The Poblenou Neighborhood In Barcelona -- A Fantastic Base For Our Few Days Spent Outside Of France

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The Poblenou neighborhood of Barcelona is a place Nicole and I never would have stayed in were it not for Airbnb. And that is one of the many reasons we have grown to like Airbnb so much during our travels. 

Approximately fifteen minutes north of Barcelona's main tourist area, the Poblenou has transformed, as a result of Barcelona's hosting of the 1992 Olympics, from a run down industrial area to a vibrant, eclectic neighborhood with a popular beach scene. From what I've found on the internet, the local residents biggest gripe is that the neighborhood has become too nice causing an influx of tourists and escalating real estate prices.

Nicole and I booked our stay at an Airbnb in the Poblenou for two main reasons: (1) we wanted to stay close to friends from New York who we were meeting up with and (2) for approximately $100/night, we could get a tidy one bedroom apartment, a five minute walk from the beach.        

The beach scene a five minute walk from the Airbnb where we stayed

The beach scene a five minute walk from the Airbnb where we stayed

Skating is big in Barcelona; A skate park near the beach in the Poblenou neighborhood where we stayed; Most younger kids seemed to be riding reinforced versions of Razr scooters while older kids and adults rode skateboards

Skating is big in Barcelona; A skate park near the beach in the Poblenou neighborhood where we stayed; Most younger kids seemed to be riding reinforced versions of Razr scooters while older kids and adults rode skateboards

Nicole and I couldn't have been happier with our stay in this neighborhood and would recommend it to anyone visiting Barcelona. To be sure, we've stayed in nicer, more spacious Airbnbs -- but not at that price point, in a major city and a short walk from an awesome beach. We jogged to Barcelona's famous Segrada Familia church one morning, spent lots of time hanging near the ocean, ate at a lot of cool outdoor spots, and otherwise enjoyed spending a few days somewhat "off the beaten path" in Barcelona. 

A quick post from our quick stopover in Spain. Now back to France... :)

Dinner with some of our great friends from New York; Completely worth temporarily leaving France to see them :)

Dinner with some of our great friends from New York; Completely worth temporarily leaving France to see them :)

The Segrada Familia church; Construction has been ongoing since 1882 and is scheduled to be complete in 2026; It was fun to see the improvements since we last visited Barcelona approximately five years ago

The Segrada Familia church; Construction has been ongoing since 1882 and is scheduled to be complete in 2026; It was fun to see the improvements since we last visited Barcelona approximately five years ago

Street art in the Poblenou

Street art in the Poblenou

View of the Torre Glories building

View of the Torre Glories building

Street art commissioned by the city of Barcelona to commemorate the World Day for Children; Hanging from a balcony in the Poblenou 

Street art commissioned by the city of Barcelona to commemorate the World Day for Children; Hanging from a balcony in the Poblenou 

More street art spied during one of our many walks through the neighborhood

More street art spied during one of our many walks through the neighborhood

Like this post? Want to read more about Travis and Nicole's travel adventures? Check out Leaning Into Layovers: How Nicole And I Were Able To Visit And Explore Helsinki.

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