Palau de la Música Catalana
Parc de la Ciutadella
Lime House
History
Inside the Palau de la Música Catalana
Born or La Ribera as it is also known, was historically the trade centre of Barcelona, where merchants had their huge Medieval mansions. Although the trade focus shifted to Port Vell this legacy still remains and the mansions are still standing. In 1714 La Ciutadella was built there as a fortress to watch over Barcelona, but this became a symbol of everything the Catalans hated about the Bourbon Kings, and permission was granted to knock it down in 1869. The Ciutadella area was used for the Universal Exhibition in 1888, and is now a magnificent park with a boating lake.
Sightseeing
Palau de la Música Catalana is a world famous concert hall and one of Barcelona’s top attractions. There are amazing design feature inside that have not been duplicated anywhere else in the world. Statues and colourful mosaics, stained glass windows and vibrant colours fill this epic venue which has an impressive agenda of performances by world-class musicians and orchestras.
The realistic mammoth statue in Ciutadella Park
Santa María del Mar was built in the 1300s and stands as testament to Medieval history in Barcelona. The cathedral is named after Saint Mary of the Sea, the patron saint of sailors, and is located close to the shore. Thischurch features sky high octagonal towers and a beautiful stained glass window that is shaped like a rose.
Ciutadella Park is known as Barcelona’s “green lung” as it is the largest park in the city centre. Inside the park you’ll find the amazing cascada waterfall, and a fountain surrounded by statues. You can also hire a rowing boat to float around on the park’s small lake. Bring some bread to feed the ducks!
Dining & Nightlife
Mosquito is a unique restaurant serving Asian inspired tapas. Its most popular dish is definitely the homemade dumplings. Mosquito is open late to accommodate what seems to be a never ending crowd. You are likely to have to wait for a table but it will be worth it.
Address: Carrer dels Carders, 46
Lime House infuses their own gin, making every G&T special.
Lime House is a a unique bar in the Born neighbourhood specializing in gin and tonics. They also serve up some of the best mojitos in Barcelona. The atmosphere can go either way; there are always plenty of people buzzing around, but there are a few very cozy corners if you want something more intimate.
Address: Carrer Carders, 31
Diobar is the last thing you would expect to find in the basement of Dionisos, a Greek restaurant near Ciutadella Park. The restaurant throws massive parties on the weekends on their lower level that has been skilfully transformed into a night club, and the best part is that the party is free.
Address: Av. Marquès de l’Argentera, 27
How to get there
If you’re heading towards Ciutadella Park then the closest metro stop is Arc de Triomf on L1, which also stops at Urquinaona. But, if you’re heading further into Born then L4 also stops nearby at Urquinaona, Jaume 1 and Barceloneta.
