The charming Gothic Quarter, or Barri Gòtic, is one of the oldest cities in Barcelona with narrow medieval streets filled with trendy bars, clubs, and Catalan restaurants.
The city is home to the Museu d’Història de Barcelona which shows the remains of the Roman city.
You’ll also find artisans selling leather and jewelry near the Cathedral of Barcelona, while the Plaça del Pi, named after the adjacent Gothic church, hosts a weekend art market.
Here are the top 5 things to do when in this city of history
Cathedral of Barcelona
When you are discovering Barrio Gótico, you cannot miss the beautiful Gothic Cathedral of Barcelona on Pla de la Seu. The official name of the church is the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, and it was build between the 13th and 15th centuries.
One of the highlights inside the cathedral is the crypt below the Capella Major, which contains the sarcophagus of Santa Eulalia.
Tourists can also go to the top of the church by elevator, to enjoy amazing views all over the city.
Visit the Historic Museum of Barcelona
In the Museu d’Història de la Ciutat (MUHBA) you can spend your day learning about the historical heritage of Barcelona from the Roman period until now.
The museum has seven different locations, which you can all visit with the same ticket.
The headquarters are located in Barrio Gótico on Plaça del Rei, where you can go to the underground area and walk along the streets of Roman Barcelona
Plaça Sant Felip Neri
This is not a fun place to be, instead, it is a place to pay respect to those who lost their lives to a bombing attack that took place in January 1938.
The square was bombed and 42 people, mainly children who were playing on the square, died from the attack.
A plaque in the square reads: ‘In memory of the victims of the bombing of Sant Felip Neri. Here 42 people died, the majority children, by the action of the fascist aviation on the 30th of January, 1938.’
El Museu del Calçat
El Museu del Calçat is one of the smallest museums in Barcelona. The museum contains two small rooms with a collection of shoes from all over the world and some old shoemaking tools.
Unfortunately, there is no information in any language, but there is a very nice old man who would love to tell you everything he knows in Spanish.
Plaça del Pi
If you like art, you should walk through Carrer Petritxol. Here, you can find lovely art galleries and small shops, ending up at pretty Plaça del Pi. The best highlight on the square is without a doubt the big and beautiful Gothic church Santa Maria del Pi.
On the left side of the church, you can find a small art market during the weekends, where local artists sell their paintings.
Plaça Reial
One of the most famous squares in Barcelona is Plaça Reial, the Royal Square. It is located directly next to La Rambla and is therefore very easy to find.
Bars and palm trees surround the square, and in the middle stands a beautiful fountain. The square contains some famous nightclubs like Jamboree.
