Barcelona Neighborhoods
Few cities in the world can match Barcelona in the variety and color of neighborhoods and districts. Within a matter of a few short steps you can pass from the gothic shadows and narrow streets of the middle ages to the modernismo of the early 20th century to ultra-contemporary steel and glass designs that put residents and businesses on the cutting edge of urban development. Shopping areas range from open air markets where you can haggle over the price of everything from parakeets to purses, to state of the art shopping centers featuring the best retail names in the world.

Gracia is home to students, artists and political types. Residents from all over the city - and visitors from around the world - hang out at Placa del Sol, a popular square day or night with its cafes, bars and 19-century architecture.

The Ciutat Vella (Old City) is a web of narrow streets and squares comprises. It was built within the old Roman walls when Barcelona was one of the richest and most important Mediterranean trading cities. The heart of the district is centered around the Catedral and Placa Sant Jaume. Today this is the site of Barcelona's city hall and the administrative center for the government of Catalonia. However, the roots of this particular area of the Old City reach all the way back to the days when Catalonia's kings ruled from these streets still known as the Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter). The Placa del Rei, formerly the medieval marketplace, is said to be where King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella welcomed Christopher Columbus home from America in 1493.

Barcelona developed into a major seaport, and the small village which once served the community as bee refurbished and reborn as La Barceloneta (Little Barcelona). Today the traditions of the sea are kept alive in the neighborhood. It's a great place to eat; many seafood restaurants (chiringuitos) line the seafront.

For another taste of Barcelona tradition, visit Las Ramblas, a long open air marketplace dotted by architectural gems and flavored with street performers, cafes and shops. El Born is a trendy and fashionable neighborhood loaded with historic attractions, art galleries, funky shops, bars and tapas. Poble Espanol (Spanish Village) offers a unique look into architectural styles from all over Spain.

L'Eixample represents the city's last major expansion. In fact, the name means "The Extension". As noteworthy for its example of city planning and street design as it is for the top rate residential, commercial and business district that it has become, L'Eixample is a great place to go for excellent shopping and nightlife.