15 Best Things to Do in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona

Looking for the best things to do in the Gothic Quarter? You’re in the right place!

I live in Barcelona and have spent a lot of time wandering the Gothic Quarter, getting lost in its narrow streets and discovering new spots and hidden gems.

In this guide, I’m sharing my top 15 picks for the best things to do in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, including well known landmarks and a few places that are easy to miss if you don’t know where to look.

Whether you’re interested in history, food, or just exploring one of the oldest and coolest parts of the city, this list will help you plan a great visit.

1. Stroll Along Las Ramblas

Las Ramblas is the most popular street in the Gothic Quarter leading from the seafront up to Plaça de Catalunya.

While it’s incredibly touristy, it’s such an iconic place that you should at least have a look. 

This busy street is lined with restaurants, street vendors, flower stalls, and souvenir shops where you can get a taste for Barcelona.  You’ll likely also see a street performer or two!

It’s a great place for people watching and then you can wander off onto a narrow street on the sides to escape the crowds and explore the medieval buildings of the surrounding area.

Just be sure to keep a close eye on your belongings while walking along Las Ramblas.  While Barcelona is a safe city to visit, this area is known for pickpockets.

2. Check Out the Barcelona Cathedral

Barcelona Cathedral is one of the most important churches in Barcelona, and it’s right in the middle of the Gothic Quarter, so you’ll almost definitely come across it while exploring.

It was built between the 13th and 15th centuries, and it feels especially impressive when you turn a corner and see it rising above the narrow streets.

Inside, there’s a quiet courtyard with 13 white geese that represent Saint Eulalia, the cathedral’s patron saint.

You can also head up to the rooftop for city views or visit the crypt if you want to learn more about the history.

And even if you don’t go inside, the square in front of the cathedral is a great place to take a break and watch street musicians and performers.

3. Try Local Foods at La Boqueria

The Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, or simply La Boqueria, is a public market located right off Las Ramblas.

Once you’ve visited La Boqueria, other markets in Barcelona just won’t compare.

It’s Barcelona’s most popular market and contains almost everything your heart desires, from local and imported fruits and veggies to top-quality meat and seafood. 

There are more than 300 stalls to visit, so you can spend hours just walking around and sampling snacks, goodies, and the best foods in Barcelona. 

There’s also restaurants and tapas bars located within La Boqueria where you can grab a drink or a bite to eat.  Quim is a popular spot serving inventive egg and seafood dishes.

4. Go Souvenir Shopping

A trip to Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter wouldn’t be complete without shopping for some souvenirs! 

To be honest, most souvenir shops in the area have the same type of traditional souvenirs like keychains, magnets, and coffee mugs.

These are fine if you want to pick up a few knicknacks, but if you want to bring home some unique Barcelona souvenirs, I’d recommend going for espadrilles, custom jewelry, or anything with the Barcelona flower, which is an iconic symbol in Barcelona. 

One Barcelona souvenir shop I really like is called Mercilona–it’s a really cute souvenir shop with pastel-colored Barcelona souvenirs like jewelry, prints, hand fans, coasters, and more.   

And if you’re a foodie, I’d recommend picking up some turrón, cava, Spanish wine, or vermouth, which all make great gifts for friends and family.

5. Taste Traditional Spanish Tapas

If you haven’t had traditional Spanish tapas yet, you’re missing out! 

Tapas are a staple in Spain and are served in almost every restaurant. They’re small plates of appetizers and snacks that are meant to be shared. 

Traditional tapas you may encounter in a bar or restaurant include jamón ibérico, tortilla española, patatas bravas, pan con tomate, chorizo, and slices of cheese. 

If you enjoy sampling different foods, I’d definitely recommend you visit a tapas bar while visiting Barcelona.  

Some of my favorite tapas bars near the Gothic Quarter include Tapeo, El Xampanyet, and Bar del Pla. Make sure to pair them with traditional drinks like sangria, cava, or vermouth.

And if you’re a real foodie, I’d highly recommend booking a food tour with Devour Tours–they offer some of the best food tours in Barcelona!

6. Get Drinks at a Rooftop Bar

Grabbing a drink at a one of Barcelona’s rooftop bars is one of my favorite ways to end a day in the Gothic Quarter, especially after hours of walking around.

The city has no shortage of rooftop bars, so it’s hard to pick a bad one, but a couple of my favorites in this area are Terrassa de Vivi and the rooftop at the Barcelona Edition.

Both are located in Ciutat Vella and are great spots for a cocktail with good music and a relaxed vibe.

If you can, try to reserve a table around sunset. The views over the city at that time are hard to beat and make the experience even better.

7. Hang Out in Plaça Reial

Plaça Reial is one of the prettiest and liveliest squares in the Gothic Quarter and it’s just a short walk from La Boqueria.

It dates back to the mid 1800s and is easy to recognize by its palm trees, golden buildings, and central fountain known as the Three Graces.

If you look closely, you’ll also spot street lamps designed by Antoni Gaudí, which is a fun detail most people walk right past.

