The neighbourhoods of Barcelona

The Gothic Quarter and the streets around La Rambla form the medieval heart of the city: narrow lanes, small squares and the cathedral. It is busy from morning to late evening, and the Boqueria market is at its best before the crowds arrive. Everything is walkable, so leave the metro for other areas and keep an eye on your bag in the busiest streets.

Sights: Plaça de Catalunya, La Rambla, Mercat de la Boqueria, Barcelona Cathedral, Plaça Reial, Palau Güell, MACBA, Portal de l'Àngel

🍽️ Restaurants: 17 · ☕ Breakfast: 2 · 🌙 Evening out: 10

Just across Via Laietana from the Gothic Quarter, El Born mixes medieval lanes with small boutiques, bars and the Picasso Museum. It is lively in the evening, when the terraces fill up, and calmer in the morning. Santa Maria del Mar is a highlight, and the Ciutadella park is a short walk away if you need a break from the streets.

Sights: Palau de la Música Catalana, Santa Maria del Mar, Museu Picasso, Parc de la Ciutadella, Arc de Triomf, Museu de la Xocolata, Mercat de Santa Caterina, Barcelona Zoo, El Born Centre de Cultura i Memòria

🍽️ Restaurants: 13 · ☕ Breakfast: 3 · 🌙 Evening out: 6

The 19th-century grid of wide, straight avenues with chamfered corners is home to Gaudí's best-known buildings, including the Sagrada Família and Casa Batlló on Passeig de Gràcia. Distances between sights are longer than in the old town, so the metro is handy. It is a good area for shopping and long lunches, and the streets are calm in the evening.

Sights: Sagrada Família, Sant Pau Recinte Modernista, Casa Milà (La Pedrera), Casa Batlló, Casa Amatller, Passeig de Gràcia, Spotify Camp Nou and Barça Museum

🍽️ Restaurants: 16 · ☕ Breakfast: 3 · 🌙 Evening out: 4

Once a separate village, Gràcia still feels like one: small squares, independent shops and cafés where locals meet. It is most lively on summer evenings and weekends, when the terraces on Plaça del Sol fill up. Park Güell sits on the hill above, so combine the two and take the metro or a bus up rather than walking.

Sights: Park Güell, CosmoCaixa, Tibidabo Amusement Park, Casa Vicens, Bunkers del Carmel, Gràcia squares (Plaça del Sol and Plaça de la Vila)

🍽️ Restaurants: 7 · ☕ Breakfast: 3 · 🌙 Evening out: 2

Where the city meets the sea: the old harbour, the Columbus Monument at the foot of La Rambla and the beach at Barceloneta. It is breezy and open after the dense old town, and the beach is busiest on warm weekends. The seafront is flat and easy to walk, and the old town is only a short stroll away.

Sights: Columbus Monument (Mirador de Colom), Port Vell & Rambla de Mar, Barceloneta Beach, L'Aquàrium de Barcelona

🍽️ Restaurants: 9 · ☕ Breakfast: 1 · 🌙 Evening out: 3

A large green hill south-west of the centre with gardens, museums, viewpoints and a castle. It is quieter than the rest of the city and suits a relaxed half day, with the National Art Museum and the Fundació Miró among the highlights. It is steep in places, so take the metro or a bus partway up and walk down.

Sights: MNAC (National Art Museum of Catalonia), Fundació Joan Miró, Montjuïc Castle, Fàbrica Moritz Barcelona, Mercat de Sant Antoni, Poble Espanyol

🍽️ Restaurants: 12 · ☕ Breakfast: 1 · 🌙 Evening out: 3