Top Rated Attractions in Barcelona

This quarter of medieval origin is found below Plaza Urquinaona and on the left side of Via Laietana. It is called Sant Pere because the area grew around the Monastery of Sant Pere de les Puelles, and you can still see some of the monastery's ruins in the Sant Pere square. Traditionally, this quarter was the center of textile production in Barcelona and you can still find a large number of fabric and cloth shops. One of its more marvelous non-garment-related attractions is the Palau de la Música Catalana, built by Domènech i Muntaner, with sculptures of Miquel Blay. It's a nice area to spend time in, to get a feel of the old, pre-shopping mall Barcelona.

Teatre Borràs is one of the many older theaters in Barcelona, which have been refurbished and revived. The comfortable theater, with 718 seats, holds all kinds of shows, including some rather risqué ones. There are one-man shows in Castilian and productions from theater companies from outside Cataluña. Some great box office hits have been performed at the theater, year after year. The Borras is located in Urquinaona, one of the most central squares in the city.

This is one of the largest cinemas in Barcelona, and it is housed in an old 19th-century theater. The hall, therefore, retains much of its historic charm and glory. The spectator is the king here, as he gets a truly wide-screen experience, with a choice to sit in the stalls or the circle. It is also a great place for children as there are regular screenings for them. The latest blockbusters, however, pull maximum audiences.

Iglesia Protestant de Barcelona Centro or the Barcelona Centro Protestant Church is located in the old quarter, very close to the MACBA (Museum of Contemporary Art of Barcelona) and the Plaça de Catalunya. During the renovation of this building, great effort was made to conserve as many original elements of the old construction as possible. Religious services take place at different times of the week, call for more details.

Carrer Santa Anna is a historical street where the Santa Anna Church can be visited. The street is named after the church which used to be a monastery earlier. It is also near the Plaza Catalunya- a historical landmark. The street is in the Gothic Quarter of the city and well connected by public transport.

This grand edifice houses perhaps the largest cultural resource in Catalonia, with the richest selection of programs for the public. The center sponsors political debates of local and national politicians, book readings, film screenings, art shows, concerts, and more. L'Ateneu is located inside El Palau Savassona, the old residence of Josep Francesc Ferrer de Llupià Brossa, a former Baron of Savassona. Even if you're not planning to attend one of the cultural events, it's worth it to visit the building, as it's an equally dignified neoclassical contrast to the famous Gaudi-inspired architecture that dominates much of modern Barcelona.