The Picasso: The perfect excuse to discover the vibrant El Born district
Visiting the Picasso Museum of Barcelona is much more than walking through an exhibition — it is an immersion into the first steps, emotions, and discoveries of an artist who would change the history of art forever.
Pablo Picasso arrived in Barcelona as a teenager, and it was here that he found his creative voice. In its streets, cafés, and studios, he forged an eternal bond with the city — one that still lives on in every room of the museum.
A journey through the beginnings of a genius
The museum houses more than 4,000 works, mainly from Picasso’s early years — from his academic studies to the celebrated Las Meninas series. Witnessing how the young artist mastered classical technique and then dared to experiment is a truly fascinating experience.
Among the most admired pieces are Science and Charity, Portrait of the Artist’s Mother, and the ceramics created later in his life, which reveal the painter’s endless curiosity and creative energy.
The museum itself occupies five Gothic palaces in the heart of El Born, each with stone courtyards, medieval staircases, and elegant balconies that transport visitors to another era while they contemplate the master’s work.
The Barcelona that inspired Picasso
For Picasso, Barcelona was a laboratory of emotions. Here, he studied at the School of Fine Arts of La Llotja, frequented the iconic tavern Els Quatre Gats — a meeting point for artists and intellectuals — and painted some of his first masterpieces. You can still enjoy a drink, lunch, or dinner at this legendary place.
Strolling through El Born or the Gothic Quarter after your visit allows you to imagine the young Pablo walking with his sketchbook under his arm, observing the contrasts of the modernist city that inspired him so deeply.
If you wish to extend the experience, you will find numerous art galleries, creative boutiques, and charming cafés near the museum, where you can continue to soak in Barcelona’s artistic spirit.
Practical information for your visit
- Address: Carrer de Montcada, 15–23, Barcelona
- Opening hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Closed on Mondays (except public holidays)
- Free admission: every Thursday afternoon (5:00 – 8:00 pm) and the first Sunday of each month.
- Tip: Book your tickets in advance, especially during high season, directly on the museum’s official website.
How to get there from Hotel Continental
Whether you stay at Hotel Continental Barcelona (at La Rambla, 138) or at Hotel Continental Palacete (at Rambla de Catalunya, corner with Diputació), you can easily reach the Picasso Museum:
- On foot: A pleasant 20-minute walk through the heart of the old city will take you to El Born.
- By metro: Take Line 4 (yellow) to Jaume I station, just a few steps from the museum.
If you are staying at Hotel Continental Barcelona, walk down La Rambla to the Gran Teatre del Liceu, then continue toward the sea; soon you’ll find yourself in the narrow streets of El Born, where art, history, and local life intertwine.
An experience for the soul… and the perfect rest
After a day filled with art, cobbled streets, and emotions, nothing feels better than returning to the welcoming comfort of Hotel Continental.
Its bright spaces, attentive service, and exceptional location will allow you to enjoy a stay as inspiring as your visit to the museum.
Whether you choose the romantic atmosphere of Hotel Continental Palacete, with its 19th-century elegance, or the lively spirit of Hotel Continental Barcelona, right on La Rambla, you will find the perfect balance between art, culture, and relaxation.
Discover the art of living Barcelona with us.
