Exploring the Medieval El Born neighbourhood of Barcelona

About El Born District

El Born Neighbourhood is the most fashionable place in the city full of boutique clothes shops for that one-off piece, as well as chic cafes, bars and restaurants. El born also has a vibrant nightlife and the largest concentration of art museums in Barcelona such as The Picasso museum, MEAM and MOCO.

El Born has Medieval origins as a settlement built on top of an area used for jousting competitions and celebrations. El born was a part of Barcelona that became urbanised by tradesmen and merchants due to it's proximity to the sea and growing Barcelona docks. El Born Montcada street was where the wealthiest of Barcelona's merchants built their town houses. Today these houses (or minor palaces) are now home to the Picasso Museum and MOCO.

El born district has Santa Maria del Mar cathedral rivalling that of the Gothic quarter Cathedral which offers guided tours to the roof terrace and bell tower. It is in the streets around the cathedral where you will find the greatest concentration of boutique shops.

Linking Santa Maria del Mar cathedral/major basilica to the El Born market is Passeig del born, a broad tree lined boulevard with great restaurants and tapas bars. At the end of Passeig del born is a building that once housed Barcelona's Municipal food distribution market but this has since moved to Zona Franca and the building is now El Born Cultural Centre, An incredible museum space with the remains of medieval houses and streets.

At the top of El born in Carrer de Sant Pere Mes Alt which has a modernist masterpiece called Palau de la Música Catalana. It was built on the grounds of a former monastery to serve as a music hall for the choir. Palau de La Musica offers guided tours as well as a broad program of live music. Continuing down this street you will find Plaça de Sant Pere with a very beautiful fountain in the middle and the 10th century Romanesque Sant Pere de les Puelles church which offers guided tours.

Click on any of the images below to for detailed information about that tourist attraction in El Born.

Happy Exploring!

Map of El Born District

Where to Eat in El Born District

El Born is the place to go for eating tapas and for restaurants and bars. Below is a list of thr top highly recommended restaurants and Bars in El Born.

Near Palau de la Música & Sant Pere Church

• Tosca Tapas y Vino: 40 different vegetarian, meat and seafood Tapas. Authentic Traditional Spanish tapas or new modern day tapas. Enjoy a large range of wines, fresh fruity cocktails or local craft beers within a warm and friendly ambience.
  Carrer de Sant Pere Més Alt 8, 08003 Barcelona
• Flax & Kale: Innovative health food restaurant with a menu strongly based around vegetables and salads. Gluten Free Healthy Pizzas, Asian-Mediterranean Fusion Cuisine.
  Carrer de Sant Pere Més Alt 31, 08003 Barcelona
• Casa Lolea: Contemporary Spanish cuisine & sangria in a chic space with unique polka-dot decor.
  Carrer de Sant Pere Més Alt 49, 08003 Barcelona
• Candela: Peruvian & Mediterranean Fusion with terrace dining in Plaça de Sant Pere.
  Plaça de Sant Pere 12, 08003 Barcelona
• Le Cucine Mandarosso: Authentic Italian pasta, seasonal mains & desserts.
  Calle de Verdaguer i Callís 4, 08003 Barcelona

Near Santa Maria del Mar basilica & Picasso Museum

• Honest Greens Born: Mostly plant based food with an international mix of dishes.
  Pla de Palau 11, 08003 Barcelona
• La Vinya del Senyor: Outdoor tables in front of Santa maria del Mar basilica offering an wine and tapas.
  Plaça de Santa Maria 5, 08003 Barcelona
• Restaurant Petra:Contemporary seasonal Catalan cooking in a restaurant with colorful tiles and stained-glass windows.
  Carrer dels Sombrerers 13, 08003 Barcelona
• La Font de les Muses: Traditional Catalan food and tapas as well as a three course lunch set menu for only €12.90.
  Carrer dels Banys Vells 18, 08003 Barcelona
• Estimar: Award winning Michelin Guide restaurant known for its seafood and grilled dishes.
  Carrer de Sant Antoni dels Sombrerers 3, 08003 Barcelona
• Nonna’s Brunch: Brunch Sandwichees, salads and cakes with tea nad coffee.
  Carrer de les Caputxes 4, 08003 Barcelona
• El Chigre 1769: Bar serving Artisan Catalonian and Asturian tapas dishes with cider, vermouth and local wines.
  C/ dels Sombrerers 7, 08003 Barcelona
• Las Fritas: The best takeaway or eat in french fries you will find.
  C. de l'Argenteria 70, 08003 Barcelona
• sagardi: Basque food of charcoal grilled meats and fish dishes with homemade deserts.
  C. de l'Argenteria 62, 08003 Barcelona

Weather for El Born District

How much does El Born District Cost?

El Born is free to walk around in with the below museums and Basilica charging for visits and guided tours.