Gothic Quarter Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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, cosy 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 neighbourhood 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 artefacts 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 accommodation 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

Activities


Our pick of the best Gothic Quarter Hotel Deals

Lamaro Hotel

Lamaro Hotel

5 out of 5
Avenida Catedral, 7, Barcelona
The price is AU$501 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
AU$501
16 Nov - 17 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,809 reviews)
"Superior staff. Exceptionally clean rooms. The absolute best location. Again, THE STAFF!! From a front desk that goes above and beyond to the doorman FANTASTIC!!"

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

Lamaro Hotel
Hesperia Barri Gòtic

Hesperia Barri Gòtic

Ample 31, Barcelona
The price is AU$259 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
AU$259
16 Nov - 17 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (251 reviews)
"We loved this sweet property. It was perfectly located to everything we wanted to walk to. The room was VERY small to navigate and no room to open luggage but still lovely and was perfect for us as we spent zero time in the room."

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

Hesperia Barri Gòtic
Hotel Medinaceli New reopening 2025

Hotel Medinaceli New reopening 2025

4 out of 5
Placa Duc De Medinaceli 8, Barcelona
The price is AU$268 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
AU$268
16 Nov - 17 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (222 reviews)
"Very nice boutique hotel in the perfect location. The property has just been totally renovated and it’s very nice. Excellent breakfast. The hotel staff is VERY attentive and pleasant. Fede was especially attentive and helpful. We would highly recommend this hotel."

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Hotel Medinaceli New reopening 2025
Rialto

Rialto

3 out of 5
Carrer de Ferran, 40-42, Barcelona, Barcelona
The price is AU$253 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
AU$253
10 Nov - 11 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,454 reviews)
"Was greatv"

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Rialto
Royal Ramblas

Royal Ramblas

4 out of 5
La Rambla, 117, Barcelona
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$351 per night from 13 Nov to 14 Nov
AU$351
13 Nov - 14 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,027 reviews)
"Royal Ramblas location is perfect . Close to everything and super convenient as you can reach other part of the city via metro. Food around the area are plenty and great quality. Definitely worth staying here instead of those fancy hotels."

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2025

Royal Ramblas
Ohla Barcelona

Ohla Barcelona

5 out of 5
Via Laietana, 49, Barcelona
The price is AU$699 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
AU$699
17 Nov - 18 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,020 reviews)
"My wife and I had a wonderful stay at Ohlala Barcelona. We particularly liked the friendly and helpful staff- from housekeeping, breakfast servers, front desk and concierge desk! Thank- you. We will be back some day!!!"

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Ohla Barcelona
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

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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
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Ciutat Vella

5/5(10 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 Barceloneta Beach are major draws. Catch the metro at Jaume I Station or Barceloneta Station to see more of the city.

Ciutat Vella
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El Born

The abundant dining options and interesting museums are just a few top-rate features of the neighbourhood. Make a stop by Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar or Mercat del Born while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Barceloneta Station to get around town.

El Born
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El Raval

4/5(61 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
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Barceloneta

4.5/5(2 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 Barceloneta Beach or Port de Barcelona while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

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

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

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