Luxury holidays in El Poblenou

Once known as the ‘Catalan Manchester’, thanks to its soaring Dickensian smokestacks, energetic El Poblenou has emerged from the post-industrial doldrums to become Barcelona’s hippest ’hood. If you’re looking for the city’s creatives, artists and Kinfolk-readers, you’ll find them here (probably drinking Nomad Coffee and sitting on an upcycled crate). Wander the waterfront district’s converted-factory spaces to find museums, galleries and restaurants – and don’t miss the monthly Palo Market Fest, a must-visit mix of fashion, homeware and street food.

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When to go

There’s never a bad time to visit Barcelona, though August can be too hot to handle for some. You’ll feel the neighbourhood love during the fiery fiestas of Poblenou Festival in the first two weeks of September.

Getting there

  • Planes

    From Barcelona Airport, taxis will whisk you to the waterfront in under half an hour. The Aerobús runs every 15 minutes.

  • Trains

    The main Metro stations in the neighbourhood are Marina, Bogatell, Llacuna and Poblenou.

  • Automobiles

    It’s far more relaxing to leave the driving to the professionals – the city’s one-way system can take decades to master – and rely on taxis, Uber or public transport.