Hidden Highlights of the Born Neighbourhood

Unique boutiques

As far back as Medieval times this neighbourhood has been a centre for trade and commerce. The cloth merchants and cotton traders are long gone; its narrow streets are now filled with all kinds of contemporary artisan shops and boutiques.  Some of our favourites include the fabulous All You Knit Is Love wool shop (C/ Barra de Ferro, 8). You´ll sometimes spot a few knitters in the Lilipep Café on the corner of the same street, a comfortable place that has a good selection of teas and cakes. But back the boutiques! Often pricey but definitely a cut above the high street chain stores, MTX is full of right-on fashion (C/ Rec, 32). Indeed, the whole of C/ Rec is worth browsing at length, as this is back to back with interesting shops. Another find is the handmade shoes at Nu Sabates (C/ Cotoners 14) by architect-turnedshoemaker Rafi Balouzian.

Sizzling art

Artists’ workshops nestle between the cafés and shops in the back streets of the Born. Pass C/ Abaixadors 10, next to Santa Maria del Mar, and peep into local artist Núria Duran’s atelier. The Lomogaphy store at C/ Rosic 3 has a funky display of pop snaps. See Barcelona from a different angle through the distortion of a Lomography lens. If your inner creative juices start gurging at the thought, you could even buy a camera and give it a whirl yourself.

Plaça Sant Agusti Vell

This little-known square at the end of C/ Carders has hardly been touched by time. Elegant wrought-iron lamp posts, an 18th century fountain and tall trees add to this square’s unique character. Old restaurants sit next to new establishments; Bar Mundial has been renowned for its seafood and fish since 1925, whilst La Hamaca sells ecological fruit and veggies, and delicious fresh juices and snacks. An ecological café also opened recently in this square, managed by a some friendly Italian girls. Perch at the bar and enjoy their sandwiches, salads and sweet treats, or a fresh fruit juice or smoothie. This square invites you to step back in time and enjoy the present like never before.

Sculpt your day

Perhaps the queues at the Picasso Museum are too painfully long, or perhaps you’re after a different art experience. Say hello to the MEAM European Museumof Modern Art (Barra de Ferro, 5). This is dedicated to sculpture and contemporary figurative art, and has an impressive permanent collection. The building itself is also magnificent; an old merchant palace with an interior courtyard, high decorated ceiling and impressive staircases. You’ll find activities for the kids and a great café here too. Look out for their regular agenda of concerts: every Thursday there is a session of Gospel and Spiritual music, Blues and similar styles is performed on Friday, and Saturday is dedicated to classical music. www.meam.es.

Inspiring art & soul food

C/ Princesa stretches from Via Laietana to the Ciutadella Park, and the best thing on this street is the Blueproject Gallery at number 57, at the park end. It’s one of Barcelona’s most interesting contemporary art galleries, with temporary multimedia exhibitions showcasing new talent every month. The back room, Il Salotto,” changes its permanent exhibition every season. And don’t miss the Blueproject Café next door. Delicious organic menus, raw vegan dishes, mouthwatering desserts, home-made biscuits… mmm!