10 Things To Do in Poble Sec, Barcelona


 

Poble Sec is often referred to as Barcelona’s most exciting neighborhood. It’s still “up and coming”, as they say, so street life is incredibly vibrant and diverse both culturally & with options of things to do.

Think of it as Barcelona’s bohemian district; a place everyone needs to experience at least once.

1. Eat Patatas Bravas in Poble Sec, Barcelona

It’s relatively easy to find good patatas bravas in Barcelona; Catalonian people take this dish very, very seriously.

In Poble Sec they are served in abundance. You’ll rarely incur a meal or a drink without a side of them worming their way in there somewhere. Not that I’m complaining; fried potatoes topped with marinara can worm their way to me anytime.

Patatas Bravas – by Ewan Munro – Wikimedia Commons

2. Explore the Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobera in Poble Sec, Barcelona

Poble Sec is in the Montjuïc district. You’ll often here people ask whether you’ve been up Montjuïc yet or not, and they are referring to the summit of the hill that overlooks the city below.

The Jardins de Mossen Costa i Lolbera are a beautiful botanical garden at the foot of the Montjuïc hill, facing the ocean. It’s a cactus garden, and absolutely breathtaking for an afternoon stroll as the sun descends over the sea.

Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobera – by Jorge Franganillo – Wikimedia Commons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Daily
ADDRESS: Ctra. de Miramar, 38, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
METRO STATION: Paral-lel

3. Visit the Caixa Forum in Poble Sec, Barcelona

The Caixa Forum is one of Barcelona’s most renowned art galleries and it calls Poble Sec home. A guided walking tour of this neighborhood will take you right past this impressive building; spare some time to go inside.

The Caixa Forum is free to enter, seven days a week. You’ll find art exhibitions, musical performances, educational talks and theatre pieces here on any given day.

Caixa Forum – by Caixa Forum – Uploaded by them

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Sunday –  10am to 8pm
ADDRESS: Av. Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia, 6-8, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
METRO STATION: Pl. Espanya

4. Dine on Tapas at La Platilleria in Poble Sec, Barcelona

It took me a long time to decide on my favorite spot for authentic tapas dining in Poble Sec, but La Platilleria is definitely it.

It’s not cheap, but it’s vibrant, central and the food is phenomenal. You’ll need four or five plates to properly enjoy this experience; dining with a companion is recommended for more variety!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Wednesday TO Monday –  Various Times
ADDRESS: Carrer del Roser, 82, 08004 Barcelona, Spain
METRO STATION: Paral-lel

5. Spend Some Time in the Archaeology Museum of Catalonia in Poble Sec, Barcelona

I originally came to the Archaeology Museum of Catalonia to merely see the outside; it’s one of the most impressive art deco buildings you’ll find in the country.

I made the spontaneous decision to explore the inside, and very glad I did so. The prehistoric artifacts from the earliest years of humanity were fascinating, and to make things even better there are hardly ever crowds in the space, so you’re free to roam without the overwhelm. 

Museu d’Arqueologia de Catalunya – by Yearofthedragon – Wikimedia Commons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Tuesday TO Sunday –  9:30am to 7pm
ADDRESS: Carrer de Freixures, 5, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
METRO STATION: Poble Sec

6. Catch a Show at El Molino Theatre in Poble Sec, Barcelona

“Up and coming” towns usually contain a thriving arts scene, and Poble Sec is no different. The perfuming arts are extremely valued here and there are a number of theaters in the area.

El Molino is right on the Paral-lel metro stop and is a beautiful burlesque theatre offering intimate performances on their small stage. Check in with their social media to see scheduled shows and times.

https://youtu.be/VqLMYFaOWN0

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Daily
ADDRESS: Carrer de Vila i Vilà, 99, 08004 Barcelona, Spain
METRO STATION: Paral-lel

7. Take a Free Guided Walking Tour in Poble Sec, Barcelona

Most of the free guided walking tours make their way through Barcelona’s Old Town, which is basically all of the neighborhoods just north of Poble Sec.

One can still join a guided walking tour through the area and see everything the village has to offer from the point of view of a local guide. It’s the best way to connect to the street life, history and important landmarks in the most efficient amount of time.

8. Go Dancing at Sala Apolo in Poble Sec, Barcelona

The Sala Apolo has been in Poble Sec since the 1940s, and was once the town’s most esteemed ballroom.

Today it runs as a dance club with two massive, separate dance floors to carry you deep into the evening. It’s €10 to get in, which keeps the crowds mature and there for the same reason — to dance!

Sala Apolo in Poble Sec – by Sala Apolo – Uploaded by them

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Daily
ADDRESS: Carrer Nou de la Rambla, 113, 08004 Barcelona, Spain
METRO STATION: Paral-lel

9. Climb up to the Parque del Mirador del Poble Sec in Poble Sec, Barcelona

This tranquil little park sits at the summit of Montjuïc, offering panoramic views of the city and ocean. It’s great for a stroll, or to settle in with a book or picnic.

The caucus garden mentioned earlier in this piece sits at the foot just behind this park. One is easy to get to from the other but will require comfortable walking shoes.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: 24 Hours
ADDRESS: Passeig de Montjuïc, 28, 08005 Barcelona, Spain
METRO STATION: Paral-lel

10. Watch Another Show at Theatre Grec Open Air in Poble Sec, Barcelona

You’ve got to love Europe and its open air theaters. Also in the Montjuïc hills, the Theatre Grec was constructed in 1929.

In the summer months in Barcelona there are regular theatre performances, most of them absolutely free to enjoy. Visit the theatre website to learn more about the program and when you can catch a scheduled performance.

Theatre Grec – by Visentico / Sento – Wikimedia Commons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Only in the summer
ADDRESS: Passeig de Santa Madrona, s/n, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
METRO STATION: Poble Sec

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