Secret Corners of El Born
Want to discover the hidden gems of El Born? If you ask any tourist or local which neighborhood in Barcelona has the most charm, their answer will most likely be El Born. It’s Barcelona’s most bohemian neighborhood and exudes a special atmosphere and charm that captivates everyone who visits.
What many people don’t know is that the Born is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Barcelona, which is why it holds so many secrets. From Musik Boutique Hotel We’re going to show you the best hidden gems in the Born neighborhood, so you can get to know Barcelona as well as we do.
Jon Cake
Let’s start with one of the Born’s hidden gems—a must-visit if you’re hungry—since at Jon Cake you can try the best cheesecakes in the whole city. Jon was an aeronautical engineer who decided to trade airplanes for frying pans and set out to work at such renowned establishments as El Celler de Can Roca and La Tasquería.
In the midst of the pandemic, he decided to start experimenting with cheesecakes, and the results were so delicious that it didn’t take long for him to become famous. When you visit the shop, you can choose whether you want just a slice or would prefer to take the whole cake home. They’re finger-licking good!
L’Antic Teatre
Very close to where our Musik Boutique Hotel is located—just a few meters from the Palau de la Música—you can visit one of the most iconic spots in the Born neighborhood and one of Barcelona’s hidden gems. It’s a cultural center with a bold and innovative program and a venue featuring a spectacular terrace in the heart of Barcelona.
You can stop by the Antic Teatre for a drink any time of year, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by such a bucolic atmosphere that you’ll fall in love with it.
Palau de la Música Catalana
The Palau de la Música Catalana was built as the headquarters of the Orfeón Catalán by architect Domènech i Montaner in 1905. However, the Palau is now much more than that; it has become part of Barcelona’s cultural heritage and the center of the city’s cultural and social life.
This is one of the best places to visit in the Born district, as it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its impressive Modernist building and excellent acoustics.
Old Born Market
The Old El Born Market is one of the most well-known places to visit in the neighborhood, especially for its history. In the past, this was the neighborhood market, though it closed its doors in 1971 and was converted into a small museum known as the Center for Culture and Memory, where you can see what the city was like hundreds of years ago.
Here you can enjoy an exhibition featuring the archaeological remains of what was once the city, and numerous musical, theatrical, and literary events are also held here.
The Ruins of the Temple of Augustus
The Temple of Augustus is another of the Born’s hidden gems. It was located in the heart of the Forum of Barcino and was used to pay homage to this emperor in ancient Rome. But now you can visit the ruins of this imposing temple inside the headquarters of the Catalan Hiking Center, located on a small street off Plaça de Sant Jaume.
Originally, the temple had more than 30 columns, but today only 4 remain; however, it’s still an impressive sight. These columns are 2,000 years old and stand more than 9 meters tall, so be sure to check them out during your vacation in Barcelona.
Argenteria Street
Carrer Argenteria is one of the city’s medieval gems and will help you understand what Barcelona was like back then. It’s one of the most beautiful streets in the Born and a clear example of the precious metals trade that once flourished in the city. Take in every detail and try closing your eyes for a moment to travel back in time in your mind.
Dosmanos Publishing
Dosmanos is a publishing house that was founded in Barcelona in the midst of the pandemic and is located in the Born neighborhood. This enthusiastic project was launched by Daniel Sardà, a young publisher. You can find Dosmanos books at any bookstore, but it’s worth stopping by to catch some of the passion for books that Sardà exudes.
The Path
La Senda is a contemporary art space in the Born neighborhood, known for supporting the most daring artistic creations and the talent of emerging artists on both the national and international scenes.
We recommend that you visit the space itself, as it is a former textile workshop that has been renovated and converted into an art gallery, featuring a central hall measuring 200 square meters. Are you ready to enjoy a wide variety of fascinating exhibitions by artists such as Mathieu Pernot, Jordi Bernardó, and Ola Kolehmainen, among many others?
Picasso Museum
The Picasso Museum is tucked away among the streets of the Born neighborhood and houses more than 4,200 works by Pablo Picasso. The museum opened in 1963 and explores the artist’s connection to Barcelona through the most comprehensive collection of his early works.
The works are arranged chronologically throughout five rooms of a Gothic-style palace. Both the building and the paintings are well worth seeing, which is why we’ve chosen it as one of the best hidden gems in the Born.
Bar Sanz
We wrap up our selection of the best hidden gems in El Born with a dining spot that’s a favorite among locals. It’s Bar Sanz, a bar where the quality of the food far outweighs the beauty of the space itself. That’s why you’ll find the best sandwiches in the city here—but don’t get too caught up in the decor.
What did you think of the secret spots in El Born? Barcelona is a wonderful city with hundreds of things to discover. If you want to stay right in the heart of the city and save time and money on transportation, be sure to check out the website for our accommodation, Musik Boutique Hotel, which will let you relax just as you deserve during your vacation.