Barcelona is very famous for its various neighborhoods. Either by walk or bicycle, you will experience the Catalan energy that animates the streets of its capital.

And if you get hungry during the journey, don’t miss on trying the famous Spanish Paella or Tapas.

Here is a list of the most famous neighborhoods of Barcelona, as well as some points of interest:

Located in the very centre of Barcelona, Barrio Gotico is the most famous and ancient neighborhood of the city, as it was founded by the Romans.

It’s little streets connect several points of interest that are really worth the walk. Also, remember to look up sometimes, as the Gothic buildings are of a great beauty as well.

Through your errands, you will see the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia dating from the 15th century, Plaza Real with its beautiful palm trees which are surrounded by Napoleonian style buildings, and Placa del Pi where you will encounter lots of little shops, painters and cafes.

Don’t miss the Gothic-style bridge of Carrer del Bisbe connecting the Palau de la Generalitat, which houses the Catalonian Presidency offices, to the Cases dels Canonges where stays the President of Catalonia, built in 1928 by Joan Rubió.

You can also discover the vestiges of Roman Barcelona, at the time called Barcino, in the Museu d’Història de Barcelona, where you will see the ancient foundations of the city.

But if you have the time and the energy, don’t hesitate and get lost in Barrio Gotico. There is a lot more to discover.

Right next to Barrio Gotico, you will find another old neighborhood of Barcelona, El Born. It is a little less touristy and less noisy than the Gothic neighborhood, so you will be much more soaked into the local life.

It is a very interesting neighborhood, because you will find the alliance of very modern and stylish people and places with very authentic streets, churches and restaurants.

The buildings that you will see are remnants of the 18th Century, which was a prosperous period thanks to the nearby port. Then El Born lost its prestige, and became more popular. In the beginning of the 20th Century, a great numbers of immigrants settled in the neighborhood, but by the end of it, the city decided to give it a new breath. Today, art galleries, designer shops and trendy bars coexist with the old spirit of Barcelona.

If you are an artsy person yourself, you may want to visit the Picasso Museum. It is located in a charming narrow medieval street, where five medieval palaces have been connected together to create the museum. They are a great example of the Catalan Gothic architecture.

As for Barrio Gothic, do not hesitate in getting lost in the neighborhood, as it is the best way to discover the multiple sides of El Born.

If the weather is supportive, you can have a walk in Parc de la Ciutadella, not far from El Born. Similarly to Central Park in New-York, Parc de la Ciutadella is the lung of busy Barcelona.

You can check out the zoo and the little museums dedicated to Nature, or simply have a walk, rent a little boat to spend a moment on the lake, wander next to the gorgeous cascade which was inspired by the Trevi fountain in Rome. Also, don’t forget to check out the building of the Parliament of Catalonia.

For art lovers, the National Art Museum of Catalonia is also located right in the park.

This super animated large avenue is the most famous of Barcelona and leads you through the whole city-center, from Plaça Catalunya towards Port Vell and the beach.

This artery is not only at the crossroads with many other worthwhile little streets, but it is also very animated and interesting by itself. If you look up, you will encounter many splendid buildings such as the Gran Teatre del Liceu. Right next to it, if you look down, you will see “Pla de l’Os’’ a mosaic made by the famous painter Joan Miró!

From the Rambla, you can also go to the Boqueria, a covered market where you will find fruits and veggies, meats and spanish hams, seafood, nuts, spices, sweets and a lot more.

Because of its bad reputation in the 19th century, El Raval is still sometimes seen as a creepy neighborhood. Of course, nowadays, it is completely fine to go and stroll there. It is a very dynamic, authentic and artsy neighborhood of Barcelona.

If you are an art lover, MACBA is a must. The Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art has a great collection of works by the young Catalan generation and post-1945 Catalan and Spanish art.

Also, check out the Gaudi’s Palau Guell, next to La Rambla.

If you like walking, don’t forget to check out the Sant Pau del Camp. It is one of the oldest Roman churches of the city. Have a seat in its cosy garden and enjoy the bringing back in time.

Then, move towards the Antic Hospital de la Santa Creu. It is one of the most gorgeous Catalan Gothic buildings. It is surrounded by other interesting buildings and having a walk in that complex is definitely worth it.

The Park Güell was ordered to Antoni Gaudi by the rich businessman Eusebi Güell, for the Barcelona aristocracy.

You will have the opportunity to discover Gaudi’s art in this splendid and unique park.

At the top of the park, you’ll find a gorgeous mosaic seating area, from which you will have a panoramic view over Barcelona.

Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia is a staple of Barcelona.

It’s construction started in 1882 and is still not finished! But you would not want to miss this architectural chef-d’oeuvre, as it is one of the best representations of Catalan Modernism.

It’s one of the most intriguing buildings of Barcelona. This Gaudi creation is located on Passeig de Gràcia.

It was ordered by a rich businessman, Joseph Batlló i Casanovas, in 1904, who wanted to completely refashion a building that he just acquired. Batllo suggested destroying the building in order for Gaudi to build a new one, but the artist managed to just reshape it.

The architecture of the building is unique. Barcelonans often call it Casa Dels Ossos (House of Bones) because its facade details resemble human and even beast bones. The blue color is omnipresent, as Gaudi was very much inspired by the aquatic world. The mosaic patterns and the ceramic tiles start behaving like waves, when they are hit by the sun.

If you have the opportunity, visit the inside of Casa Batlló. You will be transported into a dreamy-like atmosphere, a completely surrealistic and unique aquatic world.

The top of the building will make you feel as if you were swallowed by some beast, as the arcs in the attic remind of rib-cage bones…