The Gothic Quarter is the heart of Barcelona’s old city and one of the most famous attractions. Whether you are interested in the city’s architecture, you have a passion for history, or want to take some great pics, this is one of the best spots in Barcelona to do so. What’s interesting about the Gothic Quarter is that it dates back to a Roman settlement from 15 BC. In fact, you can still see some of the structures and Roman walls, at least what’s left of them. If you want to know what to see in the Gothic Quarter Barcelona, here are some ideas!
Go to the Barcelona Cathedral
The Barcelona Cathedral is one of the standout spots in the Gothic Quarter, for a very good reason. It has a large courtyard with 13 white geese, some amazing gargoyles, and a plethora of visual delights that will intrigue and impress you here.
Visit the Royal Square
Right near La Rambla, you can find the Plaça Reial. It’s the Royal Square that was built during the 19th century. What makes it unique is the Neoclassic style, and it’s also become one of the top nightlife spots for the city. You can find a variety of outdoor cafés and live music, along with 2 Gaudi-made lamp posts as well.
Take pictures near the Roman walls and towers
As we mentioned earlier, the Gothic Quarter has multiple towers and walls; you can find these all over the place. Not only is it a great way to see the Roman origins of the city, but there are some incredible historical relics. You can find many of these walls, but also underground baths and roads inside the MUHBA. Also, check Plaça Nova.
Artisan boutiques
Another thing to note about the Gothic Quarter is the fact that it has many fashion-focused and handmade shops. Carrer Petritxol or Carrer del Pi are ideal if you want chocolateries, some craft stores, or art galleries. Additionally, there are Jewish-inspired crafts on El Call.
Explore the Gothic Quarter’s street art
One of the cool things to note about the Gothic Quarter is certainly its quirky street art. You have the iron street lamps, beautiful signage with cool decorations, but also the small tile mosaics. And not only that, we also have the poetry sculptures made by Joan Brossa.
Go to the Palau del Lloctinent
It’s attached to the Royal Palace Complex, and it hosts various historical documents, all of which are related to the Crown of Aragon. The fact that you have a large courtyard to visit for free and all kinds of historical documents to check out makes it a must-see whenever you are in the Gothic Quarter.
Enter Museu Frederic Mares
The cool thing about this museum is that it’s found in a former royal palace. It brims with the work of Frederic Mares, a well-known sculptor. It has a large courtyard that looks stunning, along with very small crowds. That makes it a wonderful spot to consider if you’re wondering what to see in the Gothic Quarter Barcelona.
Plaça Sant Jaume
Plaça Sant Jaume is an excellent spot within the city because it hosts the City Hall, but also the seat of the Catalan government. Aside from the political importance, these buildings also feature Renaissance and Gothic architecture. And on top of that, on Sundays, you can find traditional sardana dances taking place for multiple hours.
Bishop’s Street
The primary reason why you want to go to Bishop Street is its Neo-Gothic bridge, called the Pont del Bisbe. A lot of people love it because it looks stunning, and it’s an amazing place for taking pictures.
It’s clear that Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter has an amazing legacy, and it impresses you with its delightful style and stunning look. If you have even the slightest interest in history or enjoying a great time in Barcelona, it’s a great idea to check out this older side of the city. It’s great for couples, families, but also history buffs who want to see incredible relics, stunning architecture, and even access some of the city’s best restaurants or shopping locales!
