Why you should live in Born

Nestled in the heart of Barcelona's Ciutat Vella district lie the neighborhoods of El Born and La Ribera, sometimes used interchangeably to refer to the same neighborhood. El Born typically encompasses the southern portion of La Ribera, with both areas sharing many characteristics and attractions. The area is bordered by the Ciutadella Park and the Mediterranean Sea. Its central location places it within walking distance of many of Barcelona's major landmarks and attractions, making it a highly desirable area for both locals and visitors alike.

Living in El Born and La Ribera means immersing yourself in the bustling and vibrant cultural nucleus. The neighbors are trend setters, artists, entrepreneurs, and many international people who wanted to live temporarily in Barcelona. Iconic landmarks such as the Santa Maria del Mar church and the Picasso Museum dot the streets, drawing art enthusiasts and history buffs. The neighborhood's labyrinthine streets are lined with trendy boutiques, cozy cafes, and tapas bars, offering residents endless opportunities for exploration and indulgence. Additionally, the popular Ciutadella Park provides a natural escape from city life, perfect for leisurely strolls or afternoon picnics.

However, like any bustling urban enclave, El Born and La Ribera do have their drawbacks. The neighborhoods' popularity among tourists can lead to crowded streets, particularly during peak seasons, making navigation a bit challenging at times. Furthermore, the area's desirability has driven up property prices, resulting in higher living costs compared to some other parts of Barcelona. Despite these inconveniences, the undeniable charm and vibrant atmosphere of El Born and La Ribera make them ideal destinations for those seeking an authentic Barcelona experience.

In El Born, you'll find apartments that embrace the charming Catalan essence, with wooden beams, large French windows, and exposed brick walls retained through thoughtful renovations. Stepping into one of these homes feels like a nostalgic retreat from the fast pace of modern Barcelona life. Many apartments come with small balconies, offering a cozy spot to enjoy the city's sunny vibes. With its rising popularity, El Born remains an attractive option for those seeking a vibrant neighborhood experience and plenty of activity.

• Accomodation
  
• Arts and Culture
  
• Beaches
• Dentists
• Education
• Expat Groups
• Health and beauty
• Healthcare
• Hospitality
• Recreation and leisure
• Walks and wildlife

El Born is another enchanting area to live in Barcelona. Full of narrow, winding streets and classic Catalan architecture, you can always find new hidden gems around every corner. In our opinion, El Born has some of the best traditional bars and tapas restaurants in the city, which are what attract many locals and tourists alike. Despite being a bit of an expensive area, it is worth it to be in the heart of the most beautiful and culturally rich neighborhoods.

• Metro: L4 Barceloneta, Jaume I or Urquinaona
• Walk: 10 minutes from La Rambla.
• Distance to the Beach: 1.6km

El Born’s streets are often pedestrian-only and the atmosphere truly benefits from the lack of traffic. If you want to get around a little more quickly within the neighborhood, a bicycle is the most efficient form of transport.

Picasso Museum

This museum is famous both for art and for the building. The permanent collection includes more than 4,200 works from the famous artist, including his biggest early work collection in the world. Inaugurated in 1963, it was Picasso's first museum in the world, and the only one to open while he was still alive. The museum has paintings as well as 42 ceramic pieces. There is also a bookshop and an open-air terrace café/restaurant. If you want to know more about the museum and even take a virtual tour, you can visit the website here.

Palau de la Música Catalana

The majestic Palau de la Música (literally Music Palace) is a concert hall that opened in 1908, and it's a great representative of Catalan modernism. It originally focused on the promotion of local composers and artists, and still today continues its mission to promote orchestral and choral music, both modern and classical. In the year 1997, it was declared to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many great and famous orchestras, artists and conductors from all around the world have performed within its halls. Guided visits are organized daily. You can visit the website here.

Parc de la Ciutadella

This park borders El Born, and it is the second largest park in all of Barcelona (the largest being Montjuïc, where we find the Olympic Stadium) and, for a very long time, it was the only public park in the entire city. Here you will find a peaceful escape from the midday sun or the vibrant streets, as it rarely feels crowded despite its popularity. It is the ideal location for an evening run, to join one of the many yoga classes which regularly take place, or to take a boat out onto the lake. In the Parc de la Ciutadella you will also find many other sites of interest, such as the Barcelona Zoo or the Palau del Parlament de Catalunya (the assembly hall of the Catalan parliament).

Mercat del Born

Built in the 19th century, the Mercat del Born was one of the first buildings in Barcelona to be made of iron. Originally built as a market that would provide the city with an assortment of foods, mainly fish, fruits and vegetables, it had very little success when compared with the other big markets of Barcelona, and finally closed its doors in 1971. Years later, restoration works unearthed some of the most complete remains of the medieval and modern ages in Europe. Thus, the old market became the cultural center which now houses a museum, several cultural halls and the newly discovered archeological remains, which you can now visit if you want to learn more about the culture and history of Barcelona from the middle ages to the War of Succession in 1714, and more.  

Shopping

El Born is one of the most trendy and popular neighborhoods in Ciutat Vella (the old town). It attracts both tourists and locals with its many chic art boutiques, bars, and restaurants. The shopping here is a must-do when in Barcelona. El Born has original and small, but high-quality, boutiques – here you can find the trendiest shops around.