Ciutat Vella

Barcelona
Ciutat Vella
Some of Barcelona’s most famous sites and most famous streets are clustered in the historic center, with new beauty around every corner.

Passing through Barcelona’s Ciutat Vella are beautiful promenades designed by some of the world’s most famous architects. Look for the influence of monumental figures such as Antoni Gaudí everywhere, even in buildings he did not design, creating Barcelona’s unique mix of tradition and modernity. Put on comfortable shoes and set out. Stop along the way for a break at one of the many cafés and terraces.

Stroll down Las Ramblas first. This wide pedestrian promenade is best enjoyed early in the day before crowds arrive. Have coffee and a pastry and decide which museum to start with. Learn all about the region at the Barcelona City History Museum or understand how the city became powerful with a visit to the Maritime Museum. Wander through an impressive collection of modernists, Catalan and otherwise, at the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art or specialize at the Picasso Museum.

Search for some of the best examples of Barcelona’s famous architecture. Traditional Spanish construction is displayed at the Barcelona Cathedral, while the exuberance of Catalan Modernism imbues the Palau Güell). Wander through the beautiful greenery of the Parc de la Ciutadella, also home to the Barcelona Zoo. Aquatic animals swim through the tanks at the Barcelona Aquarium, which is walking distance from the yachts and clubs of Port Vell, the perfect place to enjoy exciting nighttime activities.

Ciutat Vella is a tourist center and also the central hub of Barcelona’s transportation system. Reach almost anywhere in the city easily by subway, bus or car. The center is extremely walkable. Get to the historic center from the airport in 45 minutes by public transportation or about 25 minutes by automobile. Cars are generally not necessary to explore Ciutat Vella’s most famous sites and parking can be hard to find. Plan ahead, as popular attractions may be extremely crowded, especially in the summer.

After extended walking in Ciutat Vella, get a treat and some education at the Chocolate Museum.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Ciutat Vella

Hotel Rec Barcelona - Adults only
Hotel Rec Barcelona - Adults only
3 out of 5
Carrer del Rec Comtal, 19, Barcelona
The price is €110 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
€110
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,007 reviews)
"Awesome hotel! Third time staying here and would highly recommend :!"

Reviewed on 28 Mar 2024

Hotel Rec Barcelona - Adults only
Hotel Barcelona Universal
Hotel Barcelona Universal
4 out of 5
Del Paral.lel, Del 76-78, Barcelona
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €144 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
€144
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,014 reviews)
"Awesome stay, everything was within walking distance and the staff was incredibly amenable"

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

Hotel Barcelona Universal
Rialto
Rialto
3 out of 5
Carrer de Ferran, 40-42, Barcelona, Barcelona
The price is €128 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
€128
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,171 reviews)
"Such a great hotel! Perfect central location, cute shops nearby, really great breakfast options and super comfy rooms. The staff were very helpful in arranging taxis for us, extending our check out time and storing our luggage for us before our flight. I would highly recommend this hotel and would ..."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Rialto
Cuatro Naciones
Cuatro Naciones
2 out of 5
Calle La Rambla, La 40, Barcelona
The price is €159 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
€159
per night
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (987 reviews)
"The staff very helpful Comfortable stay Rooms are just standard need updating"

Reviewed on 23 Mar 2024

Cuatro Naciones
Barceló Raval
Barceló Raval
4.5 out of 5
Rambla del Raval, 17-21, Barcelona
The price is €144 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
€144
per night
3 Apr - 4 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,014 reviews)
"Lovely hotel and great stay, missed having a proper pool which was only disappointment. Room and main areas were very good."

Reviewed on 28 Mar 2024

Barceló Raval
Royal Ramblas
Royal Ramblas
4 out of 5
La Rambla, 117, Barcelona
The price is €169 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
€169
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,010 reviews)
"This was an amazing place for our family to stay. However, there was construction in the hotel which was very noisy. We requested our room to be changed and staff were very helpful with this."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Royal Ramblas
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Ciutat Vella

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El Born

The abundant dining options and interesting museums are just a few top-rate features of the neighbourhood. Make a stop by Paseo del Borne or Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Barceloneta Station to get around town.

El Born
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Gothic Quarter

4.5/5(1,039 area reviews)

Known for its stunning cathedral and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Gothic Quarter. Check out top attractions like La Rambla and Port de Barcelona, and jump on the metro at Jaume I Station or Liceu Station to see more of the city.

Gothic Quarter
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Downtown Barcelona

Known for its fascinating museums, stunning cathedral and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Barcelona. Top attractions like La Rambla and Plaça de Catalunya are major draws. Catch the metro at Liceu Station or Jaume I Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Barcelona
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Barceloneta

4.5/5(44 area reviews)

Barceloneta is a destination visitors seek out for its beaches, abundant dining options and seaside views. You might want to check out attractions like Port de Barcelona or Barceloneta Beach while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Barceloneta
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El Raval

4/5(558 area reviews)

Known for its fantastic nightlife and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in El Raval. Check out top attractions like La Rambla and Port de Barcelona, and jump on the metro at Parc de Montjuic Station or Paral-lel Station to see more of the city.

El Raval
Placa de Catalunya featuring a statue or sculpture and outdoor art

Dreta de l'Eixample

Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Dreta de l'Eixample. Check out top attractions like Plaça de Catalunya and La Rambla, and jump on the metro at Girona Station or Passeig de Gracia Station to see more of the city.

Dreta de l'Eixample

Ciutat Vella

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