El Born has been transformed in recent years to become one of the trendiest neighbourhoods of Barcelona. Just to the east of the Ramblas on the far side of Via Laietana, its warren of old streets are bursting with chic tapas and cocktail bars, candlelit restaurants and fashion boutiques including the exclusive designers Custo.
The centrepiece of El Born is the imposing Santa Maria del Mar church, which faces onto a beautiful square with wine and tapas bars. To the rear of the church is the area´s main street, Paseo del Born, which is lined with cosy bars and restaurants spanning whole gamut of cuisines. On Calle Montcada, before you get to the Picasso museum, is one of Barcelona´s best cava bars, El Xampanyet.
The area borders the Gothic Quarter and the port, which are within a 15 minutes walk of the Cathedral and Las Ramblas.
If you´re looking for a restaurant in the area, see our Restaurant Reviews section. We particularly recommend Suborn, one of our favourites in Barcelona.
Close to El Born is the unmissable Palau de la Musica, a stunning and ornate modernist concert hall designed by Catalan architect Domenech i Montaner. To the east of the Born is the Ciutadella Park when you´re in need of collapsing in the shade beneath a tree.