The 10 Best Things To Do And See In El Poble-sec, Barcelona

For anyone into ethically sourced food, Bar Seco is the place to go. With the bar being part of the Slow Food movement, the food is locally sourced. There’s a wide range of vegetarian dishes, but also delicious organic meats on offer. Friendly staff, the option to eat out on the terrace during the summer, and surprisingly competitive prices, round out this popular option. Be aware that the menu isn’t the biggest – but trust that it will be delicious.

Arguably a must-see for the entirety of Barcelona, Caixa Forum, a renovated former textiles factory, maintains a top-notch program of art and culture – be it exhibitions, music, dance or theatre. Despite playing host to high-brow art installations, it makes an effort to appeal to younger minds as well. It’s recently shown an exhibition of Pixar’s creative process, and ensures that plenty of interactive activities are placed around.

Once a traditional bodega, it has since been transformed into a stunningly eccentric bar. If the décor of figurines, stuffed animals and antiques aren’t enough to keep you entertained, the music probably will – it’s by request, making for a varied night. Leave your pretensions at the door and enjoy the cheap drinks and unique atmosphere.

Serving traditional Galician food, Casa de Tapes Cañota shares its owner with the better known Rías de Galicia. The food is fairly expensive, the portions are fairly small – but expect it to be exquisitely cooked. It benefits from a very extensive menu and friendly, welcoming staff. If you’re after a true culinary experience this is a great option.

El Rouge is a little known bar decked out in velvet, all colored red according to its name. The general ambiance, the range of events, the comfortable sofas, and possibly the best gin and tonics in the city, all combine to make this a favorite amongst locals. More than worth a visit if you’re in the mood for somewhere that is as authentic as it is quietly cool.

Learn about Catalonian history at the Archaeology Museum of Catalonia. Another little known destination, this museum has managed to stay entirely off the beaten track. It’s on the way to the popular Castell de Montjuïc, and is a good place to stop off. Expect all information to be in Spanish, and the place to be largely empty – yet it’s a beautiful building with items that trace back to the history of Catalonia.

From the team that ran El Clandestino – itself a great live music spot – comes Bar Rufián. A truly Catalan bar, it’s got a laid back and relaxed vibe. If you come on the weekend you can expect an excellent line-up of bands and artists. The drinks are of an exceptional quality, and come at good prices – expect them to be fuelling debate and discussion in this consistently lively hangout.

Check out the best bookable tours, trips and experiences in Barcelona below

A small, artificial village in the middle of Barcelona, the Poble Espanyol is an attraction that aims to give its visitors a glimpse of Spain‘s history and architecture. It’s relatively expensive, but inside you’ll find a range of medieval style buildings, shops and workshops. There are cafés as well, but be warned that they are very expensive. This is a well-known and perennially popular tourist attraction in Barcelona.

The most famous theatre in the area, El Molino is located on the equally famous Parallel Avenue. Expect risqué yet largely tasteful cabaret and burlesque. Showcasing wonderful hosts and performers at the venue, the audiences are largely Spanish and as such, the shows are generally geared to them. However, this won’t make it any less enjoyable for tourists. It’s a good idea to get there early if you want to ensure good seats, and they normally have a few performers outside to entice people in.

If you’re in the mood for a quick break from Spanish cuisine, Xemei is the stand-out option. Owned by two Italian twins, Xemei benefits from a good location, friendly staff, and a truly incredible Venetian-inspired menu. The simple yet exquisitely cooked Venetian haute cuisine means that the restaurant is normally full – it’s probably worth calling ahead if you intend on paying it a visit.

While the number of hotels in Poble-Sec is limited, there are at least a few options for every budget type, ranging from the cheap and cheerful to the lavish. The Hotel Brummell is a modern boutique hotel with a cosmopolitan feel to it and a trendy in-house restaurant. Finally, a little further out, the Hotel Miramar is a five-star hotel located on the side of Montjuïc – offering superb views of the city and sea front – and is one of the most luxurious places to stay in the city.

Dreaming of a vacation? Incredible paella is only a flight away. Take a look at our specially curated vacation packages in Spain and marvel at the Alhambra Palace in Granada or see Gaudi’s finest work at the La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, plus much more.