La Barceloneta, also known as Little Barcelona, is filled with the aroma of the sea, heat from the sun and the atmosphere of eternal siesta. This is a neighbourhood of the Old Town that stretches along the Mediterranean shore. Previously, it was populated with fishermen and ordinary workingmen But today it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations with first-class beaches, restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

La Barceloneta acquired its present-day look in the 1990s when the city was getting ready to host the 1992 Summer Olympics. Despite major changes, it managed to retain its iconic charm. The historic part of La Barceloneta consists of narrow quarters and cosy ancient buildings that look the same as 200 years ago. It’s also the ancient tradition of good-neighbourliness that is respected by locals to this day and can be felt in every element of the local lifestyle.

The most important attraction of La Barceloneta is its gorgeous sandy beaches that stretch along the shore for kilometres on end. The ancient southern Sant Sebastia beach, situated on the foot of the modern hotel W Barcelona, is the most well-known and popular one among locals and tourists. Its main advantage is a picturesque panorama of the entire coast. Sant Miquel is a small beach near a temple of the same name with great infrastructure. Barceloneta is the most dynamic and colourful beach in the neighbourhood. During the day, it’s populated by families with children and athletes, during the night, it’s a place for nightlife and fun enthusiasts. The Nova Icaria Beach is for the young and active, whereas its neighbouring Bogatell beach is for the calm and lazy. Nudists and members of the LGBT community love the secluded Mar Bella beach. Nova Mar Bella and Llevant beaches are situated at the north of La Barceloneta coast and are just as good as the previously mentioned ones.

Another remarkable thing about the local beaches is the fact that they are frequently decorated with modern art objects. For example, German artist Rebecca Horn's “Homenatge a la Barceloneta” and “The Wounded Star” installations are displayed there, as well as vivid structure “Peix d'Or” designed by an American architect.