Poblenou (catalan for New Village) is a popular barrio neighbourhood in the Sant Marti district of Barcelona. Where the city reaches down to the Mediterranean Sea at the Mar Bella Beach; with Sant Adrià del Besòs to the east, Parc de Ciutadella to the west and Horta-Guinardó and Sant Andreu to the north. Poblenou is by far one of the more dynamic neighbourhoods of Barcelona, combining old-style charm, with cutting edge architecture and, of course, the beach…
The futuristic @22 technology district in Poble Nou
Barcelona is consistently mentioned in ‘World’s best city’ lists, why? For a myriad of reasons: it’s cosmopolitan, artistic, architecturally sophisticated, is home to the world’s best culinary creators and to arguably the world’s best football team.
Putting aside the culture, art, music, sport, gastronomy, etc. Barcelona is a city with a beach. Something that not many of Europe’s top city destinations can boast. But the Catalonian capital, which is situated on the Mediterranean Costa Brava, is one that can.
During the industrial revolution of the 19th century the Poblenou neighbourhood was considered of great importance to both Catalan and Iberian industry. The area, which at the time was predominantly made up of factories, earned its nickname as the Manchester of Catalonia.
Still today many of the original buildings and industrial chimneys still exist; however, most have been converted into company and civic buildings, and trendy apartments. In Poblenou the industrial revolution age sits next to the futuristic with the @22 Barcelona technology district just around the corner and the ultra modern building that houses the ME Barcelona Hotel.
Poblenou also has its own version of Las Ramblas, the Rambla de Poblenou is lovely pedestrianised street, where residents step out to stroll, shop and chat with the neighbours. Rambla de Poblenou stretches from Avenida Diagonal down to the Mar Bella Beach.
The Carrer de Marià Aguiló, which runs parallel with the Rambla de Poblenou is a great street to wander down. It still retains much of the charm of the old neighbourhood.
The bullet shaped Torre Agbar
However, one of the most notable and futuristic attractions in the neighbourhood is the Torre Agbar (Agbar Tower). Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, together with Spanish firm B720 Arquitectos, this 38-story tower is located in the Barrio Poblenou, between Diagonal and Carrer Badajoz. On its inauguration in 2005, it marked the start of the new technological era and district that was developing in Barcelona.
The design of the tower was inspired by two natural phenomena: Montserrat, a mountain situated close to Barcelona and a geyser shooting up into the air. I actually think it could easily be mistaken for the Norman Foster designed 30 St Mary Axe skyscraper, affectionately known as The Gherkin, which is situated in the heart of the financial district of London.
According to Torre Agbar designer Jean Nouvel, the greatest and most influential Catalan architect, Antoni Guadí influenced the construction, with references in the design to the bell towers of the Sagrada Familia and to the Hotel Attraction, a Gaudí project for a skyscraper in New York, which he never realised.
Close to the Torre Agbar is the Glories shopping centre on Avenida Diagonal; the tree-lined boulevard is where you will find locals out walking, jogging and cycling. The Parc de la Cuitadella also borders the neighbourhood. The extensive green zones incorporates a zoo, lake, fountain and a handful of museums. The Catalan government building is also found at the centre of the park.
Futurist children's slide on Mar Bella Beach
With its close proximity to the sea, you can find some great local seafood restaurants in Poblenou, in Plaça Prim (Prim Square) you find Els Pescador, one of the best fish restaurants in Barcelona. Don’t leave Barcelona without dining there!
Poblenou is by far one of the more dynamic neighbourhoods of Barcelona; from its old industrial roots to its pioneering technological community. The area certainly knows how to combine old charm and local hospitality with the truly cutting edge.
Sunday stroll along La Barceloneta
Heading East along the coast, you come to the popular beach-side area of La Barceloneta. This is the main beach of Barcelona, and also the residential and commercial zone that sits behind it. A ravel of corridor style streets and alleys, where you can find some really excellent bars and restaurants to enjoy a plate of fresh fish with the locals. It’s more popuolar with tourists than Poble Nou, but you can still lose yourself in the daily comings and goings of the local residents of La Barceloneta.
Both Poble Nou and La Barceloneta are within easy walking distance of the city centre; alternatively you can catch the Metro to Barceloneta. With four main beach areas and over four kilometres of golden sandy beaches stretching either side of the city, Barcelona provides the perfect mix for a cultural city and beach holiday.
Want to find out more about Barcelona? Check out our Barcelona City Travel Guide and Video section. Or go straight to find your ideal holiday rental in Barcelona city. If you want to stay in close proximity to the city, but enjoy a more relaxed environment. Check out our holiday rentals in Costa Brava, or holiday accommodation in Costa Dorada.
Image credits: Jaume Meneses / Almusaiti / Abeeeer / inthesitymad
