El Poblenou Tours

El Poblenou (“new village” in Catalan) is sandwiched between the Mediterranean Sea and the Avinguda Diagonal, which slices through the modern heart of the city. The former working-class neighborhood was given a facelift for the 1992 Olympics and is today one of Barcelona’s most modern and creative quarters.

The Basics
El Poblenou lies somewhat off the typical tourist path, and as such, offers a more authentic glimpse into modern Catalan life. Some cycling tours pass through the neighborhood; those with an interest in Barcelona’s street art and graffiti can opt for a themed bike tour through this once-industrial neighborhood. Both the red and green routes of the Barcelona hop-on hop-off bus include stops in El Poblenou.

Things to Know Before You Go

• El Poblenou is an excellent place to catch a glimpse of modern Barcelona—a must for art lovers.
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking, as the neighborhood is rather large.
• Tour the neighborhood with a guide to get added insight into its hidden gems.
• How to Get There
• El Poblenou lies just north of the center of Barcelona. Both the metro (line 4) and tram (T4) stop at several places in the area.

When to Get There
Day or night, there’s almost always something going on in El Poblenou. Take a stroll down Rambla de Poblenou in the evening to have dinner at a local tapas bar before seeing the Torre Agbar illuminated at night. Come on the first weekend of each month to shop for funky crafts at the Palo Alto Market, housed inside a former factory.

Attractions in El Poblenou
While most of Barcelona’s star attractions lie in the Old City, there’s still plenty to see and do in this revitalized neighborhood. Barcelona’s Design Hub is home to the Barcelona Design Museum, while the revamped Encants Vells flea market sells a huge range of secondhand items. The neoclassical Poblenou Cemetery is dotted with lovely sculptures and pavilions, many dating back to the 18th century.