Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
making their way to and from the people-packed sands nearby. From here heading north to
El Fòrum, it's beaches all the way; rustic shacks called
chringuitos
dole out music and cock-
tails day and night on the sands. There are also plenty of tonier outdoor options open year-
round; the eating and drinking action is most concentrated near Port Olímpic; if coming
from Barceloneta, head for the giant copper
Peix
(Fish) sculpture by Frank Gehry and you'll
be there.
Inland from these modern artificial beaches lies the high-tech zone of 22@bcn, not a big
draw for many tourists, although Jean Nouvel's Torre Agbar draws a few architecture afi-
cionados. The waterside district ends at El Fòrum, which has a worthwhile new science mu-
seum; it's also the setting for outdoor summer concerts and funfairs.
Local Life
Hang-outs
There are many great local haunts full of flowing
cava
, beer and flavourful
tapas:
Vaso de Oro
and
Can Paixano
are long-time favourites.
Markets
Port Vell hosts
Port Antic
,
a small weekend antiques market; near the marina is
the craft market of
Feria de Artesanía del Palau de Mar
.
Beach action
From June to September informal rustic bars known as
chiringuitos
dot the
sands, doling out cold drinks and festive ambience.
Getting There & Away
Foot
From the old city, La Rambla and Via Laietana are the main pedestrian access
points across busy Ronda del Litoral.
Metro
Go to Drassanes (Línia 3) to reach Port Vell; Barceloneta (Línia 4) has its own
stop for the neighbourhood. Línia 4 continues out to Ciutadella Vila Olímpica (best stop
for Port Olímpic) and El Maresme Fòrum near Parc del Fòrum.
