Poble-sec, from bodega to bodega

It's no coincidence that Poble-sec has been given different names and nicknames in recent years. It could be said that it is one of Barcelona's most laid-back neighbourhoods so it's no surprise that the city's hipster set are making a beeline to live here. This authentic Barcelona neighbourhood was known as "little Paris" in the 1940s when it was a hotbed of fun and its cabarets, theatres, concert halls and bars were at the height of their popularity.

Wagging tongues used to say that when men had been to Poble-sec they had to pray all night long to atone for their sins, and that you could even hear their prayers echoing around the dressing rooms of the most famous music hall El Molino. But these are just urban myths… or maybe not, who knows? What is true is that, despite the passing years, the neighbourhood is still steeped in the bohemian and artistic atmosphere of bygone days. Further proof of this is the fact that famous performers, such as Joan Manuel Serrat, nicknamed "el noi del Poble-sec" (the lad from Poble-sec), and the controversial Jaume Sisa, were born into this carefree, musical atmosphere that pervades every corner of the neighbourhood and, particularly, its bodegas. That's why there's no better way to immerse yourself in the authentic life of Poble-sec than to visit some of the most iconic ones.

Quimet & Quimet
To whet your appetite, the classic of all classics. A bar that has been run by four generations of the same family, where tradition can be found in each of the tinned gourmet foods and tapas they serve. And of course, we mustn't leave out the croquettes, a nice glass of red vermouth and the noisy conversations, against the backdrop of objects and posters steeped in history. We can guarantee you'll be gazing at them for hours on end.
Address: Poeta Cabanyes, 25
How to get there: Paral·lel (L2, L3)

Gran Bodega Saltó
If your body, and stomach, are asking for more, you can explore the streets of Poble-sec until you get to number 36, "Carrer Blesa". Its quirky, eclectic décor and cold tapas won't fail to impress… just like the collection of objects hanging from the ceiling. And, if you're lucky, there may also be live music…. although you probably won't have room to dance as it's always packed to the rafters.
Address: Blesa, 36
How to get there: Paral·lel (L2, L3)

La Tomaquera
And, finally, we suggest you end your tour at a truly iconic Poble-sec restaurant, La Tomaquera, and sample its legendary "cargols a la llauna" (snails in tomato sauce), a typical Catalan dish cooked as tradition dictates. Here you'll be able to sit down, take a rest after your walk and savour the superlative Poble-sec cuisine. Bon appétit or, rather, "bon profit", as they say in Catalan.
Address: Margarit, 58
How to get there: Poble-sec (L3)

These are our three recommendations so you can begin to discover the flavour of one of the city's most authentic neighbourhoods. Of course, if you let yourself be tempted by its charms, you're bound to discover many more… because, as they say in Poble-sec: "you always remember which bar you started off in, but never remember which one you ended up in".