Jade Perry

El Poblenou, which translates to ‘the new village’, is a perfect combination of old and new, relaxing and vibrant, industrial and hi-tech. In many ways, it is a contradiction of itself, offering beach and city life and modernity and tradition. The first words that come to mind are heritage, art and community.

With a rich industrial history (at one point it was dubbed ‘Catalan Manchester’), the area has a mix of old and new architecture. Factories and warehouses have been repurposed and replaced with art galleries and cafés. With its growing tech and design scene, it is now being described as the ‘District of Innovation.’ Despite the many changes the neighbourhood has seen over the years, there is a strong sense of community and El Poblenou truly offers tourists an honest peek into everyday local life.

Breakfast

One of the best, most understated brunch places in the area is Little Fern. The antipodean café offers interesting dishes on its all-day brunch menu, including kimchi pancakes, chia pudding and, for more health-conscious travellers, a green bowl of quinoa, kale and avocado. The generous portions and relaxed vibe will get you started on your local adventure.

Morning

Little Fern sits right by the main promenade of the neighbourhood – Rambla de Poblenou. Here you will find more cafés, restaurants and shops and get a feel for the area. Wander down towards the Parc del Centre del Poblenou and admire the peace of this inner-city oasis. Continue on to the Carrer de la Selva de Mar and you’ll get a taste of the vibrant street art the neighbourhood has to offer.

Lunch

Head towards Carrer de Badajoz and drool over the dishes at LEKA. This innovative restaurant is committed to ethical and sustainable food. Having first opened as a traditional truck driver’s inn and eatery in 1984, it has a deep-rooted, homegrown charm, like many other places in the area. Fruit and vegetables are locally sourced, and the fish comes from the Barceloneta market. Even their pickles are made in-house. Their chefs, from Peru, China and Venezuela, offer an exciting fusion of tastes, combining local cuisine with international flavours. A true culinary experience and a must for foodies.

Afternoon

On that same road you will find Espai Joliu, a coffee and plant concept store. Stop for a quick cortado and marvel at the greenery.

For a taste of local art, head to the Filippo ioco studio and gallery. The gallery showcases a range of art, including a permanent display of bodypainting works – the first of its kind in Europe. Established in 2017, it is one of the many places in the area that illustrates how El Poblenou has transformed into an art and design hub in recent years.

Alternatively, for a hidden gem that veers more on the dark side, visit Poblenou Cemetery and relish in the awe of El Petó de la Mort (‘The Kiss of Death’) statue, something both haunting and fascinating. Wander around and take in the neoclassical and Modernista vibes.

Drinks

Right by the cemetery, you will find Blu Bar, a great local spot with an outdoor terrace. Sip on a lip-smacking cocktail or take on a pitcher of sangria. If you’re peckish, the tacos are a must.

Dinner

Nearby, El 58 promises a true taste of El Poblenou with mouth-watering tapas, local craft beer and quirky, industrial décor. They have excellent vegetarian options as well, and true to their location, delicious seafood. You will find traditional dishes here (patatas bravas and croquetas) as well as more unexpected, international dishes (such as tataki and ceviche).

After hours

What better way to round off the day than an evening stroll along Bogatell beach? Created especially for the 1992 Olympic Games, the beach has become a place to relax, rollerblade, cycle, play volleyball and swim. At night, as the sun sets and the beachgoers whittle down, listen out for the buzz of Barcelona nightlife and watch the city lights beam alongside the palm trees.