El Born

The heart of the neighbourhood is the old Mercat del Born, a 19th-century iron-and-glass market that stopped selling food in the 1970s. During renovation works in 2001, the remains of an entire 18th-century neighbourhood were found beneath the floor, razed in 1714 to build the military Ciutadella; today that archaeological site can be visited underneath the market itself.

Around it, the narrow streets of El Born — Carrer de Montcada, home to the Museu Picasso, or Passeig del Born, the former site of medieval jousting tournaments — hold one of the highest concentrations of wine bars, local designer shops and galleries in the city.

It's a neighbourhood that changes character depending on the time of day: by day, shopping and cultural tourism; by night, one of the busiest nightlife areas in the centre. The Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar, just steps away, deserves a visit of its own for its almost entirely undecorated Gothic interior.

Frequently asked questions

Is it free to visit El Born?

Walking around the neighbourhood is free; only the Born Centre Cultural archaeological site charges admission.

What can you see under the Mercat del Born?

The remains of an entire 18th-century neighbourhood, razed in 1714, discovered during renovation works in 2001.