Barcelona is the official capital of Catalonia, a regional identity characterized by a great, long history, unique architecture, and diverse culture. It is possibly even more interesting to note that Barcelona is quite a large city divided into several distinct districts.
Starting from the architectural outline of the Old Town of Barcelona to different modern regulated bars on the beach, each corner of Barcelona has its own unique taste.
The Gothic Quarter
It is one of the oldest part which is in the central part of Barcelona and it is infamous for having small clears, tiny roads, old buildings, and squares. Rich in historical importance, this historic area is one of Barcelona’s most popular sights, which includes Barcelona district Cathedral, Plaça del Rei Square, and Ramblas Street.
Exploring the Gothic Quarter makes one stay surrounded by a kind of medieval atmosphere since each turn can turn up various historical mysteries.
El Raval
With the Gothic Quarter mentioned above, there is El Raval, which is a colorful and diverse district that tends to be artsy and edgy. A long time ago El Raval was considered a poor and slightly shady surrounding but nowadays, during the past years, it is one of the most popular and creative Barcelona districts that make the spirit of Barcelona.
Starting from the contemporary architecture of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA) to the boisterous Rambla del Raval, this quarter is a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, multi-lingual food lovers’ paradise that abounds in art and creativity in equal measures.
Eixample
Eixample refers to Barcelona’s central expanded district with a characteristic grid pattern and is famous for Modernist architecture and elegant commercial promenades.
Here, it is possible not only to observe the fantastic stucco of Casa Batlló and La Pedrera designed by Antoni Gaudí, but also walk through the Bikini Bar, Passeig de Gràcia, and the beautiful streets of the most expensive area of the city.
Eixample is considered to be one of the most artistic neighborhoods of Barcelona and each corner of the streets is like an open-air gallery of the city.
Gràcia
Next to the district of Eixample, there is the beautiful Gracia, which is artistic, liberal, and famous for its energetic squares and cheerful celebrations. Before becoming one of the districts of Barcelona, Gràcia was a village that has all the traces of town, and its streets were lined with artisanal stores, cafes, and boho shops.
The most famous annual festival is the Festa Major de Gràcia through which this residential area turns into a musical and dancing neighborhood for a week.
Barceloneta
Barceloneta is an area of Barcelona that is located along the Mediterranean Sea coast; it is a popular area due to the beautiful sandy beaches, seafood, and relaxing environment here.
Initially developed as a fisher’s camp, Barceloneta has grown into an elegant coastal zone with a boardwalk brimming with fish-eating establishments, bars, and ice-cream places.
At the length of 1.2 kilometers, Barceloneta is Barcelona’s finest and has all the features of a perfect beach vacation: sunbathing on the sand, eating seafood at a chiringuito, windsurfing, or paddleboarding.
Conclusion
Each of Barcelona districts represent a different facet of the city, its culture, history, and people’s manner of living.
From the old and medieval part of the city known as the Gothic Quarter to the bohemian district and a favorite of locals called Gràcia, these Barcelona districts show every side of Barcelona. Regardless, of whether one is a fan of history, food, beaches, and art, this city has lots to offer for any type of traveler who wants to get acquainted with a historical seaside city in Southeast Asia.
FAQs
Which area of the city is more preferable to have a hotel stay in Barcelona?
Barcelona has several parts and based on your taste; you need to decide on the best area to live in. The Gothic Quarter is a place recommended to those who want to explore history as much as possible, whereas Barceloneta is an ideal destination for tourists who are eager to spend time on the coast.
Which place is famous for a good night out?
Due to the extensive presence of restaurants, cafes, bars, clubs, and entertainment outlets, El Raval and the Gothic Quarter are popular Barcelona districts for young people.
Which part of Barcelona has the richest history?
Barcelona has many places that are worth to visit: The Gothic Quarter is the oldest part of the city and reminds the layout of the Roman period; It is rather a maze of narrow streets where you can see many Gothic buildings.
Which area is the best to taste the delicious dishes in Barcelona?
It is necessary to note here that fish and seafood lovers will surely pay attention to Barceloneta, while Gràcia and El Raval provide a greater number of various international restaurants and the classics of Catalan cuisine.
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Ferona Jose is a passionate travel writer and blogger at Travelistia. She has traveled throughout Europe, Asia and the Americas. Her writing focuses on cheap travel destinations, travel experiences, cultural insights, and travel hacks.