Between the busy Avinguda Diagonal, the university complexes of the UB and the UPC, the renowned Camp Nou, and the residential Pedralbes, lies Les Corts. A green district with a touch of nostalgia and some of the most expensive homes in all of Barcelona. This area was once part of the royal estate and was only established as a municipality in 1836. Those who want to discover the real Les Corts should look beyond the famous Camp Nou stadium of FC Barcelona. Les Corts is full of pleasant surprises that you can only get to know if you dare to venture off the beaten path.
Why should you go to Les Corts?
Most tourists visit Les Corts to see the football Mecca, Camp Nou. However, the district has much more to offer: from beautiful city parks like Parc de Pedralbes, to the old village center of Les Corts, or the largest Gothic cloister in the world, the Monestir de Pedralbes.
Shoppers can also enjoy themselves here, as Les Corts has two very nice shopping centers.
Partly because of all the universities and student complexes, Les Corts is also a true student district.
Where is Les Corts located?
The Les Corts district is located to the west of the city, between Sants and Sarrià. The most northern part of the district, at the foot of the Collserola hills, is where the wealthiest Barcelonians live (Pedralbes). The only metro station nearby is Reina Elisenda (L12).
The various university campuses are spread around Avinguda Diagonal and are well connected to the rest of the city by buses, trams, and the L3 metro line (stops Zona Universitària and Palau Reial). A good metro stop to visit the old center of Les Corts and the FC Barcelona stadium is Les Corts (L3).
If you are coming from the airport, you can easily take the L9 Sud metro line directly from the airport to Zona Universitària to reach Les Corts.
Les Corts district by district
Les Corts is composed of the following neighborhoods: Les Corts | La Maternitat i Sant Ramon | Pedralbes.
Les Corts is by far the smallest district in Barcelona and the least populated. Yet everyone knows it because it is the home of FC Barcelona and one of the main university, financial, and business districts in Barcelona.
With an old and lively village center, the student-friendly Zona Universitària, or the green and luxurious Pedralbes, there is something for everyone in Les Corts.
Les Corts: old village center
Les Corts gets its name from Les Corts de Sarrià, a rural area with farms, such as Can Rosés, which belonged to Sarrià until 1836 and was then incorporated as an independent municipality.
The growth and urbanization of the area began at the end of the 19th century, especially after Les Corts became part of Barcelona in 1897. Various industries, such as the Castells textile factory or the Cristalleria Planell glass factory, settled here along with their workers. Worker’s houses such as those in Passatge Tubella or Colònia Castells remind us of this.
The FC Barcelona football club also had its stadium, the Camp de Les Corts, here between 1922 and 1966, where Plaça de les Corts is now located.
Those who want to see a bit of that old Les Corts should best walk along the lively squares of Can Rosés, Concòrdia, and Comas to end up at one of the many terraces. The monument to the famous farmer Pau Farinetes, at Plaça de Comas, is also a nod to the rural past of Les Corts.
However, the biggest attractions of the neighborhood remain the church of Santa Maria del Remei and the cultural center Centre Cívic Can Deu; both found at Plaça de la Concòrdia.
Also worth seeing is the old farmhouse Torre Rodona, which dates back to the 5th century.
La Maternitat i Sant Ramon: home of FC Barcelona and student district
La Maternitat i Sant Ramon: home of FC Barcelona and student district La Maternitat i Sant Ramon is mainly known as the place where FC Barcelona has its football stadium and club museum. The La Maternitat i Sant Ramon neighborhood is actually formed by two areas: La Maternitat (from Camp Nou towards the east) and Sant Ramon (from Camp Nou towards the west), and stretches along the lower part of Avinguda Diagonal.
The name La Maternitat refers to the old maternity hospital Casa de la Maternitat; a beautiful hospital complex in Modernista style. It was designed by architect Camil Oliveras i Gensana and is now part of a beautiful city park: the Jardins de la Maternitat. In Sant Ramon, we find the church of Sant Ramon Nonat, in Neo-Romanesque style and executed by architect Enric Sagnier i Villavecchia.
