Barceloneta

Barceloneta is a lively quarter of Barcelona’s Old Town, famous for its narrow streets, excellent seafood restaurants and the cleanest beaches in the Catalan capital, which are very popular with locals and tourists. Barceloneta or Little Barcelona was founded in the middle of the XVIII century. It is built on reclaimed land, which is a narrow triangle jutting into the Mediterranean Sea. The neighborhood is characterized by a leisurely lifestyle, an attractive pedestrian zone and a picturesque green park.

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Video: Barceloneta

Contents

Highlights

Today, housing in Barceloneta is very much in demand among students. The reasons for this are the large number of libraries, sports fields, a modern sports center, green areas and the picturesque Joan de Borbo promenade. Many people choose the coastal area because of the fresh sea breeze and because you can reach the city center from here in just 10-15 minutes. Walking along the Barceloneta promenade, it is easy to reach the St. Sebastian Tower and take the cable car up to Montjuïc Hill.

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The streets of modern Barceloneta resemble narrow corridors built in a “grid” pattern, running parallel and perpendicular to the port. There are four squares in the neighborhood, and all the tourist infrastructure is located around the perimeter of the main development.

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Barceloneta’s oldest buildings are over 250 years old. In the western part, at Plaça de Pau Vila, 3, the former Palau de Mar maritime palace is preserved. These days, the four-story stone mansion houses a museum of Catalan history. In the center of the district, at Carrer de Sant Miquel, 39, stands the beautiful parish church of San Miguel del Port, built in 1755 in the Baroque tradition.

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History of the Barceloneta neighborhood

The development of Barceloneta began in the mid-18th century with the construction of a new pier, so at first fishermen and seafarers settled in this part of the city. The neighborhood was considered quite poor, and its inhabitants lived in barracks without any amenities.

Then the authorities decided to build a new barracks.

Then the authorities decided to build capital houses in Barceloneta. The project of the new neighborhood was prepared by the Dutchman Prosper Verbom. It envisioned straight streets and alleys, built up with buildings of the same height with similar facades. It is noteworthy that despite subsequent adjustments and reconstructions, the neighborhood has largely retained its original appearance.

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In 1992, before the Olympic Games, hosted by the capital of Catalonia, Barceloneta was renovated and beautified. The industrial plants and warehouses that existed here were closed and Barceloneta became one of the city’s tourist neighborhoods.

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Beaches of Barceloneta

The seaside is divided into four beaches – San Sebastian, San Miguel, Barceloneta and Somorrostro. The sandy beach of Barceloneta stretches from the Olympic Port to Carrer Almirall Cervera for 1.1 kilometers. Its width reaches 89 meters, so there is enough room for everyone.

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Thanks to its well-developed infrastructure, Barceloneta beach suits both families with small children and young people. There are many good restaurants, bars and cafes along the beachfront. There are toilets and showers on the beach, in summer there is a lifeguard team and local police on duty daily, and the season opens with different entertainment for children. Those who wish can rent a sun lounger and umbrella for 10 € and get a massage. For those who like to be active, there are volleyball and mini soccer courts on Barceloneta beach. Behind the sandy strip stretches a long promenade where rollerbladers, skateboarders and cyclists spend their time.

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San Sebastian Beach adjoins Barceloneta Beach from the south. It is the largest in the neighborhood. Somorrostro beach is spread out by the Olympic Port. It is 0.5 km long and is easily recognizable by the original sculpture “Fish”.

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Museum of the History of Catalonia

The museum, which tells the history of Catalonia from ancient times to the 20th century, was opened on the initiative of the government in 1996. The museum building is the oldest structure of the seaport, restored in 1992.

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The spacious halls display archaeologists’ finds, medieval weapons and coins, maps and old photographs. In addition, seasonal exhibitions are held here. Many expositions have an interactive character. Guests of the museum can try to grind grains with hand millstones or cut the skin of an animal with a stone knife.

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For visitors, the doors of the Museum of Catalan History are open Tuesday and Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sundays and holidays from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

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Cafes and restaurants

As a true fishing quarter, Barceloneta is known for its excellent fish cuisine. Local chefs are excellent at preparing grilled fish, paella and fideua with fish and seafood, shellfish dishes and other culinary delights that can surprise even the most sophisticated gourmet. Many fish restaurants are open along the Joan de Borbo promenade, which is called the “front street” of Barceloneta.

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The most popular restaurant, Can Majo, is located at Carrer de l’ Almirall Aixada, 23. Here you can try risotto with cuttlefish ink. Despite the fact that the prices in this restaurant are high, it is very popular among Barcelona residents and tourists, so you should book seats here in advance. In the old restaurant “Ramonet” the tables are made of large wine barrels, and the noisy and cheerful restaurant “Casa Costa” is chosen by those who like dishes cooked according to old recipes of traditional Catalan cuisine.

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Many tourists who come to Barcelona prefer to cook at home. Fresh produce is sold in small stores, DIA, Caprado and Condis supermarkets, as well as in the Barceloneta market, which is located in Plaça del Poeta Bosc.

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How to get there

Barceloneta stretches between the main port and the Olympic Village. The quarter starts from the Joan de Borbo Boulevard and ends at the Avenida Maritim. It is easy to walk here from the Barceloneta or Ciutadella Vila Olimpica metro stations. In addition, buses number 36, 45, 59, D20, N0, N6, N8, N28, V15, V27 go to this part of the city.

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