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 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

Lamaro Hotel

Lamaro Hotel

5 out of 5
Avenida Catedral, 7, Barcelona
Fully refundable
The price is P13,722 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P13,722
P16,180 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
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! (1,773 reviews)
"Best hotel we have ever stayed at! Every staff member is so incredibly kind and helpful. Not one negative thing to say"

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

Lamaro Hotel
Rialto

Rialto

3 out of 5
Carrer de Ferran, 40-42, Barcelona, Barcelona
The price is P7,785 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
P7,785
P9,287 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
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! (2,350 reviews)
"For a few night stay in Barcelona, the Rialto was a decent choice for the price. Our room was quite small and tight but it worked out for us. Cleaners did a good job between days. Front desk staff definitely rude but that was somewhat expected as a tourist in Spain. Great location in the Gothic ..."

Reviewed on Jul 27, 2025

Rialto
Hotel Rec Barcelona - Adults only

Hotel Rec Barcelona - Adults only

3 out of 5
Carrer del Rec Comtal, 19, Barcelona
The price is P6,817 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
P6,817
P8,222 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,017 reviews)
"hotel bien ubicado y cerca varios lugares a pie para comer . Quillo pequeño restaurante cerca a 1 min es excelente opción. 15 minutos caminando de la plaza de la cataluña , catedral de barcelona y otros sitios . muy buena unicacion"

Reviewed on Jul 24, 2025

Hotel Rec Barcelona - Adults only
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 P8,072 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P8,072
P9,704 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
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! (1,170 reviews)
Really pleased, funky hotel, great location
"This was a fantastic hotel - very cool and funky. The bedrooms were clean and very comfortable. We had a Double Deluxe, there was plenty of room. The 360 bar was incredible and is a perfect place to spend your evening. I was really happy with this hotel and would certainly recommend it. We did not ..."

Reviewed on Jul 24, 2025

Barceló Raval
W Barcelona

W Barcelona

5 out of 5
Plaça Rosa dels Vents, 1, Barcelona
The price is P22,035 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
P22,035
P25,324 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
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! (1,000 reviews)
"Everything about this hotel was amazing! Everyone was friendly and welcoming, the room was spacious and clean, and the food and drinks were outstanding at all the restaurants and bars. It was the perfect place to spend our 30th anniversary. We loved that we were close enough to be able to walk into ..."

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

W Barcelona
Eurostars Grand Marina

Eurostars Grand Marina

5 out of 5
Moll De Barcelona S/n, Barcelona
The price is P9,657 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
P9,657
P11,708 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,077 reviews)
"Stayed here for cruise day ahead of departure. Hotel is near pier, hop on buses to see Barcelona. We ate in the tapas/bar restaurant. I was excellent, drinks were delicious."

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

Eurostars Grand Marina
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 ample dining options and fascinating museums are just a few popular features of the neighborhood. 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

5/5(1 area review)

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

La Rambla and Plaça de Catalunya are a few top attractions in Downtown Barcelona. Hop around the city on the metro at Liceu Station or Jaume I Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, stunning cathedral, and popular shops.

Downtown Barcelona
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Barceloneta

Barceloneta is a destination visitors seek out for is 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 neighborhood.

Barceloneta
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El Raval

4/5(1 area review)

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

Travelers choose Sant Antoni for its great 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