Old Town

Ciutat Vella, or the Old Town is believed by many to be the heart of Barcelona, and comprises primarily of four neighborhoods – El Borne, the Barrio Gotico, El Raval and Barceloneta – which are full of old world character, linked by narrow, winding streets. There is a wealth of bars, restaurants, shops and diverse culture throughout El Born, making it the obvious place to buy a Barcelona property.  

The Borne is the quarter of Cuitat Vella to the right of Via Laietana, stretching from Paseo Colon up to Plaza Urquinaona. The top of the Borne can also be referred to as St Pere. Home to the Picasso museum, the newly renovated market of Santa Caterina, the gothic Santa Maria del Mar cathedral, and a wealth of bars and up market boutiques along Paseo del Borne in Barcelona; the Borne has become one of the most popular downtown places to be.  

The Barri Gotic is the section of the Old Town (or Casc Antic) directly below Plaza Catalunya, between Las Ramblas and Via Laietana. Full of museums, galleries, restaurants brimming with history and popular bars, the Barri Gothic tends to be the first stop on most peoples itineraries on arriving in Barcelona.  

Barceloneta is the old fishing district of Barcelona and is characterized by low-rise narrow streets tucked in between the wide sandy beaches on the sea-side of the peninsula, and the curve of Barcelona’s oldest marinas –Port Vell. Home to a large part of the yachting community, there is an abundance of authentic old seafood restaurants scattered around the Harbor and Calle Juan de Borbon. In addition the large shopping complex of Maremagnum with its shops, restaurants, and discotheques, has also brought new life to Barceloneta, enticing other attractions such as the IMAX, and the Barcelona Aquarium.  

El Raval is one of Barcelona’s most up and coming central barrios and is currently undergoing some serious renovation and gentrification, including a brand new 5 star hotel in the center of the Rambla de Raval. It is an excellent place to consider when buying for  an investment. With a slightly more edgy, bohemian vibe than the other quarters of the Old Town, the Raval is home to some great bars, the MACBA Contemporary Arts Museum, a new university campus and several other places of interest.  

Lucas Fox offers a full range of property for sale in Barcelona Ciutat Vella. Most old town apartments for sale range from around 60-80sqm but it is possible to find larger flats and penthouses to buy - some apartment buildings have had elevators installed or have space to put one in. It remains possible to find good value renovation projects to buy requiring modernization in this area. Original features are evident in most apartments, with exposed brick walls, beamed ceilings, beautiful vaulted Catalan ceilings, original wooden tiles, and original tiled floors.  

Due to its close proximity to Plaza Catalunya, public transport in Barcelona old town is excellent. There are various bus and metro lines, as well as regional and national RENFE train lines available. Local amenities are excellent, and the beaches of Barceloneta and Villa Olimpica are in close proximity. 

Please contact us to find out more about Barcelona old town properties to buy, sell or rent. We are also glad to offer general advice on purchasing a property in Barcelona old town and offer a range of bespoke property management services to suit every property buyer.