The Glòries Catalanes Square was inaugurated by Víctor Balaguer, the person in charge of naming the new urban thoroughfares of the Eixample as part of the Cerdà plan. Thus the square was dedicated to the civic, naval and military glories of Catalunya. The urbanization project was undertaken by Joaquim M. Casamor in the 70s, and in 1992 it was further reformed with the Olympics in mind. Today’s square is a beltway for entering and exiting the city, where three of its main arteries connect: the Meridiana, the Diagonal and the Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes. In the middle of this knot of avenues, there is a park planted with typical Mediterranean trees which acts as a green lung for the area. Inside the square a cluster of sculptures made-out of twelve stone slabs stand out, each one representing the most glorious moments of Catalonian history. Next to the Square, the most striking building is the Agbar Tower, a 142-meter high landmark in the shape of a gigantic lipstick, designed by the French architect Jean Nouvel.
Restaurant of hotel DIAGONAL BARCELONA Av. Diagonal, 205 Phone 934 895 300 If you enter this luxury hotel you will encounter a restaurant that offers a quality menu at affordable prices. However, the best discovery you can make will be on the tenth floor, where in summertime they open a terrace where you can have a drink with great views of the city.
EL RACÓ DEL POBLENOU carrer d’Àvila, 160 Phone 934 869 188 www.racodelpoblenou.com They specialize in grilled meats and a varied menu of cured meats that are served with pà amb tomàquet (bread with tomato spread). A very friendly environment and good prices. Closed on Sundays.
YOUTH HOSTEL TWENTYTÚ carrer de Pamplona, 114-116 Phone 932 387 185 http://twentytu.com This low-cost eco hostel become the first tourist accommodation building of the city to obtain the maximum qualification in energy efficiency, a new concept of city accommodation for people interested in design, in the use of new technologies and in the environment.
NATIONAL THEATER OF CATALUNTA (TNC) plaça de les Arts, 1 Phone 933 065 700 www.tnc.cat Designed by the architectural firm of Ricardo Bofill, the lines of this theater are reminiscent of the Athens Parthenon. Architecture buffs can enjoy a guided tour, with a previous reservation, to learn a bit more about the building. And for those of you who prefer so see a show, bare in mind that there are also two restaurants inside where one can grab a bite to eat.
DISSENY HUB BARCELONA plaça de les Glòries Catalanes, 37-38 Phone 932 566 713 www.dhub-bcn.cat/es In this new and singular building you will see exhibits of the Museu de les Arts Decoratives, the Museu de la Ceràmica and the Museu Tèxtil i d’Indumentària. It also houses a documentation centre, an auditorium and a space for temporary exhibitions and events.
VERSUS THEATER carrer de los Castillejos, 179 Phone 932 323 184 www.versusteatre.com A place which escapes conventionality, where one can enjoy quality alternative theatre at good prices.
ELS ENCANTS MARKET Av. meridiana, 69 (Av. Meridiana con calle Castillejos) Phone 932 463 030 www.encantsbcn.com www.firadebellcaire.com A new market that substitutes for one of the oldest market of Europe. A place where to spend the all day walking around, wandering round and buying new stuff or used one, following a route shielded from the sun.
BARCELONA ACTIVA and PORTA 22 carrer de la Llacuna, 162 Phone 934 019 777 www.barcelonactiva.cat Its objective is to promote occupation and promote innovation in the labor market. If you have any project in mind or you are looking for employment, I am sure they’ll be able to help you out.