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Guide on what to see and do in Ciutat Vella

Ciutat Vella is undoubtedly the neighborhood of Barcelona with the most things to see and do. This district is the number one in the city and comprises its entire historic center. The Ciutat Vella neighborhood is full of places to visit and discover. From La Barceloneta and its iconic beach to Plaza Cataluña, walking through these streets steeped in history is one of the great wonders of Barcelona. If you don’t want to miss anything of what there is to see in Ciutat Vella, keep reading!

The best plans and things to see in Ciutat Vella

1. Visit the Barcelona Cathedral

Address

Pla de la Seu, s/n, Ciutat Vella, 08002

Opening hours

8:30 - 19:30

Website

Living in Ciutat Vella offers the unique advantage of being surrounded by history at every street corner. The Barcelona Cathedral, officially named the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, is one of the most touristy places in the city. The construction of this temple began in the 13th century and lasted until the 15th century. This building stands out for its large size and neo-Gothic style.

The beauty of this temple is not limited to the outside. If you enter the interior of the Barcelona Cathedral, you will discover a Gothic cloister where 13 white geese live. You may wonder why geese live in a cathedral. Well, this is because Eulalia was executed at the age of 13 and she used to herd geese on her property in Sarrià.

A great curiosity of this cathedral is that before being the Gothic cathedral we know, it was a paleochristian cathedral. The remains of the previous cathedral are still visible in the basement of the Barcelona Cathedral.

2. Visit the Arc de Triomphe of Barcelona

Address

Passeig de Lluís Companys, Ciutat Vella, 08003

In 1888, an event called the Universal Exhibition was organized in Barcelona. It was then that the Arc de Triomphe was built to serve as the entrance gate to the fair.

This monument with classic shapes and proportions located in the Ciutat Vella district attracts hundreds of visitors every day. Seeing the Arc de Triomphe of Barcelona is free, as it is located in the middle of the walk to the Parc de la Ciutadella.

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3. Take a walk in the Parc de la Ciutadella

Address

Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia, 3, Gràcia, 08012

Opening hours

10:00 - 22:30

Website

One of the main parks in Barcelona and the most visited in the city. The Parc de la Ciutadella was built on the grounds where Philip V ordered the construction of a large military citadel. The park was built in 1975 to control the city after its surrender on September 11, 1714.

If you’re wondering what to do in Ciutat Vella for free, this park offers free access where you can discover impressive biodiversity and explore the rich artistic and architectural expressions unique to Ciutat Vella. Such is the number of statues and other works of art exhibited in the Parc de la Ciutadella that it is considered an open-air museum.

The place has a large pond where you can rent a boat and enjoy a moment of calm while admiring the landscape, undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Ciutat Vella.

4. See Plaza Cataluña

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This square in the heart of the city was built in 1889 and is one of the most visited places by tourists and residents of Barcelona. If you decide to visit Ciutat Vella, Plaza Cataluña is a must on your itinerary. It is adorned with a large mosaic in the center of the square and also has two fountains that further decorate the place.

One of the first things to see in the historic quarter of Barcelona is this square. It is the point where the Gothic Quarter and L’Eixample, another of the main tourist neighborhoods of Barcelona, converge. From here, you can discover the essence of the city by strolling through its streets.

5. Walk along La Rambla de Barcelona

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La Rambla is undoubtedly the most iconic promenade in the city. Starting from Plaza Cataluña and ending at the port, this promenade passes through some of the most important places in Barcelona.

In addition to enjoying a long walk along one of the main streets of Barcelona, you can also delight in the mosaics hidden under your feet on La Rambla. Throughout your journey, you will find food stops and street artists who bring this iconic street to life.

6. Take a walk on La Rambla del Mar

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Continuing the tour of things to see in Ciutat Vella down from Plaza Cataluña and passing through La Rambla, you will come across La Rambla del Mar. Here you will find the old port, the oldest part of the Port of Barcelona built 500 years ago.

On La Rambla del Mar, you can enjoy a quiet walk while admiring the sea and the old buildings of Ciutat Vella.

7. Take a stroll along the shore of La Barceloneta beach

A must-see stop in Ciutat Vella is La Barceloneta beach. The beachfront is lined with a promenade where you will find some of the best restaurants in Ciutat Vella. You can have a drink while leisurely admiring the view of the sea of Barcelona.

The promenade of La Barceloneta beach goes from the iconic sail-shaped hotel to the Olympic Port of Barcelona. We recommend that you make the entire journey so that you can see all the stretches of the Barcelona coast.

8. Taste the local cuisine at La Boqueria

Address

La Rambla, 91, Ciutat Vella, 08001

Opening hours

8:00 - 20:30

Website

La Boqueria is the most important market in Barcelona and is located in the old town of the city. Here, you can taste the most typical dishes of Spanish cuisine or buy fresh products of all kinds.

This market was the first of the municipal markets of Barcelona and was inaugurated in 1840. Since then, taking a walk through La Boqueria has become one of the best things to do in Ciutat Vella.

9. Attend a show at the Palau de la Música Catalana

Address

C/ Palau de la Música, 4-6, Ciutat Vella, 08003

Opening hours

9:00 - 21:00

Website

The Palau de la Música Catalana has one of the best acoustics in Barcelona, making it a must-see activity in Ciutat Vella for music lovers. This auditorium is the ideal place for music lovers. If you’re looking for something different to do in Barcelona and you enjoy experiencing music like never before, this is the perfect place.

In addition to the great sound quality offered by the venue and the great musicians who perform there, this auditorium has an architecture that will leave you amazed. With more than 100 years of history, the Palau de la Música Catalana has become a major cultural reference in Barcelona and around the world.

10. Visit the Barcelona Aquarium

Address

Port Vell, Moll d'Espanya, s/n, Ciutat Vella, 08039

Opening hours

10:00 - 19:00

Website

If you’re wondering what to visit in Ciutat Vella, a few minutes’ walk from the Rambla del Mar is the Barcelona Aquarium. A place where you can see all kinds of marine animals while enjoying its various spaces. The Barcelona Aquarium is a must-see for all lovers of marine biology.

Many people want to live in Ciutat Vella and immerse themselves in all its environment and history. If you also want to experience this, we make it easy for you with our wide variety of accommodations for rent in Ciutat Vella. Don’t miss them!

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