Barcelona Districts: Old City: La Barceloneta

This was originally the fishermen’s area of the city and benefited hugely from the Olympic Games in 1992 which saw the redevelopment of Barcelona’s waterfront area. Today this area offers a completely new and stunning skyline.

New development in this area of the city has enabled the locals to enjoy the beaches as tourists do.

The expanse of large, open recreational areas with plenty of things to do, make it possible to get out and enjoy the sun, either on the beaches or along the waterfront.

La Barceloneta within the Old City district, was constructed during the 18th century and was originally inhabited by the ex-residents of the Ribera neighbourhood who had been displaced by the construction of the Ciutadella Park in el Born

The Barceloneta area is serviced by its own stop on the Barcelona Metro (L4).

There is also an abundance of places to do a little shopping or grab some refreshments with lots of cafes, bars and restaurants nearby, just a stones-throw from the Mediterranean.

La Barceloneta also hosts the Port Vell (old harbour) area which adds to this particular neighbourhood’s vast retail and hospitality options, whilst also providing an IMAX cinema and the Aquarium located in the Maremagnum shopping and leisure mall, as well as great views of the bustling marina any time of the day. 

Bordering Port Vell is the main street Passeig Joan de Borbó which remains one of the best places in the city to grab some extremely fresh seafood and where still today many locals enjoy a paella for Sunday lunch with a good bottle of wine or a jug of sangria!

Port Vell (old harbour)