10 places to visit in Poblenou

1. La Plataforma – part gallery, part studio, and headquarters of the Urban District project. Look out for its open nights and other events if you want to meet local creatives. Pujades 99. Mon 11am–3pm, Tues-Fri 10am–2pm and 4pm–8pm.   

2. Cementerio de Poblenou – rebuilt after Napoleon destroyed it in the early 19th century, this is a small museum of funeral art. Jaume Barba’s Kiss of Death sculpture is worth the visit alone. Main entrance on Av. Icària. 8am–6pm daily.

3. Skye Coffee Co – one of Barcelona’s best cups of coffee is sold from a classic 1972 Citroën HY parked in an airy former warehouse. A model Poblenou experience. Pamplona 88. Mon-Fri 9am–5pm.

4. La superilla – a unique experiment pre-empting the Eixample superblocks; an ‘island’ in a city ruled by cars. Traffic is restricted and pedestrians are king, but local opinion is divided about the project’s merits. Intersection of Badajoz, Pallars, Llacuna and Tànger.

5. Orxateria El Tio Che – a classic spot for sampling the original (Spanish) horchata, made from ground tigernut. It’s been served here for over 100 years. Rambla del Poblenou 44–46. Openings vary, but roughly 10am–10pm.

6. Aguaribay – offers brilliant lunch menus and a wide range of vegetarian and vegan fare at reasonable prices. Taulat 95. Mon-Sun 1pm–4pm, Thurs-Sat 8.30pm–11.30pm.

7. Hangar – housed in the Can Ricart complex (once an important textile factory), this centre for visual art research and production offers various residencies and grants. Emilia Coranty 16. Open Thursdays to meet and mingle.  

8. Monopol bar – once a members-only, sports club-bar, now a cosy tapas bar with great food and a roof terrace. Lunch is €7.50, cash only. Rambla del Poblenou 74. Sun-Thurs 10am-midnight, Fri-Sat 10am–1am. 

9. La Forquilla – perhaps Poblenou’s best haute cuisine restaurant, offering Michelin star-grade presentation and quality alike. The remarkably unassuming chef-owner is key to its charm. Pere IV 210. Tues-Sat 1.30pm–3pm and 8.30pm–10pm.

10. La Cervecita Nuestra de Cada Día – a kind of beer sanctuary—both brewery and bar—serving bottles as well as beers on tap. The Catalan IPAs are memorable. Llull 184. Sun 5.30pm-9.30pm, Mon-Tues 5.30pm-10.30pm, Wed-Sat 11.30am–2pm and 5.30pm–10.30pm.