This itinerary focuses on the districts that make up old Barcelona —the Old Quarter (Casc Antic), the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) and the Raval—, which, along with Barceloneta, form the Ciutat Vella district. Here we find both historic buildings and examples of more modern architecture, between streets and squares which are very pleasant to stroll through.

The main streets have bevelled corners and many of the interior streets are pedestrian only, with smooth paving, making it easy to move around in a wheelchair.

One of the most symbolic streets in the district is la Rambla , which begins at Plaça de Catalunya and ends at the sea, facing the Columbus monument. It is a wide pedestrian and accessible boulevard, marked out by trees, with many bar terraces and stands that sell newspapers, flowers and pets. The Rambla features the Palau de la Virreina (and next to it, the musical bookshop Casa Beethoven), the Boqueria market and the Gran Teatre del Liceu. Facing this is the Cafè de l’Òpera, a traditional bar-café, inaccessible, dating from the early 19th-century.

The plaça Reial , situated on one side of the Rambla, is a spacious arcaded square, pedestrian only and accessible, surrounded by terraces and restaurants. Its lampposts were designed by the architect Antoni Gaudí.