A Walk Through the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona

With only images of the grand Sagrada Familia and tapas bowls milling in my mind, I arrived in Barcelona somewhat on a whim. Having done little to no research about the city and only knowing “Donde esta la biblioteca”, I was frightfully underprepared but eager, nonetheless.

My bus pulled into the bustling Placa Catalunya and I hurried into the first side street I could find, away from the mechanical hum of tourists on La Rambla.

Here, I took a moment to see a strange new world unfold: narrow winding alleys casting shadows over intimate storefronts, detailed mosaics creating a kaleidoscopic façade, a jovial tinge in the air as patrons spilled out onto the streets as their favorite tapas joints filled up.

his was the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona.

Exploring the Plaças

Undoubtedly one of the most enchanting parts of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter is the myriad of plaças you stumble into. From the opulent Plaça Reial to the intimate Plaça Carme Simó, each one offers a distinct allure.

My personal favorite remains Plaça de Sant Miquel, a vibrant square just off Carrer de Ferran, one of the main throughways of the quarter. The main focus of the square is the Monument als Castellers, a towering abstract structure that effortlessly blends tradition and contemporary art, a true reflection of Barcelona’s essence.

I would spend days on end aimlessly walking from plaça to plaça, taste-testing cervezes under Estrella-branded umbrellas, watching the Spaniards do what they do best — live the slow life. Don’t go searching for “top plaças to see in Barcelona” either, these squares are made to be stumbled upon and experienced, not simply seen and ticked off a bucket list.

But take it from a seasoned plaça dweller, steer clear of establishments that warmly invite you in from the street with laminated menus and stock photos. The worse the service, the better the beer, these are facts of life.

Find Focus at the Barcelona Cathedral

Call me a sucker but if there is a cathedral around, I will find it, and I will stand and stare at it to no end. Even after weeks and months of being in Barcelona, this cathedral still forced me to take a few moments and soak in its beauty. Maybe it is because I come from a country where very little is older than 100 years, but there is an undeniable charm about the Barcelona Cathedral and its surroundings.

From nearly every angle in the Gothic Quarter, you will see one of the Cathedral’s spires poking out and there is something magical about the first time you pop out of the shadowy streets and turn a corner to face this majestic building. On its front steps, you will find musicians or street performers, the iconic “bubble people” of Barcelona, and scores of photo-hungry visitors. But inside, it is a place of reflection and tranquility.

An unexpected element is the gaggle of 13 geese that live in the cloister. They allude to the age of the cathedral’s patron saint Eulalia of Barcelona when she died as a martyr. The church dates from the 13th century and is the heart of the Gothic Quarter, perfectly capturing the medieval stylings of Barcelona.


While you are in the area, walk two minutes to The Kiss mural, one of the most Instagrammable spots in the city. This mural is made up of 4,000 photos submitted by Barcelona residents, depicting moments of total freedom.




Eat Your Heart Out in Barcelona


Walking around the Barcelona Gothic Quarter is sure to awaken your appetite and the scores of churro shops along the way won’t help either. But you are in Barcelona, a city where the tapas and the wine flow freely!

Even though you can get most Spanish dishes in any city, I was told time and time again to stay away from paella in Barcelona. It is a tourist trap and a dish best left to the Valencians. Instead, seek out interesting eateries that are small, quirky, and full of spirit.

By far my favorite meal I have had in Spain was from a tiny restaurant tucked away in the Gothic Quarter called Bodega Biarritz 1881. Here you get the chef’s choice of tapas and let me tell you, his choice is always correct.

You are served an appetizer, 4 or 8 plates of tapas, and a dessert drink and no two tables get the same serving. Mine was a mix of spicy chorizo and rich stew, an exquisitely flaky pastry, and a chicken and tomato dish. Each one, more delicious than the last.

Another institution that has made it big thanks to TikTok, is Bo de B, a sandwich shop that sells the infamous “€5 sandwich”. I can wax lyrical about it all day but let me tell you, every one of the 45 minutes I waited in line was worth it! (both times).

It is in the far southeastern corner of the Gothic Quarter and these sandwiches are best enjoyed on the steps of the colossal post office building beside it.

But be sure to eat your body weight in potatoes. Whether it be the humble Spanish omelets, delectably crispy patatas bravas, or creamy croquettes. Or even all three at once! No one is watching.

The Best Boutiques and Galleries

If there is one thing the folks in Barcelona are doing right, it is shopping. Sure, they have all the regular high street haunts like Zara and H&M but it is the slew of boutiques and quirky shops that make this place soar.

Everything from jewelry to shoes, leather goods, art, and souvenirs is ticked away behind playful window displays. These items are chic, unique, and very on-brand for Barcelona.

From avant-garde jewelry that seems like wearable sculptures to handcrafted leather goods that embody the city’s rich artisanal tradition, every purchase feels like a piece of Barcelona captured in time.

The lines between art and fashion become blurred in the Catalan capital with galleries and boutiques living side by side. The vibrant canvases and sculptures displayed in these galleries complement the fashion-forward atmosphere, blurring the boundaries between artistic expression and personal style.

Some establishments even take this fusion to the next level, doubling as both a gallery and a boutique, creating a space where you can appreciate art and find your next statement piece all in one go.

Get Your Museum Fix

Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter isn’t just a feast for the fashion-forward; it’s also a haven for culture enthusiasts, boasting an eclectic array of museums that seamlessly blend entertainment and history.

You will find contemporary institutions like the Big Fun Museum, an unconventional museum that challenges traditional notions of art appreciation. Similarly, the MOCO is a whimsical wonderland with larger-than-life sculptures and artwork from world-renowned artists from the 21st century.

Beyond these modern institutions, the Gothic Quarter is also home to a myriad of historical museums that transport you back in time. Wander through the centuries-old streets, and you might stumble upon hidden treasures like the Barcelona City History Museum, where artifacts and exhibits chronicle the city’s evolution from its Roman origins to the vibrant metropolis it is today.

One of the biggest attractions here is the Temple of Augustus which dates back to before the 4th century.

These museums weave together entertainment and education, offering a dynamic fusion of past and present. Whether you find yourself marveling at contemporary art installations or delving into the historical narratives preserved in the cobblestone alleys, Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter museums promise a captivating blend of entertainment and heritage.

Notice the Living History Around You


Museums are one thing, but seeing remnants of the past seamlessly integrated into everyday life is what makes the Gothic Quarter so special. As you wander through Plaça Nova, take a moment to marvel at the remnants of the old city walls, standing as silent witnesses to centuries of history.

Picture seafarers of old passing through the massive gates that once guarded the city, leaving an indelible mark on the vibrant tapestry of Barcelona.

For a glimpse into the city’s hydraulic engineering ingenuity, make your way to Casa de l’Ardiaca. Here, a modern replica of the city’s aqueducts stands as a testament to Barcelona’s commitment to preserving its heritage. The intricate details of these structures narrate a story of resourcefulness and innovation that has endured through the ages.

In the unassuming Plaça Vila de Madrid, history unfolds beneath your feet. Discover Roman graves dating back to the 1st and 3rd centuries, offering a poignant glimpse into the lives of those who once walked these streets. A Roman road, steadfast in its preservation, further connects you to Barcelona’s ancient past, creating a captivating contrast with the bustling modernity that surrounds it.

One of my favorite little treasures to keep a keen eye out for are the Entrada and Salida street signs adorned with the iconic horse and carriage symbol. These seemingly commonplace signs are a charming nod to Barcelona’s horse-drawn past and signal the flow of traffic, inviting you to envision a time when these streets echoed with the clip-clop of hooves and the creaking of carriages.