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El Born neighbourhood, Barcelona

1 Plaça de Santa Maria, Barcelona, Catalunya

Description

El Born is the southern part of the La Ribera district, in Barcelona's old city, just east of the Barri Gòtic. Many of the buildings date from medieval times, when the area was still on the shoreline. The former market hall Mercat del Born covers archaeological ruins. Nowadays, this is one of Barcelona's most visited districts and a popular neighbourhood to live in for expats.

Access & Transport

The neighbourhood is served by the L4 metro lines with the Jaume I and Barceloneta metro stations on the western and southern edges respectively. The nearest bus stops are along Passeig de Picasso, Passeig d'Isabel II and Via Laietana.

Instructions & Recommendations

If you wish to avoid the tourist crowds it is best to visit early in the morning or off-season. Otherwise, the neighbourhood truly comes alive in the evening so that you may want to visit the sights during the day and come back at night for dinner and drinks. This activity is best combined with a visit of the Picasso Museum, Santa Maria del Mar or Parc de la Ciutadella

Meta review

Most of the reviews come from tourists who really enjoy the area (their favourite in the city for many), in particular the number of small shops, bar and restaurants, and distinctive architecture. However, many reviewers view this as a tourist trap and / or point out that pickpockets are operating in the area.

Environmental & Social

Very urban environment. 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 El Born neighbourhood is very compact and deserves a short visit during the day, combined with a couple of attractions / monuments located there. It is also worth going back in the evening to enjoy a nice dinner or for a tapas bar crawl.

Key positive

Several interesting attractions and visually enjoyable medieval architecture

Great cosmopolitan atmosphere in the evenings with plenty of bars and restaurants

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 30m

est. visit time:1h 30m

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightOk

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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