Discover La Barceloneta, one of the most popular neighborhoods in Barcelona

We continue discovering the most emblematic areas of the Catalan capital and today we are going to get into La Barceloneta neighborhood, one of the most popular of Barcelona in the one that breathes a marine atmosphere and one enjoys the pier, the beach and a place with a lot of charm.

History of La Barceloneta neighborhood

To learn more about the history of La Barceloneta, we moved to the 15th century, when the breakwater of the port was built on a place that the land started to win the sea.

In October 1718 the Captain-General Marquis of Castel-Rodrigo established the creation of the neighborhood of the Beach (Barrio de la Playa). The goal was that people who had lost their homes after the demolition of buildings to build the citadel could have a new home. The project was entrusted to the military engineer Pròsper Verboom.

However, a new project (and definitive) began to be devised in 1749. As the website of the Barcelona City Council tells us, in this case, it was intended to order the constructions of the Arenal, to control the population militarily and to alleviate the situation of lack of housing in the walled city of Barcelona.

La Barceloneta is considered one of the best examples of Baroque urbanism in the whole Peninsula.

The activities of its inhabitants were closely linked to the sea, especially since the year 1754 the fishermen began to arrive at this site.

Until the mid-nineteenth century fishing and port activities were the predominant here. If you walk through the neighborhood, you can feel this marine origin on its streets. Although the neighborhood has been modernized by introducing new services, the truth is that this magical charm still exists.

What to do and visit in La Barceloneta neighborhood

Enjoy La Barceloneta Beach

The Barceloneta Beach has a central location and is easily accessible, which is why it is one of the favorites of locals and tourists who come to the city. It is one of the oldest in Barcelona and also, perhaps, the most famous.

Walk on the streets

If you want to move to that Barceloneta of yesteryear you just have to walk through its narrow streets. There you will see old buildings and establishments that still maintain the decoration of 200 years ago.

If you walk to the sea, you will observe that step by step the neighborhood is becoming more modern.

Visit the history museum, the Museu d’Història de Catalunya

Created in 1996 by the Government of the Generalitat of Catalonia, this museum presents a collection of documents and objects that will bring you closer to the history of the Catalan people and their culture.

The Museu d’Història de Catalunya has a permanent exhibition distributed in 7 stages, and several temporary exhibitions that will help you understand a little more about the history of Catalonia.

Go to the Clock Tower (Torre del Reloj)

The Clock Tower is considered the oldest building in the neighborhood. It was built in the year 1772 to become the lighthouse to guide ships on the darkest nights.

Towards the middle of the 19th century, specific improvements were made in the port of Barcelona, so the lighthouse ceased to be an indispensable element, but it was not demolished. However, a clock was placed in the highest part.

Go shopping in the Maremagnum

The Maremagnum is a shopping center that is located on the pier of Spain, at the Old Port of Barcelona. If you want to go shopping this will be your chosen place.

The Barceloneta park and the Torre de les Aigües

The Barceloneta park becomes a link between the sea area and the Ronda Litoral. In it, you will find a wide variety of plant species and you will see the Torre de les Aigües, a modernist building that was designed in 1907 by the architect Josep Domènech i Estapà.

Buildings in La Barceloneta area

During your tour of La Barceloneta, you will come across several buildings that are worth enjoying. For example, the Casa Josep Torras (Baluard Street 6), a house of Josep Graner that has been restored and where you can see sgraffito full of color; the
Casa Magi (Calle Balboa 14), with a façade in pale pink and neoclassical style, or the Esteve Cortada building (Marquès de la Quadra 3 street), in this case, yellow and decorated with plant motifs.

Where to eat in La Barceloneta neighborhood

Gastronomy is also part of the charm of La Barceloneta neighborhood in Barcelona. And there you will find restaurants and bars of many styles. Let’s review some options so you know what you can choose.

1. Segons Mercat

Specializing in seafood cuisine, Segons Mercat is located on Balboa Street. It is an ideal option if you are visiting the neighborhood, although you can also find other culinary options.

2. Vaso de Oro

Vaso de Oro is a traditional tapas bar in the neighborhood of La Barceloneta, which has its own beers. It is also located on Balboa Street.

3. La Mar Salada

La Mar Salada has a daily menu and a menu with paellas and other dishes of Mediterranean cuisine elaborated with fresh products. It is located in Paseo de Juan de Borbón.

4. Cal Pintxo

A renovated classic with terrace, Cal Pintxo is located in the building that houses the Museum of History of Catalonia (Museu d’Història de Catalunya) at Plaça Pau Vila, 1. It offers a menu of Mediterranean-style dishes.

5. Restaurante Salamanca

Salamanca is an emblematic establishment of La Barceloneta with more than 40 years of history. Located in Carrer de l’Almirall Cervera 34, it offers market and Mediterranean cuisine, paellas and fish selected in the port fish market.

6. Ca La Nuri

Rice and wine looking at the sea. Do you like the plan? It is what you can do if you sit down to eat on the terrace of Ca La Nuri. It is located on the seafront and specializes in seafood cuisine and rice dishes.

7. Can Paixano

Popularly known as the Xampanyeria (Champañería) in this small place located in Carrer de la Reina Cristina 7, you can taste tapas and sandwiches while savoring their delicious varieties of cava. You will be surprised how full it is always, but it is worth the experience.

Featured image: Beach of La Barceloneta