A relaxing stroll along the seafront in Barcelona
A gentle walk by the seafront can do a whole world of good! As popular with locals as with tourists, this maritime route will help you to escape the routine and relax for a few hours.
Cafés for relaxing
Whether you just want to sit, read, or enjoy an ice cream, a glass of fruit juice or a beer by the sea, Barcelona has plenty of cafés which should fit the bill.
Plaça del Mar
We’re particularly fond of Buenas Migas, on the Plaça del Mar, with views of the W. It serves fresh snacks with no artificial preservatives, along with fresh, natural fruit juice. To top it all off, the waiting staff are generally pretty cheery!
Around Hotel W
To the south, around Hotel W (the “big sail”), you’ll find a selection of cafés and lounge restaurants, which are particularly pleasant in the early evening for pre-dinner drinks with friends.
The steps to the right of the hotel offer pretty views over the city, and when the sun is out, the reflections between the clear, glassy building and the sea create some impressive light effects.
People-watching by the seafront
At weekends, you’re almost certain to come across groups of men playing boules in their swimsuits – it may appear sedate, but the competition is fierce. Well worth watching!
Admire the sculpture
On the beach, you’ll find the l’Estel Ferit, a large, tilted sculpture made up of several rusted steel cubes, which stands out strangely against the surroundings and takes on a dramatic appearance as the night falls.
Keep fit with a touch of sport
Walking and watersports
Heading towards the Olympic Port, you’ll find skaters, sportspeople, couples and families out for a walk.
On windy days, watch the surfers competing for the best waves. If you fancy having a go, head to Pukas Surf to rent a board and all the necessary equipment.
Bike rentals
How about a short bike ride? There are plenty of places to rent one. You’ll even find electric bikes – take a look at our article on the subject.
Relaxed restaurants and bars
In summer, the whole of the Passeig Marítim is lined with beach huts, bars which also serve salads, sandwiches and tapas.
Towards the Arts Hotel, you’ll find one of Barcelona’s first skyscrapers (built in 1992), Frank Gehry’s famous Peix, which means “fish” in Catalan. It looks like it’s preparing to jump into the sea.
In this area, you’ll find a lot of bars and many of the city’s biggest nightclubs, which also serve food during the daytime. For a very, very cool break, Icebarcelona offers an unusual and original experience!
When to go for your seaside stroll
We highly recommend the Passeig Marítim. There’s plenty to see and a variety of activities on offer, with something for all tastes and ages.
If it’s calm you’re looking for…
If you want some peace and quiet, weekday mornings are the time to go. If you’re into photography, you’ll appreciate the special light you get at sunrise and sunset.
If you prefer things to be a little more lively…
On sunny weekends, the promenade is packed with teens, families and sporty types, and takes on a joyous and friendly feel.
Grab your trainers and go and join in the fun!
