Let us show you everything about what to do in El Born! Architecture, gastronomy, art, restaurants, nightlife, fashion… El Born is one of the areas with the widest range of leisure and cultural attractions in the city and, for that reason, it has become one of visitors’ favourite spots. This neighbourhood offers everything you expect from Barcelona in one single area. If you are wondering what to do in El Born or what to see in El Born, here you will find some of the best ideas to enjoy it to the fullest. In addition, this route is part of the Barcelona guide by Musik Boutique Hotel, created to help you discover the city from a more local and authentic perspective. Would you like to explore it with us?
At Musik Boutique Hotel, we feel proud of the neighbourhood where we are located, as we believe we can offer our guests a very complete experience. Below, we explain what to do in El Born and how to enjoy this beautiful neighbourhood to the fullest.
What to do in El Born
One of the neighbourhoods that make up the Ciutat Vella district of Barcelona is Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera. Within it, in turn, we find the area known as El Born, one of the most central and popular neighbourhoods in the Catalan capital. This area is not only located in the heart of Barcelona, but it also offers some of the best ways to discover and enjoy the city. If you also want to better understand the origin and evolution of this iconic area, you can read our guide about the history of El Born, Barcelona. If you are looking for what to see in El Born, here we present some of its most emblematic places.
Santa María del Mar
Santa María del Mar is an impressive building considered the highest expression of Catalan Gothic architecture. This church was built by the people of the neighbourhood and is, to this day, the central heart of life in El Born. If you want to arrive prepared, do not hesitate to read the novel The Cathedral of the Sea by Ildefonso Falcones, where its construction is explained in detail.
Palau de la Música
Palau de la Música is one of the buildings that draws the most attention in El Born and probably in all of Barcelona. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 and is one of the most visited places in the Catalan capital. To enter the building, you will need to buy a ticket.
The old Born Market
The old Born Market is a modernist gem within iron architecture. This building was used as a market until 2002, when it was decided to restore it. That was when the archaeological remains from the medieval period in this neighbourhood, which you can still see today, came to light.
Ciutadella Park
Ciutadella Park was a military fortress built in 1715 to control the city during the War of the Spanish Succession. At the end of the 19th century, General Prim returned this space to the people of Barcelona, turning it into the first green space in the Catalan capital.
Hidden corners of El Born
El Born is without a doubt the neighbourhood with the most character and charm in the city and, for that reason, all tourists go to see its most emblematic spots. However, hidden inside it are secrets that are difficult to find unless you know where to look. If you want to keep discovering its most authentic side, do not miss our guide to Hidden Corners of El Born, perfect for exploring those places that usually go unnoticed. We want you to experience the city the way locals do, and that is why we are showing them to you. Will you keep the secret for us?
Biblioteca Arús
Biblioteca Arús is one of those corners of El Born that will take you back in time. The first thing you will find inside is a majestic staircase with two Ionic columns on each side and, from that point on, everything becomes an architectural spectacle.
Jon Cake
Gastronomic tourism is one of the best ways to get to know a city and Jon Cake has become one of the most famous pastry shops of the moment. Its cheesecakes have become one of the biggest viral phenomena in the Catalan capital, thanks to its chef Jon.
Calle Mirallers
In the small Calle Mirallers in El Born, you can find a sculpture of a woman’s face with wide open eyes and an expression that represents orgasm. This was the way to indicate the presence of a brothel in the area when most people in the city were still illiterate.
Editorial Dosmanos
In a corner of El Born, you will find the Dosmanos publishing house, created in the middle of the pandemic thanks to the enthusiasm of the young Daniel Sardà. It is well worth visiting this hidden corner of the neighbourhood and catching some of the passion for books that Sardà radiates.
Museums in El Born, Barcelona
Art is one of the main features that define the city of Barcelona and, among the best things regarding what to do in El Born, our selection of museums simply had to be included. And if after your visit you feel like completing the experience with a different kind of plan, you can explore our guide to shopping in El Born and continue discovering another of the neighbourhood’s most attractive sides.
Each of the museums we present below offers a different proposal, so you will need to choose the one that catches your attention the most and buy your ticket as soon as possible to secure your place in this experience.
Picasso Museum
The Picasso Museum is one of the best museums for what to see in El Born, as it houses a collection of more than 3,500 works by the Málaga born painter Pablo Picasso. It first opened its doors to the public on 9 March 1963 and has been declared a museum of national interest by the Government of Catalonia.
Museum of World Cultures and Ethnology
The Museum of World Cultures and Ethnology aims to preserve and share cultural diversity while reflecting on the changes and conflicts of society. It is the most important ethnology museum in Catalonia, with a collection of more than 70,000 objects.
MOCO Museum
The MOCO Museum is an independent museum located in Amsterdam and Barcelona, dedicated to exhibiting modern and contemporary art. The museum was founded with the mission of attracting the attention of younger audiences, a goal it has successfully achieved. It is a true spectacle that will allow you to discover the latest trends in the global art scene.
Step by step itinerary to discover El Born
If you want to know what to do in El Born and organise a complete route through one of the most charming neighbourhoods in Barcelona, this itinerary will help you discover its most emblematic places, corners with character and several cultural proposals. It is a practical way to be clear about what to see in El Born in just one day.
Start at Santa María del Mar
Santa María del Mar is one of the great symbols of the neighbourhood and an essential visit to understand the history and identity of El Born. Its Gothic architecture makes it a key stop on any route.
Continue towards the old Born Market
Very close by, you will find the old Born Market, a space that combines modernist architecture with medieval archaeological remains. It is an ideal visit to continue discovering the neighbourhood’s past.
Walk through its streets and hidden corners
Part of El Born’s charm lies in strolling through it without rushing. Along the route, you can discover places such as Calle Mirallers, Biblioteca Arús or the Dosmanos publishing house, all perfect for getting to know a more local and authentic side of the neighbourhood.
Take a gastronomic break
El Born can also be enjoyed through its gastronomy. A stop at Jon Cake can be a great idea to rest and add a sweet plan to your route around the neighbourhood. After the sweet touch, you can always continue your route by discovering the Best Tapas in El Born and diving into another of the neighbourhood’s great temptations.
Make time for a museum
If you are looking for a more cultural experience, you can complete the route with a visit to the Picasso Museum, the Museum of World Cultures and Ethnology or the MOCO Museum. It is an excellent option if you also want to decide what to see in El Born beyond its streets.
Finish at Ciutadella Park
To round off the route, Ciutadella Park is a perfect option. After exploring monuments, museums and charming streets, this green space allows you to end your visit in a more relaxed way.
Discover El Born from Musik Boutique Hotel
We hope this guide on what to do in El Born has inspired you to discover one of Barcelona’s most characterful neighbourhoods. From Musik Boutique Hotel, right in the heart of the city, we want to help you enjoy an authentic and close up experience, exploring not only the most emblematic places but also those corners that make each neighbourhood special. Through our Barcelona guide, you will find ideas, recommendations and plans to keep discovering the city from a more local perspective and turn your stay into an unforgettable experience.
