If La Ramba is the main artery of Barcelona, then Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter) is Barcelona’s heart. While there are a few sights to see in the Gothic Quarter, I am always drawn back here for a lovely stroll, full of ambiance at any time of the day. I try to stay in central Barcelona hotels right along La Ramba whenever I visit Barcelona and I make it a point to walk through the Gothic Quarter while going to and from whatever destination I set out for.

The Gothic Quarter is centered around the Placa de Sant Jaume very near the Barcelona Cathedral. This area was chosen by the Romans when they first settled a town here, a town that would grow into Barcelona, and the city’s administrative buildings have been here ever since. The cathedral on the inside is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture, though it isn’t as impressive as the nearby Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar. Just east of the Gothic Quarter is the Royal Palace where Columbus was received by the royals after his return from the new world. But again, the main reason to linger in the Gothic Quarter is just to take in the beautiful doorways, arches and hidden little designs of the Quarter where Barcelona began. I’ve tried several of the restaurants around the Placa de Sant Jaume as well as near the cathedral and haven’t had a bad tapas meal there yet.  Placa de Sant Jaume is also a lovely, lively place to stroll through at night when the locals come out for dinner.

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