Tips about visiting the Gothic Quarter

GOTHIC QUARTER (BARI GOTIC)

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The Gothic Quarter is one of the most famous landmarks in Barcelona. Located in the heart of the old city, this neighborhood features a fusion of buildings dating from Roman times to the 20th century. The real beauty of the Gothic Quarter is its intriguing little streets and alleyways that twist their through the ancient buildings. There are so many little streets to wander around, we challenge anyone to take the same route twice and if you do manage to do that, you're either very lucky or not being adventurous enough! We had all sorts of problems finding our way back to a Pintxos Bar we had spent quite some time in a few days earlier, see story here.

The Gothic quarter has many peaceful squares where you can relax and enjoy your surroundings. However one of the main attractions, right in the heart of the district is the huge Barcelona Cathedral dating back to the 13th century. The full name for this cathedral is Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia of Barcelona and if you are wondering why there are a number of geese kept in the small cloister at the rear of the cathedral, the church still keeps 13, Eulalia’s age at martyrdom, white geese in her honor.

You will be spoilt for choice of restaurants and bars, especially around Plaça Reial which is always full day and night, but push on further into the maze if you want to really explore this fascinating concoction of alleyways. The night-life in the Gothic Quarter is lively to say the least though you will always find somewhere to have a drink, coffee or a meal at any time of the day just be aware that a number of small businesses still close for siesta (see here for possible origin) in the late afternoon. Shopping is also amazing in the Gothic Quarter, as Jo can well attest to, and there are a huge assortment of tourist trinket shops through to upmarket clothing stores.

We wandered for hours through this area at all times of the day and night and although some areas are not well lit, we walked a little faster through these areas, we never felt threatened or vulnerable. So after you have exhausted your fill of "people watching" on Las Ramblas the Gothic Quarter offers an unmissable experience to explore something completely different.

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