The Best Things To See And Do In Sant Antoni Barcelona

The Sant Antoni neighborhood belongs to Barcelona’s central district of L’Eixample. It is limited by Ronda Universitat between Plaza Espanya and Plaza Universitat, by Ronda Sant Pau and by Avenida Paral·lel. This quiet area is not home to many historical monuments or grand museums, and is often omitted from the traditional list of must-see spots in Barcelona’s guide-books. Nevertheless, Sant Antoni has a charming atmosphere, its own hidden gems, and a variety of great bars to choose from when considering an apéritif. The Culture Trip invites you to discover some off-the-beaten-track spots of Barcelona in the area of Sant Antoni.

1. The Sant Antoni Market Of Antique Books

Bookstore

A huge market of second-hand books takes place right outside the exit of the metro Sant Antoni each Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Whether you are a true book fan or not, this event is so atmospheric that it definitely deserves a visit at least once. You’ll be able to immerse yourself in a lively bargain world of art collectors, touch some really exquisite volumes of books and albums, look at vintage posters and postcards or just occasionally find some really curious books at an affordable price to read on your next voyage. The sellers’ stands are set around the modernist historical building of Sant Antoni’s Market, which dates back to 1882. Interestingly, when the grand renovation works of this building started in 2009, the remains of Roman monuments were found unexpectedly below the construction. All of that seems to be a sign: the place around the market is filled, literally, with ancient history and antique legends and is unique in Barcelona.

Vermouth Bars Of Sant Antoni

Sant Antoni is a number-one area to try apéritifs and, in particular, local vermouths. Explore the streets of Manso, Ronda Sant Pau, and Comte Borrell. Turn to Carrer del Parlament, where you’ll inevitably find a bunch of young and lively people in front of the bodega El Vinito and Bar Calders. Another starred place of homemade vermouth is Bar Olimpia, situated in Carrer de l’Aldea. It occupies the building of the former circus theater Olympia that was extremely popular during the years 1924-1947 and has been created as an homage to this legendary place and to the retro atmosphere of the 1940s.

Bar Calders, C/ Parlament 25, Barcelona, Spain + 34 933 299 349

Bar Olimpia, C/Aldea, 11 , Barcelona, Spain +34 606 20 08 00

Bodega Vinito, C/ Parlament 27, Barcelona, Spain + 34 934 429 657

Shops And Showrooms of Sant Antoni

You will not find very many mass-market clothing or souvenir shops in Sant Antoni, but it is a good area to browse for affordable everyday stuff, software, equipment, or repair shops for everything on earth from shoes to furniture. Check the streets of Ronda Sant Antoni, Compte Urgell, and Compte Borrell. If you are not indifferent to antique furniture, head to Carrer de Viladomat and call at the Valnot studio, which is involved in recycling and restoration, or visit El Recibidor, a showroom of vintage furniture and a creative place for design catwalks, art exhibitions, and master classes.

Valnot Studio, C/Viladomat, 30, Barcelona, Spain, +34 935 31 41 79

El Recibidor, C/Viladomat, 9, Barcelona, Spain, +34 935 30 42 21
By Elena Isaeva