Ciutat Vella
Ciutat Vella
4.5
About
This fascinating area is steeped in history, with city hall located in the same spot where kings once reigned. You'll find narrow streets and squares here, with Gothic mansions, museums, historic churches, bars and restaurants. The Placa del Rei is reputedly the place where King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella welcomed Columbus after his voyage to America.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Ciutat Vella and nearby attractions
The area
Neighbourhood: El Congrés i els Indians
How to get there
- Liceu • 2 min walk
- Drassanes • 6 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
9,527 within 5 kms
Attractions
1,485 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Thomas VOakland, California17,019 contributionsCrowded but CharmingThis is the oldest part of the city, now given over to tourism, which can become quite intense. The crowds can cause congestion, so be prepared to walk slowly and watch for pickpockets. But the old world charm is worth the crowds.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten October 2, 2023
- Kaye B1 contributionFantastic stayBrilliant hotel. Clean. Staff cleaned room each day. Very friendly. It had a jacuzzi on the rooftop with stunning views. Big shout out to Carlos who was just wonderful and so helpful. Definitely recommend this hotel.Visited March 2024Travelled with friendsWritten March 24, 2024
- Thomas VOakland, California17,019 contributionsOldest Neighborhood, Good Place to WanderThe oldest neighborhood in the city where there were settlements in Roman times. Many of the buildings here are from centuries before ours, lots of history, lots of narrow streets, and a good place to wander. You will enter some big open squares where there is more air and sun.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten April 6, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,174 reviews
Excellent
1,919
Very good
1,081
Average
139
Poor
20
Terrible
15
Thomas V
Oakland, CA17,019 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
The oldest neighborhood in the city where there were settlements in Roman times. Many of the buildings here are from centuries before ours, lots of history, lots of narrow streets, and a good place to wander. You will enter some big open squares where there is more air and sun.
Written April 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kaye B
1 contribution
Mar 2024 • Friends
Brilliant hotel. Clean. Staff cleaned room each day. Very friendly. It had a jacuzzi on the rooftop with stunning views. Big shout out to Carlos who was just wonderful and so helpful. Definitely recommend this hotel.
Written March 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ofer S
Rosh Haayin, Israel103 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Nice place great location you can walk easy to all over the city nice breakfast
Lot of things neer you.
The jacuzzi on the roof is perfect for relaxation during the day or eavning
The bedroom is basic it is very simple place but we enjoy it
Lot of things neer you.
The jacuzzi on the roof is perfect for relaxation during the day or eavning
The bedroom is basic it is very simple place but we enjoy it
Written December 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
retiredhaha
New Jersey2,056 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Walking through the narrow alleyways amid historic sites is quiet amazing. Plenty of cafes to take break; thoroughly enjoyed this magnificent neighborhood.
Written October 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA17,019 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
This is the oldest part of the city, now given over to tourism, which can become quite intense. The crowds can cause congestion, so be prepared to walk slowly and watch for pickpockets. But the old world charm is worth the crowds.
Written October 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael R
Cumming, GA116 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Fun place to have a meal or a drink just off La Rambla. Lots of restaurants with indoor and outdoor seating.
Written September 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MS2311
Dubai, United Arab Emirates38 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
The manager of reception was very helpful, accepted my comments and offered best options to make my stay better and really did, myself and my family thanks her a lot but never enough, made the Barcelona experience very nice, helped and arranged taxi to the train station, I forgot my sunglasses in the rooftop and found it next day in reception waiting for me, thanks a lot a lot a lot !
Written August 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OZS_ATW
Budapest, Hungary3,534 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
The old part of the city is made up of old buildings and narrow streets, but all very well kept and clean. There are many bars and typical taverns, restaurants and neighborhood commerce. A must-see!
Written July 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TAMAN1951
Liberty Lake, WA8,224 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Great square with lots of shops and places for coffee and snacks.
My favorite in the area is 4 Cats which was Pablo Picasso’s favorite spot.
Nice place. He signed a menu on display.
My favorite in the area is 4 Cats which was Pablo Picasso’s favorite spot.
Nice place. He signed a menu on display.
Written May 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NICHOLAS T
Dubai, United Arab Emirates9,582 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
There is lots to see and do in this part of the city.
We visited the busy market which was full of life and fantastic looking produce.
The surrounding streets were also full of interesting shops and eateries.
A beautiful area to while away a few hours.
We visited the busy market which was full of life and fantastic looking produce.
The surrounding streets were also full of interesting shops and eateries.
A beautiful area to while away a few hours.
Written March 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi
I am travelling to Barcelona with my husband and baby and planning on parking on Carrer de l’hospital carpark. After reading some scary reviews of Ciutat Vella/ el Raval, I was wondering if anyone has any experience with the area?
We are going to arrive very late (11.30pm-ish), so I need to know if we’ll be safe in the area walking to the hotel with our baby and cases?
Any advice/review of the area would be greatly appreciated.
Written March 30, 2019
We live in Spain and have spent a lot of time in Barcelona, but I need more info. Are you flying into Barcelona airport and renting a car there? Are you renting a car elsewhere in Spain before arriving in Barcelona? Do you live over here and are driving your own car? In any case, you don't want or need a car in Barcelona. Don't rent one at the airport if that's the plan...rentals cost more from the airport anyway. Take a cab from wherever you can. If landing at the airport, take a cab from there. If you have your own car (not a rental) I'd change hotel reservations and book a hotel with parking on site. You don't necessarily want a hotel in that part of town anyway...if you're worried about walking there at night, why stay there? You're going to want to walk around whatever area you stay in fairly late at night since Spain is known for being a late night country. Dinner is usually around 10 PM. Change hotels if you can't ditch the car.
Written March 31, 2019
What is the quaintest hotel on old Barcelona
Written February 21, 2019
I recommend Hotel Peninsular. It's within walking distance of everything in the Old City. The hotel was once a convent; clean rooms with private bath (no TV), free wi fi in the common areas, enhanced continental breakfast included. Located in a street that looks more like an alley; the opera house is on the corner.
Written February 22, 2019
Buonasera a tutti voi turisti... Chi mi sa indicare il percorso che devo fare x andare a visitare la fontana danzante? Sarò a barcellona il 1maggio... Grazie infinite x i suggerimenti. . b serata
Written February 26, 2018
Ci si arriva in metro L1 e L3 fermata Pl. Espanya, poi si percorre a piedi il viale Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina e sei alla fontana
Written February 27, 2018
Cindy V
Ile-de-France, France
Bonjour, les magasins sont-ils ouverts le dimanche ?
Written July 27, 2016
gatzoneta
L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
10 contributions
Seulement ouvrir ceux pour les touristes: souvenirs, certains magasins de vêtements et les magasins de chaussures, restaurants, bars, ...
Written August 5, 2016
Cuan baja es la temperatura en finales de diciembre -enero de 1-3, en Barcelona, el casco antiguo es seguro? Que lugares nos recomienda visitar en Barcelona, además de la Sagrada Familia, Barrio Gótico? Somos una familia de 4,el hotel PSeo de Gracia, es céntrico? Gracias
Written August 8, 2015
Hola amigos, la zona del paseo de Gracia es segura, sobretodo por la zona alta, es un buen lugar para estar hospedado. Tambien es bueno de visitar edificios o zonas Gaudí por orden de preferencia mia son: Parc Güell, La Pedrera... Tambien vale la pena ir a la catedral y al mismo tiempo pasear por el Born donde se encuentra la iglesia de Santa Maria del mar. Sin duda un paseo por la Barceloneta y sus alrededores en un dia soleado està muy bien...
Written September 3, 2015
Showing results 1-5 of 5
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing