Barcelona has many ways to surprise you. It can do so through its modernist architecture, its squares, its markets, or the buildings that have turned the city into one of the most recognizable urban destinations in Europe. However, there is another way to discover it that requires something as simple as walking and wandering through its streets.
In the historic center, small alleyways survive that tell the story of how the city grew, what trades occupied its neighborhoods, and even which characters left their mark on its residents. Some stand out for their narrow dimensions; others for names that seem taken straight out of a novel. There are also those surrounded by legends that have been passed down from generation to generation, even if a single explanation for their origin does not always exist.
The curious streets of Barcelona allow you to discover that less obvious side of the Catalan capital. In this route, you will find some of the most peculiar corners of Ciutat Vella and the stories hidden behind their names.
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Carrer de les Mosques, an alleyway barely a meter and a half wide
Carrer de les Mosques is approximately 1.5 meters wide at its narrowest point, a feature that makes it one of the most unique street spaces in the city. It is located between the area surrounding Carrer de Montcada and Carrer dels Flassaders.
Its name is not modern either. It already existed under that name in the 15th century, and the traditional explanation points to the accumulation of flies and waste associated with commercial activity in the area. Its proximity to ancient markets would have contributed to local residents eventually identifying the location this way.
The current space allows us to imagine the extent to which the medieval network could be irregular. Compared to the grand avenues designed centuries later, this small alleyway preserves a completely different scale.
Carrer dels Petons and a story without a single answer
Few names arouse as much curiosity as Carrer dels Petons. It is a dead-end alley located near Passeig de Picasso and Carrer del Comerç, in the surroundings of La Ribera.
The most popular explanation is related to those sentenced to death at the old Ciutadella, whom tradition places saying goodbye to their families at this point. It is a well-known story, but it should not be confused with a proven historical fact. In fact, there are chronological arguments that cast doubt on this interpretation.
The hypothesis considered most plausible links the place name to a neighbor named Joan Pontons, who lived in the area during the 17th century. Over time, his surname might have evolved into “Petons”. Before adopting this name, the alley had other names, including Jaume Negre and Fusina.
Regardless of its exact origin, the street has become one of those corners that ignite the imagination. Its narrowness, the fact that it is a dead end, and the surrounding facades all contribute to creating a very unique atmosphere.
Carrer de l’Oblit, the street born from a moment of forgetfulness
There are street names that recall important figures, trades, or events. And then there is Carrer de l’Oblit, whose name is curious precisely because of the story behind it. Located in the Horta neighborhood, this small corner of Barcelona preserves a name that, according to tradition, arose from a curious mix-up.
Story has it that when the area’s streets were being organized and named, this small section was left off the plans, and they forgot to name it. Over time, that absence ended up becoming its very name: Oblit, which means “forgetfulness” in Catalan.
Beyond the anecdote, the name reflects one of those small stories hidden away on the map of Barcelona. A street does not need to be monumental or appear among the city’s most famous spots to spark curiosity. Sometimes, discovering why it is named the way it is is enough.
Carrer de l’Oblit is, therefore, a different kind of stop for those who enjoy exploring Barcelona‘s neighborhoods with a more attentive eye. Its name invites you to pause and wonder how many other small stories still lie hidden behind the streets we walk through every day.
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Carrer de l’Allada-Vermell, when two streets become one
Carrer de l’Allada-Vermell is interesting for a different reason. Its name itself recalls that this street was born from the merging of two ancient streets: Allada and Vermell.
The name “Allada” has traditionally been linked to garlic, while “Vermell” has been connected to the craft activities carried out in this part of the city. Some interpretations link it to products used by local tanners in the past.
Today, the street forms part of one of the areas with the most personality in El Born. Its buildings, outdoor terraces, and pedestrian spaces make it a great place to pause during a stroll between La Ribera and Sant Pere.
Carrer de Petritxol, a small street rich in tradition
Not all unique streets have to be uncomfortably narrow or hide a legend. Carrer de Petritxol, near Plaça del Pi, stands out for its commercial tradition and the distinct personality it has maintained within the historic center.
Its path is short and pedestrianized, but it forms part of an area particularly interesting for those who enjoy walking among historic buildings, traditional shops, and small squares.
Furthermore, it is a fine example of how a street can become a destination in its own right. Here, the appeal does not lie in a single monument, but in the combination of architecture, commerce, and urban atmosphere.
A different way to discover Barcelona
Grand avenues explain one part of Barcelona, but it is its narrow streets and small corners that hide some of its most curious stories. Carrer de les Mosques preserves a name documented for centuries and linked to the area’s past; Carrer dels Petons maintains an origin surrounded by different theories; and Carrer de l’Allada-Vermell reflects how the city’s growth and transformations have also left their mark on its layout. Walking through them means discovering a different Barcelona, where every name, every alley, and every detail can hide a story.
What makes this walk interesting is that many of these streets are just a few steps away from well-known sights. There is no need to search for a hidden attraction on the outskirts to find a different Barcelona: sometimes, stepping away from the main avenue for a few minutes is all it takes.
You can book your transfer to Barcelona now with ShuttletoSun. Shared transfer services and private transfer services allow you to travel to Barcelona from Barcelona Airport, Barcelona Port, Girona Airport, Reus Airport, and the AVE Camp de Tarragona train station. This way, you can arrive comfortably and spend your time walking, observing, and discovering those small details that turn a walk through the city into a much more personal experience.
