Ciutat Vella

Barcelona

Ciutat Vella
Ciutat Vella
Ciutat Vella
Ciutat Vella
Ciutat Vella

Some of Barcelona’s most famous sites and most famous streets are clustered in the historic centre, 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 centre and also the central hub of Barcelona’s transportation system. Reach almost anywhere in the city easily by subway, bus or car. The centre is extremely walkable. Get to the historic centre 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

Lamaro Hotel

Lamaro Hotel

5 out of 5
Avenida Catedral, 7, Barcelona
The price is €287 per night from 21 Aug to 22 Aug
€287
21 Aug - 22 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,772 reviews)
Comfortable, classy hotel at a perfect location.
"Incredibly comfortable stay. Rooms were spotless, beds were so nice you could sleep all day if there wasn’t so much to see in the city. The shower was my wife’s favorite part, excellent pressure and lovely smelling Bvlgari soaps and lotions. Fluffy towels just sealed the deal. The staff were attentive, ..."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Lamaro Hotel
Barceló Raval

Barceló Raval

4.5 out of 5
Rambla del Raval, 17-21, Barcelona
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €134 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€134
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,168 reviews)
"Everything is great except some shady characters around the property."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Barceló Raval
Royal Ramblas

Royal Ramblas

4 out of 5
La Rambla, 117, Barcelona
The price is €192 per night from 27 Aug to 28 Aug
€192
27 Aug - 28 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,013 reviews)
"Great Location. Very clean modern appointment rooms. Sofa bed was NOT comfortable at all. Not appropriate for anyone over 12 to sleep on. However, the main bed was extremely comfortable. High quality mattress and linens. bathroom was clean and modern. Shower water pressure was very poor. Staff was ..."

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

Royal Ramblas
Rialto

Rialto

3 out of 5
Carrer de Ferran, 40-42, Barcelona, Barcelona
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €156 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€156
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,348 reviews)
"Outstanding experience"

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

Rialto
W Barcelona

W Barcelona

5 out of 5
Plaça Rosa dels Vents, 1, Barcelona
The price is €380 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
€380
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,008 reviews)
"Food"

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2025

W Barcelona
Andante Hotel

Andante Hotel

3 out of 5
Avinguda de les Drassanes, 23-25, Barcelona
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €151 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€151
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,172 reviews)
"Location of hotel was good , good transport links close by , very clean and basic, plunge pool was very handy at the end of the day after coming in from heat however got very busy , bar was reasonably priced. Rooms were basic and would have benefited from a kettle and coffee/tea making facilities, ..."

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2025

Andante Hotel
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 Barcelona Cathedral, 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 Barceloneta Beach or Port de Barcelona 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
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Sant Antoni

4/5(5 area reviews)

Travellers choose Sant Antoni for its lively bars. Hop aboard the metro at Sant Antoni Station or Poble Sec Station and check out top sights like Sant Antoni Market.

Sant Antoni

Ciutat Vella

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