![\"Take](\"https:\/\/assets.devourtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Self-Guided-Walking-Tour-of-Barcelona-Pinterest-Overlay-1.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s easy to get lost among the winding streets of the Barri G\u00f2tic<\/em>, so we\u2019ve put together a guide to exploring it on your own. You can follow this self-guided walking tour of Barcelona step by step, or just use it as inspiration. Make sure you take note of our local tips for the best bars and restaurants along the way!<\/p>\n\n\n\n To plan out your day in advance, check out a map of the route<\/a> we’ve created!<\/p>\n\n\n\n No trip through this neighborhood would be complete without a visit to the Cathedral of Barcelona<\/a> in Pla\u00e7a Nova. Construction took place between the 13th and 15th centuries, but it got a facelift for the World Expo in 1888. If you walk around the right-hand side, you\u2019ll see that its facade stops abruptly. This is because the city decided to save money by only renovating the parts of the building that would appear in photos!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The cathedral is beautiful inside as well, and if you go early in the morning admission is free. It\u2019s the perfect place to begin your day of exploring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From Pla\u00e7a Nova, head down Carrer de la Palla and into the iconic narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter. After a few minutes, you\u2019ll enter Pla\u00e7a de Sant Josep Oriol. This lovely square is home to the Basilica de Santa Mar\u00eda del Pi. It also features a few restaurant terraces and a weekend art market, which is one of our favorite places to shop in Barcelona<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In years past, the wealthy residents of Vila de Gr\u00e0cia would go to church here. While they worshipped, their drivers would hang out at Bar del Pi<\/a>. This place has been open since the 1920s, and previously served as a stable in the 18th century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the 1930s, the Unified Socialist Party of Catalonia was founded here. It\u2019s also the site of castellers<\/em> performances during La Merc\u00e8<\/a>. In addition to its colorful history, Bar del Pi is the perfect place to stop for tapas and a glass of vermouth or cava!<\/p>\n\n\n\n As you leave the bar, turn right to enter Pla\u00e7a del Pi. If you\u2019re lucky, your visit will coincide with the monthly artisanal food market held here! Otherwise, grab something sweet at Granja Dulcinea<\/a>. Opened in 1941, this is one of the best places for chocolate in Barcelona<\/a>. After your sugar fix, head to the far side of Pla\u00e7a de Sant Josep Oriol. Take Carrer de l\u2019Ave Maria, then head down Baixada de Santa Eul\u00e0lia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a more solemn stop on our tour of Barcelona\u2019s history. Laid bare across this city\u2019s beauty are harrowing reminders of its past, and Sant Felip Neri is the perfect example. At first glance, this square is nice and tranquil, with a small fountain and a baroque church. But if you look deeper, you\u2019ll find pain in every stone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In 1938, during the Spanish Civil War<\/a>, Mussolini’s troops dropped bombs on civilian targets here. Several schoolchildren were killed after seeking safety in the shelter below the church, which collapsed. Cracks and chips still cover the facade of the Esgl\u00e9sia de Sant Felip Neri.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Today, the square is a school playground during the day, the terrace for a hotel restaurant in the evening, and a local hangout in the early hours of the morning. The visible damage to the church\u2019s exterior, especially when combined with the sound of children playing, serves as a stark reminder of what can happen when society falls apart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Head down Carrer de Montju\u00efc del Bisbe, then take Carrer de la Pietat through the General Archive of the Crown of Aragon<\/a>. Upon exiting the archives you\u2019ll find yourself in Pla\u00e7a del Rei, home to an interesting story. Legend has it that the steps in the left corner of this square are where Christopher Columbus presented his bounty after discovering America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether or not this story is true, Columbus’ findings had an important impact on Barcelona. Until this point, it was the prosperous capital of the powerful region of Catalonia. But after trade began with the Americas, Andalusia became the peninsula\u2019s trading center. Due to this, along with the Spanish Inquisition and various plagues, Barcelona fell into neglect. It didn\u2019t regain its status until the Industrial Revolution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, we have Barcelona\u2019s bad fortune to thank for the Gothic Quarter. If money had continued to flow, the structures you see today would have been knocked down to make room for more modern and fashionable buildings!<\/p>\n\n\n\n From Pla\u00e7a del Rei, take Carrer del Veguer and pass the MUHBA<\/a> history museum. Crouch down to look through the low windows at the remainders of Roman Barcelona. You can even explore them under the cathedral! <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019d rather stay above ground, follow Baixada de la Llibreteria to Pla\u00e7a de Sant Jaume. This has been the political center of Barcelona for 2,000 years. It’s often a venue for demonstrations and peaceful protests. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019ll finish this self-guided walking tour of Barcelona with a stroll to the shoreline, and a few final food recommendations. On your way to the water, stop at Bodega La Palma<\/a> for patatas bravas<\/em> and croquetas<\/em>. Today it\u2019s known for tapas, but it used to be a famous Bohemian hangout frequented by Picasso and his contemporaries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n5 Essential Stops in the Gothic Quarter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Pla\u00e7a Nova and the Cathedral<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"10](\"https:\/\/devourbarcelonafoodtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Barcelona-cathedral.jpg\")
2. Pla\u00e7a de Sant Josep Oriol and Pla\u00e7a del Pi<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Not](\"https:\/\/devourbarcelonafoodtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/where-to-shop-in-barcelona-sant-josep-oriol-WMC.jpg\")
3. Pla\u00e7a de Sant Felip Neri<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Visit](\"https:\/\/assets.devourtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Self-guided-walking-tour-Barcelona-Sant-Felip-Neri-1.jpg\")
4. Pla\u00e7a del Rei<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"There](\"https:\/\/devourbarcelonafoodtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cathedral-barcelona.jpg\")
5. Pla\u00e7a de Sant Jaume<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Pepe](\"https:\/\/devourbarcelonafoodtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/pepe-la-plata.jpg\")