El Poblenou
Poblenou, Barcelona, Catalonia
El Poblenou (“new village” in Catalan) is sandwiched between the Mediterranean Sea and the Avinguda Diagonal, which slices through the modern heart of Barcelona. The former working-class neighborhood was given a facelift for the 1992 Olympics and is today one of the Catalonian capital'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 guided walking and Segway tours pass through the neighborhood, while 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 also 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.
El Poblenou is accessible for wheelchair users but some of the stores, restaurants, and attractions may not be.
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, and the hop-on hop-off bus passes through the neighborhood. Guided walking tours of El Poblenou are also available.
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. Or, come on the first weekend of the 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.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!