La Barceloneta - Barcelona

La Barceloneta is an interesting and unique barrio of Barcelona. It is so close to the beach that when you are there you can smell the sea and the fish – it used to be the fishermen's town. Walking through it, one feels like being in a little town. Going through the small streets of La Barceloneta, you can feel the typical humidity of the area and see that some of the walls have become black with time by the effect of it and the salt of the sea.

These days, La Barceloneta has become a very touristic area, especially in summer time. The beach is always crowded during the day and also at night time, when you can enjoy the parties that take place at the famous chiringuitos, placed on the sand. You can go for a drink and dinner and stay until late in the morning. 

La Barceloneta beach is full of people from all over the wall – a total melting pot full of tourists and many people who have now their residence in the city. Whilst you have a swim and sunbathe you can be offered, beer, water, fruits, or even a massage by a Chinese woman.

Getting there from the city is quite easy. Coming from the end of Las Ramblas towards the sea side you will find the building Palau de Mar. From there you will go into El Passeig Joan de Borbó, which is the beginning of La Barceloneta.

The Palau de Mar building is The Museum of History of Catalonia, which contains a permanent exhibition of the history of Catalonia from prehistoric times through to today’s democracy. The terrace of this building is an excellent place to rest for a while, have a drink and view La Barceloneta and the port. From here, La Barceloneta is on the left hand side – you can see balconies full of clothes and different shops, bars and restaurants. The Barceloneta is the best place in Barcelona to eat fresh fish. There are many bars that offer excellent fish dishes as well as tapas. If you go into La Barceloneta, from El Passeig Joan de Borbó, about three streets into your left, you will find the market. In one of the corners of the market square you will see a bar called “Electricitat” where you can have great tapas and the best wine in the area. They do have the big barrels inside the bar where they get the wine from with jars – very nice wines.

In the plaza de La Barceloneta, you will find the Baroque church of Sant Miquel del Port – in the facade you will see a beautiful image/statue of San Miguel Arcangel because the church was dedicated to this saint. It is worth stopping by and realise that its style, although Baroque, goes very well with the humble style of La Barceloneta.

Once you reach the beach, coming through El Passeig Joan de Borbó, you will see El Club the Natació La Barceloneta (swiming club), just on the right hand side. If you are a member, this is a great place to go to the gym, swim in the outdoors pools and sunbathe. You can enjoy yoga and other sports as well. They have a nice bar/restaurant where to have a bite and a drink in the terrace outdoors. One of the good chiringuitos in summer time is the one just by this swimming club – party goes until late.

Church of Sant Miquel del Port - La Barceloneta 

Next to El Club the Natació La Barceloneta, there is a big tall tower where you can take a funicular which goes above the see and takes you to Montjuïc – this will cost you EUR10 one way or EUR15 return. It is an spectacular trip, as you can view the port, La Barceloneta and finally you get to Montjuïc – another beautiful place.

Remember Les Festes de Gracia (the parties of Gracia) begin on 14th Agust – if you plan to come over, try to come a day before so you can venture into La Barceloneta.