Hostel One Paralelo

The three imposing chimneys that tower above this quiet area at the base of Montjuíc are a testament Poble Sec’s days as a gritty, 19th-century barrio, beyond the old walled city. But the industrial area has an artistic side, and was a major bohemian enclave—home to theaters, music clubs and a cava-fueled artistic set—in the first half of the 20th century. After a brief decline, it’s now experiencing an artistic resurgence, with theaters and classic music spots like the Apolo Club drawing “new bohemians” back to Poble Sec.

Today, Poble Sec retains a little of its original grit, but it’s also a friendly working-class sector that is fast becoming the next “it” neighborhood. There are a few good cafés and restaurants to be found among the theaters and music halls, and there are some fascinating historic sights as well. The neighborhood’s original water fountain (its name translates to “dry village” because it didn’t have water access until 1894) is still standing at C/Margarit, and a stretch of the medieval wall can still be seen at the end of Avinguda Para-lel, near the Gothic shipyards.