Known as the Manchester of Catalonia for its involvement in the Industrial Revolution, it wasn’t until the 1992 Olympic games and a regeneration project that built modern apartments and a number of artificial beaches that Poblenou – meaning “new village” in Catalan – became a fully integrated part of Barcelona.
Today, unused chimneys dot the grid of wide, tree-trimmed streets, where abandoned textile factories have been transformed into art schools, creative studios and co-working spaces. In the most historic part of the barrio, a 1km-long Rambla (a pedestrianised street) stretches from Glories to the beach. Lined with traditional apartment blocks, independent shops and lively tapas bars, it retains a lovely local vibe that feels worlds away from the touristy parts of town.
Benvinguts!