La Ribera is a breathtakingly artistic, medieval neighbourhood in Barcelona's old city. Prominent establishments in the portside area include Mercat del Born, Fossar de les Moreres, the Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar, the Santa Eulalia Cathedral, the Picasso Museum, the Museu Barbier-Mueller d’Art Precolombi and a portion of the Textile Museum. Cultural and historical appreciation is rampant, and area museums and other institutions showcase an array of mediums from artists of various skill levels and time periods. Artisans offer individually crafted hats, mirrors, silver and so forth.

In La Ribera's lower section is El Born, a chic and tourist-popular area with numerous fashion boutiques, bars and cafes, while the adjacent neighbourhood Sant Pere is a quieter place in the middle of the architectural marvel Arc de Triomf and the thoroughfare Via Laietana. This provides both a powerful and gentle atmosphere, allowing for a variety of options for enjoyment in the neighbourhood.

La Ribera in Barcelona - one of the highlights of 11 Most Popular Neighbourhoods in Barcelona (Read all about Barcelona here)

What are the highlights of La Ribera in Barcelona?

The former public market building of La Ribera's El Born section includes archaeological ruins that were destroyed following the Siege of Barcelona. Santa Maria del Mar is a medieval church in La Ribera with a peculiar consistency in its Gothic architectural design, and the memorial square Fossar de les Moreres lies beside the basilica, commemorating a legion of fallen Catalan soldiers from the siege of 1714. Santa Eulalia Cathedral, or the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, is another Gothic-style church and serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona.

La Ribera also has several culturally and historically important museums. The Picasso Museum features an enormous collection of works by Pablo Picasso. The Museu Barbier-Mueller d’Art Precolombi is one of the few museums in Europe devoted to pre-Columbian works. The Textile Museum reveals textiles from various places and points throughout history, showcasing a large local and international selection.

Where to eat and drink in La Ribera in Barcelona?

La Ribera is home to a whole array of tasty and trendy restaurants, cocktail lounges and wine bars to fuel your energy for popular activities such as club dancing. Cremat 11 is a top choice for a wide range of European food, while Pizzeria Da Nanni Barcelona supplies familiar Italian fast food. Gelarto Rosa Barcelona provides vegetarian-friendly options alongside scrumptious signature Italian desserts.

The Collage Cocktail Bar offers a friendly atmosphere with its exotic cocktails. Hidden Coffee Roasters in El Born and El Flako Corn Flakes & Co offer a fair amount of beverages paired with relaxing surroundings. At Vila Viniteca, you'll find a sophisticated selection of wine for immediate or future consumption. Regardless of your particular cravings, there’s something to perk up everyone in La Ribera.

What else is good to know about La Ribera in Barcelona?

La Ribera is a 4-minute walk from Jaume I and a 6-minute walk from Barceloneta. It’s advisable to go during market hours to fully experience the area’s everyday culture.

Additional places to visit in La Ribera include La Llotja, the Barcelona Zoo, the Aquarium, Ciutadella Park, Palau de la Musica Catalana, the Museum of Modern European Art, the Museum of Ethnological Cultures, the Chocolate Museum, Carrer Montcada’s art galleries and the Centre of Memorial Culture. La Ribera is also near the Cathedral, the Gothic Quarter, La Barceloneta, El Born, Eixample, El Poblenou, El Raval, Vila de Gracia, Sagrada Familia, La Sagrera, Sant Andreu de Palomar, Sarria, La Vall d’Hebron, Pedralbes, Parc de Montjuic, El Poble Sec and El Clot.

La Ribera in Barcelona

Lage: Barcelona, Spain