Barcelona is a world-class city with a wealth of culture to explore. It’s a vibrant city that never sleeps and has become the #1 destination in Spain for tourists. From spectacular World Heritage Sites to buzzing nightlife – Downtown Barcelona is something you’d never forget to be.
“Barcelona is a city that leaves an indelible mark on all who visit, with its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture.”
- Lonely Planet
Downtown Barcelona is called Ciutat Vella, or The Old City because it comprises a collection of neighborhoods beneath the Eixample (literally meaning expansion) district. Barcelona’s central area, which includes the Gothic Quarter, Raval, Born, and Ribera neighborhoods, is vibrant with activity, history, authenticity, and typical Spanish charm.
Besides the selected ‘barrios,’ the downtown area has well-known attractions, including La Rambla, Plaza Catalunya, and Portal de L’Angel, the city’s largest outdoor shopping strip.
¿Dónde ir en el centro de Barcelona?
La rambla
The main street of the Ciutat Vella district, La Rambla, is 1.2 km long and is lined with trees and ornate street lamps. It’s one of the city’s most famous streets. It is also one of Barcelona’s best-known landmarks, featured in many European films. Several of Barcelona’s most renowned restaurants are on this street.
La calle comienza en el paseo marítimo y atraviesa el distrito del Eixample, bordeando la plaza de Cataluña y la estación de metro de Cataluña.
Arc de Triomf
This monument stands as a tribute to Catalonia’s existence as an independent country. It was built for the International Exposition World’s Fair of 1806, which it won first place after completion; it was the first time that Spain had been awarded such an honor without having won it through war or conquest.
Se eleva sobre el Passeig de Lluís Companys (la calle que lleva al Arco de Triunfo), que se asienta en su base.
Palau de la Música Catalana
This is a modernist concert hall, so it doesn’t have the classical feel expected from a cathedral. It was designed by Lluís Domènech I Montaner and constructed between 1905 and 1908.
It has been described as “a unique creation from the artistic point of view, and an ingenious solution to cultural needs of its time.”
El Barrio Gótico
The Gothic Quarter is the first quarter of the city and it’s where Barcelona’s historical center is located. It is a must-see for those who wish to explore alternative places and experience different cultures.
Con sus numerosos edificios de colores, calles adoquinadas y callejones estrechos, aquí es donde podrá vislumbrar el aspecto que tenía Barcelona como ciudad medieval.
“Barcelona is a city of contrasts, with a rich cultural heritage and a modern, cosmopolitan vibe.”
-El New York Times
Distrito del Eixample
The highlight of this district is La Pedrera (The Stone Quarry), an art deco building designed by Josep Puig I Cadafalch in 1907. It is a testament to Barcelona’s history of architecture and is a modernist masterpiece.
Museo de Ciencias de la Vida
Este museo alberga una gran variedad de animales en hábitats naturales. Contiene más de 80 especies, desde jirafas hasta lémures, y puede explorar las exposiciones a su propio ritmo por todo el museo.
El edificio se construyó en 1929 y se amplió en 2011 tras ser renovado. Se asienta sobre 10 hectáreas de naturaleza virgen, lo que lo convierte en el lugar perfecto para este tipo de museo.
Paseo de Gracia
In Barcelona’s Passeig de Gràcia, you can find some of the finest contemporary architecture that mimics more of a Versailles-style. The buildings are elegant and even more so at night with colorful illumination.
“Barcelona is a city that is steeped in history, with a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its stunning architecture and world-class museums.”
- The Guardian
Qué comer en el centro de Barcelona
Crema Catalana
Se trata de un postre de nata catalán. La receta tradicional incluye yemas de huevo, azúcar, almidón de maíz, extracto de vainilla y mantequilla derretida. Algunas variaciones de la receta incluyen el uso de nata montada o crema pastelera en lugar de yemas de huevo o la adición de ron o brandy durante la preparación para darle un sabor aún más decadente.
“Barcelona’s food is a reflection of the city’s passion for life, with a focus on fresh, flavorful ingredients and a commitment to culinary excellence.”
- Viaje cultural
Paella
The most famous dish of Spain – pasta with seafood made in an iron pan called a ‘paellera’ – originated in Valencia but was quickly adopted all across Catalonia. You can find this dish at restaurants throughout Barcelona’s Ciutat Vella district.
Esqueixada
Históricamente, el bacalao salado se consideraba un pilar de la dieta española, y hoy en día puede prepararse de diversas y deliciosas maneras. A veces ni siquiera se cocina.
Catalonian desalinated salt cod salad “Esqueixada” is made with a combination of peppers, tomatoes, onions, and finished with a generous amount of Extra Virgin Olive Oil to create a lovely salad that is both refreshing and filling at the same time.
Tortilla De Patatas
Básicamente, se trata de una tortilla hecha con patatas, cebollas y huevos. Es como la tortilla francesa, pero menos delicada. Pueden servirla para desayunar, comer o cenar.
