Things to Do in Fòrum, Besòs & Poblenou – Barcelona’s Coastal Districts

Description of Forum, Besos and Poble Nou

This page highlights the main attractions across the neighbouring districts of Fòrum, Sant Adrià de Besòs and Poblenou — three coastal areas that have undergone one of the most dramatic transformations in Barcelona’s recent history.

Located around the mouth of the Besòs River, these districts were once dominated by light industry (textile processing, metal workshops) and heavy industry, including electricity generation and Steam locomotive manufacturing. Until the mid‑20th century, this was the factory belt of Barcelona. The 1992 Olympic Games marked a turning point, triggering the redevelopment of derelict warehouses, railway sidings and industrial wasteland into beaches, parks, residential zones and cultural venues.

Parc del Fòrum is now one of Barcelona’s largest open‑air event spaces. Adjacent to Port Fòrum, it hosts major music festivals such as Primavera Sound, Brunch Electronik, Weekender Festival, B‑Festival and Festival Cruïlla. The vast paved esplanade and waterfront setting make it a unique venue for concerts and cultural events.

Port Fòrum is a modern marina where visitors can hire jet skis and enjoy water sports while Port Olímpic undergoes redevelopment. On the far side of the port you’ll find a quiet park and a small, lesser‑known beach that remains a favourite among locals.

In Sant Adrià de Besòs stands the striking Central Tèrmica de Sant Adrià, the former power station whose three concrete chimneys have become an iconic silhouette on Barcelona’s skyline. Although the coal‑fired plant is now decommissioned, the future of the Three Chimneys site is still under discussion, with redevelopment plans yet to be finalised.

Poblenou — literally “new village” — began as a small settlement for factory workers and has evolved into one of Barcelona’s most dynamic residential neighbourhoods. A long pedestrian boulevard runs from Avinguda Diagonal to the beach, lined with cafés, low‑cost restaurants and terraces popular with locals. The area blends restored industrial buildings with contemporary architecture, and the Fòrum end of Diagonal is now filled with high‑rise apartments, hotels and a large shopping centre.

While this part of the city has fewer traditional tourist attractions than central Barcelona, it offers plenty to explore across multiple visits — from beaches and parks to cultural venues and modern architecture.

Poblenou is also home to the legendary Razzmatazz concert hall and nightclub, a former factory warehouse transformed into one of the city’s most iconic nightlife venues.

Click on any of the images below to discover more about each attraction.

Happy Exploring!

Map of Attractions in Forum, Besos and Poblenou