Barceloneta: neighborhood emblematicneighborhood enigmatic.
Old fishermen's quarterThe city's proximity to the sea soon attracted the most affluent, transforming Barceloneta as we know it today: a mix of straightforward architecture and seafront, traditional fish restaurants and fine stores.
Follow our guide!
The charm of the old hasn't completely disappearedThe Catalan capital is doing its utmost to successfully control the influx of tourists.
This leaves room for those who want to discover the authenticity of the streetswithout feeling like you're in an amusement park.
Barceloneta: useful information and tips from Bonjour Barcelone
Pickpockets
Please note pickpockets on Barcelona's beaches, who can sometimes ruin your stay.
My advice and reflexes to adopt:
- Always keep your wallets, cell phones and keys in a closed pocket or difficult to access (jeans front pocket)
- Avoid putting your phone down on your table when you're having a drink on the terrace and there are lots of people in the streets
- If someone shake things upcheck in a moment if you have all your belongings
- Check that your backpacks are closed
- Keep a always an eye on your business if you swim!
Rent a bike!
For a different way of discovering the waterfront: rent a bike to ride along the water's edge. 4 km of trails on the Mediterranean coast!
A real treat!
Preferred hours
If you'd like to take a quiet stroll, I suggest you go there. quite early (before 12pm) and mostly on weekdays.
This way, you can avoid the tourist crowds, which are much greater in high season.
Beaches in Barceloneta? Yes... but not only
For a taste of authenticity of Barceloneta, focus on the heart of the district to the often aseptic seaside!
How to get to Barceloneta
Metro Line 3 (green) and Line 4 (yellow) Barceloneta station
Bus : 17, 39 and 64
Address Barceloneta (08003) Barcelona
Cable car : teleferico del puerto
The history of Barceloneta
Barceloneta is a district rather recentcreated in 1753 following the creation of the Parc de la Ciutadella.
The destruction of housing to build the citadel forced the authorities to establish a new district to relocate all those affected. And so Barceloneta was born.
Originally invested by fishermenGiven the immediate proximity of the sea, the architecture is rather linear and grid-like, in contrast to the lively, popular atmosphere of the neighborhood.
In fact, the austerity of the buildings can be explained by the profession of the person in charge of the work, a military man, Juan Martín Cermeño.
After having undergone various architectural modulations, including the transformation of the port since 1992 (Olympic Games), Barceloneta continues to attract tourists and locals alike, much to the delight of the Catalan capital.
We come here with your family, among friendseven on your own take a walk, run or sit on one of the beaches and read...
Barceloneta's must-sees
Barcelona Aquarium
The temptation to visit fish and marine animalsone of the most beautiful and impressive in the world, is very large.
" The best way to resist temptation is to give in to it "wrote Oscar Wilde.
Come and discover this magical place!
The Barcelona Aquarium is one of Europe's largest aquariums.
Best known for his huge tunnel where sharks over our headsHere you can admire over 10,000 species...
From turquoise waters from the Caribbean to deep waters from the Atlantic Ocean to the immense variety offered by the Mediterranean Sea, you'll be able to immerse yourself in the discovery of fish of every size, shape and color!
Museu d'història de Catalunya
For history lovers and for total immersion in the Catalan cultureit's the perfect place!
This museum traces the history of Catalonia, from prehistory to the late 80swith a multitude of media at your disposal: photography, objects, videos, etc...
Everything is in place for us to understand Catalonia's position today and in particular, the reasons for its closeness to and distance from central political power.
Also, the viewpoint offered is very broad. It's not just history in the strict sense of the word, but also a wealth of information on the practical, social-cultural and economic aspects of the city.
The building housing this collection is also architecturally very interesting, as it is a warehouse dating from the early 20th centurya perfect fit with the maritime spirit of the area.
The highlight of the show the panoramic restaurant at the top of the museum ;)
Barceloneta Beach!
Visit better knownthe closer and therefore the most frequented La Barceloneta beach.
There are quite a few young peopleof street vendors (food, objects of all kinds), and also a greater risk of pick-pocketing!
Nevertheless, if you're careful, it's very pleasant to be able to swim in a sea that reaches directly into the city :)
Other beaches near Barceloneta
Nova Icària Beach
On the outskirts of Barcelona's Olympic port, Nova Icària beach is quite lively and you'll find many bars and restaurants.
Clean and supervised, Nova Icària beach is accessible via metro line 4, station Ciutadella Vila Olimpica.
Mar bella beach
Mar bella beach is very lively and known as the landmark for nudists and the gay population.
You'll find plenty of chiringuitos (beach bars).
Accessible via metro stations Poblenou and Selva Mar on line 4.
Sant Sebastià Beach
One of the oldest and most traditional beach.
One of Barcelona's favourites too!
Somorrostro Beach
Old cabin districtThe Somorrostro beach was part of the Barceloneta beach until recently, when the City Council reclaimed the name Somorrostro for this area of Barcelona's coastline in memory of this poor neighborhood.
Bogatell Beach
This beach lies between the Nova Icària and Bella Mar beaches.
The 1992 Olympic Games were a major factor in the city's growth, with the development of beaches, green spaces, gardens and surrounding neighborhoods.
Unlike Barcelona's other beaches, Bogatell is not overrun with bars and restaurants.
To get to Bogatell beach: metro station Poblenou or Llacuna - line (4).
Museu Marítim
Barcelona Maritime Museum exhibits since 1929 an important set of collections illustrating Catalan maritime history.
The museum offers spectacular stage performances which allow visitors to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of navigation.
You can admire vessel modelsnautical instruments, maritime paintings, figureheads and cartography.
Have a look reproduction on a natural scale of the Royal galley of John of Austria during the Battle of Lepanto and the historic 1918 Santa Eulàlia straw boat, a 46-meter-long, three-masted sailing ship moored in Barcelona harbor.
Església Sant Miquel del Port
This church has a a special place in the hearts of local residents because it was built in the same year as Barceloneta, in 1753to celebrate the neighborhood's patron saint, Saint Michael.
The builder is Juan Martín Cermeño. The architectural style is predominantly influenced by baroque and connoisseurs will even be able to date the period: classic baroque (to be succeeded by Rococo Baroque in the late 18th century).
A small adjoining square will give you the chance to rest between two visits, and gives a special charm to the church !
Teleferico del Puerto
A good way to rise a little and appreciate the city from a totally different angle than the usual. To this end, the del puerto cable car allows tourists to join barceloneta to Parc Montjuïc.
You can see the harbour, then the Mediterranean, and finally the whole of Barcelona beneath our feet.
Simply magical!
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