Article published on June 12, 2014 in LF Recommends
Spotlight on Barceloneta: the best places for delicious tapas, a spot of culture, getting fit and much more
Barceloneta is the vibrant former fisherman’s quarter in Barcelona’s Old Town. The neighbourhood was constructed during the 18th Century for the residents of the Ribera area who had been displaced by the construction of the Cuitadella of Barcelona (now the Parc de la Ciutadella). It is roughly triangular, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, the Moll d’Espanya del Port Vell, and the El Born district.
With great access to the ring road that takes you to the airport in 20 minutes, it is also located right by the Marina, the Barceloneta metro station and the numerous shops, cafés and restaurants of the El Born district.
The Marina (Port Vell) is currently being developed into a new Superyacht Marina. Salamanca Group, a London-based Merchant Bank and Operational Risks firm, bought the site in 2010 and have created a modern, ultra high-tech facility in the heart of the Catalan capital. By the end of 2014 Port Vell should provide 162 fully serviced berths.
“Barcelona offers the charm and year-round amenities of a vibrant, world-class city yet is surrounded by beautiful beaches and crystal blue waters,” says Uri Nachoom, Vice President of Salamanca Marina. “Port Vell is only a few hours cruising from the Balearic Islands and one day from the Riviera. For the sailing community you could hardly ask for better.”
— Uri Nachoom, Vice President of Salamanca Marina
Barceloneta is known for its sandy beach and numerous restaurants and bars along the boardwalk. Beaches get fairly packed in the summer but once you have settled in, you can sit back and relax while beach vendors bring you a selection of everything from massages and sunglasses to coconuts and cold beers. As the sun goes down you can move on to one of the many lively chiringuitos (beach bars) set on the sands, or head into the narrow streets behind the boardwalk and discover some of the best tapas in town.
“Because the apartments in Barceloneta tend to be small the locals are always out socialising in the barrio. We rarely spend much time in the house. The local bars, restaurants, terraces, parks and beaches are just an extension of our home!”
— Lara Pennington, Barcelona resident
“Vaig de bòlit”
Literally translated this means “I’m going like a bullet”, but it sums up the full on Catalan attitude to life. Partying ‘til the early hours but still ready to face the day in the early morning.
Culture
Museu d’Història de Catalunya
For a spot of culture, head to the Palau de Mar that houses the Musuem of the History of Catalonia. Here you will find a permanent exhibition of the history of Catalonia from prehistoric times through to today’s democracy. It also has a fantastic rooftop bar and restaurant with fabulous views over the port, city and sea.
Plaça de Pau Vila 3
08003 Barcelona
+34 93 225 47 00
Tapas
La Jaica
An authentic local beer and tapas bar which tends to be packed all day every day. Try the fried prawns and tigres (stuffed mussels).
C/Ginebra 13
08003 Barcelona
+34 93 268 32 65
Vaso de Oro
Another local classic, if you manage to squeeze onto a barstool in this tiny bar their steak and foie gras is to die for for! They also make their own beer.
C/Balboa 6
08003 Barcelona
+34 93 319 30 98
Posh Tapas
L’Òstia
A favourite “posh” tavern in the barrio. Excellent wines, upmarket tapas and a fantastic terrace for people watching.
Plaça de la Barceloneta 1-3
08003 Barcelona
+34 93 221 47 58
Fresh Produce
Mercado de la Barceloneta
Not only the best place in the barrio for fresh produce, this recently renovated market is also a great place to chill out while people watching over a cafè amb llet.
Place to Hang Out with the Kids
Club Natació Barcelona
Gym and leisure club located on the beach, perfect for a day of family fun! Play a game of padel, tennis or beach volley, swim in the 50m indoor pool or 25m outdoor saltwater pool, or simply relax on a sun lounger on the private beach, all while watching the waves break gently onto the sand. There are worse ways to keep fit!
Passeig Joan de Borbó 93
08039 Barcelona
+34 93 221 46 00
Cocktails
Eclipse Bar, W Hotel
The perfect place to grab a cocktail while enjoying the beautiful city of Barcelona on one side and the gorgeous Mediterranean on the other. It’s particularly popular during happy hour on a Friday afternoon and sets up the weekend perfectly.
Plaça Rosa dels Vents 1
08039 Barcelona
+34 93 295 28 00
Fresh Bakery
Baluard
Baluard is one of the most famous bakeries in Barcelona. Its owner trained in Italy and France and has brought the best of these countries’ baking traditions to Catalunya. With 20 different types of freshly baked loaves, if you’re looking for picnic ingredients for lunch on the beach then this is the perfect place.
C/Baluard 38-40 bajos
08003 Barcelona
+34 93 221 12 08
Paella on the Beach
Kaiku
Best paella around and not a tourist trap. Book a table on the terrace several days in advance at weekends. Try their house speciality of smoked paella with home grown vegetables.
Plaça del Mar 1
08003 Barcelona
+34 93 221 90 82
Improving your Fitness
Beach Fit Barcelona
Beach Fit Barcelona is one of the latest fitness crazes to hit Barcelona, offering an hour-long workout that takes place in the open-air gym that is the Barcleoneta beach. There’s no need to join a gym this summer – just head to the beach and get fit while having fun in the fresh air!
+34 673 223 946
+34 635 120 108
Sundowner
Chiringuito del Sol
The perfect place to watch the sun go down whilst sampling some of the best tapas in Barceloneta and some great cocktails too!
Plaça del Mar
Barcelona
+34 679 08 28 96
Stroll
Whether you’re on bikes, roller blades, scooters or simply on foot, the promenade from the end of Passeig de Joan de Borbó down to the W Hotel is perfect for a smooth cruise, with the beach on one side and the beautiful, young and tanned sunning themselves on health club terraces on the other.
Boutique Hotel
H10 Port Vell
Opened last September, H10 Port Vell is situated in one of Barcelona’s historic buildings. Its spectacular Mare Nostrum terrace boasts a bar, sun loungers, plunge pool and magnificent views over Port Vell and the Palau de Mar.
Pas de Sota Muralla 9
08003 Barcelona
+34 93 419 95 69
Looking Cool
Pukas Surf Club
Adults and kids can learn to surf, skate and play padel at the Pukas Surf Club, or just hang out and look the part.
Passeig Joan de Borbó 93
08039 Barcelona
+34 93 118 60 21
Meeting Friends and Family
Can Ganassa
A huge terrace in the church square makes this well priced restaurant a top choice for locals to meet with friends and family. Whenever there’s a fiesta or parade in the barrio this is the place to go.
Plaça de la Barceloneta 6
08003 Barcelona
+34 93 221 75 86
Menu del Día
Filferro
A hidden gem with a terrace next to a small playground. Try their vegetarian salads and pastas, and their Menu del Día (set menu) is great value during the week.
C/Sant Carles 29
08003 Barcelona
+34 93 221 98 36
Beach Chiringuito
La Guingueta
With its fresh juices, exquisite salads, fantastic ice creams and designer hot and cold sandwiches, Michelin star rated chef Carles Abellán’s La Guingueta is definitely the place to hang out at on the beach!
Playa de San Sebastián
08001 Barcelona
+34 93 101 02 81
