The elegance of Born
Born is a small neighborhood that forms part of the Ciutat Vella district, (the old town) which is the most central and historic area of Barcelona. In the past, it was known as La Ribera, but today it has been revitalized as part of the city which has turned it into one of the most sophisticated and elegant areas in Barcelona.
Born's location
The neighborhood is nestled between the modern district of Eixample to the north, the wonderfully verdant Parc de la Ciutadella to the east, Vía Layetana to the west and the colorful Barceloneta to the south. The metro stops in the area are: Jaume I or Urquinaona (Yellow Line L4) from which you can reach the area easily on foot.
Attractions in Born
El Born boasts the presence of numerous attractions within its confines, despite the fact that this neighborhood only covers a relatively small area. But it wouldn't be difficult to spend an entire day strolling around its enchanting streets. First on the list of wonderful things to see in Born is the Palau de la Musica Catalana, an elegant modern theater which hosts shows of different types and which you can admire both inside and out. Not far from here is the picturesque Plaza Sant Pere which lies in front of a beautiful Gothic church of the same name, just in front of a range of places where you can sample some traditional tapas as well as some good Italian food, including delicious thin flat-breads. As you continue to stroll around the neighborhood, you will come to the Centre de Cultura y Memoria, (the cultural center) which is a modern pavilion that houses some of the city's ancient ruins and has a variety of spaces in which a range of cultural events are organized all year round. As you head down towards the sea, an absolute must is a visit to the majestic Cathedral of Santa María del Mar which will render you speechless at whatever time of the day you decide to visit thanks to the play of light and shadow which changes according to the position of the sun. For art lovers, Born is also the home of the famous Picasso Museum which is situated just a stone's throw from the Basilica at Carrer Montcada 15-23.
Eating in Born
El Born is a neighborhood that's also famous for its elegant eateries which range from the chic gourmet cuisine which you'll find at Bornmuth, that's situated at Plaza Comercial 1, a play on the neighborhood's name and a typical alcoholic drink, vermouth, that is popular among the locals. For those who love fish, you'll be delighted by La Paradeta where the food is so good that there's always a long queue outside the door. This restaurant's formula is really novel: fresh fish is chosen straight from the "fishmonger's stall" and you decide on how you want it cooked. If you're interested in other typical restaurants within the same area, you can ask your private guide from Barcellona.shop to accompany you on a gastronomic tour around this elegant district in the center of Barcelona!
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