Real Estate Services

Inicio > Living in Barcelona > Living in Ciutat Vella > Top things to do in El Born

Discover 12 things to see and do in the El Born district

The El Born district is home to some of Barcelona’s most culturally and artistically important buildings. As can’t be otherwise in the Ciutat Vella district, the streets of this place are full of life and history wherever you go. That’s why today we want to share with you a list of the best sights in the El Born district and some interesting plans nearby.

What to see in El Born: A Neighborhood Itinerary

1. European Museum of Modern Art

Address

Dirección: Carrer de la Barra de Ferro, 5, Ciutat Vella, 08003

Price

13 €

Buy your tickets

We start our tour of the El Born district with a mandatory stop for all modern art lovers. The European Museum of Modern Art is housed in an 18th-century palace and is home to some of the best works of the past two centuries. Entrance costs €13, and you can visit all rooms of the museum. Although it’s most common to find works of art such as paintings and sculptures, there are also cultural activities such as small concerts and performances. We recommend checking out the European Museum of Modern Art’s program to make sure you don’t miss any of the best things to do in El Born.

2. Passeig del Born

Price

Gratuito

One of the things you must do in El Born is to walk along the emblematic Passeig del Born, the main street of this district. Just strolling down this street, you can enjoy the architectural style that characterizes this neighborhood and see some of the best bars in El Born. If you want to soak up the local atmosphere, you should take a walk through El Born, but with special attention to this emblematic promenade.

Find your dream apartment in Ciutat Vella

3. Picasso Museum Barcelona

Address

Dirección: C/ de Montcada, 15-23, Ciutat Vella, 08003

Price

14 €

Buy your tickets

A large medieval mansion houses one of the largest collections of pieces and masterpieces by the Spanish cubist painter, with a total of 4,251 pieces. Opened in 1963, it has been declared a Museum of National Interest by the Generalitat de Catalunya. The history of this museum is really remarkable, because in the beginning Pablo Picasso wanted to donate his works of art to a museum in Malaga (his hometown), but he was refused. In 1960, Jaime Sabartés, a friend and personal secretary of the artist, contacted the Barcelona city council to create a museum dedicated exclusively to this great artist. If you’re passionate about art and are looking for activities in El Born, we recommend that you have a look at the website of the Picasso Museum in Barcelona.

4. Ethnological Museum and Museum of World Cultures

Address

C/ de Montcada, 12, Via 14, Ciutat Vella, 08003

Price

5 €

Buy your tickets

Living in Ciutat Vella is clearly synonymous with living in a multicultural environment, and even more so when we talk about the El Born district. The Museum of Ethnology and World Cultures collects objects from different regions and combines them into very interesting exhibitions. The main cultures of which this museum has artefacts are African and Asian, although the exhibits are very varied and change over time. This is undoubtedly one of the best things to visit in El Born to soak up even more of the neighborhood’s multiculturalism.

5. Cultural Center Born

Address

Plaça Comercial, 12, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona

Price

Free

Every tour of El Born includes a stop at the Born Cultural Center. While there is a lot to see in El Born, nothing is as impressive as this place of archaeological sites dating back to the 18th century. Once you enter the cultural center you can see all the remains of what the streets looked like back then. Entry to the site is completely free, so if you’re looking for free activities in El Born, don’t miss this. We also recommend going in the morning, as this will allow for the most natural light and allow you to see every detail of these well-preserved archaeological sites.

6. Moco Museum Barcelona

Address

C/ de Montcada, 25, Ciutat Vella, 08003

Price

14,95 €

Buy your tickets

We continue this list with one of the newest museums in the area, but certainly one of the most popular. The Moco Barcelona Museum houses a collection of major modernist and contemporary works of art. From sculptures to photographs, every work in this place is completely unique, making a visit to this museum one of the most unique activities in El Born. If you want to buy your ticket from 1 to 5 euros cheaper, don’t forget to visit the official website of the Moco Barcelona Museum.

7. Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar

Address

Plaça de Santa Maria, 1, Ciutat Vella, 08003

Price

10 €

The architectural style of El Born is clearly visible in each of the buildings that line its streets, but the greatest architectural work is without a doubt the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar. This 14th-century Gothic church has three naves and is characterized by its towering columns and large stained-glass windows. In addition to an imposing facade, it hides several secrets inside, which you can discover when you enter the basilica. Entry to this site is completely free, although you can pay €10 for a guided tour and a full explanation of the history of this great church.

8. Nightmare Horror Museum Barcelona

Address

C. de l'Argenteria, 57, Ciutat Vella, 08003

Price

24,99€

Buy your tickets

Not all museums in El Born are for art and culture, which is why we have included this remarkable museum in our Born route. If you love adrenaline and are a fan of terrifying experiences, then you should not miss the Nightmare Horror Museum. This museum combines the experience of a scary adventure with an art exhibition of macabre paintings. This has made it a classic thing to do in Barcelona for people who enjoy scary activities. If you’re looking for an activity in El Born with a difference, don’t miss this really scary museum.

9.Palau Dalmases

Address

C/ de Montcada, 20, Ciutat Vella, 08003

Price

30-50 €

Buy your tickets

If you want to see one of the city’s most important shows in El Born, you should go to the Palau Dalmases. This 17th-century palace is home to the city’s best flamenco tablao. If you’re an amateur or want to learn this traditional Spanish dance, they also offer guided classes where you can enjoy the best company and some of Spain’s best flamenco teachers. They also offer menus of traditional Spanish dishes, so if you’re looking for an authentic Spanish evening, don’t miss it.

10. Catalan Genie Fountain

Address

Pla de Palau, s/n, Ciutat Vella, 08003

Price

Free

To finish this list of things to visit in El Born, we would like to recommend that you go and see this emblematic image of the neighborhood. The monument to the Marquis of Campo Sagrado, also known as the Fountain of the Catalan Genius, is located in the Plaça del Palau in Barcelona and has a neoclassical style.

What to do in El Born

1. Go to the fourth best cocktail bar in the world: Paradiso

Address

Carrer de Rera Palau, 4, Ciutat Vella, 08003

Price

12-40 €

Website

El Born is known for having some of the best bars in Ciutat Vella and in the world. Paradiso has been the best cocktail bar in the world for a number of years, although it’s currently at number 4. This cocktail bar goes far beyond signature cocktails. The imagination in the presentations and Paradiso’s unique proposals make a drink in this bar a unique experience. We recommend going well in advance as they do not accept reservations and the bar usually has a waiting list of at least an hour.

2. Go for coffee at Hidden Coffee Roasters

Address

Carrer dels Canvis Vells, 10, Ciutat Vella, 08003

Price

1-10€

Website

Who doesn’t like good coffee? Hidden Coffee Roasters is one of the best coffee shops in Barcelona and is one of the best things to do in El Born if you want to spend some quiet time. Not only do they offer great quality coffee, but they also have various snacks such as cookies and other sweets to go with your drink.

Do you want to be able to enjoy El Born every day? If you want to move to El Born, we make it easier for you with our selection of rental properties in El Born and our rental properties in Ciutat Vella, check them out!

Don't miss out on what to do in the Ciutat Vella district

Restaurants in Ciutat Vella

Best Bars in Ciutat Vella

Ciutat Vella Festivals

What to do in Ciutat Vella ?

Do not hesitate to contact us if you have a question or would like to discuss your project.

Take a look at all the neighborhoods of Barcelona

Living in the Eixample

Living in Ciutat Vella

Living in Sants-Montjuïc

Living in Les Corts

Living in Sarriá
Sant Gervasi

Living in Grácia

Living in Horta Guinardó

Living in Nou Barris

Living in Sant Andreu

Living in Sant Martí