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Barri Gotic & Plaça del Rei, Barcelona

Plaça del Rei, Barcelona, Catalunya

Description

The Barri Gòtic ("Gothic Quarter") is the historic centre of the old city of Barcelona. It extends southwest from Plaça de Catalunya, between El Raval and El Born neighbourhoods. The area has retained labyrinthine streets opening out into squares and the remains of the city's Roman wall but otherwise most of the well-known buildings date from the late 19th/early 20th century when the area went through a massive restoration project. Plaça Reial ("Royal Plaza") is the Gothic Quater main square, close to Las Ramblas, and hosts many restaurants and some of the city's most famous nightclubs. It is a popular meeting place, including for New Year's Eve celebrations.

Access & Transport

It is easy to walk there from many other touristic areas but otherwise the Line 3 and 4 of the metro cover the neighbourhood at Jaume I, Liceu and Drassanes stations.

Instructions & Recommendations

We would recommend visitors with enough time to visit both during the day and in the evening/at night to experience two distinct atmospheres. Other nearby activities / tourist highlights include Barcelona Cathedral, Las Ramblas and the Picasso Museum in El Born neighbourhood.

Meta review

Barri Gotic is always top of the list of the neighbourhoods to visit in the city. Visitors enjoy the narrow and shaded streets, old city atmosphere and the various touristic sights as well as the nightlife there. The main issues reported are that it has become too touristy and a regular area of operation for hustlers and pickpockets.

Environmental & Social

Urban environment with hardly any green spaces. The flow of cash rich tourists has had a negative impact on the community with a marked increase in rentals and general over-commercialization

Conclusion

The Barri Gòtic is a must-visit area in Barcelona, it is the oldest and most enjoyable part of the city for a tourist. Plaça Reial is quite stately and a welcome open space in the maze of surrounding streets. A great place to sit down and have a meal or drink.

Key positive

Very pleasant streets to meander in with plenty of photo opportunities

Density of tourist highlights in this part of town

Centrally located with good metro access

Key negative

Over-commercialization and tourism are putting a strain on the community

Beware of pickpockets

Suitability

For all ages, including families. Accessible for visitors with reduced mobility

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

May 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:2h 30m

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningNo

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightOk

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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