Barcelona route: Gothic Quarter, Born and Ciutadella

Here is a route to soak up the essence of Barcelona, taking in the highlights of the Gothic Quarter, El Born, and ending at Parc de la Ciutadella and the Arc de Triomf.

You will stroll through the heart of the medieval city. Entering El Born you will feel a change of atmosphere: shops, boutiques and bars that have filled it with life without losing its charm. We finish at the Ciutadella, perfect to relax, rent a boat or have a picnic.

The route

We start at Plaça Catalunya and head down Portal de l'Àngel to the Cathedral. We continue through plaça del Rei, the Temple d'August and plaça de Sant Jaume. We connect with El Born, whose main stop is Santa Maria del Mar, and end at the Ciutadella and the Arc de Triomf.

Sweet stops

Pastelería La Colmena (plaça de l'Àngel) has 150 years of history. Another option is Café Bubó, next to Santa Maria del Mar. And for a vermouth, the tavern El Xampanyet.