Sant Martí, Barcelona guide

Much of modern Sant Martí was built for the 1992 Summer Olympics. Vila Olímpica got its name from the Olympic Village, where all the visiting athletes stayed, and the Port Olímpic marina was created to host sailing contests. The city also cleaned up its coastline, creating the attractive beaches it has today.

The cigar-shaped Torre Glòries is Sant Martí’s most distinctive silhouette, rising 38 storeys high. Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, the skyscraper’s 52,744 glass panes reflect the colours of the Mediterranean Sea. For the full effect, check it out at night when it’s lit up. Ride the lift to the observation deck for 360-degree views of the city.

The Poblenou area of Sant Martí has shed its industrial past and rebranded itself as a centre for design. Here, you’ll find the Design Museum of Barcelona, nicknamed ‘the stapler’ thanks to its bold architecture. Inside, mini-museums focus on decorative arts, textiles, graphic arts and more. Poblenou is also a great place to shop for home decor, while design tours spotlight the neighbourhood’s new-meets-old architecture.

Sant Martí’s long coastline is divided into several beaches, each with its own distinct flavour. Head for Bogatell if you love beach volleyball or to Llevant if you’re looking for a pet-friendly environment. Mar Bella is one of Barcelona’s best beaches, famous for its nudist section. Leave time for a drink at a ‘chiringuito’ (small beach bar).

Poblenou’s old industrial warehouses are finding new life as cultural spaces. A former textile factory has become Can Framis, a museum of contemporary Catalan art. And Sala Beckett brings live theatre to what used to be a union office. The area is packed with galleries and artists’ studios too.

You’ll find some of the latest food trends in Poblenou, from burger bistros to natural wine bars. There’s even an ice cream parlour serving flavours based on childhood memories. For a more old-school vibe, head to beachside Xiringuito Escribà for paella. Tucked away in Plaça de Prim is Els Pescadors, serving some of the best seafood in Barcelona. Try the ‘navajas’ (razor clams).

If you’re the type who prefers a low-key cocktail, Poblenou’s cosy bars have got you covered — especially those around Rambla del Poblenou. For live music, make your way to Razzmatazz, one of Barcelona’s biggest music venues, with five different clubs under one roof. Along with touring bands, you’ll find DJs spinning acid house, Afrobeat and Brazilian funk.

Poblenou is full of indie shops. Pick up a map from Poblenou Urban District, then set out to browse Scandinavian furniture, children’s clothing or vintage records. Once a month, the Palo Market Fest brings local designers to the gardens of an old factory. Four days a week, the Encants flea market sprawls out underneath a massive mirrored roof.

Almost a quarter of a million music fans flood into Sant Martí’s Parc del Fòrum every spring for Primavera Sound, a festival featuring global headliners in indie rock, hip-hop and EDM. Poblenou’s Festa Major happens in September, with parades, concerts and Catalan dancing. The Llum BCN festival brightens up the neighbourhood with light displays for three days each February.