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Poblenou is one of those neighbourhoods that does not need to seek attention to win you over. Friendly, creative and with a hint of sea air, it blends its industrial past with local life, offering a calm energy that invites you to slow down and stay a while. It is ideal for unhurried walks, discovering places full of character and enjoying Barcelona from a more authentic and relaxed perspective.

1. Where is it? Poblenou within Barcelona

Poblenou is part of the Sant Martí district, one of the largest and most diverse areas of the city. Traditionally linked to industry and urban development, Sant Martí has managed to reinvent itself without losing its identity.

Within the district, Poblenou stands out for its balance between beach life, neighbourhood atmosphere and creativity. Former factories have been transformed into yoga studios, photography spaces and more. Wide avenues and a very active local community make this a neighbourhood where long time residents, families, young creatives and visitors looking for more than the historic centre all live side by side.

2. What to see and do in Poblenou

Bogatell Beach

Bogatell Beach is one of the neighbourhood’s main attractions. Quieter than other central beaches, it is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, walking along the seafront or enjoying a beach bar by the sea.

Poblenou Nautical Base

The Poblenou Nautical Base is a sports centre by the sea where you can practise paddle boarding, kayaking and sailing. It offers guided activities and courses for all levels, bringing water sports closer to the local community.

Rambla del Poblenou

The Rambla del Poblenou is the social heart of the neighbourhood. Along this tree lined avenue you will find terraces, shops, bakeries and bars that keep the area lively both day and night.

Parish Church of Santa Maria del Taulat

The Parish Church of Santa Maria del Taulat is one of the most representative historic buildings in the neighbourhood. Its discreet exterior contrasts with an interior full of architectural and sculptural details that deserve a slow and attentive visit.

Torre Glòries

One of modern Poblenou’s icons is the Torre Glòries, where cutting edge architecture, striking lighting and a 360º viewpoint with unique views come together. It symbolises the neighbourhood’s creative and innovative transformation and its connection with the Barcelona of the future.

Sala Beckett

The Sala Beckett is a key reference for contemporary theatre in Poblenou. It combines innovative programming, contemporary playwriting and cultural activities in a restored former cooperative, connecting performing arts with neighbourhood life.

3. A taste of taste & drink

Poblenou surprises with a varied gastronomic scene full of local character.

• El Trapella del Poblenou – a cosy Mediterranean restaurant offering creative tapas, a relaxed atmosphere, friendly service and a carefully selected wine list.

Address: Carrer Pujades 207 bis, Poblenou

• La Marea Restaurante – a seaside restaurant specialising in fish, seafood and Mediterranean rice dishes, with a bright and relaxed atmosphere.

Address: Passeig de Garcia Fària, 33, Poblenou

• Can Recasens – a historic and welcoming restaurant offering cheese and cured meat boards, fresh salads, toasted bread dishes and wines to share.

Address: Rambla del Poblenou, 102, Poblenou

• Blu Bar – a restaurant with creative plant based cuisine, tapas, bowls and vegan pizzas close to Poblenou Beach.

Address: Rambla del Poblenou, 11, Poblenou

• Antonio’s – a cosy Mediterranean restaurant with home style cooking, a varied daily menu and traditional seasonal dishes.

Address: Carrer de Badajoz, 44, Poblenou

• Internacional Restaurante Bar – a Mexican restobar where you can enjoy tacos, burritos, nachos and vibrant cocktails in a welcoming atmosphere.

Address: Carrer de la Jonquera, 26, Poblenou

4. Shops, markets and local shopping

Poblenou stands out for its creative, authentic local shopping, far removed from mass tourism, so walking through the neighbourhood means discovering independent projects that combine design, culture and tradition.

Disseny Hub Barcelona is key to understanding the district’s creative evolution, with exhibitions and events linked to contemporary design. Palo Alto Market brings together design, gastronomy and music in a unique industrial setting. For music lovers, Ultra Local Records offers carefully curated vinyl. Independent design can be found at Noak Room and La Plataforma. Emerging art has its space at Load Gallery, while the Mercat del Poblenou preserves the neighbourhood’s traditional essence. For a quiet break, Re Read Poblenou invites you to browse second hand books with a story to tell.

Shopping in Poblenou means taking your time and supporting projects with character and a strong neighbourhood identity.

5. Where to stay in Poblenou

If after exploring the neighbourhood you can imagine spending a few days here, finding accommodation in Poblenou is an excellent choice. With AB Apartment Barcelona, you can easily filter available apartments by neighbourhood or district and choose the option that best suits your trip.

Poblenou offers tranquillity, good connections to the city centre and a quality of life that is hard to match.

6. Must see spots for Instagram lovers

• Night views from Torre Glòries

• The façade of Poblenou Cemetery

• Parc Central del Poblenou

• Sunrise at Bogatell Beach

As a lesser known corner, some streets near Plaça de Prim retain an almost village like feel that surprises those who wander through without a plan.

7. Curious facts you may not know

Poblenou was for decades one of Barcelona’s main industrial engines, known as the Catalan Manchester due to its concentration of factories, chimneys and working class activity. Streets such as Pere IV structured this development, traces of which are still visible today, integrated into the urban landscape. Many of these former industrial buildings did not disappear, but were repurposed into cultural spaces, creative studios and community facilities, leading to a pioneering urban transformation.

This evolution laid the foundations for today’s 22@ district, one of the first European projects to transform industrial land into a hub of innovation and technology. After the 1992 Olympic Games, the neighbourhood regained its connection with the sea, gaining new beaches and public spaces. Despite this modernisation, Poblenou maintains a strong local identity, with traditional festivities, families spanning several generations and an authentic neighbourhood life that coexists with contemporary architecture.

Poblenou is much more than a neighbourhood by the beach. It is a place to experience Barcelona at a slower pace, discover authentic spaces and feel the city from within. If this journey has inspired you, we invite you to keep exploring more neighbourhoods, plans and recommendations on our blog and on our social media. Barcelona always has something new to offer, and Poblenou is a great place to start.