Today we take you on a tour of the Poblenou district in Barcelona. This district is a land of contrasts. Poblenou, a former factory district, began to turn towards the sea in 1992 during the Olympic Games. The red brick chimneys of the old factories are still standing and are even listed. Many modern buildings have sprung up here and there, near the seafront, giving a new face to the district, which is even crossed by the tramway.
Poblenou, a real success story of urban rehabilitation.
Poblenou is a district that is worth visiting, why not by bicycle, along the sea, from the Olympic port district to the Forum, without forgetting to walk in the interior of the district itself. You will be surprisedby the contrast between the old streets where fishermen and workers used to live, and the wide avenues lined with contemporary buildings. Don't miss the AGBAR tower and the Diagonal Mar shopping centre where the big names are waiting for you.
By the way, we are Franck and Richard. We are travel bloggers and have been exploring the world by sharing our inspiring stories, itineraries, city guides, practical tips and alternative plans with you since 2008 on OneDayOneTravel.
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We also have a local travel agency MimpiGO, based in BALI, Indonesia. Since 2021, we have been offering 100% tailor-made, authentic, eco-responsible and solidarity-based trips.
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Today we are talking about the district in the broadest sense, from the Olympic Port to the Forum.
Before we tell you more about the Poblenou district, find our tips, tricks and good advice on each of the districts in our Barcelona City Guide. If you are preparing your first trip to Barcelona, don't hesitate to read our article : My first trip to Barcelona. You will find many tips to help you prepare your stay in Barcelona.
Here is the summary of this city guide Poblenou in Barcelona.
1. Map of Barcelona's neighbourhoods
On the interactive map of Barcelona below, find all our favourite addresses in Barcelona:
Hotels where we like to put our suitcases in blue,
The gourmet addresses where we eat good tapas in purple,
Must-see s ights in Barcelona in red,
Some ideas for walks in green
Barcelona has become one of Europe's leading tourist destinations, both as a party capital and as an epicentre of European culture. The Catalan capital combines all the charm of Mediterranean cities: a relaxed lifestyle, endless sunny days and exquisite food.
With its multicultural influences, Barcelona is a cosmopolitan city and you can feel it in the Poblenou district.
We love this square, Plaça de Prim, in the old fishermen and workers' quarter. The square is adorned with orange trees and impressive trees from South America. In the surrounding area, we advise you to stroll through the few typical alleys. It's like being in a white village in Andalusia with all its whitewashed houses.
The heart of the Poblenou district was once more extensive, but the rehabilitation work has gradually eaten away at it over the years. This is called urban transformation!
2. History of the Poblenou district
Barcelona has always been in constant evolution.
In the past, the Poblenou district was a swamp like the ones you can see a few seconds before landing at the airport. During the 20th century, factories gradually moved in. The metamorphosis of the district really began during the preparation of the 1992 Olympic Games.
Some of the factories were rehabilitated into housing. Others were destroyed to make way over the years for an even more vertical landscape. Office towers, modern housing and trendy hotels were built and are still being built. In the end, the last vestiges of this industrial era will be the tall red brick chimneys that can be seen everywhere, especially in the Poblenou district, and which are fortunately listed.
The district found its new emblem in 2005 with the Agbar Tower by the French architect Jean Nouvel. At 145 metres high, the Agbar Tower dominates this part of Barcelona. It is clearly visible from the Parc Güell as well as the Sagrada Familia or the 2 towers of the Olympic port.
3. How to get to the Poblenou district?
To visit the part rather close to the sea, you have to take the yellow metro line n°4.
There are 4 possible stations: Bogatell, Llacuna and Poble Nou and Forum. In the upper part of Poblenou is the metro station Glòries, on the red line. By tram, the Pere IV and Fluvia stations onAvenida Diagonal to the Olympic port(Vila Olimpica) or the Diagonal Mar shopping centre.
The area is ideal for exploring and visiting by bike or rollerblades as much of the area has been completely renovated. Including the seafront.
Read more in our article on transport in Barcelona
4. What to see and do in the Poblenou district?
The Rambla del Poblenou, friendly and pleasant. It is lined with pretty buildings and restaurants that are very pleasant in the evening. Don't hesitate to take a stroll through the surrounding streets.
Bogatelle and Mar Bella beaches, 2 very beautiful beaches in Barcelona.
The Agbar Tower at Avenida Diagonal, 211. Take the virtual lift and discover the different views from different floors of the Tower. Be careful, you'll quickly gain height
Parc del Centre del Poblenou 5 islands of greenery straight out of the mind of architect Jean Nouvel on 5 hectares.
The shopping centres: Diagonal Marand Glories.
Stroll through the old quarter (Plaça de Prim) and taste some very good fish.
5. Where to eat in the Poblenou district?
Els Pescadors. One of the best fish restaurants in Barcelona. Open every day from 1pm to 4pm and from 8pm to 11pm.
Republic Café. Café on Rambla de Poblenou. Perfect for a snack on the terrace.
And, in the beach bars!
6. Where to stay in Poblenou?
If you're looking for a comfortable and affordable place to stay in Poblenou, we recommend Hostal Capitol Ramblas. Located just a short walk from the beach and the tramway, this hotel offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the location is perfect for exploring the district. You can book your stay at Hostal Capitol Ramblas on their website.
We have never stayed in this area, but close friends have. It's probably one of our future places to stay in Barcelona. If you are looking to rent a flat in the Poblenou district, you can join Airbnb.
Join Airbnb and get a 25€ discount on your first stay of a minimum of 65€! Click here.
If you prefer to stay in a hotel, you can treat yourself in Barcelona! With so many hotels competing with each other, it's easy to find great deals all year round for stay in Poblenou. We have also written an article where you can find all the places we have recently stayed in Barcelona.
To conclude this city guide to Poblenou,
The Poblenou and Forum districts have been transformed over the last 20 years. Visiting these two districts is finally to dive into the Barcelona of the 21st century! And let's not forget that the Poblenou district is a district that faces the sea and its sandy beach!
All our articles on Barcelona
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