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centro barcelona
centro barcelona

Barcelona is a city that enchants at first sight. Its lifestyle, the intriguing layout of its streets, and the perfect balance between the historic and the modern make the city centre a must-visit spot.

Are you wondering what counts as the centre of Barcelona? The city centre is considered to be the area surrounding Plaça de Catalunya, which connects several of the city’s main neighbourhoods, such as the Gothic Quarter, El Raval — the old part — and Eixample. Today, we’re here to tell you all about it, from the best places to visit in the centre of Barcelona, how to get there without losing your patience, where to enjoy the best food, and even walking routes to help you get to know the city like the back of your hand.

Let’s dive in!

Table of contents

What to see in the centre of Barcelona

You must start, no questions asked, with Las Ramblas; the famous artery of the city that’s always full of life, no matter the time of day. It’s home to many street performers, flower stalls, and quite a buzz — it’s one of the busiest streets in the city.

You also can’t leave the centre of Barcelona without visiting Plaça de Catalunya, a top meeting point and the gateway to many of Barcelona’s main attractions. From here, you can head towards the Gothic Quarter, a maze of mediaeval alleyways that transport you to another era, visit the stunning Barcelona Cathedral with its impressive Gothic façade, or see Plaça Sant Jaume, where you’ll find the Town Hall and the Palace of the Generalitat, both of which are a delight to behold.

Just a few steps away, you’ll also find the Mercado de la Boqueria (Boqueria Market), a feast for the senses — especially the taste buds. Here, you can treat yourself to plenty of fresh produce like fruits and vegetables, or enjoy a tapa of Iberian ham or cheese while soaking up the atmosphere.

Another spot not to be missed is the Palau de la Música Catalana, a modernist building brimming with stained glass, mosaics, and colours everywhere. And of course, don’t miss the chance to visit the Sagrada Familia and climb one of its towers, where you’ll get the best panoramic view of the city.

How to get to the centre of Barcelona from the airport without losing your mind

Getting to the centre of Barcelona from the airport — which is 15 kilometres away — might seem daunting, especially if it’s your first time in Barcelona and you’re unaware of all the transport options. But don’t worry, there are more ways than you think to get from Barcelona Airport to the centre.

The most comfortable option is the Aerobús, a blue bus that will take you directly from El Prat Airport to the city centre, with stops at Plaça de Catalunya, Gran Via, and other central areas. It runs every 10 or 15 minutes and takes around 35 minutes for the full journey — a quick and easy option that will cost you less than €10.

If you prefer something more affordable, the train is also a great alternative. The R2 Nord line connects the airport with Sants station and other central points in Barcelona. It runs every 30 minutes or so, stopping at Clot d’Aragó, Passeig de Gracia, Sants, and Bellvitge.

You can also opt for the metro; Line 9 Sud (L9S) connects both airport terminals with various stops leading to the university area, where you can transfer to other lines to get to the centre. It runs every 7 minutes and has plenty of stops, including Parc Nou, Fira, and Collblanc.

Lastly, if you’re looking for total comfort and minimal effort, there are always taxis; they take around 20 minutes to get you to your destination, depending on traffic. It’s the most expensive option, but if you’re travelling with lots of luggage or arrive in Barcelona exhausted, it might be worth it.

The best places to eat in the centre of Barcelona

The centre of Barcelona is packed with places to delight your palate, from traditional restaurants to more modern, cosmopolitan options. For a truly authentic experience, head to Can Culleretes, one of the city’s oldest restaurants, where you can sample typical Catalan dishes like escudella or fricandó.

Another excellent option is Els 4Gats, a historic spot once frequented by renowned artists such as Picasso and Gaudí. Here, you can enjoy the finest Mediterranean cuisine with an elegant twist.

If you’re after something more casual but equally authentic, then head straight to the Mercado de la Boqueria. It’s not just a place to see but also to eat. Several spots, such as El Quim de la Boqueria, offer delicious tapas and dishes made with fresh market produce.

And if you’re seeking international dishes, fusion cuisine, or meals that cater to your dietary needs, don’t worry! The centre of Barcelona is full of options to suit all tastes, intolerances, and allergies. From Italian restaurants to Asian options like Nomo Gracia — one of the best restaurants in Gracia — to a wide range of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options such as Biocenter.

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Walking routes around the centre of Barcelona to explore it fully

There’s no better way to get to know the city than by walking, which is why we’re suggesting a couple of routes to explore the centre of Barcelona without needing any form of transport.

The first route can start at Plaça de Catalunya, from where you can walk down Las Ramblas until you reach the Columbus Monument and the port. From there, head towards the Gothic Quarter, getting lost in its narrow alleyways and discovering gems like Plaça del Rei or the Cathedral of Santa Eulàlia. For a final stop, head to the Born district, where you can visit the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar and enjoy a delicious coffee, snack, or cocktail in one of the local establishments.

Another interesting route takes you from the Arc de Triomf to the Ciutadella Park, the perfect spot for a walk and some relaxation. From there, you can walk towards the Born Cultural Centre and explore the history of mediaeval Barcelona. Then, head to another of the city’s much-loved markets, the Santa Caterina Market, which is less touristy than the Boqueria but equally fascinating — ideal for trying local products or buying a souvenir or gift.

Lastly — but certainly not least — we suggest a route that will allow you to explore the city’s modernism. Start at the Palau de la Música Catalana, stroll down Via Laietana, and finish in the famous Gracia district, where you can admire modernist masterpieces such as Casa Batlló and La Pedrera. The perfect blend of history, art, and architecture, don’t you think?

Will you come to discover the centre of Barcelona?

As you can see, the centre of Barcelona is much more than a tourist destination and fully caters to your tastes and needs. Whether you’re after history, good food, architecture, or just a leisurely walk, the centre of Barcelona has it all. So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip and accommodation to come and explore the heart of Barcelona.

Have you already booked your trip to Barcelona but still haven’t sorted your accommodation? Don’t worry, because at Key Barcelona, we have plenty of accommodation options that will suit your preferences perfectly.

Just visit our website, and in a couple of minutes, you’ll have your ideal accommodation to explore the centre of Barcelona from top to bottom.