For a number of years now, Barcelona has been one of the most popular destinations for tourists looking for a beach holiday in a city that offers all the activities needed to satisfy every member of the family.
However, some of them may be looking for a touch of authenticity, and want to get to know the Barcelona of the locals.
We would recommend taking a stroll around Barceloneta. To discover this village-like district of the Catalan capital, the first thing to do is book your Renfe tickets to get there as easily and conveniently as possible.
The district was built around the middle of the 18th century and was originally a village on the outskirts of Barcelona where fishermen lived. La Barceloneta remained little-known until the Olympic Games were held in Barcelona. During the years spent preparing to host this world-renowned sporting event, the landscape changed completely, and the seafront was cleared, allowing light to flood into the city.
Barceloneta beach is a popular destination for tourists, who are particularly familiar with its symbols: Bofill's sailboat, the Mapfre Tower, the Hotel Arts and the Marenostrum, but in just a few minutes you can discover an authentic, family-friendly district. To do this, leave the kilometre-long beach and head for the narrow streets of Barceloneta.
Barceloneta Beach
Walking through the narrow streets of the district, it's easy to recognise the small fishermen's houses of the time. Most of the restaurants in the area serve fish and seafood dishes. Whether it's for an aperitif or a meal, spending time on a terrace in Barceloneta is a great way to get to know the soul of the city.
You'll notice that the streets of Barceloneta are full of facades typical of 19th-century industrial architecture. In fact, the area underwent very strong industrial development over the course of a century, particularly in the textile sector, with the best-known company being the Maquinista Terrestre y Marítima, whose name is all that remains today on the Carrer de la Maquinista.
As we already mentioned, there's nothing like a little fish dish on a terrace with family or friends.
We also invite you to discover the Can Solé restaurant, open since 1903, a gastronomic and cultural centre of the city, where many of Barcelona's leading figures came to eat: Manolo Escobar, Manuel Vázquez Montalbán, Serrat, Sara Montiel, José Luis López Vázquez, César Manrique ou encore Joan Miró.
If you haven't made a reservation and can't find a table, take a stroll down Carrer de Sant Carles, one of the most popular and lively streets in the district!
Once you've immersed yourself in the authentic atmosphere of the Catalan capital, there's no better way to return home than to sit back with your loved ones in a Renfe armchair and reminisce about all the best times you've had in Barceloneta. The only risk is that you'll want to go back!
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Did you like our suggestions? Well, there is a lot more where that came from! Discover more original tips about what to do in Barcelona with Renfe.