If you are planning a stay in one of the luxury rentals in or near Barcelona, you may feel overwhelmed at the many activities, shops, restaurants, and historic sites to visit. Naturally, you can speak with your concierge about the best options for your particular wishes, but you can also simply opt to spend a day walking through the historic Gothic Quarter of the city, taking in charming scenery and sites.
The oldest part of the city, the Gothic Quarter is a very popular choice for guided and self-guided walking tours. It allows you to discover some of the most amazing aspects of the city’s history and culture, and it is a truly enchanting experience.
Whether you decide to take your Barcelona Gothic Tour on your own or with a knowledgeable expert, be sure that it done during a sunny day or in the early evening, and this is because you head through many medieval lanes and plazas, meaning that good lighting is imperative to a good experience. Here are the following gothic spots in Barcelona that should be visited.
Your Barcelona Gothic Tour Must See Itinerary
Placa Nova
A good place to begin is in this amazing open air spot. It is the largest plaza in the entire quarter and it is in the shadow of the Barcelona Cathedral and also the Collegi de Architects with a frieze designed by Picasso.
Placa de Sant Felip Neri
This is one of the loveliest of the smaller squares and often described as the most charming in the entire barri (quarter). Some of the buildings around the square were relocated from other areas of the city during the 1700s and 1800s, and not many of them are actually gothic. There is a fountain and many trees to enjoy here, and the Museu de Calcat (the Shoe Museum) is a wonderful stop.
Casa de L’Arcadia
A 1400s era construction that has Gothic, Renaissance and even modern design elements. The city’s archives are contained inside, but it is not open to the public.
Placa de la Seu
The plaza in front of the Cathedral, and is a perfect place to rest before or after a tour.
Museua Frederic Mares
A museum for those interested in the Gothic, it has a courtyard from the 1200s and one of the city’s nicest cafes – the Café d’Estiu.
Palau del Lloctnient
This is not open to the public, but is a stunning example of gothic architecture.
Temple d’Augustus
A truly medieval building, it has Roman columns hidden in its inner courtyard (the only remaining pieces of their temple). It is on the highest point in the city and a must.
Placa del Rei
This royal palace includes a museum (the Museu d’Historia de la Ciutat) and is close to the Chapel of Santa Agata – a 1300s gem.
Meson del Café
If you are in need of some food and drink, this café is a perfect spot. Built in 1909, it offers one of the best cups of coffee in the city and serves a wonderful breakfast or luncheon.
Placa de Sant Just
Here you find Esglesia dels Sants Just I Pastor, dating to the 1300s, it is the oldest in the city. Be sure to look at the front of Palau Moxo just opposite the church and enjoy its beautiful carvings. There is a well at the base of the building, and it is the oldest source for fresh water in the city.
Meson del Café
If you are in need of some food and drink, this café is a perfect spot. Built in 1909, it offers one of the best cups of coffee in the city and serves a wonderful breakfast or luncheon.
Placa Sant Jaume
Two Roman streets once met here, and the Palau de la Generalitat is also a stunning gothic structure.
The Casa del Canonge leads you to a lovely bridge, and this allows you to reach the Placa de Ramon Berenguer el Gran with its horse statue and some Roman walls and towers. Museua Frederic Mares – A museum for those interested in the Gothic, it has a courtyard from the 1200s and one of the city’s nicest cafes – the Café d’Estiu. Pati de Llimona – With a 1400s gallery and some Roman ruins, it is an interesting stop.
That seems like many points, but most visitors can easily manage the Gothic Quarter in a few hours – with a stop for coffee! Ask your concierge and book a tour of this lovely neighborhood.
Where to Stay in Barcelona
Isle Blue recommends the W Hotel or Arts Hotel as an ideal spot to experience Barcelona. The gothic section is a short walk away or hop on one of the touring buses that are easy to jump on from the Barcelona hotels.