El Poble Sec
A neighborhood in the Sants district, Poble Sec runs from Av. Paral·lel to Montjuïc and was the first expansion of the city. Paral·lel is known for its theaters, music bars, and cabaret clubs. Today, Poble Sec is slowly making a name for itself as an up-and-coming corner of town with a great food scene.
Main Metro Stops:
-Paral-lel (L2 - Purple and L3 - Green)
-Poble Sec (L3 - Green)
about the barrio
There have been traces of life in what is now referred to as Poble Sec since as far back as the ancient Roman times, when the area was used for shipping and trade. When the walls of the city were built, Poble Sec, like the nearby Raval neighborhood, was not contained within them.
However, it wasn’t until about the 19th century that the neighborhood got its name, when plans were made to create an extension, known as the Eixample. Although the area was not included in the plans, it was at this time that the various neighborhoods between the port (Montjuïc and Paral·lel) were given the name Poble Sec (meaning "Dry Town" in Catalan).
For much of its history, Poble Sec remained a mostly poor, desolate neighborhood, inhabited by factory workers, fishermen, and other working or lower class people. By the beginning of the 20th century, the area had one of the lowest school attendance rates in the city, and many were living in unsafe houses and shacks.
After the Civil War, the neighborhood remained on the fringes of local society, but slowly a number of theaters and cabarets opened along the Avinguda del Parallel, and the area developed an artistic spirit. In contrast to theaters like the Gran Teatre del Liceu or the Palau de la Música, the theaters of Poble Sec offered a more lowkey, humble vibe. Today many of these theaters are still standing, such as El Molino and the Apolo theater.
the poble-sec to-do list
Stroll down Calle Blai and try as many pintxos as you can from different bodegas.
Enjoy a musical in one of the theatres on Paral·lel Avenue. They will be in Spanish so it will be a great chance to practice!
Stop by Plaça del Sortidor where the Catalan singer Joan Manuel Serrat (born in the neighborhood) once delighted the town with his music.
Head to Sala Apolo to enjoy great concerts from the current music scene.
Take pictures of the many graffitis at the Parc de les Tres Xemeneies where the skaters have a designated space.
Visit the Refugi 307, a bomb shelter for the civilian population during the Spanish Civil War that was dug up by the neighbors.
Check out the #BarcelonaBucketList items in Poble Sec - items #31-33!
restaurants
Quimet i Quimet - Carrer del Poeta Cabanyes 25. One of Barcelona's most iconic tapas restaurants. Enjoy some of their carefully crafted pintxos standing up (there's usually no room to sit)!
Calle Blai - This pedestrian street has popped up in the past 10 years as the "pintxo" center of Barcelona. Each restaurant serves these tasty treats ranging anywhere from 1-3€ each. Help yourself and hold onto the toothpicks as you'll pay at the end for the number of toothpicks on your plate.
Can Margarit - Carrer de la Concòrdia 21. Old, authentic tavern with a variety of traditional Catalan dishes to try. Taste their wines, homemade desserts, and their specialty - rabbit (it is delicious!).
La Platilleria - Carrer del Roser 82. Traditional tapas bar where the menu changes with the seasons. Go on Sunday afternoon for a vermut.
Xemei - Passeig de l'Exposició 85. If you're looking for a fancy and authentic Italian dinner, look no further.
Pizza Sortidor - Carrer de Blasco de Garay, 46. One of the best pizzas in town, this place is always packed with people, especially on Tuesdays where any pizza on the menu is 7€.
Lascar 74 - Carrer de Roser, 74. This place specializes in poke bowls and ceviche!
You can find more recommendations on where to eat in Poblesec here.