While the 1888 Universal Exposition centred its projects on the area surrounding Ciutadella Park, and the 1929 Expo was based on the hilltop of Montjuïc, the 1992 Olympic Games opened up the city’s horizons to the previously ignored Mediterranean Sea. Today, Barcelona has a long seafront that combines the traditions of its port with popular beaches, recreational boats and an endless roster of water sports. Barcelona has becomes a city of beaches, stretching from the former industrial territory of Poblenou to the Olympic Village, which provided accommodation to the athletes, incorporating monumental tower buildings and the new frontier made up by the site of the 2004 Universal Forum of Cultures.
RECOMMENDATIONS: The bicycle is also the best way to get about in the seafront area. The promenade that borders the city’s beaches is also ideal for walking and jogging.
Located at the intersection of the Diagonal and Carrer Badajoz, bordering Plaça de les Glòries, this unique 142 metre tall building with a total surface area of 39,000m2 is occupied by offices. It is let exclusively to the “Aguas de Barcelona” water company. Its shape, colours and cutting edge structure have made it one of the icons of Barcelona’s skyline and its latest inclusion. Avda. Diagonal – C/ Badajoz.
The first stone of the Vila Olímpica, located in the old Poble Nou neighbourhood, was laid in 1989. It provided accommodation for most of the athletes competing in the 1992 Olympic Games and was one of the four Olympic areas, designed by the architects Josep Martorell, Oriol Bohigas, David Mackay and Albert Puidomènech. After the games, the Vila Olímpica became a residential neighbourhood in 1993. Its surface area corresponds to fifty blocks in the Eixample. Its skyline is marked by two gigantic skyscrapers, the Mapfre tower and the Hotel Arts, ascending to 136 metres. (Marina, 16-18). Next door is the attention grabbing metallic sculpture “golden fish” by Frank Gehry.
From the area near the port to the limits of the neighbouring town of Sant Adrià de Besòs, Barcelona has 4.2 kilometres of beaches. In the same order that they appear on the map, their names are Sant Sebastià, Barceloneta, Port Olímpic, Nova Icària, Bogatell, Mar Bella and Nova Mar Bella. All of them are ideal for swimming, sunbathing and recreation, and are well maintained. They offer all the basic facilities and services, including lifeguards, public toilets, showers, areas and equipment for water sports, handicapped access, kids play areas, designer beach bars, etc.
Somewhat isolated from the centre, this is the city’s newest neighbourhood and one its most exclusive, whose skyscrapers rise in front of the sea, flanked by the Besós river and the humble La Mina and La Verneda neighbourhoods. Built at the same time and next to the 2004 Forum of Cultures, its main assets are the shopping centre with which it shares its name, the Conference Centre and a number of luxury hotels.
The Forum of Universal Cultures was held in Barcelona from May to September 2004 and was the first event of its kind in the world. When it finished, the city was left with a large seafront park, which has become the venue for many popular events such as the Mercé Festival, the April Fair, circus shows, large-scale celebrations... The Forum Park also contains permanent facilities including kids play areas, green zones, a bathing area, etc.
THE CURIOSITY: The Catalan Manchester: A large portion of the Poblenou neighbourhood, occupied nowadays by the Vila Olímpica, was once known as the Catalan Manchester, due to the large number of factories there. Some traces of its industrial glory can still be found in the area.
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Dirección: Pso. Isabel II, 14 Teléfono: 93 319 30 33 horario: de 13,00 a 01,00 sin interrupción |
Open since 1836. A Barcelona institution where you can enjoy the finest Catalan cuisine in the city and try the best paellas. more info |
Dirección: Avda. Litoral, 44 (Playa del Bogatell) Teléfono: 93 221 01 74 Web: www.catamaranbcn.com |
Kitchen open Monday to Sunday, 10am to midnight. Ideal for lunch, dinner, tapas or enjoying some unbeatable views while having a drink in the chill-out zone. Modern Mediterranean seafood cuisine always made to order using the freshest products. Specialities also include rice and paella dishes. Homemade desserts and a wine list that allows you to discover Spain’s finest wines. Basic fixed menu: 15€. A la carte dining from approximately 30€. More info |