Croquetas
They credit the croquette to the French. However, “invention” is merely the beginning process. In the eyes of the Spaniards, they have elevated croquettes to an art form! “Croqueta” is one of the most popular tapas because of its affordability and deliciousness.
Se elaboran empanando y friendo diversos ingredientes y uniéndolos con una espesa salsa bechamel, que proporciona una base de sabor rica y tentadora.
Patatas bravas
While patatas bravas are popular throughout the country, Barcelona is an excellent location to dig into some perfectly cooked potatoes topped in a spicy “bravas” sauce. This is a signature dish for many bars, and this sauce is cooked differently from place to place.
Hay dos estilos principales: el más común, a base de mayonesa, repleto de hermosas especias, y el de tomate, que suele tener una agradable acidez que combina bien con las patatas fritas.
Alojamientos en el centro de Barcelona
We strongly recommend you book a hotel as near to Downtown Barcelona as possible. While the bargains at the far-flung hotels may be tempting, you’ll have a far better experience if you stay closer to the action and excitement of the city center.
Barcelona sightseeing means a lot of walking, so book a hotel near the city’s center, wear comfortable walking shoes while you’re out and about, and consider taking a bike tour of the city when you don’t want to walk, and the weather is pleasant outside!
Barcelona Dos and Don’ts for Tourists
Barcelona is one of the most popular places in Europe. This means that it’s also one of the most visited cities by tourists from all over the world, and a lot of them make a few mistakes when they first arrive. If you’re planning on visiting Barcelona for any reason, don’t let these common mistakes tempt you.
Do’s
- Aprende algunas palabras en español.
Familiarizarse con algunos esenciales, términos populares españoles should be your first order of business before traveling to Spain. It’s essential to remember phrases like “please,” “thank you,” “pardon me,” and “I don’t understand.” These are all terms you should keep in mind while communicating in Spanish.
Resultan útiles cuando hay que pedir indicaciones a un lugareño o cuando hay que comportarse con amabilidad.
- ¡Encaja!
There is no better way to form friendships on your travels than to get involved with this vibrant city’s local culture.
The atmosphere in bars where they serve wine is always relaxed. Why? Well, because the “wine” they do is actually vino Tinto – Spanish red wine! These bars are great for groups because you can meet with friends before going out to other places.
- Visite los bares de tapas.
Las tapas son un plato típico español. Si quieres pasar una buena velada con tus amigos y familiares, visita los bares de tapas, porque allí podrás comer delicioso, beber un vaso de vino y hablar de todo lo que haya bajo el sol.
- Compre recuerdos en el centro de Barcelona.
One of the best ways to remember your visit is with a souvenir in Barcelona. Spanish artisans have been creating beautiful and creative objects for centuries, and you’re sure to find something that strikes your fancy.
Whether you’re looking for a traditional wood sculpture or pottery, vintage jewelry, or fine leather goods, you’ll find many options throughout the city – especially in the Barrio Gotico area of town, where many artisans call home.
The trick with shopping for souvenirs is finding what’s most meaningful to you: Is it local artwork? Local cuisine? An artisanal creation from another country? The great thing about visiting Spain is that no matter what kind of travel experience you’re seeking, you’re sure to find it here.
Don’ts
- Don’t have dinner before 8:00 pm.
First and foremost, respect the local timetables and schedules. Don’t enter restaurants or eateries expecting dinner service at 6 p.m. The Spanish eat around 8 p.m. or later, so do what the Spanish do! Eat like a local to get a sense of Spain.
- Don’t eat Paella for dinner (It can give you sleepless nights)
Uno de los mayores errores que se pueden cometer es cenar paella. A no ser que tengas un gran metabolismo o te gusten los ruidos estomacales a medianoche, esta comida es mejor para el almuerzo y debe evitarse por la noche.
- Don’t tip too much.
Cuando cene en un restaurante, evite dar propinas excesivas. La costumbre es dejar cambio gratis a los lugareños. Recuerde que no creen en las propinas extravagantes.
- Don’t take photos at a shop without asking permission.
It’s normal to take photos of buildings, squares, or markets during any sightseeing in Downtown Barcelona. But would you be happy if somebody took a picture of your house without your permission? So the best thing is to ask for permission. Sometimes, it’s also necessary to pay a small fee.
Preguntas más frecuentes (FAQ)
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Conclusión
Barcelona es una ciudad con una apasionante mezcla de culturas. Tiene una población metropolitana muy diversa, con diferentes religiones e idiomas. Con una interesante historia y la hermosa arquitectura del centro de la ciudad, el centro de Barcelona tiene mucho que ofrecer a los turistas de todo el mundo.
So no matter if you’re looking for a romantic city break, a family holiday, or something more adventurous and fun – Barcelona has something for everyone. Below are some of our travel guides. We have listed some of our travel guides below.