Port Olímpic Barcelona – Marina, Dining & Water Sports

About Port Olímpic Marina, Hotel Arts and Tore Mapfre

Port Olímpic was built in 1990 as part of Barcelona’s major urban transformation for the 1992 Summer Olympic Games. It hosted the Olympic sailing competitions and became one of the most recognisable symbols of the city’s seafront redevelopment. The marina sits between the beaches of Barceloneta and Poblenou, framed by the twin towers of Hotel Arts and Torre Mapfre.

Designed by architects Oriol Bohigas, Josep Martorell, David Mackay and Albert Puigdomènech, Port Olímpic today contains 756 berths, sailing schools, boat‑rental companies and a growing number of restaurants. At the base of the towers you’ll find Frank Gehry’s iconic Goldfish sculpture and the Gran Casino de Barcelona, one of the city’s major entertainment venues.

For many years the port was known for its nightlife, with a long strip of clubs that stayed open until dawn. This ended during the pandemic, and the area has since been completely reimagined. The nightclubs are gone, replaced by a new focus on gastronomy, water sports, sustainability and public space.

Today Port Olímpic is evolving into a modern leisure district with sea views, outdoor terraces, a renovated marina and a growing number of things to do — from sailing and kayaking to dining, strolling the breakwater or enjoying the views of the twin towers and the Mediterranean.

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Visiting Port Olímpic Marina, Hotel Arts and Tore Mapfre

Port Olímpic has now completed its full redevelopment, transforming the former nightclub strip into a modern waterfront district focused on gastronomy, water sports and public leisure. The area has been redesigned with wider pedestrian spaces, new terraces, improved access to the sea and a cleaner, more open layout that feels far more welcoming than before.

Gastronomic Marina: The lower level of the port has become a dedicated dining zone with new restaurants, seafood terraces and bars overlooking the boats. This “gastronomic marina” is one of the best places in Barcelona for relaxed waterfront dining with lots of seafood dishes but without the heavy crowds of Barceloneta.

Restaurants at the Base of Torre Mapfre: The ground level beneath Torre Mapfre is home to casual fast‑food outlets such as Burger King, ice‑cream stands and quick‑service cafés. It’s convenient for a cheap bite before heading to the beach or the marina, but not a gastronomic destination. For higher‑quality dining, the new “gastronomic marina” area inside Port Olímpic offers far better options.

Gran Casino de Barcelona: Located beside Hotel Arts, the casino remains one of the main attractions in the area. It offers gaming rooms, shows and several restaurants, and forms part of the wider leisure complex around the towers.

Water Sports & Sailing: Port Olímpic is now one of Barcelona’s main centres for water activities. Sailing schools, kayak rentals, paddle‑surf boards and boat‑charter companies operate directly from the marina. The new layout makes access to the water easier and safer.

Frank Gehry’s Goldfish Sculpture: The shimmering golden fish beside Hotel Arts is one of Barcelona’s most photographed modern landmarks. It catches the light beautifully at sunset and is a highlight of any walk through the port.

Breakwater Walks: The long sea wall offers panoramic views of the coastline, the twin towers and the open Mediterranean. It’s a favourite route for runners, cyclists and photographers.

Beaches on Both Sides: Port Olímpic sits between Somorrostro Beach and Nova Icària Beach, making it easy to combine a visit with a swim, a walk along the promenade or a beach day.

Port Olympic Homepage Barcelona Casino Vela Barcelona Sailing School

Port Olímpic Marina, Hotel Arts and Tore Map Accessibility

Port Olímpic is spread across two levels, with ramps and stairs connecting the upper promenade to the lower marina area. The redesign has improved accessibility throughout the port, making it easy for visitors with reduced mobility to move between terraces, the waterfront and the breakwater.

Cycling is permitted along the seafront paths and the breakwater, and the area is popular with runners and cyclists. Bicycle anchorage points are available, although—as in the rest of Barceloneta—opportunistic theft can occur, so avoid leaving a bike unattended for long periods.

As with the rest of the coastline, beachwear is not permitted away from the beachfront. Walking through the port in swimwear—especially without a shirt—can result in a fine, although enforcement is generally relaxed given the port’s proximity to the beach.

Boat Tours from Port Olímpic

Getting to Port Olímpic

Address: Passeig Marítim del Port Olímpic, Barcelona, 08005

Nearest Metro: Ciutadella–Vila Olímpica (L4 – Yellow Line). Use a T‑Casual or Hola‑Barcelona travel card.

Bus Routes:

V21: Runs along Avinguda Icària, connecting the port with Poblenou and the city centre.
V27: Connects Vila Olímpica with Poblenou, Glòries and the northern districts.
H16: A major horizontal route linking the port with Plaça Catalunya, Paral·lel and Zona Franca.
59: Runs along the seafront between Barceloneta, Port Olímpic and Zona Universitària.
D20: Connects the port with Passeig Marítim, Paral·lel and Ernest Lluch.

Port Olímpic is directly on the seafront promenade, making it easy to reach on foot from Somorrostro Beach, Nova Icària Beach and the Barceloneta waterfront.