A trip to the other side of Barcelona that once recalled the diversity of a city: shops with accents through attitudes. A bit of charm, a bit of ugliness, all authentic.
So what happened to real neighborhood?
It may have been lost to changes and chains, but a neighborhood brings it back: Barceloneta, the coastal district of the city.
From impromptu street football matches to heated debates between old ladies having lunch on the stairs, nothing else barcelona than that.
Where is Barceloneta located?
La Barceloneta, the Gothic Quarter, the Raval and the Born make up what the Catalans call Ciutat Vella (the old town).
To get to this area, you will need to take the metro line L4 (yellow) to the Barceloneta station.
On foot, start with the statue of Christopher Columbus at the foot of the famous Rambla. Turn left and continue along the long Ronda Litoral through Port Vell (the old port) until you reach Paseo de Joan Borbo. Turn right and follow it to the end.
Map of the Barceloneta neighborhood
Why do tourists love Barceloneta?
- A true neighborhood with a local atmosphere.
- A wide variety of classic seafood restaurants.
- The area is home to some of the most legendary bars in Barcelona.
- The proximity to the most popular beach in Barcelona.
- Narrow pedestrian streets with very little traffic.
- A great place for biking, skating, and water sports.
What to see in the Barceloneta neighborhood
Catalan History Museum
History buffs should get off the metro in Barceloneta and look for the tall brick building by the water.
The Museum of History of Catalonia takes you from prehistory to the various conquests of the Romans, the Moors and finally the crown of Spain.
It is a place with so many artifacts, videos andinteractive spaces that you could probably spend an entire afternoon there.
Tip: take the elevator up to the fourth floor located in the museum lobby to enjoy the Cuban atmosphere, the sea air and the breathtaking views at the rooftop bar called 1881 By Sagardi.
No entrance to the museum is required to access it.
Price: € 6 (adults), € 4 (- 25 years / disabled / retired).
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday (10 a.m. to 19 p.m.), Wednesday (10 a.m. to 20 p.m.), Sunday and holidays (10 a.m. to 14 p.m.). Closed on Mondays, January 30 and 1, May 6, June 1, December 10 and 25.
Barceloneta Market
If you are easily drawn to the sights, smells and colors of Barcelona's markets, you can't miss this one.
Le Barceloneta Market It is located in Plaça Poeta Bosca, a typical meeting place for residents of the area, you will find children playing, grandmothers chatting, tourists pecking and intense ping-pong matches at local tables.
Why not waste the afternoon challenging a local?
You will find fresh y traditional Catalan and Spanish dishes like Serrano ham, saffron and chorizo. The prices here are generally better than those at the famous La Boqueria alternative market.
If you are staying in the area, this is the perfect place to stock up.
If you absolutely need a neighborhood lunch, the Spanish restaurant The Barceloneta Chilli offers quality lunch menus, not to mention the cheap beer
Hours: Monday to Saturday (8:00 am to 15:00 pm).
Barceloneta beach
This is the reason why most people come to Barceloneta in the first place. Let me warn you that if you are looking for peace of mind, this is not here. Check my list of the best beaches in Barcelona to find a quieter alternative.
Barceloneta is the tourist playa. Everyone will bathe there in summer. If you want to meet people and party this is your beach.
La promenade, ranging from luxurious hotel Vela In the form of a sail to the two towers and the casino, it brings together a group of runners, skaters, rickshaws, promoters and all those who wish to be seen with their new body ready for the beach.
Are you looking for the best water? Although technically called Sant Sebastia beach, the small beach under the sail-shaped tower has the cleanest water (but also nudists!).
In my opinion, the best way to explore the area is to rent a good quality bike.
San Miguel del Puerto
It is absolutely necessary to stop to visit the church of San Miguel del Puerto: a place of reference for centuries for sailors and fishermen about to go to sea.
This baroque style church it is located in Plaça de la Barceloneta. On its central facade, you will notice an angel that looks like a snake.
Unlike many other churches of the time, strangely there are without bell tower. This was done on purpose to allow the cannons to fire on Barceloneta from the nearby citadel.
Barceloneta Hotels
It's not easy to narrow down a very hotel-oriented neighborhood to a few, but here's my try: I've tried to take quality into account, but also value.
Can't find anything? Check the list of hotels in Barceloneta on Booking or write to me below.
Vacation Specials
$$ - $$$ | General Castaños 14 | Metro: Barceloneta | Departure: 12h00
This excellent value for money hotel receives a score of 8,5 In the reservation. You will greatly appreciate the proximity to public transport for easy access to city attractions.
The rooms are comfortable and elegant and it can offer up to 4 beds, ideal with family or friends.
The staff very welcoming and helpful and the buffet breakfast will make your stay a pleasant one.
Hostal Orleans
€€ | Marqués de la Argentera Avenue 13 | Metro: Barceloneta | Departure: 12h00
For those looking for a little class and privacy with hostel prices, this is for you.
The location takes you to the beach or the famous Rambla in 10 minutes on foot. In fact, it is difficult to imagine something that is not within walking distance. Modern brick renovated and industrial effect. Excellent standards of forgiven represented in the comments.
When you see the prices, you will be pleasantly surprised.
Campus del Mar University Residence
€ - €€ | Paseo Salvat Papasseit 4 | Metro: Barceloneta | Departure: 12h00
If you have not really come to Barcelona to sleep but to enjoy the night life this accommodation is for you!
