Barrio de la Rivera

The Ribera neighbourhood, located between Via Laietana and Ciutadella Park, is known as “el Born”, which is the name of the old Barcelona central market located in this area. Charming, near but out of sight of the sea, its narrow streets afford a glimpse of the gigantic monumentality of the basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, the decrepit townhouses of Carrer Montcada, the Picasso Museum and Born and Santa Caterina markets. A part of the neighbourhood was demolished after 1714 due to the construction of the Ciutadella Park. The area lived off the economic activity of the Born market for many years and after it closed, it took a long time to recover. It is currently a fashionable neighbourhood: its old taverns and warehouses have been converted into designer boutiques, restaurants and music bars frequented by the city’s most chic clientele.

RECOMMENDATIONS:In the daytime, the best plan is to lose oneself taking photographs in the maze of narrow streets that make up this neighbourhood. The bicycle is a good way to get around. At nighttime, it’s probably better to seek out the area’s bars and restaurants on foot.