I am one of those people who when I visit a city just love to get off the beaten track and see the real city rather than get ensnared in the unrelenting merry go round of the Tourist Trail.  I love taking a peek into the beating heart of the city.  I admit as a power chair user this sometimes is a bit more difficult. So you can imagine my delight and excitement to discover that Barcelona is not just remarkably accessible on the main streets, but is also really easy to access The Gothic Quarter, a maze of fascinating back streets, squares and hidden gems that most visitors miss.  

The Gothic Quarter

The Gothic Quarter stretches from the Citadel Park and Barcelona’s magnificent brick built Triumphal Arch.  The Arc de Triomf was built in 1888 by the architect Josep Vilaseca i Casanovas as the grand entrance to the Barcelona World Fair of 1888.  Today it stands at the Northern end of the Citadella Park.  it is worth getting up close and taking a look at the fabulous brickwork of the arch.  It is truly a stunning example of the art of the bricklayer.  It is also a fantastic starting point to leave the busy streets of modern Barcelona behind and head into tranquil and slower pace of Barcelona’s oldest quarter. My advice is to cross the road at the Arc and turn left then take the first right into ancient narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter.

Carrer Rec Comtal

As you turn into the Carrer Rec Comtal you will notice a change of pace from a relatively busy city to a more sedate pace of life.  You will discover a quirky urban garden centre.  Whilst at first glance the city looks like it has no private gardens, as you go around this quarter you will occasionally get a glimpse of a courtyard garden or glance up at a balcony with pots of olourful flowers.  Across from the Garden Centre you will pass the ultra modern Hotel Rec.  Then a very stylish Tapas bar called Elsa y Fred.