Although Barcelona’s oldest port was located at the foot of Montjuïc, the area currently known as “Port Vell” (Old Port) is the shoreline that runs between the monument to Christopher Columbus and the Barceloneta neighbourhood. Along this sea-imbued promenade, we can find everything from the latest line in shops to the best place to eat paella.
You now find yourself in one of the city’s quaintest neighbourhoods. Its characteristic smell of saltpetre, its balconies with clothes hung out to dry, its lively beaches, beach bars and pubs and its aroma of ports and the Mediterranean all remind us that we are in the Barceloneta. This area only began to become popular in the mid 18th century, when it was mainly inhabited by fisherman due to its proximity to the port.
RECOMMENDATIONS: The walk from the Drassanes (the Gothic shipyards) to the Barceloneta is longer than it looks, so a bicycle is particularly recommendable here.
The biggest and best-preserved medieval shipyards in the world. Originally built between the 13th and 14th centuries, they were later expanded on several occasions. They became an artillery arsenal in 1768, resulting in serious mutilations to the complex. Luckily, the dockyards lost their military connections before the civil war and started their conversion to a maritime museum. It is not hard to imagine the results of the 18 bombs that fell on the complex in the war if all the ammunition has not been removed in time. Av.Drassanes s/n.
This is a pleasant route that will take us up to the Barceloneta from the Rambla de Mar. Its current appearance dates from the mid 1980’s. There used to be a sea wall here until the end of the 19th century, which was demolished during the preparations for the 1888 Universal Exposition. The Moll de la Fusta’s wide pavements (and the Passeig Colom, which runs parallel to it) are an invitation to stroll, with a curious backdrop: the “Face of Barcelona” statue by Roy Lichtenstein.
The most emblematic image of Port Vell. Opened in 1994, this promenade was designed by the architects Helio Piñón and Albert Viaplana. It leads to Maremagnum, a leisure centre that has recently become more specialised in the world of fashion. Next to this complex there is a multiscreen cinema, the Imax cinema and the Aquarium.
Maremàgnum shopping centre is located in a beautiful are of the city: in the port, at the end of the Rambla. Apart from restaurants and cafés, and a huge variety of discos and bars, the centre contains a large number of fashion boutiques including Zara, H&M, Berksha, Calvin Klein, Desigual and Mango, as well as establishments specialising in decoration, records, perfume, mobile phones, toys and chocolate makers. This shopping centre, which is one of the most popular in Barcelona, is open from Monday to Sunday, with shops open from 10am to 10pm and restaurants open till 1am. Clubs till 6 am. Tel: 93 225 81 00. Metro line 3, Drassanes station.
The sharks are the stars in L’Aquàrium, the most important aquarium in the world on the subject of the Mediterranean. 35 aquariums, 11.000 animals from 450 different species, an underwater tunnel of 80 metres, an immense Oceanarium, unique in Europe, make this centre a unique show and leisure reference for all the family.
Imax cinema, located on the Moll d’Espanya quay, this is the most modern in the city. Aimed mainly at a family audience but suitable for all types of public, you can see films in formats such as Imax, Omnimax and 3D.
Previously known as Paseo Nacional, it was re-christened in 1993 with the name of the Spanish king’s father. The Museum of Catalan History is located at the beginning of this street and its terrace, with free admission, offers unbeatable views of the port and the city. The building that houses it is one of the many that once hid from view the ships in the port. These old warehouses, along with the other old harbour buidings, symbolised the idea that “Barcelona lived with its back to the sea” until they were demolished during the renewal projects for the ’92 Olympics to create the avenue as it is today. Very near this museum, next to the Moll dels Pescadors quay, you will find the Torre del Reloj tower. It was built in 1772 and served as the port’s lighthouse until the middle of the 19th century. When the port was modernised, it was converted into a clock tower. If you walk around this area in the evening you might come across the fish auction, which takes places in the Llotja building. If you try, you may even be allowed to enter into the auction room.
The city’s waterfront district per excellence. The wide open spaces of the Passeig de Joan de Borbó, where strolling is a pleasure, contrast with the narrowness of the streets inside this neighbourhood, though a walk around this area is recommended in order to soak up the popular spirit it still preserves. Continuing along the left hand side of the Passeig, we can find the charming Plaça Barceloneta, at the junction of Carrer Andrea Dòria, and if we go straight on we will finally reach the beach. This is a good place to eat fish or paella, though one should explore a little to avoid the tourist traps. Barceloneta is unquestionably one of the best places to eat fresh fish, although tapas are another of the specialities of its many restaurants and terrace bars. One of the most typical tapas is called a ‘bomba’ – a ball of mashed potato stuffed with mincemeat and accompanied by a spicy sauce or alioli. Sant Miquel del Port Church: Located in Plaça de la Barceloneta and characterised by its baroque architecture. The church also hosts the rehearsals of a local choir.
The most popular beach among young visitors. With its cosmopolitan atmosphere and its round the clock liveliness, you can find practically everything you need for fun here; from having a cool drink at one of the beach bars to getting a massage while you sunbathe or even buying a doughnut for breakfast from the famous peddler who has sold them on the beach for many years now. Other activities that you can do on the busy Barceloneta promenade and beach include skating, kite flying and surfing.
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Address: Sant carles, 11 barceloneta Phone number: 93 225 00 10 Opening times: every night from 7 pm to 11.30 pm, sundays from 2 pm to 4 pm. and from 7 pm to 11.30 pm. Clousing times: tuesdays Others: CARDS: VISA, MASTERCARD. (NOT AMERICAN EXPRESS) |
A warm, welcoming establishment with an open-plan kitchen that attracts fans of top quality Mediterranean cuisine. The personable service of its waiting staff is an added bonus for a gastronomic experience in which first class products play a starring role. There is a fixed price dinner menu at an incredible price of only 16 Euros. A promotional menu for the first diners to arrive every evening. Don’t miss the original ‘pay by weight’ style buffet in which you only pay for what you actually eat at 14 Euros per kilo, available 1pm to 3pm, Monday to Friday. more info |
Address: Maremagnum Shopping Centre. Moll d'Espanya, 5 Planta 0. Local 34-35. Phone number: 932 258 692 |
Opening times: Monday to Sunday, 10am to 10pm. Rituals is the first brand in the world to combine cosmetics for the home and the body, using innovative products with unique textures and fragrances. Rituals transforms any daily habit into something special with its slogan “rediscover the moment”. There is a ritual for every person. Come and find yours. |
Address: Pça. Rosa dels vents, 1 (Al final Pso. Joan Borbó). Phone number: 93 295 28 00 |
The iconic W Barcelona counts with 473 guest rooms, Bravo24 by Carles Abellan and WAVE restaurants, the signature W Bar, Eclipse Bar by Ignite and WET®, as well as mainland Europe’s first and only Bliss Spa. Bliss features a retail beauty boutique, manicure and pedicure nail stations, treatment rooms and men’s and women’s glamorous lounges for post-treatment relaxation. Open to the general public, bliss barcelona also features a shared wet area, steam room, and sauna. The massage and facial treatment mecca brings a fun, ‘no attitude’ atmosphere with a menu full of signature treatments such as Blissage75. |
