El Born,
Santa Maria del Mar
Plaça de Santa Maria
Barcelona
Spain
08003
Tel: 34 93 310 2390
Museu Picasso
15 Carrer de Montcada
Barcelona
Spain
08003
Tel: 34 93 319 6310
Concierge.com's insider take:
Ribera, more commonly known as El Born in reference to its main axis, Passeig del Born, is a medieval-turned-trendy neighborhood near the city center. After the obligatory visits to the soaring, columned Santa Maria del Mar, the Museu Picasso, and the Passeig del Born (the site of public floggings and burnings during the Spanish Inquisition), you'll probably want to seek out the neighborhood's quieter spots—this area can be overwhelmed with tourists at times. The tranquil Plaça de les Olles is great for an alfresco lunch, while Carrer de L'Esparteria and Carrer Vidriera are lined with quirky boutiques. Also check out the adjacent neighborhood of Sant Pere, which is a bit edgier than trendy El Born. Like New York's Lower East Side or Hoxton in London's East End, San Pere retains its eclectic atmosphere while casually embracing a slower-paced gentrification.