The small Sant Andreu northeast of central Barcelona is a place many have never visited.
Once an independent village, Sant Andreu was annexed to Barcelona in 1897.
Today, I'd like to show you around!
Follow the guide!
Sant Andreu: article summary
Where to eat in Sant Andreu
As everywhere in the city, you can find numerous dining options in Sant Andreu. However, some addresses are better than others.
Come and taste the pastries at Xurreria Sant Andreu
The best churros in town can be found in this neighborhood. Simply named Xurreria Sant Andreu, this establishment serves freshly fried churros finos and porras, as well as a range of sandwiches and other breakfast bites.
The place is always full, especially on cool mornings and weekends. On site, you'll find plenty of families coming to enjoy the wonders served here.
Le Versalles
Versalles is one of the neighborhood's most picturesque restaurants. Known as the oldest restaurant in the district, founded in 1915, it is housed in a magnificent green modernist building. filled with undulating balconies, shimmering mosaics and floral motifs.
The interior is just as spectacular, with a huge carved wooden bar in the center, surrounded by graceful golden statues, colorful lamps and chandeliers. On the premises, you can sample all the Spanish specialties, from tapas at paellas via delicious croissants for breakfast.
La Bodegueta de Sant Andreu
This small, rustic tapas bar may look like it's been there for years, but in fact it's one of the neighborhood's newest dining spots, and it's already so popular that I advise you to reserve a table in advance.
All ingredients are locally sourced and their offerings include everything you'd expect from a tapas bar, but with a different twist. For example, croquetas come in unusual flavors like eggplant and parmesan or escalivada and goat's cheese.
You'll also find chicken wings with a Japanese-style sauce and hummus with smoked sardines. There are many interesting options for vegetarians. For example, everyone is welcome at the Bodegueta.
Tostaderos Bon Mercat Sant Andreu
Barcelona is full of good coffee, and Sant Andreu is no exception. This place has been roasting its own beans for over 100 years and sells many types of coffee from all over the world.
Such is its success that they've opened another branch just off Plaça Sant Jaume in the center. It's also a cozy little place to come and hide away, or simply enjoy a cup of coffee and a slice of cake between visits.
What to see in Sant Andreu
Sant Andreu isn't known for its tourist attractions, but if you're interested in the different and eccentric, then you're sure to find what you're looking for.
A visit to the parish church of Sant PaciÃ
Let's start with one of the works by GaudÃ. The architect succeeded in putting his mark on the small Sant Andreu. Although he didn't design a building here, he did design the mosaic found on the floor of the Sant Pacià church.
Note that this is not the main Sant Andreu church opposite Plaça Orfila (also worth a visit), but the smaller one on Carrer Monges.
Fabra i Coats: Design factory
The neighborhood's former yarn and textile mill was once one of the city's most important factories in the 19th century.
Today, the site has been transformed into a huge modern art center, with a three-story art gallery. Changing exhibitions, workshops and event spaces complete the look.
Visit Catalunya en Petit
This little secret spot isn't even known to most of Sant Andreu's residents. Hidden away in a small residential street, you'll find la Catalunya en Petit. It's not an official site, it's literally an attraction that someone made in their garden.
That said, it's a sight worth seeing. Created from small ceramic tiles and mosaics, Catalunya en Petit includes everything from parc Güell and Montserrat to the Sagrada FamÃlia and Casa Batlló.
La Pegaso Park
The neighborhood's main park runs away from the center of the district, towards La Sagrera. It's big and green, with a large pond that wraps around the park and is filled with water games.
There may be no grass on which to picnic. However, there are some interesting attractions for children, including a small driving areawith mini road signs and traffic lights.
Where to shop in Sant Andreu
Sant Andreu is proud of its small, independent stores, most of which line the Carrer Gran de Sant Andreu, which runs from the Sant Andreu metro station to Fabra i Puig, the district's rambla.
Luna de Formatge: for traditional toys
This store prides itself on being the home of Ratoncito Pérezthe Spanish equivalent of the Tooth Fairy. It sells everything from adorable children's clothing to handmade wooden toys, accessories and original children's games.
Indra Sant Andreu
Indra is a jewelry store decorated with twisted tree trunks, bright garlands and oriental statues. Think of the ethnic-style earrings, big silver rings and big, bold bracelets you could find there. What you need find your happiness.
The Misterello
A door adorned with theatrical lights, a cosy place lost in a small alleyway, you know you're at Misterello. Many of the products sold here come from the Far EastYou'll find everything from Buddha heads and Tibetan prayer flags to singing bowls with exotic paintings and wood carvings. You're sure to find something zen to bring back from your vacation.
Le Maquinista
Maquinista may not be independent or local, but it's the best shopping center in Barcelona. Forget Maremagnum and even Las ArenasLa Maquinista is where you'll find everything you're looking for.
This open-air shopping center dotted with palm trees and fountains is home to all the most popular stores, as well as a large Carrefour if you want to do some shopping. The upper level features a range of international restaurants and bars and there's also a cinema.
Sant Andreu is a very small district of Barcelona. However, if you want to have a good time, I recommend a visit. You'll be sure to find what you're looking for in the narrow streets of this part of Barcelona.
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