Entertainment in Gothic Quarter, Raval & La Ribera (Barcelona)

Teatre Principal

Teatre Principal is located on the site of Barcelona's first theatre, Teatre de la Santa Creu, which opened in 1596 and began holding regular opera seasons in 1750. After a fire in 1788, it was rebuilt and took the name of Teatre Principal, putting on plays in Catalan. It reopened, with the latest technology, following a period of closure, and has 800 seats. The theatre has put on various kinds of shows, including Broadway hits produced in Cataluña, featuring Spanish actors, singers and dancers. It is located in the emblematic, lively Ramblas, near Barcelona's old port.

Gran Teatre del Liceu

The Gran Teatre del Liceu Barcelona's most important theatre was built in an eclectic style by J.O. Mestres and M. Garriga i Rocato to house the city's Operatic Society. Regular opera seasons began here in 1847 and the venue soon overshadowed its main rival, the Teatro Principal. It became a potent symbol of the power and wealth of Catalunya's 19th-century middle-classes, the same people who commissioned all the city's impressive modernist buildings towards the end of that century. There was a devastating fire in the theatre during 1861, an anarchist bomb-attack in 1893, and then it was completely burned down in 1994. The new building stages an exciting programme of operas, concerts and ballets by the world's best performing companies and houses its own symphony orchestra and choir that perform all year round.

Sala Apolo 2

Located right next door to the original Sala Apolo, this club also features great events. Sala Apolo 2 is a dazzling, multifaceted club that hosts various kinds of themed nights and fun parties the year round. You can witness a wide array of concerts arranged by the Djs, cinema screenings and karoake events here. Calling all nightcrawlers!

Ambar Cafe

The old adage, location, location, location, rings true with Ambar, located advantageously next to the Rambla De Rival with plenty of comfortable outdoor seating, giving its patrons an excellent view of the customary live music nearby. The crowd is an eclectic makeup reflecting Barcelona's diversity, including students, foreigners, and locals alike. Ambar has quickly become one of Barcelona's trend-setting lounges, whose prime location, and plush outdoor seating, is contrasted (luckily for us) by its reasonably priced drinks, and friendly bar staff. In addition they serve delectable daily tapas, and light dinner options.

Tablao Cordobes

The stage is set. The dancers take their positions and on cue enthrall the audience with graceful movements. This is the dance form called Flamenco and no other place besides Tablao Cordobes does justice in bringing this art form to the people in its authentic form. Over three decades in existence, this place has done a lot to promote the art in the country. Add to the fact that the food served here is also up to the mark. Try the salads and desserts which are highly recommended by the patrons. check website for exact timings.

Fiesta de Sant Jordi

Flower stalls and book stands are set up all over the city in preparation for April 23rd, the date of Catalunya's Sant Jordi's Day (St. George's Day). Men give women a rose and women give men a book as a symbol of love or friendship on this day. According to legend, Sant Jordi killed a dragon that terrorized Cirenaica in the Near East and saved a beautiful princess from death, thus causing the local population to convert to Christianity. Many still follow the 15th century tradition of visiting the chapel dedicated to the saint in the Palau de la Generalitat, which opens its doors to the public on Sant Jordi's Day.

Sant Roc

The 16th of August is celebrated as St. Roc's Day. Sant Roc was the patron saint of a few of the historical guilds of Barcelona, which means that this typical festivity, aside from its religious side, also had a political edge. The festivity is held on Plaça Nova, which is spectacularly decorated that day with the flags of the different guilds of Barcelona and their various representatives. The usual happenings take place: dancing with gegants (huge carnival figures), games for children, and the dancing of the Sardana, Europe's most complicated national dance (but you'd never know that by looking at it!).

Club Capitol

This was the first, among commercial theatres, but not alternative theatres, to open two auditoria with simultaneous performances. Its normal programme includes comedies, performed by well-known comedians who have been coming for several years, or companies offering different kinds of shows such as recitals, cabaret, etc., with entertainment of a satirical kind always guaranteed. The theatre is cosy and comfortable and right in the city centre in one of its amazing emblematic avenues, the Ramblas.

Teatre Apolo

Teatre Apolo is one of the oldest theaters in Barcelona. It is located in the charming Avenida del Paralelo, which was the thriving theater district in Barcelona in the early 20th century. At the beginning of the 1990s, however, the original building was demolished and a hotel and this new theater were built, just in time for 1992 Olympics. Currently, this place has a large auditorium, complete with state-of-the-art technology, and it usually schedules plays by well-known playwrights and productions.

Conciertos de Música

The "Taller de M," a Catalan music school, organises all kinds of concerts throughout the year at the Jazz Sí Club. Past music programmes have included "Descarga Cubana" (Cuban music) on Thursdays; flamenco on Fridays and rock, blues and pop jam sessions on Sundays. Admission prices and musical themes vary. Check the website for details.

CCCB Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona

Opened in 1994, this is the first centre in Europe dedicated to the study of the urban metropolis seen as a universal phenomenon which helps us to analyse the social, cultural and urban development of the city, as well as its history. The Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB) was built by the architect Piñón y Viaplana, on the site of the old Casa de la Caridad, a beautiful building of which a few original decorative elements remain. This is the main exhibition centre in Barcelona, located in the heart of the Raval district. Apart from courses and seminars, its program includes some of the most interesting cultural initiatives in Barcelona. It also has a café-restaurant and a gift shop.

Barcelona Asian Film Festival

Held annually in early summertime, the Barcelona Asian Film Festival attracts large curious crowds to its various venues in Barcelona. The two week festival gains popularity and international recognition every year. The films shown at this festival are quite good and often make their rounds at other recognized international film festivals.