Passeig del Born

La Ribera / El Born, Barcelona –

Calmer and more sophisticated than the likes of Plaça Reial or Port Olimpic, Passeig del Born is the central square of the Born district and yet another hub of Barcelona nightlife – but this one boasts the highest concentration of bars in the city.

Once the site of medieval jousting tournaments, the rectangular area is now home to dozens of bars and cafés that include the legendary Miramelindo with its notorious homemade cocktails, as well as local favorite Pitin Bar and ultra hip Nose (Passeig Del Born, 21).

Latin American themed bars are particularly popular in these parts and are perennially packed with upbeat locals.

While the bars tend to overflow on the weekends with well-dressed sophisticates in high-end fashion and chic vintage finds, an equally large number of more casual party-minded people gather in the public space with an affordable Estrella beer purchased from one of the ubiquitous street vendors.

Passeig del Born is also well worth a visit during the day, thanks to the Santa Maria del Mar church, a glorious Gothic masterpiece that commands one side of the Passeig. Two lines of lush plane trees offer shade to admiring visitors who rest on the stone benches to gaze at the architecture and watch the world go by.

Several of the cafés and bars are open for lunch and have outdoor seating, providing an excellent perch from which to observe the comings and goings of one of Barcelona’s most impressive squares.