Staying in El Born
El Born (part of Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera) mixes medieval streets with design shops, cocktail bars and the Gothic basilica of Santa Maria del Mar.
Compare hotels: El Born, Barcelona Flights to Barcelona
Who it suits
Couples and design lovers who want the old town with a bit more polish than the Gòtic. Jaume I (L4) and Arc de Triomf (L1) are close.
Highlights
Picasso Museum on Carrer de Montcada, El Born Centre de Cultura i Memòria, Parc de la Ciutadella and Mercat de Santa Caterina.
Trade-offs
Bars on Passeig del Born are busy late, and rooms in old buildings are often compact.
FAQ
Is El Born better than the Gothic Quarter?
It is slightly calmer and more stylish, and just as central. The beach is about 15 minutes away on foot.