The most business-oriented side of the neighborhood is found around Avinguda Diagonal, where, among others, the Spanish bank La Caixa has its headquarters. Various sports complexes, such as the exclusive Real Club de Polo de Barcelona, the university district Campus Sud de la Zona Universitària, and green oases, such as Parc de Can Rigal, further shape this neighborhood.
Pedralbes: Villa District
On the northern side of Avinguda Diagonal lies Pedralbes, a neighborhood with two faces: the student-populated area around the university district Campus Nord de la Zona Universitària, and the exclusive and residential Pedralbes on the northernmost side, where the bourgeoisie and the most affluent Barcelonians live. The name comes from the word “petras altas,” which means “white stones”: a direct reference to the bright color of the rocks that were in this area.
For those who want a taste of how the rich live, the best thing to do is take a walk along the luxurious villas with large gardens and swimming pools in Pedralbes. The neighborhood is also very quiet, due to the lack of shops and restaurants, which attracts fewer people.
However, the Pedralbes neighborhood also has several beautiful sights, such as the Pedralbes Monastery (one of the jewels of Catalan Gothic architecture), Gaudí’s Pavellons Güell, and the majestic royal palace Palau Reial de Pedralbes and military building Caserna del Bruc.
The neighborhood also contains several beautiful parks such as Parc de Cervantes (known for its rose garden) and Parc de Palau de Pedralbes.
Guide to Les Corts
Les Corts is an interesting district, which, apart from Camp Nou, is still relatively unknown to the general public. Most Barcelonians, however, come here regularly in one way or another: either to study, work, shop, or see Barça play. If you want to get to know the neighborhood like a true local, follow my tips!
Essential Sights in Les Corts
Most tourists visit Les Corts because of Camp Nou, but the neighborhood has plenty of great places to turn your visit to Les Corts into a fun day out. From beautiful city parks for relaxation to architectural gems of the highest level that are still unknown to many.
- Camp Nou: the stadium of FC Barcelona is one of the most visited places in Barcelona. Its popularity is, of course, due to the club’s successes and the club museum, which consistently ranks in the top ten most visited museums in Barcelona.
- Reial Monestir de Santa Maria de Pedralbes: founded by Queen Elisenda de Montcada in 1327, this monastery houses the largest Gothic cloister in the world and an interesting art collection with religious content.
- Pavellons Güell: in the old Finca Güell, Gaudí built two pavilions; one for the gatekeeper and one for the stables. But the real eye-catcher is the large steel dragon at the entrance.
- Parc de Pedralbes: the royal palace of Pedralbes is surrounded by a beautiful garden with classic lines, pergolas, and water fountains. An oasis of calm in the city.
- Parc de la Maternitat: the historic maternity clinic complex Casa de la Maternitat, built at the end of the 19th century, was one of the most advanced hospitals of its time. The old maternity clinic is now surrounded by gardens and is one of the hidden gems of the neighborhood.
- Parc de Cervantes: this beautiful city park houses a rose garden that attracts numerous visitors each spring when it blooms.
Fun Things to Do in Les Corts
Besides the obligatory stop at Camp Nou, in Les Corts, you can experience student life in Barcelona, shop at some of the best shopping centers in the city, or relax in one of its many city parks. Experience Les Corts like a local with my tips below.
- Square Hopping: locals like to meet each other at the plazas. Especially the squares of Can Rosés, Concòrdia, and Comas are popular meeting spots for neighborhood residents. Plaça de la Concòrdia, with its beautiful church and cultural center, definitely deserves your attention.
- Shopping in Les Corts: shopping centers L’Illa Diagonal and the somewhat more exclusive Pedralbes Center (now closed), together with El Corte Inglés department store, form the commercial artery of the neighborhood. If you’re shopping here, don’t miss the restaurants on the lower floor of L’Illa Diagonal, which is a true foodie marketplace. Outdoor dining is also an option, at the Jardins de Sant Joan de Déu or the small square behind Pedralbes Center.
- Football Frenzy: whether you’re going for a great football match at Camp Nou, or just want to visit the FC Barcelona museum; feel the football madness around the stadium of FC Barcelona and experience what it’s like to be at one of the world’s most important football clubs where stars like Johan Cruyff and Messi have played. A bar near Camp Nou where you can watch football matches and talk with locals is Futballárium.
