El Born Barcelona
Practical information El Born
Address: El Born is a district of Barcelona located in the Ciutat Vella district, right next to the Gothic Quarter. It is bounded by the via Laietana on one side and the "Parque de la Ciudadela" on the other. You are, moreover, only a few steps away from the beaches of Barcelona!
El Born is very well served by public transportation in Barcelona:
Metro: The closest metro stations to El Born are Jaume I (L4) Barceloneta (L4) Urquinaona L4 and L1.
Bus: The nearest bus lines are V15, 45, 39, 51, 120 and H14.
Hop on Hop Off Bus: Museu d'Història de Catalunya (Museum of the History of Catalonia) stop near the Barceloneta metro station is also an option for visiting El Born
Train: The Estación de Francia station offers connections to other cities in Catalonia, especially on the coast.
Map of El Born
Famous for its cobblestone streets, El Born is a small village within the city. Very fashionable but also very authentic. Violin makers, master glassmakers, boot makers and trendy designers rub shoulders. Retired people play cards, young people chat by the fountains. A festive atmosphere especially in the evening. Don't hesitate to go into the dark alleys to breathe in the old Barcelona. Full of history, witness to the commercial prosperity of the 13th century, El Born (also known as La Ribera) forms with the Barrio Gótico the historic old town of Barcelona.
A tip: Lodging in El Born is a very good idea, you are in a very pleasant area both during the day and at night and it is very central to visit the whole city: Find your hotel in El Born
History of El Born
El Born developed around the church of Santa Maria del Mar. It was formed in sandy areas called Vilanova de la Mar from the 13th century. In medieval times, the Passeig del Born was the site of tournaments and jousts, hence its name, "born", meaning enclosure where jousts and tournaments between medieval knights were held.
The district was initially inhabited by sailors, porters and dockers and laborers. It was not until the 13th century that merchants built more noble houses. El Born became part of the Barcelona city wall in 1438, when the wall was extended.
El Born today
El Born is one of the most charming and popular areas of Barcelona for tourists. A little less so for its inhabitants, who are constantly protesting against ever more invasive tourism. The cohabitation however works very well.
Here are a few points of interest that we particularly appreciate:
The Picasso Museum - A must-see in the neighborhood and in the city. Increasingly large, it now occupies several 13th century Gothic buildings. Great temporary exhibitions for the most visited museum by Catalans in Barcelona! The Santa Caterina market for its colorful architecture and the quality of its products. Without being a competitor of the Boqueria, it is to be discovered. The church of Santa Maria del Mar - considered one of the finest examples of Catalan Gothic architecture. The beautiful Parc de la Ciutadella, located just outside El Born. It is perfect for a walk or a picnic and is also home to the Barcelona Zoo.
Tourist route in El Born
More places to discover El Born.
>>Take advantage of our good addresses such as restaurants and shops.This is also part of discovering a city.
>>> We recommend the best Hotels Barcelona El Born district. As you can see, El Born is the ideal place to stay. With its cultural venues, restaurants, shopping and entertainment. And it's centrally located, with easy access to the whole city, often on foot!
1- The Music Palace - Palau de la Musica**
2- The church of Santa Maria del Mar***
3- Mercat Santa Caterina *
4- Passage del Born
5- El Born CC
6- Foto Colectania
7- Picasso Museum***
a fantastic mixture of ages!
5 comments
a different time - cindia (27 Mar 2023 - 09:20)
Another era, another time... While visiting El Born, we travel not only in Spain but also in time...
a fantastic mixture of ages!
nice - natacha (15 Feb 2015 - 12:15)
Love this district, last time I found an hotel there and just went around by walking. It was perfect. You'll find great shops, bars and restaurants. A delight
el born is the best to visit - feld (23 Oct 2012 - 07:15)
el born is my favourite area in Barcelona.. beautiful
El Born by bike - maxicloclo (27 Jun 2012 - 10:15)
I went a few days in Barcelona and I rent a bike at BornBikeBarcelona, it's just next to the metro station Barceloneta, very usefull and it's a nice way to visit el Born and further if you want ! (They gave me good advises to visit ! =)
The Born route - Kristina K (21 May 2011 - 10:00)
On the way from the Palau de la Musica Catalana, you should get a glimpse at the Santa Caterina market. It is right on the way and the roof work is definitly worth the detour.