Port Vell, Barceloneta & Port Olímpic
The heady allure of the Mediterranean permeates Barcelona, and a dip into its azure waters is only a few metro stops (or a brisk walk) away. Barcelona’s beaches were once hidden behind an industrial wasteland, but things changed radically in preparation for the 1992 Olympics. The rallying cry was to create a new Barcelona oberta al mar (open to the sea); the result is phenomenal, as is the presence of large crowds seeking sun and sea. Tons of sand were transported to create miles of silky beaches from the fisherman’s quarter of Barceloneta to Port Olímpic and beyond. Palm trees were planted, water cleanliness standards implemented and, this being design-obsessed Barcelona, numerous contemporary sculptures erected. The city’s first two skyscrapers, the Torre Mapfre office building and the five-star Hotel Arts, punctuate the port’s skyline, while the nearby Port Olímpic throbs with the highest concentration of bars and clubs in the city.
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Sights & Attractions
Beaches
Fancy a splash in the Mediterranean? Trot down to the end of La Rambla, wander along the palm tree-lined Moll de la Fusta, down restaurant-packed Passeig Joan de Borbó, et voilà, the sea beckons. Over four km (2.5 miles) of blue flag beaches stretch north from Barceloneta to Port Olímpic and beyond. Facilities are top-notch, including showers, deck chairs, beach volleyball courts and lifeguards. Convenience, however, means crowds, so finding a spot among the masses of oiled bodies can be a challenge, particularly in the summer.
Barceloneta beach
Museu d’Història de Catalunya
Housed in the Palau de Mar, a renovated portside warehouse, this museum offers a broad, interactive exploration of Catalonia’s history since prehistoric times. Kids (see Museu d’Història de Catalunya) especially will have a ball with the engaging exhibits, such as a Civil War-era bunker and a recreated Catalan bar from the 1960s with an ancient futbolín (table football) game.
Pl Pau Vila 3, Palau de Mar
Open 10am–7pm Tue–Sat (until 8pm Wed), 10am–2:30pm Sun
Adm €4, free first Sun of month
DA
Museu d’Història de Catalunya
Rambla de Mar
Saunter along the Rambla de Mar, a floating wooden pier that leads to Mare-magnum, a flashy mall that has many shops, restaurants and bars. Nearby the giant IMAX® cinema shows 3-D films on mega-screens generally on nature-, adventure- and sports-related topics.
Moll d’Espanya
Maremagnum
shops open 10am–10pm daily; restaurants until 1am daily; bars and clubs until 4:30am daily
IMAX: shows from 12:20–10:25pm daily
Adm
DA
Swing Bridge, between La Rambla & Moll D’Espanya
L’Aquàrium
Come face to face with the marine world of the Mediterranean at Barcelona’s impressive aquarium, the largest in Europe. The highlight is the 80-m (262-ft) long underwater tunnel, which has a moving walkway that transports visitors through the deep blue unknown, while sharks glide menacingly close. A huge hit with the kids is the new Explora! floor, with interactive exhibits that allow you to explore the ecosystems of the Mediterranean.
Moll d’Espanya
Open Jul–Aug: 9:30am–11pm daily; Sep–Jun: 9:30am–9 pm Mon–Fri (to 9:30pm Sat–Sun)
Adm
L’Aquàrium
Barceloneta
A portside warren of narrow streets, small squares and ancient bars, this traditional neighbourhood of pescadors (fishermen) and mariners (sailors) seems worlds apart from the megamalls and disco lights of nearby Port Olímpic. A refreshing foray through this tight-knit community yields a glimpse into the way Barcelona was 150 years ago. Older couples still pull chairs out onto the street to gossip and watch the world go by, and small seafood restaurants serve a menú del dia of whatever’s fresh off the boat. Running the length of Barceloneta’s western edge is Passeig Joan de Borbó, which is lined with restaurants serving mariscs (shellfish) and paellas.
Street scene, Barceloneta
Boat & Cable Car Trips
See Barcelona’s port activity from a different perspective, either from the air or the sea. The Transbordador Aeri cable cars offer sweeping bird’s-eye views of Barcelona and its coast, while the old-fashioned Les Golondrines boats and the Orsom Catamaran sweep you around the port area.
from Torre Jaume I & Torre San Sebastià
Adm
Les Golondrines, Portal de la Pau
roughly 30 mins from 11:30am
93 442 31 06
Adm
Orsom Catamaran, Portal de la Pau
Call 93 441 05 37 for times
Adm
DA
Pailebot Santa Eulàlia
Bobbing in the water at the Moll de la Fusta (Timber Quay) is this renovated, three-mast schooner, originally christened Carmen Flores. It first set sail from Spain in 1918. On journeys to Cuba, the ship used to transport textiles and salt, and return with tobacco, coffee, cereals and wood. In 1997, the Museu Marítim bought and restored the ship as part of an ongoing project to create a collection of seaworthy historical Catalan vessels.
Moll de la Fusta
Open noon–7pm Mon–Fri (to 7:30pm Sat & Sun)
Adm
Submarine Ictíneo II
In 1859, Catalan Narcís Monturiol invented one of the world’s first submarines, a replica of which stands on the Moll d’Espanya. Hard to believe, but in an earlier version of this wooden, fish-shaped submarine, powered by two internal steam engines, Monturiol made a number of successful underwater journeys. He invented the submarine as a means of gathering coral; later, he tried to sell it to the army. However, he finally sold his invention in parts and died penniless.
Moll d’Espanya
El Centre de la Vila-Port Olímpic
This shopping complex offers a slew of shops, cafés and fast food restaurants. Best of all, it houses the cinemas of the Icària Yelmo Cineplex, one of the largest cinemas in town to show VO (non-dubbed) films.
