Ciutat Vella Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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 centre, 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 centre and also the central hub of Barcelona’s transportation system. Reach almost anywhere in the city easily by subway, bus or car. The centre is extremely walkable. Get to the historic centre 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

Activities


Our pick of the best Ciutat Vella Hotel Deals

Lamaro Hotel

Lamaro Hotel

5 out of 5
Avenida Catedral, 7, Barcelona
The price is AU$507 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
AU$507
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,795 reviews)
"The roof top bar was expensive but the restaurant was very reasonable, we had a wonderful meal there. The breakfast was amazing. The staff are over the top helpful. The property is spotless. The gothic quarter is the best experiance. We were a party of 8, so we booked 4 rooms, every room was ..."

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Lamaro Hotel
Barceló Raval

Barceló Raval

4.5 out of 5
Rambla del Raval, 17-21, Barcelona
The price is AU$256 per night from 11 Nov to 12 Nov
AU$256
11 Nov - 12 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,174 reviews)
"Staff all very helpful, friendly and attentive. Hotel rooms starting to look a bit dated. Amazing breakfast."

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Barceló Raval
Andante Hotel

Andante Hotel

3 out of 5
Avinguda de les Drassanes, 23-25, Barcelona
The price is AU$237 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
AU$237
10 Nov - 11 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,211 reviews)
"Hotel is very good, the location is not so nice."

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2025

Andante Hotel
Arc la Rambla

Arc la Rambla

3 out of 5
La Rambla 19, Barcelona
The price is AU$237 per night from 13 Nov to 14 Nov
AU$237
13 Nov - 14 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,957 reviews)
Nice Hotel in a Good Location
"The hotel is located on the busy street of La Rumbla, but we didn't hear any noise at night. The location is ideal, but we had to drag our luggage for about 700 meters due to street repairs. The room is clean and beautiful. We didn't try their breakfast, so can't comment. The staff is friendly and ..."

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

Arc la Rambla
Eurostars Grand Marina

Eurostars Grand Marina

5 out of 5
Moll De Barcelona S/n, Barcelona
The price is AU$318 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
AU$318
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,131 reviews)
"We did not use the spa facilities. The staff, especially the front desk, and in particular Sergi, were excellent. Possibly the most helpful and efficient front desk staff we have ever encountered at any hotel. The room cleaning staff could have been more focused. They did not clean the dirty wine ..."

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Eurostars Grand Marina
Hesperia Barri Gòtic

Hesperia Barri Gòtic

Ample 31, Barcelona
The price is AU$305 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
AU$305
10 Nov - 11 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (251 reviews)
"We loved this sweet property. It was perfectly located to everything we wanted to walk to. The room was VERY small to navigate and no room to open luggage but still lovely and was perfect for us as we spent zero time in the room."

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

Hesperia Barri Gòtic
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 Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar or Mercat del Born 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(123 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(2 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 Barceloneta Beach or Port de Barcelona while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Barceloneta
Default Image

El Raval

4/5(61 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
Default Image

Sant Antoni

4/5(2 area reviews)

Travellers choose Sant Antoni for its lively bars. Hop aboard the metro at Sant Antoni Station or Poble Sec Station and check out top sights like Sant Antoni Market.

Sant Antoni


Ciutat Vella Travel Guide

Choose two or more items and save on your trip:

Explore a world of travel with Expedia