aug
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 comfy rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (473 reviews)
"Nice"

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2025

Kimpton Vividora Hotel by IHG
Hotel Nouvel
Hotel Nouvel
3 out of 5
Santa Anna 18-20, Barcelona
The price is ฿4,642 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
฿4,642
฿5,525 total
7 Jul - 8 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Unsafe and after being attacked just outside the entrance of the hotel, the staff was disinterested. Would never stay there again."

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

Hotel Nouvel
Lamaro Hotel
Lamaro Hotel
5 out of 5
Avenida Catedral, 7, Barcelona
The price is ฿8,951 per night from 29 Jul to 30 Jul
฿8,951
฿11,104 total
29 Jul - 30 Jul
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! (1,769 reviews)
"Great!"

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

Lamaro Hotel
Petit Palace Boquería Garden
Petit Palace Boquería Garden
4 out of 5
Calle De La Boqueria, 10, Barcelona
The price is ฿6,873 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
฿6,873
฿8,038 total
5 Aug - 6 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"After staying in AirBnB’s for 7 nights prior to arriving in Barcelona, it was a great relief to arrive at Petit Palace Boqueria in the Gothic Quarter. It was a quick walk from the Aerobus stop at Placa Catalunya and when we arrived, we discovered that it is the most convenient location for seeing ..."

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2025

Petit Palace Boquería Garden
H10 Madison
H10 Madison
4.5 out of 5
C/ Dr. Joaquim Pou, 2-4-6, Barcelona, Barrio Gótico
The price is ฿8,834 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
฿8,834
฿10,195 total
7 Jul - 8 Jul
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 breakfast and the pool ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,004 reviews)
Very nice place to stay. Lovely service!
"Only complaint was that one elevator was out of service. Otherwise, excelllent."

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2025

H10 Madison
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

Default Image

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
Default Image

Ciutat Vella

4.5/5(116 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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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 Port de Barcelona or Barceloneta Beach while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Barceloneta
Placa de Catalunya featuring a statue or sculpture and outdoor art

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 Plaça de Catalunya and La Rambla, and jump on the metro at Girona Station or Passeig de Gracia Station to see more of the city.

Dreta de l'Eixample

Gothic Quarter Travel Guide