Ciutat Vella Travel Guide

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

Rialto
Rialto
3 out of 5
Carrer de Ferran, 40-42, Barcelona, Barcelona
The price is Rp3.334.990 per night from 4 May to 5 May
Rp3.334.990
Rp3.922.484 total
includes taxes & fees
4 May - 5 May
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
"Love it"

Reviewed on 27 Apr 2025

Rialto
Andante Hotel
Andante Hotel
3 out of 5
Avinguda de les Drassanes, 23-25, Barcelona
The price is Rp2.574.931 per night from 4 May to 5 May
Rp2.574.931
Rp3.086.419 total
includes taxes & fees
4 May - 5 May
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,108 reviews)
"Steps away (a few blocks) to Les Rambles a vibrant tree lined street of shops with a huge out door market not a far walk. The hotel was spotless clean, new and modern. I wish I would still need longer to take more advantage of the energy such as the rooftop pool, the gym, and me breakfast restaurant. ..."

Reviewed on 28 Apr 2025

Andante Hotel
Arc la Rambla
Arc la Rambla
3 out of 5
La Rambla 19, Barcelona
The price is Rp3.323.620 per night from 4 May to 5 May
Rp3.323.620
Rp3.909.977 total
includes taxes & fees
4 May - 5 May
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,781 reviews)
"The hotel was convenient to access many areas, near the Metro, lots of restaurants in the area. The hotel itself is lovely and the staff were extremely helpful. Breakfast buffet was very good with quite a few options. Definitely recommend it."

Reviewed on 28 Apr 2025

Arc la Rambla
Barceló Raval
Barceló Raval
4.5 out of 5
Rambla del Raval, 17-21, Barcelona
The price is Rp2.518.954 per night from 4 May to 5 May
Rp2.518.954
Rp3.084.109 total
includes taxes & fees
4 May - 5 May
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,187 reviews)
"Very nice hotel"

Reviewed on 24 Apr 2025

Barceló Raval
W Barcelona
W Barcelona
5 out of 5
Plaça Rosa dels Vents, 1, Barcelona
The price is Rp6.494.178 per night from 25 May to 26 May
Rp6.494.178
Rp7.609.253 total
includes taxes & fees
25 May - 26 May
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Location fabulous hotel"

Reviewed on 26 Apr 2025

W Barcelona
Hotel Monegal
Hotel Monegal
2 out of 5
Pelayo 62, Barcelona
The price is Rp2.008.353 per night from 18 May to 19 May
Rp2.008.353
Rp2.461.667 total
includes taxes & fees
18 May - 19 May
Stay at this hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and a local area shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.8/10 Good! (850 reviews)
"We cannot wait to go back to Spain. We will stay here. Right in the heart if the Ramblas. Within walking distance to anywhere you want to go. Staff is extended friendly. Felt safe the entire time."

Reviewed on 21 Apr 2025

Hotel Monegal
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

Default Image

El Born

The abundant dining options and interesting museums are just a few top-rate features of the neighbourhood. 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
Default Image

Gothic Quarter

4.5/5(1,039 area reviews)

Known for its stunning cathedral and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Gothic Quarter. Check out top attractions like La Rambla and Port de Barcelona, and jump on the metro at Jaume I Station or Liceu Station to see more of the city.

Gothic Quarter
Default Image

Downtown Barcelona

Known for its fascinating museums, stunning cathedral and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Barcelona. Top attractions like La Rambla and Plaça de Catalunya are major draws. Catch the metro at Liceu Station or Jaume I Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Barcelona
Default Image

Barceloneta

4.5/5(44 area reviews)

Barceloneta is a destination visitors seek out for its beaches, abundant dining options and seaside views. You might want to check out attractions like Port de Barcelona or Barceloneta Beach while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Barceloneta
Default Image

Sant Pere

Sant Pere is beloved for its fantastic nightlife. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Palau de la Música Catalana and Arc de Triomf.

Sant Pere
Default Image

El Raval

4/5(558 area reviews)

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

Ciutat Vella Travel Guide