The square is lined with restaurants and bars, which makes it a good spot to grab a drink. I just wouldn’t eat here because a lot of the restaurants are tourist traps.

There are usually street performers around too, and depending on the day, you might even catch a small market popping up.

8. Explore El Call – The Jewish Quarter

El Call, also known as the Jewish Quarter, is a historic neighborhood that was the heart of the Jewish community in Barcelona from the 7th to 14th centuries.

Meaning “little street” or “alley” in Catalan, El Call is definitely worth a visit if you’re interested in the Jewish history of Barcelona. 

The El Call district is also home to the Ancient Synagogue, known as “Sinagoga Major de Barcelona”, which is one of the oldest synagogues in Europe with a museum and guided tours. 

9. Grab a Sandwich at “Bo de B”

Bo de B has become somewhat of a TikTok phenomenon, serving cheap 5€ sandwiches in the heart of Barcelona.

There’s pretty much always a line and you’ll probably have to wait 30+ minutes to get your hands on one of these sandwiches. 

I’ll be honest, I don’t really understand the hype. The sandwiches are generously filled with fresh veggies and ingredients but the taste is nothing special.

But people seem to love them so I’m still including it on this list if you want to try one for yourself.  If it were up to me, I’d try some of these other best sandwiches in Barcelona instead!

10. See the Christopher Columbus Monument

The Columbus Monument is a nearly 200-foot (60-meter) statue and historic landmark located at the start of La Rambla. 

It stands high in the sky, pointing out toward the sea. Fun fact: It’s supposed to represent Columbus pointing towards America but in reality it points towards France.

The Christopher Columbus monument is one of the most well-known monuments in Barcelona and worth visiting if only to visit the nearby port. 

The statue is in the middle of a roundabout surrounded by lion statues, which makes a great backdrop for photos. 

11. Indulge in Traditional Churros or Cheesecake

If you have a sweet tooth, definitely don’t miss out on trying some traditional desserts while in Barcelona.

La Pallaresa Xocolateria Xurreria is a small, local restaurant known for traditional Spanish churros. I’d recommend going in the morning as that’s the traditional time of day to enjoy churros. 

For cheesecake, visit JonCake, where they sell cheesecake by the pound in varieties including classic, brie, and chocolate. 

JonCake is almost always busy and you’ll likely have to stand in line before ordering. If you want to skip the line, download their app and order ahead of time!

12. Visit the Santa Maria del Mar Basilica

Santa Maria del Mar is one of the most popular churches in Barcelona and it feels very different from some of the more elaborate ones you’ll see around the city.

It’s the kind of place you’ll probably come across just by wandering. That’s how I first discovered it!

The basilica features beautiful stained glass windows, intricate stonework, and a grand chapel with a seating capacity of 2,000 people. 

If you want to go inside, guided tours are available which take you to the chapel, museum, crypt, towers, and terraces. 

13. See a Performance at the Palau de la Música Catalana

As one of the most famous buildings in Barcelona, I can almost guarantee that you’ve never entered a concert hall as beautiful as Palau de la Música Catalana. 

Palau de la Música Catalana was built in the early 1900s and features intricate stained glass, ornate sculptures, vibrant mosaics, and a massive skylight that floods the hall in natural light.

The historic building hosts concerts and performances almost every day including operas, orchestras, theatrical dance, flamenco, and more. 

Visit the official website for a list of the upcoming programs, as well as ticket costs and time.

14. Stroll Through Plaça de Sant Jaume

Situated in the Old City of Barcelona, the Plaça de Sant Jaume is another popular square in the middle of the Gothic Quarter.

It’s where you’ll find the Barcelona City Council and the Palau de la Generalitat, two of the most important institutional buildings in Catalonia. 

Plaça Sant Jaume hosts various events throughout the year, including concerts, Festes de Santa Eulàlia, decorations for the Sant Jordi Festival, activities during the La Mercè festival, and citizen demonstrations. 

If you visit Barcelona at the right time of year, you might be able to participate in one of these events. And if not, it’s worth a stroll as you’re exploring the Gothic Quarter.

15. Visit the Museu d’Història de Barcelona (MUHBA)

If you’re into history, the Museu d’Història de Barcelona (MUHBA) is worth a visit, especially for the underground Roman ruins beneath the city.

But the real standout here is the Temple of Augustus, which is one of those hidden gems in Barcelona that most people walk right past without realizing it’s there.

Hidden away in a small courtyard, the remaining Roman columns date back more than 2,000 years and feel surprisingly quiet for being in the middle of the Gothic Quarter.

The Temple of Augustus is part of MUHBA and is completely free to visit.

I hope this guide has given you some ideas for the best things to do in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona!

There’s honestly so much to see and do, and the narrow streets and medieval architecture that appear in almost every corner makes it feel as though you’ve stepped back into the middle ages.

Make sure to add some free time to your Barcelona itinerary to simply wander the streets and uncover shops, restaurants, and cafes that peak your interest.

It’s hard not to fall in love with this area of Barcelona!

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