- Relaxing in Nature: Les Corts is sparsely populated and has many city parks; making it one of the greenest districts in the city. Locals like to relax at Parc de la Maternitat, Parc de Pedralbes, and Parc de Cervantes.
Staying in Les Corts
A hotel or apartment in Les Corts is ideal for those who need to be here for a business trip or if you want to stay near Camp Nou for a football match.
With Kids in Les Corts
Les Corts is a very child-friendly district, and this is reflected in numerous child-friendly cafes, such as Family Room, children’s stores like La Sala Kids, playgrounds, and playful activities, such as an ice rink near Camp Nou or the house of Ratoncito Pérez (the Spanish version of the tooth fairy) at Carrer Taquígraf Garriga number 23.
Little footballers will of course enjoy a visit to Camp Nou, where they can score a fun souvenir at the fan store afterwards.
Events in Les Corts
Throughout the year, various events are organized in Les Corts. Especially the football matches at Camp Nou attract many people.
- Concerts at Monestir de Pedralbes: During the year, various concerts of classical and lyrical music are held in the Pedralbes monastery.
- Festival Jardins de Pedralbes: Every summer, this music festival takes place in Parc de Pedralbes, with performances by very big artists.
- Open-air cinema at L’Illa Diagonal: The summer movie nights at L’Illa Diagonal shopping center are also a classic.
Dining in Les Corts
The range of dining options in Les Corts is very diverse, although most cafes and restaurants are located in the old village center and around the shopping centers, and to a lesser extent in the university district or the villa neighborhood. The food hall at the bottom of the L’Illa Diagonal shopping center is super cool, where you can enjoy delicious food at one of the many cafes, tapas bars, and restaurants. Some of my favorite dining addresses in Les Corts are listed below.
Coffee and Bakeries
- Hidden Café (Carrer de Constança, 12-14): the address for specialty coffee in Les Corts.
- SandwiChez (Carrer de Numància, 147 and Travessera de les Corts, 305): cozy café with tasty sandwiches. Perfect for breakfast or a snack.
- Bendita Helena Coffee House (Carrer de Morales, 27): trendy coffee shop with all kinds of homemade delicacies and delicious bowls for lunch!
Lunch Spots
- Fragments Café (Plaça de la Concòrdia, 12): popular bistro with outdoor terrace at the always lively Plaça de la Concòrdia.
- Tiki Poke (Avinguda Diagonal, 535): great address for a delicious poké bowl. Also available for take away.
- L’Arrosseria Xàtiva (Carrer de Bordeus, 35): one of the best addresses in Barcelona for paella.
Restaurants
- Cocina Hermanos Torres (Carrer del Taquígraf Serra, 20): two Michelin star restaurant of the renowned Torres brothers; famous chefs on Spanish television.
- La cuina de l’Uribou (Carrer del Taquígraf Serra, 26): Japanese restaurant with delicious sushi and other traditional dishes.
- Metric (Avinguda Diagonal, 505): trendy restaurant with a very photogenic interior.
Tapas Bars
- Piscolabis (Avinguda Diagonal, 593): large tapas bar with outdoor terrace on Avinguda Diagonal.
- El Maravillas (Plaça de la Concòrdia, 15): trendy bar and restaurant at Plaça de la Concòrdia. Be sure to try the vermut and order something tasty as a snack.
- Bar El Zorrito (Avinguda de Josep Tarradellas, 133): trendy version of the tapas bar with organic and local products.
Drinks and Nightlife in Les Corts
Apart from the concert hall Sala Bikini and a few student spots, Les Corts is not really known for its nightlife. Some places you can go for a night out are:
- Sala Bikini (Avinguda Diagonal, 547): well-known concert hall and nightclub.
- Pub Lunatic (Carrer del Regent Mendieta, 38): music bar where concerts by singer-songwriters take place.
- Kahala Barcelona (Avinguda Diagonal, 537): fun cocktail bar in Hawaiian atmosphere near the popular nightclub Sala Bikini.
