apartments in the Ciutat Vella area of Barcelona

The Cuitat Vella area is generally considered to be the beating heart of Barcelona. The name translates literally as ‘Old City’ which is appropriate since it is the oldest part of Barcelona dating back to Roman times. Indeed original remnants of this ancient settlement’s foundations are visible throughout the area today. Located alongside the more modern Eixample, this famously vibrant district incorporates four separate neighbourhoods, each with a distinct identity of its own. Barri Gotic and El Gotico are alternative names you might notice on sign posts and street maps for the Gothic Quarter. Its unique labyrinth of winding roads and medieval architecture is extremely atmospheric. Barceloneta, meanwhile, is famous for its beautiful sandy golden beach and seasonal chiringuitos, bars and cafes which open during the warmest seasons. El Raval boasts a richly diverse cultural vibe and has become a fashionable location for artist’s studios and creative people. The final neighbourhood in the Ciutat Vella is possibly the most famous, El Born, also known locally as La Ribera. Impossibly chic and very pretty, in recent years it has become one of the most sought after areas to live in the city.

Cuitat Vella Highlights
The Cuitat Vella has so much to offer any visitor to Barcelona. From excellent museums and art galleries, unique breath-taking architecture, delicious quality dining experiences to some truly pulsating nightlife, the list of fascinating places to discover here seems almost endless.

The most famous street in the country, La Rambla, is located within El Gotico. Famed for its energetic vibe and almost overwhelming crowds, this unique marketplace is always high up there on the ‘to-do’ lists of most visitors to the city. Fight your way through the street buskers and amazingly creative human statues and try your best to elbow your way towards the many stalls and cafes selling souvenirs, local produce and refreshments. Look out for the unusual bird sellers with their stacks of cages of colourful songbirds. Don’t forget your camera.

El Raval is home to Barcelona Contemporary Art Museum, also known as MACBA, one of the city’s top ten visitor attractions. This mammoth museum hosts an incredible collection of some of the most interesting and internationally important art of the 20th century.

The beautiful Plaza Real is certainly a Cuitat Vella highlight. With its towering palm trees and infectiously energetic vibe it is the perfect place to call in for some light refreshments or an evening meal. The name Plaza Real translates as Royal Plaza and this is certainly one of the shiniest architectural jewels in Barcelona’s glittering crown.

Don’t forget to pay a visit to the extremely colourful La Boqueria Market, the beautifully atmospheric Catalan Gothic masterpiece Santa Maria del Mar basilica, the delightful old fisherman’s quarter and stunning sandy beach of Barceloneta. You most definitely won’t be sure of things to do on your holiday in the fantastic city of Barcelona.

Our Cuitat Vella Apartments
We have a broad range of outstanding rental properties of varying sizes within the popular and central Cuitat Vella district. To see their specific location and availability information simply input the date of your visit and click the search button. If you need further assistance or have any questions then please contact our helpful and friendly support team.
 

by James Fisher

This page was researched and written by James Fisher. The information was accurate at time of posting. We suggest that you confirm details directly with the locations before making plans. Copyright 2012.