La Ribera Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

La Ribera
La Ribera
La Ribera
La Ribera
La Ribera

Artistic and affluent, this neighbourhood located in the wider district of Sant Pere, Barcelona, sprung up around its Gothic cathedral.

La Ribera is where Barcelona’s nobility used to live and where wealthy merchants settled down. Visit a Renaissance, Baroque or medieval “palau” (palace), browse prestigious art museums or visit fun family attractions.

Streets in La Ribera typically carry the names of artisan trades, such as Sombrerers (hatters), Mirallers (mirror makers) and Argenters (silversmiths).

Admire the Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar, a fine example of Catalan Gothic architecture. Pop around the back to admire the Fossar de les Moreres, a modern monument with eternal flame commemorating the 1714 siege of Barcelona.

From the cathedral, stroll along the Passeig del Born to the old Born Market, which now houses the modern Born Centre de Cultura i Memòria. La Ribena and El Born are sometimes seen as one city quarter and the Born Market is where they meet. Come back to this area late at night to sample savoury tapas, sip on sweet cocktails and dance the samba.

Browse the Carrer Montcada to visit the street’s many art galleries and museums, many housed in old stone palaces or mansions from the 12th century. You can’t miss Palau Baró de Castellet with its vaulted ceilings, the home to the Museu Picasso. Learn about the life and works of one of Spain’s most celebrated painters before moving on to the Museu Europeu d'Art Modern (MEAM) across the road. By contrast, the Museu Etnològic i de Cultures del Món in the same street showcases mostly tribal artworks from all over the globe.

Take the kids to the aquarium in the harbour to the south. Or, visit La Ribena’s Chocolate Museum after exploring the Barcelona Zoo next door in Ciutadella Park.

In the Pla de Palau, admire La Llotja, a neoclassical civic building from the 18th century. Its history goes much further back though and the interior is Gothic. Pablo Picasso used to study art here, but it is now the headquarters of the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce.

Continue south to visit the Museum d’Història de Catalunya near the waterfront. Ask around for the best seafood and paella restaurants in the harbour to end your visit to La Ribera, which means “Coastal Strip” or “Shore,” in style.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best La Ribera Hotel Deals

Hotel Rec Barcelona - Adults only

Hotel Rec Barcelona - Adults only

3 out of 5
Carrer del Rec Comtal, 19, Barcelona
The price is AU$294 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
AU$294
16 Nov - 17 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,022 reviews)
"We had a really fun time at the rooftop bar making cocktails. The reception was really friendly and love the vibe in the area."

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Hotel Rec Barcelona - Adults only
Grand Hotel Central

Grand Hotel Central

5 out of 5
Via Laietana 30, Barcelona
The price is AU$546 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
AU$546
16 Nov - 17 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,010 reviews)
"stayed at the hotel for one night. delicious food at the restaurant off the lobby. modern and clean rooms. great central location. amazing view of barcelona from the rooftop. infinity pool isn’t heated though. would definitely stay again."

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Grand Hotel Central
H10 Cubik

H10 Cubik

4.5 out of 5
Via Laietana, 69, Centre, Barcelona
The price is AU$363 per night from 11 Nov to 12 Nov
AU$363
11 Nov - 12 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and 2 coffee shops/cafes. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,011 reviews)
"Great location. Nice rooftop bar."

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

H10 Cubik
Barcelona Airport Hotel

Barcelona Airport Hotel

4 out of 5
Plaza de la Volateria, 3, Poligono Mas Blau, El Prat de Llobregat
The price is AU$238 per night from 14 Nov to 15 Nov
AU$238
14 Nov - 15 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in El Prat de Llobregat. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (5,065 reviews)
"The shuttle was good, but crowded. The room was nice but very dark with poor lighting, especially in the bathroom"

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

Barcelona Airport Hotel
Lamaro Hotel

Lamaro Hotel

5 out of 5
Avenida Catedral, 7, Barcelona
The price is AU$590 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$590
19 Oct - 20 Oct
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! (1,795 reviews)
"The roof top bar was expensive but the restaurant was very reasonable, we had a wonderful meal there. The breakfast was amazing. The staff are over the top helpful. The property is spotless. The gothic quarter is the best experiance. We were a party of 8, so we booked 4 rooms, every room was ..."

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Lamaro Hotel
INNSiDE by Melia Barcelona Apolo

INNSiDE by Melia Barcelona Apolo

4 out of 5
Avinguda del Paral.lel, 57-59, Barcelona, Barcelona
The price is AU$311 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
AU$311
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,410 reviews)
"Gorgeous hotel, spring for one of the balcony rooms for an amazing view of Barcelona."

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

INNSiDE by Melia Barcelona Apolo
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 La Ribera

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Gothic Quarter

4.5/5(123 area reviews)

Known for its stunning cathedral and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Gothic Quarter. Check out top attractions like La Rambla and Port de Barcelona, and jump on the metro at Jaume I Station or Liceu Station to see more of the city.

Gothic Quarter
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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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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 Fort Pienc

You might enjoy the bars while in el Fort Pienc. Avinguda Diagonal is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Marina Station or Arc de Triomf Station to see more of the city.

el Fort Pienc
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


La Ribera Travel Guide

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