

If we scratch the surface of what El Poblenou is, we will discover a very lively neighbourhood, in constant evolution and very fashionable. But if it is on everyone's lips, it is not only because it is very well connected to the centre of Barcelona, for its beaches or for being one of the safest places in Barcelona.
Because this neighbourhood has all that and much more. Join us in this guide in which we will discover everything you need to know about one of the most pleasant and dynamic corners of the city. Welcome to El Poblenou.
What to see and do in El Poblenou
Before we begin, we must recommend that you go everywhere on foot. Poblenou is a neighbourhood with industrial roots where every façade, shop or building has a story to tell.
You'll witness a perfect balance, as brilliant as it is delicate, which you have to take part in and mingle with in order to understand. Street art displays mingle with traditional bars, retirees with new start-up entrepreneurs.
The mix, the traditional supported by the avant-garde, the industrial being the flagship of the modern, is the blood that runs through and gives life to El Poblenou, which has a charm as precious and delicate as its balance.
And when we say that it is a dynamic, pleasant and lively neighbourhood, this is not just a saying, it is not a mere comment. The shops change, the use of the buildings, the street art, what used to be closed now becomes a small meeting point, events and much more that you must experience.
Monuments and places to visit in El Poblenou
These are just some of the places you should visit, because although El Poblenou is a neighbourhood, it has as much history, culture and leisure as a whole city. You can't leave El Poblenou without visiting most of the following stops.
Cementerio del Poblenou
Offhand, you might not expect to read that a cemetery should be one of the first stops on your route, but then again, you wouldn't expect it to be such a beautiful place. This was the cemetery of the city's upper classes in the 19th century, and you can see that in every detail.
The best of the best in the world of architecture and sculpture got to work and left us a legacy of beauty in sculptures, pantheons and decoration that will leave you open-mouthed, although there is one thing that stands out above all; ‘The Kiss of Death’.
Quite a mystery, isn't it? ‘The Kiss of Death’ is a sculpture where death, a skeleton with wings, kisses a young man who falls dead at his feet. Did someone say photo?
Rambla del Poblenou
Here we have the centre of Poblenou, where there are more people, more hustle and bustle, restaurants, shops, bars and stately buildings with more history. And here we find a small oasis, an ode to tradition in the midst of so much trend.
No excuses, but it should be your first stop if you're here on special dates like Christmas, when it's dressed up from top to bottom. The cultural centre Casino l'Aliança del Poblenou or the Horchatería El Tío Che are some of the emblematic places you should visit.
Beaches in Poblenou
We've already mentioned Christmas, but if you're visiting the neighbourhood in the summer months, we don't need to tell you to head for the beaches. Take a stroll along the promenade and then find the perfect spot near the shore at Bogatell beach.
And if you're claustrophobic about wearing a bikini or swimming costume, then Mar Bella nudist beach is the place for you, with its fantastic facilities. Although if we are talking about fantastic facilities, don't forget that less than five minutes away you have the best hostel in Barcelona; Latroupe Poblenou Beach. Close to the beach thanks to its fantastic location and with an unbeatable atmosphere of people from all over the world.
22@
No, we haven't dropped a cat on the keyboard, the name is correct, that's the name of Barcelona's technology district. This district has been the spearhead of a strong and growing economic sector such as technology and startups for 25 years. 22@ occupies areas of Llacuna, Poblenou and Provençals del Poblenou.
So stroll through this area to come across glass buildings next to historic buildings, a perfect example of what the neighbourhood is and represents today; the perfect balance between the past and the future.
The Ca El Aranyó Gardens, the Ca l'Aranyó building and its patio with an impressive chimney, the modern Casa Asia building or the Can Framis Museum, housed in an old factory from the end of the 18th century, are some of the representative places of 22@ Poblenou.
Towers of Poblenou
Among so many chimneys recalling the industrial and textile past of the neighbourhood, let's talk about other more modern buildings that are so representative of the area. The tower, and perhaps the most emblematic building of all, is the Torre de Glòries.
The much-discussed tower, formerly known as the Agbar Tower, is a modern-day symbol of the city and the neighbourhood, and at night its more than 4,000 LEDs make it look impressive. Don't forget to visit its 360 viewpoint.
Going back to tradition, we find the Torre de les Aigües del Besòs, built in 1882. With an interesting history, which you can learn about with your €5 ticket, you'll have the best views of the Poblenou neighbourhood. It has been left as good as new after the renovation in 2010.
Leisure in Poblenou
Let's talk about the hustle and bustle, drinks and food, which is what you've been waiting for. We'll name names and details later, but for now we'll tell you that Poblenou is known, among other things, for its wide range of traditional bars and craft breweries such as Hoppiness and Garage Beer.
At the Palo Alto Market, once a month, and for €5 admission, you'll be able to get your money's worth with its food trucks in a very modern atmosphere, in an old factory with trends from yesterday and today in art, decoration and clothing.
Art in Poblenou
Art can be seen and felt in the streets of Poblenou, any wall becomes the best canvas for urban art. Graffiti, murals and even events intermingle to create a neighbourhood with an emerging and lively cultural atmosphere.
Another stop for art is IDEAL Centro de Artes Digitales de Barcelona, a gallery where you can enjoy 3D audiovisual projections.
Restaurants y bars in El Poblenou
Well, it's time to see what's going on in the streets of Poblenou. We can already tell you that you're going to love it, and even more so if you follow our advice and visit one of these places.
Bar LATROUPE Poblenou Beach
As well as a fantastic buffet breakfast, you'll be able to enjoy a snack, craft beers or a mid-morning coffee. The atmosphere is the best in the city, in keeping with the Poblenou neighbourhood, with a mix of people from all over the world.
And when night falls, the bar goes crazy with good music, good vibes and even themed events. The fun starts and goes at Latroupe.
Sopa Boronat
This place serves both vegetarian and vegan food. As you can imagine from the name, the main attraction here is the quantity and quality of their soups and creams.
Stop by for an inexpensive and healthy menu on weekdays, brunch on weekends, snacks and a chill atmosphere and décor.
Cata by Catacroquet
I'm sure you've almost come to a fight with friend because you were arguing about who makes the best croquettes, his grandmother or yours. The typical argument. Well, the battle is over; the answer is Catacroquet.
Here you will find all the croquettes you can imagine, and then some. From chistorra omelette to mussels, all kinds of flavours, but all in croquette format. Plus, with live music and croquette happy hour, is it or isn't it a croquette paradise?
El 58
Inexpensive prices, top quality products and a world of tapas that mixes tradition and avant-garde, just like Poblenou itself. A tapas bar with great successes such as grilled prawns, beef carpaccio or coca del 58 with calçot and tocino.
Carrot Café
Here you can get your money's worth with different types of bread, eat like in the best restaurant in the country, enjoy some of their numerous imported beers or enjoy their unbeatable desserts; carrot cake and cheese cake. Whatever you are looking for, the carrot café has it, at any time of the day.
Accommodation in El Poblenou
If you're in Barcelona's trendiest neighbourhood, you need to stay in a place that's up to the task, and there's no place trendier and modern than Latroupe Poblenou Beach Hostel Barcelona.
If you add to its location the atmosphere of its common areas, the high quality of its facilities and the professionalism of its staff, you will find your home in Barcelona.