Gotico

El Gotico is the historic core of the city, composed of narrow winding streets, every one offering unique boutiques, one-off eateries and stunning Gothic architecture. These streets are the veins of Barcelona, with streams of people running through them constantly. They connect the area to the infamous La Rambla, the wide avenue which attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. Despite being in the heart of the touristic centre, you can still find supermarkets and small gyms. Furthermore, as it is well connected you are never far from the more residential areas of Barcelona. You really get the best of both worlds by living in Gotico.

El Gotico is home to the old and the new, so apartments in this neighbourhood range from classical Catalonian-style builds to renovated studio flats. Expect traditional tiles, plenty of Catalonian woodwork (beams, door frames), and sleek, modern renovations. Either way, the central location of El Gotico and the beautiful street-views complement the stylish apartments available in this area. El Gotico is another favourite spot for tourists, with many flats up for short-term rent and an abundance of grand hotels. However, there are still the old-timers who have resided in this part of Barcelona for much of their life, and still for years to come.

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

Gotico is the heart of Barcelona for both locals and tourists. This area is enchanting with quaint, narrow streets and stunning gothic architecture that really reflect the Catalan style. You can find some of the best local markets in the small squares, such as Placa Nova, in which you can buy great local food, ceramics, clothing items and more. Apartments in Gotico are smaller and cosier than in areas such as Eixample esquerra, however, you are paying less and have the amazing central location. Gotico is always improving with additions such as the newly built Soho House, an exclusive members club, as well as daily cleaning of the streets.

• Metro: L4 Jaume I, L3 Liceu
• Walk: El Gotico is at the very heart of the city, and most main attractions of Barcelona are walkable from here.
• Distance to the Beach: 2km

The Gothic Cathedral

Barcelona’s Gothic cathedral was finally completed in 1913, having been in-construction since 1298. However, today the façade of the cathedral is being rebuilt due to crumbling stone, and so part of the cathedral remains a construction site. Despite this, the beautifully intricate carvings embellishing both the inside and outside of the building make it a worthwhile trip. There is a lift to the roof, situated just inside the cathedral, which offers exquisite views of the surrounding neighbourhoods. The website offers more information about how to find it and opening hours.

Museu Frederic Marès

A museum inaugurated in honour of Marès, who donated his lifelong collection of sculpture to the city of Barcelona in 1944, this museum is a wonderful illustration of Hispanic culture and history through sculptures and a collection of everyday objects. For more information about the collection, visit the website.

Els Quatre Gats

This café and cultural hub were frequented by the likes of Picasso in the late 19th century, and at the age of 17 displayed his first exhibition here. Intellectuals, well-known musicians like Isaac Albéniz and architects such as Gaudí also became regular customers, until the café’s owner died in 1908 and left the legacy to go out of business. In the 70s, three gastronomic businessmen took it upon themselves to bring the old café back to business and renovated the site with proposals for restaurant management. Find the menu on their website.

Plaça del George Orwell

This plaza is the alternative part of Barcelona. In the centre, it has an odd, post-modern structure which is surrounded by quirky bars, vegetarian and individual cafes. There is a multitude of security cameras which look out over the square to keep a lookout for any hooligans, much like George Orwell’s 1984 prediction – Big Brother.