With friends, choose the cuarto familiar with 5 beds. You will be in an ideal location to enjoy the beach and clubs like Pasha or Opium. Enjoy the sports hall o play areas between two visits to Barcelona attractions or before a night out.
Another budget option for young travelers is the Safestay beachfront youth hostel.
Restaurants in the Barceloneta
After a day at the beach, nothing better than a voucher fish feast, the specialty of the region.
Barceloneta restaurants are often a throwback to another era, before foodies, celebrity chefs, and TripAdvisor critics.
If you need a longer list, check out my list of the best restaurants in Barcelona.
shop
€€ - €€€ | Barceloneta Promenade 1 | 13:00 p.m. to 23:30 p.m.
La view This oceanfront restaurant can't be beat.
Located next to the beach, this elegantly decorated restaurant Specialized in fresh fish - but you can't go wrong getting their delicious paella.
Here, a standard dinner menu starts at € 19,50 and the price can go up to € 35,00 if you want multiple appetizers and a bottle of wine. In general, the value for money It is so good for an oceanfront restaurant.
Can Maño
€ | Carrer de Baluart 12 | 8:30 am-11am, 12:15 pm-16pm and 20pm-23pm (Saturday only for lunch, Monday evening only, closed on Sundays)
A "fish tavern" as rustic as it sounds.
Here's a very simplistic straight wall menu system. of the 70, handwritten bills, drinks served in cans, and even paper placemats.
It seems that all the energy here is in the classic spanish fish dishes like fried cod, squid and sardines. You also have the option of many meat tapas dishes from only € 3,00.
The value for money? ¡OKAY!
Somorrostro Restaurant
$$ - $$$ | Sant Carles 11 | Every day from 13:00 p.m. to 22:45 p.m.
If you want a little more creativity in your Spanish kitchen, head to this place contemporary mediterranean.
Le mer fruit plateau mixed with charcoal it is the essential element of this warm and aromatic place. Other highlights include theeggplant tempura with honey and canard with sweet potato and mango sauce.
Add some homemade vermouth and a catch of the day always tasty and you will have one of my favorite restaurants in Barcelona.
Binnacle
€€ | Carrer de Balboa 1 | Every day between 9 am / 10 am and midnight
A place for locals looking beer and honest tapas.
What distinguishes this place is the modern touchExpect to find a variety of dishes like their incredible ceviche (a classic Peruvian fish and lime dish) or a tuna tartare.
There are also some spanish classics Made to a higher standard, patatas bravas (potatoes sauteed with spicy sauce) are a good example.
By the sea, the little terrace In the back it may be the best place to eat in all of Barceloneta.
Cocktail Bars in Barceloneta
Of all the things to do in Barceloneta, going out for a drink is not exactly the first thing to do.
A lot of bars addresses tourists looking for a quick (and expensive) soda fix after the day's festivities. Therefore, I recommend that you go to Born if you want to have more options.
Still, here are some good options:
Bar Leo
€€ | Sant Carles 34 | From Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 20 p.m., closing at 19 p.m. on Saturday and at XNUMX on Sunday
Without a doubt, this is the beer place after beach.
The modest Leo Bar is run by a woman barely tall enough to serve drinks at the counter. She is obsessed with a Sevillian flamenco nicknamed " Boys - the memories on the wall prove it.
The locals invade this place in the early afternoon and take plastic cups filled with beer. They relax in the sunny streets. On weekends you will discover flamenco guitar sessions improvised that give one of the best atmospheres in the city.
Can Paixano (La Xampanyeria)
€ | Carrer de la Reina Cristina 7 | Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 22:30 pm (closed on Sundays)
I have a complete article dedicated to this Barcelona institution.
Un very cheap bar packed with locals and tourists. There are large menus hanging on the wall. Spanish fast food. Grilled foods like sausage and the bottifara sausage stuffed in buns and served with sauces. Ham and cheese trays.
Also: as long as you order tapas, they will give you a bottle of their classic sparkling rosé wine for less than € 4,00!
Nightlife in Barceloneta
You're in luck if you want the party to continue after your post-beach beers.
FOLLOW Seafront up to the two towers. Just below you will find the famous harbor and its three house music clubs: Opio, Pacha et Shoko. There are also a dozen bars to dance on the water's edge.
For more information on the local vibe, check out my list of the best clubs in Barcelona.
Information Barceloneta
La Barceloneta was built in X century. The reason? King Felipe V had recently demolished the homes of residents of the nearby town of Ribera for the construction of Ciutadella, a military fortress that would become the largest park in the city in 1868.
The neighborhood quickly became a gathering place for fishermen and the sailors (and their many vices) and today it is a neighborhood that has not yet lost the energy and mischief of its past.
You will recognize it by its narrow streets and its colorful apartment buildings decorated with hanging sheets freshly laundered and left outside for the afternoon.
In short, this is undoubtedly the most sparkling neighborhood in Barcelona. Bars and restaurants spill out on every corner and the people inside are as varied as the number: here you'll find beach bodies of all shapes and sizes, volleyball players, skaters, and a truly international vibe.
Come and comment in the comments
Still not satisfied with my guide to visit Barceloneta? If you need any personalized advice, feel free to write me in the comments below.
If I know what you are looking for, we can better plan your stay.
What if you've been here before? How did you go? What advice would you give to first-time travelers?
Also, don't be afraid to join the discussion about the city's neighborhoods on my new Facebook group called "For City Lovers." Here you can ask questions, voice your complaints, chat with other travelers and more - anything goes!
