El Barri Gòtic (the Gothic quarter) is the medieval quarter of Barcelona. I recommend that you spend time just walking around in the maze of narrow streets and explore the many squares: I love the Plaza Reial, for example as it bears a kind of splendor when you enter through its arched gateways. The neoclassical facade surrounds the many palm trees on the square. Located just off the Rambla it is usually a little quieter, although late at night there are often a few drunk tourists who end up celebrating their vacation loudly in the fountain at the center.

Around 9pm, a line starts forming halfway to the center for the restaurant Les Quinze Nits. It is pretty decent, and despite the long line, the wait is not that long as they have people enter by groups of 20 people or so. My definite favorite hang out on the Plaza is Tarantos, where you can experience some excellent flamenco in a tiny room for 6 Euros + the cost of a drink inside, and it is a different show every night. It lasts about 45 minutes, but it is laid back and so much better than the big touristy shows that they try to sell you on La Rambla for 50 Euros.

Another main square in the Barri Gotic is the Plaça Sant Jaume, where the City Hall (or Ajuntament) stands proud. It seems like every street from the Barri Gotic merges onto this square. Apparently it is where the locals demonstrate and is basically an important meeting place. I was there during Christmas 2006 and they had a huge beautiful nativity in the middle, but I believe that they have that every year. Something to see.

The Plaça del Pi is interesting too, especially on Thursday morning when they have a little market of local goods such as cheese, meat, and cakes. On Calle Bisbe you cannot miss the "bridge of sighs" which is quite pretty and photographed but which was also apparently built in the 1920's... Quite a disappointment, but still a nice picture.
Don't forget to look up to see the gargoyles and gorgeous facades.

The Cathedral of Santa Eulalia certainly is a highlight of the Barri Gotic. You can enter for free in the mornings and late afternoons to visit the church and the cloister, however the rest of the time is dedicated to worshipers and ticket holders so plan your visit. Inside you can see the tomb of Santa Eulalia, a 13 year old girl and saint patron of Barcelona who, in 303 A.D, was said to be rolled down a hill in barrel full of broken glass and nails for protesting to the governor against his cruelty towards the Christians. Behind the Cathedral is the Baixada de Santa Eulalia, the slope where the horrifying event took place.

Barri Gotic or the Gothic Quarter is the centre of the old city of Barcelona. Of note are Las Ramblas and the Barcelona Cathedral.

La Rambla or Les Rambles (Catalan)/Las Ramblas (Spanish) is an iconic and busy kilometer-long tree-lined pedestrian street in central Barcelona, popular with both tourists and locals alike. It connects Plaça de Catalunya in the center with the Christopher Columbus monument at Port Vell. It serves as the emotional hub of Barcelona possibly due to the street theatre, cafes and market stalls.

This gothic cathedral is one of many stunning works of architecture in Barcelona. The busy plaza outside is the scene of many almost postcard-perfect pictures (you'll need a wide-angle lens to capture it all -- otherwise, just buy a postcard) and occasional spontaneous sardana dances (a Catalan tradition), in which visitors are welcomed to join in (though there are rules of etiquette you should learn first). Conveniently located near Las Ramblas, the Barri Gotic lures tourists and locals alike into its dark interior. A quaint courtyard garden leads to many separate chambers of worship. Within these chambers, you can witness the strength of religion in Spain. Hundreds of thick, red candles are lit in front of images of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and numerous other saints. A small donation allows you to partake in the tradition by lighting a tealight of your own. Though often packed with tourists, the Barri Gotic is definitely a must-see if you're visiting Barcelona.

Warning: keep your feet, knees, and shoulders covered when entering the cathedral, as it is considered disrespectful to wear revealing clothing in a sacred place. Plenty of tourists walk in with their sandals, shorts, and tank tops, but who wants to be the ugly tourist?

Barri Gotic has so many places to visit; you have to dedicate at least a full day to visit most of this area. We loved the Cathedral--consider this the central point of the Gothic Quarter. As you can tell from the pictures, it was being remodeled when we went, so a few spots were covered and/or under construction. There are also many shops to visit (we bought some fine Spanish leather shoes in one of them), and it's an excellent area to walk around and check out the street performers.

We also found many different bars and pubs, as well as plenty of restaurants. Make sure you drop by a tasca (local bar/cafe) for some fresh cafe con leche. Everywhere we went, we always ended up loving the coffee. Yes, you will find the occasional Starbucks trying to invade the regional ambience with its overpriced and overrated cappuccino. Trust me, the bar next door will serve you a much better cup of coffee for 1.20 euros, as opposed to 3.95 euros at Starbucks. The regional food is basically the same in this area. The main difference is how much you're charged for it--it's all based on the restaurant’s location.

You'll find nonstop action all day and all night in Barri Gotic.

Barcelona would be well worth a visit for the Barri Gòtic even if Gaudi and co had never existed! It has a wealth of older buildings, more indeed than in a number of places where old buildings form the only attraction.

The old cathedral has to be mentioned first. Its vast size does not detract from its appeal as a splendid Gothic building, and the streets to one side of it are narrow, picturesque and interesting. On the other side is a huge square where local people were dancing in great circles on a feast day. The interior is well worth a look and the cloisters are great.

But stay awake - I was set up for a scam here. Something must have gone wrong and I ended up OK, but not everyone has been taken to the fountain in the cloisters for a wash!

Next I will mention another church which I think is just as good, the interior at least, for the quality of its stained glass windows. This is Santa Maria del Mar. There are other churches mentioned in the Rough Guide as well, but it is not possible to do everything.

The old Palau Reial now houses the Museu d'Historia de la Ciutat. The building itself is sufficient justification for going in, but inside you can see in situ the remains of Roman and Visigothic Barcelona.

Other old lay buildings are the Ayuntament, the Town Hall (where all sorts of figures in stilts were preparing to go in procession last time I was there), the Palau de la Generalitat opposite (the home of the Catalan Provincial Government), the Museu Marès (which I defied the Rough guide by not visiting) and the Picasso museum (which is biased strongly in the direction of his early life and works, but very interesting, and again the building justifies entry).

Then on the other side of La Rambla, but still in the Barri Gòtic, are several important sights. I did not go in the Liceu although I am sure it would be good, but I bought my lunch to carry from the market every day and everybody should see it. It is a real gem, probably exaggerated by the fact that such a central market is becoming rarer. Lastly, of the older buildings, is the Antic Hospital de la Santa Creu, now used by the University. You can wander around the old garden and cloisters, sadly I saw overmuch litter when I did.

The Palau de la Música Catalana is probably in the Barri Gòtic but I include it under Modernisme.