La Ribera

Barcelona

La Ribera
La Ribera
La Ribera
La Ribera
La Ribera

Artistic and affluent, this neighborhood located in the wider district of Sant Pere, Barcelona, sprung up around its Gothic cathedral.

La Ribera is where Barcelona’s nobility used to live and where wealthy merchants settled down. Visit a Renaissance, Baroque or medieval “palau” (palace), browse prestigious art museums or visit fun family attractions.

Streets in La Ribera typically carry the names of artisan trades, such as Sombrerers (hatters), Mirallers (mirror makers) and Argenters (silversmiths).

Admire the Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar, a fine example of Catalan Gothic architecture. Pop around the back to admire the Fossar de les Moreres, a modern monument with eternal flame commemorating the 1714 siege of Barcelona.

From the cathedral, stroll along the Passeig del Born to the old Born Market, which now houses the modern Born Centre de Cultura i Memòria. La Ribena and El Born are sometimes seen as one city quarter and the Born Market is where they meet. Come back to this area late at night to sample savory tapas, sip on sweet cocktails and dance the samba.

Browse the Carrer Montcada to visit the street’s many art galleries and museums, many housed in old stone palaces or mansions from the 12th century. You can’t miss Palau Baró de Castellet with its vaulted ceilings, the home to the Museu Picasso. Learn about the life and works of one of Spain’s most celebrated painters before moving on to the Museu Europeu d'Art Modern (MEAM) across the road. By contrast, the Museu Etnològic i de Cultures del Món in the same street showcases mostly tribal artworks from all over the globe.

Take the kids to the aquarium in the harbor to the south. Or, visit La Ribena’s Chocolate Museum after exploring the Barcelona Zoo next door in Ciutadella Park.

In the Pla de Palau, admire La Llotja, a neoclassical civic building from the 18th century. Its history goes much further back though and the interior is Gothic. Pablo Picasso used to study art here, but it is now the headquarters of the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce.

Continue south to visit the Museum d’Història de Catalunya near the waterfront. Ask around for the best seafood and paella restaurants in the harbor to end your visit to La Ribera, which means “Coastal Strip” or “Shore,” in style.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in La Ribera

Hotel Rec Barcelona - Adults only

Hotel Rec Barcelona - Adults only

3 out of 5
Carrer del Rec Comtal, 19, Barcelona
The price is P8,148 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P8,148
P9,704 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
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! (1,002 reviews)
"Loved it!!"

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Hotel Rec Barcelona - Adults only
H10 Cubik

H10 Cubik

4.5 out of 5
Via Laietana, 69, Centre, Barcelona
The price is P12,185 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P12,185
P14,249 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and 2 coffee shops/cafes. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,002 reviews)
Barcelona
"Central location, amazing breakfast, comfortable room. The best part was the stunning roof terrace. The only thing that could be improved would be to have another mirror in the bedroom area, but overall a delightful hotel."

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2025

H10 Cubik
Grand Hotel Central

Grand Hotel Central

5 out of 5
Via Laietana 30, Barcelona
The price is P19,007 per night from Aug 7 to Aug 8
P19,007
P22,020 total
Aug 7 - Aug 8
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 bar and the helpful staff in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (999 reviews)
Lovely hotel in central location
"We enjoyed our stay here. The hotel is very central and has a lovely roof top bar and pool. We found the room and bathroom to be quite small but it had everything we needed and were only there for two nights. Would have booked a larger room if we stayed longer."

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

Grand Hotel Central
Barcelona Airport Hotel

Barcelona Airport Hotel

4 out of 5
Plaza de la Volateria, 3, Poligono Mas Blau, El Prat de Llobregat
The price is P9,925 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P9,925
P11,095 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in El Prat de Llobregat. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (5,026 reviews)
"Great quick stay"

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

Barcelona Airport Hotel
Nobu Hotel Barcelona

Nobu Hotel Barcelona

5 out of 5
Avenida de Roma 2-4, Barcelona, Barcelona
The price is P15,193 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P15,193
P17,825 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
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 breakfast and the restaurant in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,023 reviews)
"Really good"

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Nobu Hotel Barcelona
Grand Hyatt Barcelona

Grand Hyatt Barcelona

5 out of 5
Plaza de Pio XII, 4, Barcelona
The price is P11,701 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P11,701
P13,983 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
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 clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,234 reviews)
"It was nice."

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Grand Hyatt Barcelona
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 La Ribera

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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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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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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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Ciutat Vella

Known for its stunning cathedral, captivating waterfront views, and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Ciutat Vella. Top attractions like La Rambla and Barcelona Cathedral are major draws. Catch the metro at Jaume I Station or Barceloneta Station to see more of the city.

Ciutat Vella
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el Fort Pienc

You might enjoy the bars while in el Fort Pienc. Avinguda Diagonal is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Marina Station or Arc de Triomf Station to see more of the city.

el Fort Pienc
Placa de Catalunya showing outdoor art and a statue or sculpture

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

La Ribera