Translating as “Old City”, Ciutat Vella is a historic district in the heart of Barcelona and home to many of the Catalonian capital’s most famous attractions. It encompasses four neighbourhoods that include the Gothic Quarter and portside El Raval, as well as the bustling beaches of Barceloneta.
Things to do in Ciutat Vella
Running through the heart of Ciutat Vella is La Rambla, a tree-lined pedestrian boulevard connecting Plaça de Catalunya with Port Vell. It’s packed with cafes and restaurants where you can dine throughout the day, as well as tapas bars serving authentic Spanish fare. As you walk along La Rambla, keep an eye out for the 18th-century Palau Moja and the Antoni Gaudí-designed Palau Güell.
On the eastern side of La Rambla is Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, which encompasses narrow, winding streets that date back to the medieval period. Dominating the skyline is the magnificent Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, which boasts an impressive collection of paintings by Spanish masters. Housed within a former convent is the Museu de la Xocolata, where you can discover the rich history of chocolate.
Hugging the coastline of Ciutat Vella is Barceloneta, a beachside neighbourhood where you can refresh with a swim on hot summer days. Delve into the area’s cultural heritage at the Museum of the History of Catalonia before riding the cable car that leads to the hilltop galleries and gardens of Montjuïc. Nestled just behind Barceloneta is Parc de la Ciutadella, which is home to a boating lake and the Barcelona Zoo.
Getting around Ciutat Vella
Ciutat Vella is around 20 minutes’ drive from Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Inter-city trains connect to the Estacion de Francia railway station while buses and subway services travel throughout Ciutat Vella.