La Ribera Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
La Ribera
Artistic and affluent, this neighborhood located in the wider district of Sant Pere, Barcelona, sprung up around its Gothic cathedral.

La Ribera is where Barcelona’s nobility used to live and where wealthy merchants settled down. Visit a Renaissance, Baroque or medieval “palau” (palace), browse prestigious art museums or visit fun family attractions.

Streets in La Ribera typically carry the names of artisan trades, such as Sombrerers (hatters), Mirallers (mirror makers) and Argenters (silversmiths).

Admire the Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar, a fine example of Catalan Gothic architecture. Pop around the back to admire the Fossar de les Moreres, a modern monument with eternal flame commemorating the 1714 siege of Barcelona.

From the cathedral, stroll along the Passeig del Born to the old Born Market, which now houses the modern Born Centre de Cultura i Memòria. La Ribena and El Born are sometimes seen as one city quarter and the Born Market is where they meet. Come back to this area late at night to sample savory tapas, sip on sweet cocktails and dance the samba.

Browse the Carrer Montcada to visit the street’s many art galleries and museums, many housed in old stone palaces or mansions from the 12th century. You can’t miss Palau Baró de Castellet with its vaulted ceilings, the home to the Museu Picasso. Learn about the life and works of one of Spain’s most celebrated painters before moving on to the Museu Europeu d'Art Modern (MEAM) across the road. By contrast, the Museu Etnològic i de Cultures del Món in the same street showcases mostly tribal artworks from all over the globe.

Take the kids to the aquarium in the harbor to the south. Or, visit La Ribena’s Chocolate Museum after exploring the Barcelona Zoo next door in Ciutadella Park.

In the Pla de Palau, admire La Llotja, a neoclassical civic building from the 18th century. Its history goes much further back though and the interior is Gothic. Pablo Picasso used to study art here, but it is now the headquarters of the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce.

Continue south to visit the Museum d’Història de Catalunya near the waterfront. Ask around for the best seafood and paella restaurants in the harbor to end your visit to La Ribera, which means “Coastal Strip” or “Shore,” in style.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best La Ribera Hotel Deals

Expo Hotel Barcelona
Expo Hotel Barcelona
4 out of 5
Carrer de Mallorca,1-23, Barcelona
The price is NZ$319 per night from 2 Jun to 3 Jun
NZ$319
per night
2 Jun - 3 Jun
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
7.6/10 Good! (995 reviews)
"Clean, breakfast is simple but healthy"

Reviewed on 6 May 2024

Expo Hotel Barcelona
Hotel Rec Barcelona - Adults only
Hotel Rec Barcelona - Adults only
3 out of 5
Carrer del Rec Comtal, 19, Barcelona
The price is NZ$408 per night from 19 May to 20 May
NZ$408
per night
19 May - 20 May
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,008 reviews)
"The friendliness of staff"

Reviewed on 10 May 2024

Hotel Rec Barcelona - Adults only
Grand Hotel Central
Grand Hotel Central
5 out of 5
Via Laietana 30, Barcelona
The price is NZ$789 per night from 2 Jun to 3 Jun
NZ$789
per night
2 Jun - 3 Jun
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (998 reviews)
"Just an amazing experience over all. The hotel staff was welcoming and so helpful and friendly. Very clean and in a great location. My favorite part of Barcelona was definitely the hotel."

Reviewed on 7 May 2024

Grand Hotel Central
Barcelona Airport Hotel
Barcelona Airport Hotel
4 out of 5
Plaza de la Volateria, 3, Poligono Mas Blau, El Prat de Llobregat
The price is NZ$394 per night from 27 May to 28 May
NZ$394
per night
27 May - 28 May
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in El Prat de Llobregat. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,251 reviews)
"Very convenient"

Reviewed on 9 May 2024

Barcelona Airport Hotel
Grand Hyatt Barcelona
Grand Hyatt Barcelona
5 out of 5
Plaza de Pio XII, 4, Barcelona
The price is NZ$414 per night from 8 Jun to 9 Jun
NZ$414
per night
8 Jun - 9 Jun
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (701 reviews)
"The size and the room decor"

Reviewed on 12 May 2024

Grand Hyatt Barcelona
Rialto
Rialto
3 out of 5
Carrer de Ferran, 40-42, Barcelona, Barcelona
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$385 per night from 20 May to 21 May
NZ$385
per night
20 May - 21 May
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,305 reviews)
"Clean quiet hotel very close to La Rambles"

Reviewed on 11 May 2024

Rialto
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around La Ribera

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Gothic Quarter

4.5/5(123 area reviews)

Known for its stunning cathedral and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Gothic Quarter. Check out top attractions like La Rambla and Port de Barcelona, and jump on the metro at Jaume I Station or Liceu Station to see more of the city.

Gothic Quarter
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El Born

The abundant dining options and interesting museums are just a few top-rate features of the neighbourhood. Make a stop by Paseo del Borne or Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Barceloneta Station to get around town.

El Born
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Downtown Barcelona

Known for its fascinating museums, stunning cathedral and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Barcelona. Top attractions like La Rambla and Plaça de Catalunya are major draws. Catch the metro at Liceu Station or Jaume I Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Barcelona
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Ciutat Vella

5/5(10 area reviews)

Known for its stunning cathedral, captivating waterfront views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Ciutat Vella. Top attractions like La Rambla and Port de Barcelona are major draws. Catch the metro at Jaume I Station or Barceloneta Station to see more of the city.

Ciutat Vella
Placa de Catalunya featuring a statue or sculpture and outdoor art

Dreta de l'Eixample

Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Dreta de l'Eixample. Check out top attractions like Plaça de Catalunya and La Rambla, and jump on the metro at Girona Station or Passeig de Gracia Station to see more of the city.

Dreta de l'Eixample
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Barceloneta

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

Barceloneta is a destination visitors seek out for its beaches, abundant dining options and seaside views. You might want to check out attractions like Port de Barcelona or Barceloneta Beach while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Barceloneta

La Ribera Travel Guide

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