Salvador Espriu 61
Mall shops open 10am–10pm Mon–Sat
Yachts, Port Olímpic
Yachts & skyscrapers, Port Olímpic
World Trade Center
This massive, circular structure is home to offices, convention halls, a five-star hotel and the top-notch restaurant Ruccula. There are also several gift shops, including Galería Surrealista, featuring souvenirs inspired by Dalí and other Surrealists. In the central courtyard is a “rhythmic” fountain that spurts out streams of water at differing velocities. Nearby, you can board cable cars and soak up splendid views from the top of Torre Jaume I.
Moll de Barcelona
DA
Exploring the Port
Morning
Begin your port passeig (stroll) with a visit to the Museu Marítim , where you can see Barcelona’s status as one of the most active ports in the Mediterranean. From here, head towards the Monument a Colom, and stroll the Moll de la Fusta to admire the Pailebot Santa Eulàlia, which has been immaculately restored by the museum. Saunter down the Rambla de Mar , an undulating wooden drawbridge that leads to the glitzy Maremagnum mega-mall. At the start of the pier, embark on the Orsom Catamaran, where you can grab a drink and snack and soak up the rays and the port skyline, while sprawled out on a net just inches above the water. Back on land, about 90 minutes later, stroll down the Moll d’Espanya and turn towards the traditional fisherman’s quarter of Barceloneta, an atmospheric pocket of narrow streets and timeworn bars. Get a real taste of old-style Barcelona at the boisterous tapas bar, El Vaso de Oro (
C/Balboa 6). Wedge yourself in at the bar and savour some tasty seafood morsels.
Afternoon
Revived, head to Pg Joan de Borbó and make for the beach. Douse yourself in the Med, then siesta in the afternoon sun. Pick yourself up with sangria at the beachside Salamanca Chiringuito (
at the end of Pg Joan de Borbó), where you can bury your feet in the sand and watch the waves lap on the shore as the sun dips into the horizon.
Bars & Beach Clubs
Club Catwalk
One of the hottest clubs in town, this has two floors: one for the bar and chilling out, and the other for dancing to hip hop, R ‘n’ B, electronica and house.
Ramón Trías Fargas 2–4
Closed Mon–Wed
DA
Adm
CDLC
Right by the beach, with a terrace on which to relax, this is a restaurant that becomes a club after dinner. Guest DJs feature every week.
Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 32
Bar Jai Ca
The TV blares and kids race around in this relaxed neighbourhood favourite. Delicious tapas are on offer.
C/ Ginebra 13
93 319 50 02
Kennedy Irish Sailing Club
When you tire of dance music, try this Irish bar with a popular terrace; live rock and pop bands every night.
Moll Mistral 26–27
Closed Mon
Arola
A luxurious, summer-only poolside bar at the plush Hotel Arts, the Arola has huge white beds covered with silk cushions, DJ sessions, and a range of perfectly mixed cocktails.
C/Marina 19–21
93 483 80 90
Le Kasbah
With Arabic decoration, soft lights and house music, this bar in the Palau del Mar building provides a city oasis.
Placa de Pau Vila 1
Closed Mon
Nova Mar Bella beach bars
Head to one of the xiringuitos (beach bars) on Barcelona’s newest beach and enjoy the DJ sessions.
Platja Nova Mar Bella
Sky Line Terrazza
This rooftop bar overlooking Barcelona’s port offers the most spectacular sea views.
Hotel 54, Passeig Joan de Borbó 54
93 225 00 54
Shôko
A Japanese restaurant during the day, this club by the beach provides all kinds of music in a great setting.
Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 36
Closed Mon–Tue
Restaurants & Tapas Bars
Set Portes
Founded in 1836, this large institution serves some of the finest Catalan cuisine in the city, including paellas.
Pg Isabel II 14
93 319 30 33
DA
Agua
The spacious terrace at this restaurant boasts views of the sea. Superb seafood and Mediterranean fare feature on the menu.
Pg Marítim 30
93 225 12 72
DA
Can Manel la Puda
The oldest restaurant on this strip serves Catalan cuisine, specializing in catch-of-the-day dishes.
Pg Joan de Borbó 60–61
93 221 50 13
Closed Mon
Somorrostro
This chic restaurant serves a daily changing menu prepared with fresh ingredients. Warm ambience and decor.
Sant Carles 11
93 225 00 10
Closed lunch (except Sun), Tue, three weeks Jan
Kaiku
Decorated with fishing prints and nets, Kaiku is known for its tasty seafood, particularly the arros del xef (chef’s rice). Book early for a table on the terrace.
Plaça del Mar 1
93 221 90 82
Closed eve, Mon
Reial Club Marítim Restaurant
The yacht club’s restaurant offers views of the harbour and a top-notch seafood menu.
Moll d’Espanya
93 221 62 56
Closed Sun eve
Can Ganassa
An old-style, family-run tapas bar that has been serving fresh seafood tapas to locals for decades.
Pl de la Barceloneta 4–6
93 225 75 86
Merendero de la Mari
Located in the grounds of the Palau del Mar building, this restaurant serves seafood and some of the best paellas in the area.
Plaça Pau Vila, 1
93 221 31 41
Suquet de l’Almirall
This family-run gem serves excellent arroz de barca (rice in broth, with seafood) and suquet (seafood and potato stew).
Pg Joan de Borbó 63
93 221 62 33
Closed Sun eve, Mon, three weeks Aug
DA
Lluçanès
Located in Barceloneta’s revamped municipal market, award-winning Lluçanès offers exquisite Catalan cuisine in contemporary surroundings.
Plaça de la Font
93 224 25 25
NOTE
Unless otherwise stated, all restaurants accept credit cards. For tips on dining and standard opening hours See Eating & Drinking