Gothic Quarter, Barcelona

The touristy Gothic Quarter in Barcelona has narrow, medieval streets filled with interesting gift shops and pretty architecture. The crowded squares have statues and ironwork lampposts. They are filled with street vendors with stands or just blankets laid out on the ground displaying trinkets. It can all be a bit overwhelming, and you need to hold tightly to your purse or wallet because pickpockets appear behind you out of nowhere. Be careful when watching street performers or if someone tries to move close to you or talk to you- be always suspicious since pickpockets work in teams. We pretty much avoided this area when we could, but did check it out for a little while.

Some things to see in the Gothic Quarter are: the Barcelona Cathedral (you can take an elevator to the roof), which is peaceful once you enter its courtyard; nearby, the Pont del Bisbe, built in 1929 in Gothic style; next to it, Placa de Garriga i Bachs, which has a deep historic feel with statues and reliefs; nearby, the Roman Temple of Augustus and its stone walls and columns built into the street; La Rambla, a tacky and touristy main street (which separates the Gothic Quarter from the seedier neighborhood El Raval); Placa Reial, a square with colorful architecture and cafes near La Rambla; Palau Guell, a mansion near La Ramble designed by Gaudi in his earlier years; Maritime Museum, with amazing old ships from the seafaring period, at the base of La Rambla; near the El Born neighborhood, Barcelona History Museum (MUHBA, primarily focused on the subterranean roman ruins); and in El Born, the Picasso Museum (his early works, in a palace, reserve online in advance). Palau de la Balmesiana (guided tours Thurs and Sun) looks beautiful to visit (especially its chapel), designed by one of Gaudi's disciples who also created Pont del Bisbe. By far the most important site in the Gothic Quarter is Palau de la Musica Catalana, a concert hall you can visit on a self-guided tour. Its beauty is something you won't forget!
The Gothic Quarter is located just south of the ritzier Eixample neighborhood- walk north on Passeig de Gracia to see elegant architecture from the turn of the century.

Directions

The Gothic Quarter is the medieval area of Barcelona. La Rambla, the touristy pedestrian street, is its west border. El Born neighborhood is to the east.

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