Every capital city always has its beautifully distinctive neighbourhoods, each representing its own style, and each creating a special atmosphere. Let’s explore and discover the most unique parts of Barcelona.
El Raval
Once notorious for being ‘less than safe’, this area has really come a long way in order to turn that around. But all that adversity has had long-lasting benefits to its ethos. Now modern and ‘hipsterized’, The Raval is a melting pot of culture and peoples which gave birth to the city’s skate scene.
You will sense great vibes here, and will find many interesting bars that you will want to drop in, as well as The Museum of Contemporary Art.
Poble Sec
Tucked away in a corner of Barcelona bordering The Raval and connecting to the port, you will find Poble Sec, a very diverse and unassuming neighbourhood. Here you will enjoy a creative and relaxed atmosphere and experience exhibitions of art, dance, music, and theatre. As well as traditional culture, you will also find something more modern and accessible, such as quirky, humorous bars, many great food outlets, and even cabaret and burlesque.
Sant Antoni
This triangular-shaped neighbourhood at the tip of the Example district also sits next door to Ravel. The area is very clean and features a modern market that is quickly becoming famous and has anything from books, clothes, local produce, and fresh juices available to buy. This is one of the most recommended areas to eat out in restaurants. Sant Antoni also boasts a friendly relaxed atmosphere, and some describe the experience as getting “A real taste of Spain”.
Gracia
An authentic Catalan area that still resembles and feels like a quaint village. Beautiful, and completely unique, with a unified and positively patriotic feel, and host to one of the best annual festivals.
Situated in Garcia is IED Barcelona, an esteemed university for design that is recognised as the most international and multicultural in Spain, and has over a third of courses being held in the English language. One of the university’s many courses, their master’s degree in fashion technology and wearables, for instance, sets up an experimental research environment to provide students with the critical and innovative approach needed within the fashion industry that is emerging. From this school year, the distance learning course in the creative process in fashion design is also available for all those who can’t attend lectures in classrooms.
La Barceloneta
A charming little port area which was once the fisherman’s neighbourhood of old. By being located on the seafront, this area offers a distinct atmosphere to the inland locations, allowing you to slow your pace as you stroll along the promenade, witnessing spectacular views in the fresh warm breeze (even in December).
An abundance of fresh fish and amazing food can be sampled or gorged upon, from a variety of tapas dishes to authentic paella. If that doesn’t get you close enough to the ocean, why not take a boat tour?
The Gothic Quarter
This area of this city is possibly the best known in Barcelona. Known in Spanish as ‘El Barri Gotic’, once you visit, it won’t be hard to see how it earned its name. It was once the central point of the old city, hosting now-famous monuments such as Cathedral Basilica, city hall, and government halls, the picturesque and preserved area still remains a magnet to the many. Strolling through its narrow labyrinth of cobble-stone streets really gives you a sense of medieval and Roman colony times. In contrast, the many squares come alive at night due to the numerous restaurants, bars, and cafes.
La Ribera
Also referred to as ‘The Born’, this pretty and trendy quarter situates between The Gothic Quarter and an amazing park called ‘Ciudadela’. The park is safe and welcoming even after dark, and features the fanciest restaurants and independent designers in town.
Despite the modernisation and inclusion of prime shopping centres, the area maintains a balance between new and old, and is soaked in rich history centering on The ‘Santa Maria Basilica’. This and the local museums are well worth a visit.
Each segment of Barcelona has something wonderful to taste, smell, see, and feel. The people are lovely, and the overall vibe is welcoming and uplifting. It’s a wonderful place, with many more things to discover and experience that could not fit onto one list.
Courtesy of Jennifer Hahn Masterson
