Artistic and affluent, this neighbourhood 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 savoury 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 harbour 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 harbour to end your visit to La Ribera, which means “Coastal Strip” or “Shore,” in style.
