Barceloneta & Beach

Barceloneta is Barcelona's old fishing district — narrow streets, laundry on balconies, weathered facades, and the smell of grilled fish from the chiringuitos. The neighborhood was laid out in the 18th century as a row house settlement for the displaced residents of Ribera and has retained its rough, popular character, despite increasing gentrification.

The Platja de la Barceloneta stretches for 1.1 km right in front of the district and is Barcelona's most famous (and busiest) city beach. Golden sand, lively hustle and bustle, chiringuitos with beer and paella, volleyball courts, and skaters on the promenade. On summer weekends: sardine can. For a quieter experience, head further northeast to Platja del Bogatell or Platja de la Mar Bella (the latter with a nudist section).

At the harbor lies the Mirador de Colom (Columbus Column, 60 m high, elevator 6 €) with panoramic views. The Port Olímpic further northeast has restaurants and bars by the water — touristy, but atmospheric in the evening. For fresh fish, it's better to go into the alleys of Barceloneta.