Barcelona - Around Town - Port Vell, Barceloneta & Port Olímpic (part 2) - Bars & Beach Clubs, Restaurants & Tapas Bars

Exploring the Port

Morning

Begin your port passeig (stroll) with a visit to the Museu Marítim , where you can see Barcelona’s status as one of the most active ports in the Mediterranean. From here, head towards the Monument a Colom, and stroll the Moll de la Fusta to admire the Pailebot Santa Eulàlia, which has been immaculately restored by the museum. Saunter down the Rambla de Mar , an undulating wooden drawbridge that leads to the glitzy Maremagnum mega-mall. At the start of the pier, embark on the Orsom Catamaran, where you can grab a drink and snack and soak up the rays and the port skyline, while sprawled out on a net just inches above the water. Back on land, about 90 minutes later, stroll down the Moll d’Espanya and turn towards the traditional fisherman’s quarter of Barceloneta, an atmospheric pocket of narrow streets and timeworn bars. Get a real taste of old-style Barcelona at the boisterous tapas bar, El Vaso de Oro (C/Balboa 6). Wedge yourself in at the bar and savour some tasty seafood morsels.

Afternoon

Revived, head to Pg Joan de Borbó and make for the beach. Douse yourself in the Med, then siesta in the afternoon sun. Pick yourself up with sangria at the beachside Salamanca Chiringuito (at the end of Pg Joan de Borbó), where you can bury your feet in the sand and watch the waves lap on the shore as the sun dips into the horizon.

Bars & Beach Clubs

Restaurants & Tapas Bars

1. Set Portes

   Founded in 1836, this large institution serves some of the finest Catalan cuisine in the city, including paellas.

   • Pg Isabel II 14

   • 93 319 30 33

   • DA

2. Agua

   The spacious terrace at this restaurant boasts views of the sea. Superb seafood and Mediterranean fare feature on the menu.

   • Pg Marítim 30

   • 93 225 12 72

   • DA

3. Can Manel la Puda

   The oldest restaurant on this strip serves Catalan cuisine, specializing in catch-of-the-day dishes.

   • Pg Joan de Borbó 60–61

   • 93 221 50 13

   • Closed Mon

4. Somorrostro

   This chic restaurant serves a daily changing menu prepared with fresh ingredients. Warm ambience and decor.

   • Sant Carles 11

   • 93 225 00 10

   • Closed lunch (except Sun), Tue, three weeks Jan

5. Kaiku

   Decorated with fishing prints and nets, Kaiku is known for its tasty seafood, particularly the arros del xef (chef’s rice). Book early for a table on the terrace.

   • Plaça del Mar 1

   • 93 221 90 82

   • Closed eve, Mon

6. Reial Club Marítim Restaurant

   The yacht club’s restaurant offers views of the harbour and a top-notch seafood menu.

   • Moll d’Espanya

   • 93 221 62 56

   • Closed Sun eve

7. Can Ganassa

   An old-style, family-run tapas bar that has been serving fresh seafood tapas to locals for decades.

   • Pl de la Barceloneta 4–6

   • 93 225 75 86

8. Merendero de la Mari

   Located in the grounds of the Palau del Mar building, this restaurant serves seafood and some of the best paellas in the area.

   • Plaça Pau Vila, 1

   • 93 221 31 41

9. Suquet de l’Almirall

   This family-run gem serves excellent arroz de barca (rice in broth, with seafood) and suquet (seafood and potato stew).

   • Pg Joan de Borbó 63

   • 93 221 62 33

   • Closed Sun eve, Mon, three weeks Aug

   • DA

10. Lluçanès

    Located in Barceloneta’s revamped municipal market, award-winning Lluçanès offers exquisite Catalan cuisine in contemporary surroundings.

    • Plaça de la Font

    • 93 224 25 25