From the thirteenth to the seventeenth centuries, the wide-open, tree-lined Passeig del Born was the main hub of Barcelona. It hosted most of the city’s public festivities; jousting, carnivals and even that fun-filled Inquisition spectacle of burning of heretics at the stake.

It’s a special place both during the day, when it has a shaded, peaceful ambiance, and in the evening as a nightlife destination. The transition happens naturally, with both locals and tourists darting in and out of the compact, cosy streets that run off the Passeig del Born seeking out bars, restaurants and eclectic little boutiques. It’s a great place for people watching, and it’s easy to imagine it always has been.

There are some fab little bars on Passeig del Born; we like Copetin (Nº19) for authentic Cuban mojitos served against a backdrop of great rhythms and free popcorn and the café-bar Rosal  (Nº27) right at the end in front of the market.

The Passeig del Born is a great place to meet friends and many do, picking up slices of tasty pizza slices and cool beers from the street sellers, who have a canny knack of being close by when you really need them.