From the Cathedral’s
square to little-known pastry shops on hidden alleyways, Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, or Barri Gotic, is one of the city’s most fascinating
areas. Here the old Roman Wall still stands, weaving in and out of fashionable
boutiques, restaurants, museums and palm tree-clad plazas. Our tour
visits what I consider to be the ‘Best of the Gothic Quarter’ as a local here
in Barcelona.
We’ll touch on some of the biggies, like El
Palau, but will also visit some spots most tourists miss, such as La Granja. Our tour ends by
the sea at an authentic tapa bar.
Tips in this Tour:
Be prepared to walk! Barcelona is a walkable city and hoofing it is the best mode of transport. Bring comfortable shoes and don't forget your map. In the spring and summer you'll want sunscreen for long days walking around the sunny city. If you tire of walking, grab a bike taxi and have them cycle you around the Gothic Zone.
Watch out! It's no joke, Barcelona is infamous for pickpockets. Though it is fairly safe and violent crime is rare, many tourists are robbed in Barcelona. Some of the worst spots are: the metro, the airport and the airport shuttle bus, the tourist bus, in lines for important Gaudi sites, and on Las Ramblas.
Avoid eating on Las Ramblas which is dangerous (see tip 2), overpriced, and usually not very good quality. For better deals and a more authentic experience try eating off of the main tourist tracks and venturing further into the Gothic Quarter. Here you will find many unique and delicious cafes and restaurants.
When buying souvenirs in the Gothic Zone consider buying from the artisans who are usually set up in the Cathedral Plaza. These artists are local and purchasing their crafts and foods is a surefire way to get a real Barcelona-buy. Another good place to shop is at the Plaza de Pi's painter's market on the weekends.
Here's a tip, don't tip! This was hard for me to get used to as an American, but tipping is not common in Barcelona. When people tip it is because they have some extra change and they leave it behind or because the service is excellent.
Transportation:
By Foot - Easy walking
Specialty:
City/Town
Category:
Guided Tour - play before & while you tour
Rating:
Added:
01/18/2009
Duration:
30 min
Purchase/Download:
More about this tour
Chapters in this tour:
Introduction El Palau, Market, & Cathedral Vila Madrid, La Granja, & Placa Pi Santa Maria & El Borne Post Office, Port, & Beach
Provider: Regina Winkle Bryan
Regina W.B. lives and plays in la bonita Barcelona, Spain. She has written extensively on Barcelona and is here to share inside tips on what’s new, worth it and happening in her adopted city. See more of her work at: http://www.regwb.com/ and www.thespainscoop.com
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