Gentrification has turned this former industrial district into one of Barcelona’s most artistic and edgy neighbourhoods. Come see it before the masses arrive.
You could say El Poblenou (The New Town) is an up-and-coming neighbourhood and one of Barcelona’s best-kept secrets, but the truth is it ’s already undeniably trendy and that word has already gotten out.
El Poblenou is a loosely defined area that refers to the new developments east of Parc de la Ciutadella that extend south towards Barcelona’s waterfront. Many return visitors to Barcelona prefer to stay here over the Old City due to the lack of crowds, more reasonable prices and the authentic and artistic atmosphere.
The former industrial district has its own Rambla, a bustling, pedestrian-friendly
street modelled on the famous one in the Old City. La Rambla del Poblenou takes you from the huge Diagonal Mar shopping centre on Avinguda Diagonal to the seaside.
Tip: Take lots of little side trips along the way to make some Poblenou discoveries all of your own. When your feet need a rest, take a seat on a café terrace and order some delicious tapas dishes. Every first weekend of the month, the Palo Alto Market delights the crowds with food stalls and music.
If you are into modern art, check out La Plataforma and Addicted To Life, both not far from the Llacuna metro station. Afterwards, visit the Museu del Disseny de Barcelona (Design Museum of Barcelona) in Plaça de les Glories Catalanes. The exhibits showcase ever-changing examples of fashion design, interior design, product design and information design.
Get a new wardrobe or haircut in the square’s sprawling Les Glòries mall in preparation for a night out on the town. Head back to La Rambla del Poblenou to have a late-night meal and party with the locals.
Poblenou’s recently redeveloped former slum, now rebranded as El Front Marítim del Poblenou, borders on the Ronda del Litoral coastal road. Across from this busy highway, you’ll find some LGTBQI-friendly clubs along the Platja de la Nova Mar Bella, a popular Mediterranean beach.
