La Ribera

Barcelona

La Ribera
La Ribera
La Ribera
La Ribera
La Ribera

Artistic and affluent, this neighbourhood located in the wider district of Sant Pere, Barcelona, sprung up around its Gothic cathedral.

La Ribera is where Barcelona’s nobility used to live and where wealthy merchants settled down. Visit a Renaissance, Baroque or medieval “palau” (palace), browse prestigious art museums or visit fun family attractions.

Streets in La Ribera typically carry the names of artisan trades, such as Sombrerers (hatters), Mirallers (mirror makers) and Argenters (silversmiths).

Admire the Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar, a fine example of Catalan Gothic architecture. Pop around the back to admire the Fossar de les Moreres, a modern monument with eternal flame commemorating the 1714 siege of Barcelona.

From the cathedral, stroll along the Passeig del Born to the old Born Market, which now houses the modern Born Centre de Cultura i Memòria. La Ribena and El Born are sometimes seen as one city quarter and the Born Market is where they meet. Come back to this area late at night to sample savory tapas, sip on sweet cocktails and dance the samba.

Browse the Carrer Montcada to visit the street’s many art galleries and museums, many housed in old stone palaces or mansions from the 12th century. You can’t miss Palau Baró de Castellet with its vaulted ceilings, the home to the Museu Picasso. Learn about the life and works of one of Spain’s most celebrated painters before moving on to the Museu Europeu d'Art Modern (MEAM) across the road. By contrast, the Museu Etnològic i de Cultures del Món in the same street showcases mostly tribal artworks from all over the globe.

Take the kids to the aquarium in the harbor to the south. Or, visit La Ribena’s Chocolate Museum after exploring the Barcelona Zoo next door in Ciutadella Park.

In the Pla de Palau, admire La Llotja, a neoclassical civic building from the 18th century. Its history goes much further back though and the interior is Gothic. Pablo Picasso used to study art here, but it is now the headquarters of the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce.

Continue south to visit the Museum d’Història de Catalunya near the waterfront. Ask around for the best seafood and paella restaurants in the harbor to end your visit to La Ribera, which means “Coastal Strip” or “Shore,” in style.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in La Ribera

Hotel Rec Barcelona - Adults only
Hotel Rec Barcelona - Adults only
3 out of 5
Carrer del Rec Comtal, 19, Barcelona
The price is €182 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
€182
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,009 reviews)
"I really enjoyed the convenience of the location but with that in mind it was noisy due to the activities at the arc de Triomf. The shower was a little complicated at first but we figured out how to get hot water and it’s worth paying for the breakfast. I would stay there again."

Reviewed on 7 Jul 2025

Hotel Rec Barcelona - Adults only
Grand Hotel Central
Grand Hotel Central
5 out of 5
Via Laietana 30, Barcelona
The price is €365 per night from 23 Jul to 24 Jul
€365
23 Jul - 24 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (998 reviews)
"Has everything you would want in a hotel"

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

Grand Hotel Central
H10 Cubik
H10 Cubik
4.5 out of 5
Via Laietana, 69, Centre, Barcelona
The price is €231 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
€231
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and 2 coffee shops/cafes. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,000 reviews)
"Excellent location , room was very quiet. Big bathroom with a proper door! Some of the furniture in the room looked a bit tired , but there was plenty of storage and we enjoyed our stay. Front desk staff were very helpful."

Reviewed on 7 Jul 2025

H10 Cubik
Barcelona Airport Hotel
Barcelona Airport Hotel
4 out of 5
Plaza de la Volateria, 3, Poligono Mas Blau, El Prat de Llobregat
The price is €178 per night from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
€178
28 Jul - 29 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in El Prat de Llobregat. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (5,025 reviews)
"Great hotel for staying close to the airport"

Reviewed on 9 Jul 2025

Barcelona Airport Hotel
Grand Hyatt Barcelona
Grand Hyatt Barcelona
5 out of 5
Plaza de Pio XII, 4, Barcelona
The price is €208 per night from 24 Jul to 25 Jul
€208
24 Jul - 25 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,187 reviews)
"It was a great place to stay for our Barcelona stop before and after the cruise trip. The staff were very friendly, the rooms were spacious and clean. Great amenities, 24 hr room service which was great for us because of jet lag. Definitely recommend this hotel."

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

Grand Hyatt Barcelona
INNSiDE by Melia Barcelona Apolo
INNSiDE by Melia Barcelona Apolo
4 out of 5
Avinguda del Paral.lel, 57-59, Barcelona, Barcelona
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €205 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
€205
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,177 reviews)
"Paral-el metro station entrance is 1 minute walk away, which is so convenient, lots of cafe within 10 mins walk if you don’t want to have breakfast in hotel."

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

INNSiDE by Melia Barcelona Apolo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around La Ribera

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Gothic Quarter

4.5/5(1,039 area reviews)

Known for its stunning cathedral and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Gothic Quarter. Check out top attractions like La Rambla and Port de Barcelona, and jump on the metro at Jaume I Station or Liceu Station to see more of the city.

Gothic Quarter
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El Born

The abundant dining options and interesting museums are just a few top-rate features of the neighbourhood. Make a stop by Paseo del Borne or Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Barceloneta Station to get around town.

El Born
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Downtown Barcelona

Known for its fascinating museums, stunning cathedral and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Barcelona. Top attractions like La Rambla and Plaça de Catalunya are major draws. Catch the metro at Liceu Station or Jaume I Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Barcelona
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Ciutat Vella

4.5/5(116 area reviews)

Known for its stunning cathedral, captivating waterfront views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Ciutat Vella. Top attractions like La Rambla and Port de Barcelona are major draws. Catch the metro at Jaume I Station or Barceloneta Station to see more of the city.

Ciutat Vella
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el Fort Pienc

You might enjoy the bars while in el Fort Pienc. Passeig de Sant Joan is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Marina Station or Arc de Triomf Station to see more of the city.

el Fort Pienc
Placa de Catalunya featuring a statue or sculpture and outdoor art

Dreta de l'Eixample

Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Dreta de l'Eixample. Check out top attractions like Plaça de Catalunya and La Rambla, and jump on the metro at Girona Station or Passeig de Gracia Station to see more of the city.

Dreta de l'Eixample

La Ribera

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