Situated in the southern part of the city, Sants-Montjuic is very diverse and so are its neighbourhoods. From the very populated areas of Sants, Hostafrancs and La Bordeta in the upper part of the district, above the famous street Gran Vía de las Corts Catalanes, to others such as the popular area of Poble-sec which is a rather small urban area limited by the mountain.
The district of Ciutat Vella, which literally means Old City, includes Barri Gotic, Las Ramblas, Ravel, El Borne, Barceloneta and Port Vell. La Rambla Barcelona’s most famous thoroughfare runs from Placa Catalunya all the way down to the Columbus monument by the Port Vell promenade.
When the Ciutat Vella became overpopulated in the 19th century, the people moved out to the north of Placa Catalunya to what is now known as the Eixample district, literally the extension. The Eixample developed in a grid of roads following a modern trend.
Les Corts is home to the smart and upmarket neighbourhood of Barcelona Pedralbes which takes its name from the typical light-coloured rocks of the area.
Sarrià-Sant Gervasi is the upper class district of Barcelona and one of the biggest. Discovered by the wealthy middle class, what used to be a rural region in the mid XIX century, soon became a posh urban area with elegant villas, beautiful squares, religious schools and convents.
Gràcia is a picturesque district of Barcelona with quaint squares and characteristic narrow streets which are often lively with the many street parties throughout the year. In August Gràcia becomes the centre of the city for partying with its main street celebration Fiesta Major.
Located between Gracia and Nou Barris on the north-eastern part of Barcelona, Horta-Guinardo is the third biggest district of Barcelona, after Sants-Montjuic and Sarria-Sant Gervasi.
Nou Barris district takes its name from the nine neighbourhoods that originally formed it, although today are in actual fact fourteen. This area is rather steep and was urbanised around the 1950s’ when most estates were built as council accommodation.
Situated between Nou Barris, Sant Martí and Horta-Guinardó and delimited to the north by the river Besós, Sant Andreu is the third largest of Barcelona’s districts. It was annexed by Barcelona in 1897, but the historic town of Sant Andreu still retains a strong independent Catalan identity.
The district of Sant Martì is on the eastern part of the city by the Mediterranean Sea and includes the charming neighbourhood of Poble Nou, Vila Olimpica and the Olimpic Port.
Whilst being very close to the city centre Poble Nou has kept a local and relaxed atmosphere where to stroll along the pedestrian Rambla de Poble Nou lined with its many cafes, bars and shops.
