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 Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Ciutat Vella and nearby attractions
The area
Neighborhood: El Congrés i els Indians
How to get there
- Liceu • 2 min walk
- Drassanes • 6 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
9,548 within 3 miles
Attractions
1,485 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Thomas VOakland, California17,035 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 2023Traveled 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 2024Traveled with friendsWritten March 24, 2024
- Thomas VOakland, California17,035 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 2024Traveled 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 wait 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
BalkrishnaShroff
Mumbai, India24,247 contributions
Oct 2022
If you want to see the historic and cultural side of Barcelona, then this is the place. The narrow streets, Gothic mansions, market, bars, churches, small shops and restaurants are worth seeing in this part of town. It's totally different from what you see in modern Barcelona. The whole ambience here takes you back in history. it's better to explore some portion everyday.
Worth visiting...
Worth visiting...
Written November 12, 2022
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, CA17,035 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.
NICHOLAS T
Dubai, United Arab Emirates9,592 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.
Mrsmallinson1976
Yeovil, UK22 contributions
Feb 2023 • Friends
Lovely little hotel right in the heart of Barcelona. Friendly, knowledgeable and helpful staff. Rooms clean albeit basic. Continental breakfast with a good range of food on offer. Ideal base from which to explore the city.
Written February 11, 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.
𝓝𝓪𝓽𝔂 ® 👑
Moscow, Russia147,604 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
This is the oldest district and the historical center of Barcelona. The old town is characterized mainly by small squares and narrow streets with densely built-up buildings, including modern and historical buildings of different eras and styles.
Written December 16, 2022
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.
Parigina54
Paris, France3 contributions
May 2012 • Family
We were in Barcelona for 4 days. In that time, a gold necklace was ripped off my neck in the Old City and 2 men attempted to steal my husband's briefcase out of the car. My husband was going to park the car and one man opened his door to distract him while another man opened the passenger side door and took his briefcase. Fortunately, the doorman of the hotel saw what was happening and slammed the car door and the man dropped the bag. Two horrible events in a beautiful city.
Written July 12, 2012
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.
PrestonGuild
United Kingdom55,953 contributions
Jun 2012 • Family
Strictly speaking the Old City is divided into four quarters. Barceloneta, Barri Gotic, La Ribera, El Laval.
Running down the centre of the old town is Les Rambles that stretches from Plaça Catalunya to the Mediterranean Sea.
A good way to explore the old town is to seek out the small side streets and alleyways, admire the gothic buildings and other buildings that stretch from Plaça Catalunya to the Mediterranean Sea. Be wary of pick pockets that target tourists.
Running down the centre of the old town is Les Rambles that stretches from Plaça Catalunya to the Mediterranean Sea.
A good way to explore the old town is to seek out the small side streets and alleyways, admire the gothic buildings and other buildings that stretch from Plaça Catalunya to the Mediterranean Sea. Be wary of pick pockets that target tourists.
Written September 9, 2012
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.
John B
Norristown, PA285 contributions
Jul 2020
I was here early one morning. The sun was just rising and there were very few people walking around. It is a simple square, but it had a nice feel to it.
Written July 10, 2020
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.
Dr_Waugh
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK8,090 contributions
Oct 2019 • Family
The area of Barcelona covered by Cuitat Vella includes the great majority of the best bits (IMO). It includes the Gòtic and El Born areas, Barceloneta and Port Vell. I have spent many happy hours and days in these parts of Barcelona.
Whilst other areas have highlights this area draws my attention continually.
Whilst other areas have highlights this area draws my attention continually.
Written October 31, 2019
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.
Mojaquera
Mojacar, Spain477 contributions
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.
Bonnie R
Province of Barcelona, Spain4 contributions
What is the quaintest hotel on old Barcelona
Cyreese
Davenport, FL436 contributions
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.
Francesca B
105 contributions
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
lemuretto
Pavia, Italy2,390 contributions
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
Cindy V
Ile-de-France, France
Bonjour, les magasins sont-ils ouverts le dimanche ?
gatzoneta
L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain10 contributions
Seulement ouvrir ceux pour les touristes: souvenirs, certains magasins de vêtements et les magasins de chaussures, restaurants, bars, ...
Bonjour6510
Manati, Puerto Rico38 contributions
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
Antoniam28
Manresa, Spain125 contributions
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...
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