The Gothic Quarter is Barcelona's most historic district, a must-visit for any traveler. This winding street-lined area is home to a stunning neo-Gothic cathedral, the city's most intact stretch of Roman wall, and several landmark buildings.
A great way to explore this area is with a guide. These walking tours will take you to all the best spots and teach you about the neighborhood's history and culture.
1. Placa de Sant Jaume
The Gothic Quarter is a historic corner of Barcelona that's brimming with history. The area is home to some of the city's most impressive landmarks, including Placa de Sant Jaume, where you'll find two governmental buildings.
The square is known for being the administrative heart of the city and a great place to start your Gothic Quarter itinerary. It's a popular meeting point for locals and is home to the Barcelona City Hall (Casa de la Ciutat) and the Palau de la Generalitat of Catalonia.
A short distance from this square are a number of other iconic locations and attractions. They include the Cathedral, the Rambla, El Born and the Boqueria.
The square also hosts a number of important cultural events and festivals, such as the Merce festival and Santa Eulalia. On these occasions, human towers (castell) are displayed and dancers perform the Sardana. It’s a fun way to spend an afternoon in the Gothic Quarter.
2. Carrer de Sant Sever
The Gothic Quarter is a labyrinth of narrow streets that hide quality bars and restaurants. It's a great place to try some of Barcelona's best cuisine and to experience the city's historic architecture at the same time.
If you're looking to eat, then head back out onto Carrer de Sant Sever and turn left down one of the many little alleyways that seem to appear out of nowhere. There's a small cafe called Bistrot Levante here and it's one of my favourite places to eat in the whole of Barcelona.
It's a wonderful example of what's on offer in this little neighbourhood and if you walk along it you'll find a few more incredible buildings and corners to take note of.
Just past here is the Palau de la Generalitat, the seat of Catalan government and one of the few medieval buildings still functioning as a seat of power in Europe. This building is a stunning piece of history and you should definitely stop and admire it while you're here!
3. Placa de Sant Felip Neri
Placa de Sant Felip Neri is a charming square in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter that overlooks a baroque church and a school. It's one of the most historic corners in the city and a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of Barcelona's streets.
It also bears a dark history, having suffered a bombing raid by fascist planes in 1938 that killed 42 people (mostly children), many of whom were trying to seek shelter inside the church's air-raid shelter. A plaque in the square reminds you of that tragedy and gives you a sense of how terrifying it must have been for those living in Barcelona at the time.
On the other hand, this quiet square has been a filming location for various movies including Uncharted starring Tom Holland, Mark Wahlberg and Sophia Ali. It's an unmissable stop on your tour of the city.
4. Placa de Sant Domenec del Call
The Gothic Quarter is one of Barcelona's most beloved neighborhoods. It's full of enchanting squares and hidden alleyways, making it ideal for wandering around.
This neighborhood is also home to the city's most popular art museum and one of the best places to enjoy a glass of wine in the heart of the city.
You can't miss the 13th to 15th century cathedral, whose patios and cloisters are among Barcelona's most famous attractions. The church is open for visitors between 8 am and 12:45 pm and 5:45 pm to 7:30 pm, and admission is free.
You can also visit the Temple d'August, hidden behind the cathedral on a narrow street. Inside, you'll find a quiet haven where you can learn about the history of Barcelona as a Roman colony. You'll also have the chance to explore a cloister, a queen sepulcher and a dormitory. There are also several mural paintings from the XIV century.
