10 Local-Approved Things to Do in Sant Martí Spain All Year Long

Key Takeaways:

• Sant Martí is one of Barcelona’s most vibrant districts, offering beaches, culture, and innovation in one walkable area.

• From seaside promenades to street art, it blends laid-back vibes with creative energy year-round.

• This list includes nature escapes, festivals, museums, and markets that locals enjoy without tourist crowds.

Sant Martí, located in the northeastern part of Barcelona, is a district where modern innovation meets coastal charm. Once an industrial hub, the area has reinvented itself into one of the city’s most exciting neighborhoods with a thriving arts scene, stylish architecture, and some of the best stretches of beach in the city. Locals love Sant Martí for its balance of quiet residential areas, dynamic tech hubs, and wide-open parks.

From the buzzing Rambla del Poblenou to the iconic Torre Glòries, the neighborhood feels like its own mini-city within Barcelona. Visitors can soak up Mediterranean sun, explore tech-forward spaces, and stumble upon outdoor concerts, art installations, or local tapas festivals depending on the season. Whether you’re planning a long-term stay or just dropping in for a weekend, Sant Martí delivers on every front.

Table of Contents

1. Stroll the Rambla del Poblenou

2. Relax on Bogatell Beach

3. Visit the Design Museum of Barcelona

4. Explore the Parc del Centre del Poblenou

5. Discover the 22@ Innovation District

6. Catch a Show at El Monasterio

7. Shop at the Encants Vells Market

8. Check Out the Street Art in Poblenou

9. Attend the Poblenou Open Night

10. Walk or Bike Along the Coastal Trail

1. Stroll the Rambla del Poblenou

Rambla del Poblenou is Sant Martí’s beating heart—a relaxed, tree-lined promenade filled with cafés, bakeries, and independent boutiques. Unlike the tourist-heavy La Rambla in central Barcelona, this version is more neighborhood-friendly and perfect for a casual afternoon stroll. You’ll find locals sipping cortados, artists sketching, and kids playing in shaded playgrounds. It’s a great place to begin any visit to the area.

Street musicians and weekend pop-up stalls add an extra layer of charm. Grab a pastry from one of the old-school bakeries or settle into a terrace bar for people-watching. The energy here is authentic and creative, a reflection of the district’s mix of tradition and innovation. Don’t miss the local bookstore or vintage shops tucked along side streets.

2. Relax on Bogatell Beach

When the sun is shining, Bogatell Beach is where Sant Martí locals go to unwind. It’s cleaner, quieter, and more laid-back than Barceloneta Beach, with wide sandy stretches and space to stretch out. Volleyball nets, bike paths, and chiringuitos (beach bars) create a social yet chill atmosphere. It’s ideal for everything from sunrise yoga to sunset sangria.

Lifeguards, public bathrooms, and outdoor showers make it super visitor-friendly. In summer, it hosts small music gatherings and open-air movie nights. Bring a towel, sunscreen, and maybe a frisbee—this is local beach life at its best. Whether you’re swimming, reading, or just soaking in the Mediterranean breeze, Bogatell is a year-round winner.

3. Visit the Design Museum of Barcelona

The Museu del Disseny de Barcelona, located in the striking DHUB building, is a must-see for anyone curious about fashion, graphics, furniture, and industrial design. It offers an insightful look into how design influences daily life, from Catalan crafts to global trends. Permanent and temporary exhibitions showcase iconic objects, experimental pieces, and local creators. It’s both educational and visually inspiring.

The museum is located at Plaça de les Glòries, near the towering Torre Glòries and Encants Market. Entry is inexpensive, and the building itself is worth exploring for its futuristic design. After your visit, grab a snack at the museum café or sit outside to enjoy public art installations nearby. It’s a refreshing way to dive into Barcelona’s creative pulse.

4. Explore the Parc del Centre del Poblenou

Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, this urban park is a hidden gem filled with sculptural landscapes, modernist elements, and relaxing green zones. The Parc del Centre del Poblenou is not your typical park—it combines design and nature in surprising ways. Expect bamboo forests, geometric flower beds, and playful structures that make even a simple walk an architectural adventure. It’s especially great for kids and creative souls.

Locals come here to jog, meditate, or meet friends under shaded pavilions. The park’s layout encourages curiosity, with winding paths and hidden corners that invite exploration. It’s a breath of fresh air in the middle of a bustling district. Bring a book, a camera, or just your sense of wonder.

5. Discover the 22@ Innovation District

Once home to textile factories and smokestacks, 22@ is now one of Europe’s most exciting innovation hubs. This area blends startups, coworking spaces, and university research centers with industrial-chic architecture. Walking through 22@ is like seeing the future of urban planning—sustainable buildings, street art, public parks, and cafés filled with entrepreneurs. It’s also where you’ll find cutting-edge design festivals and tech meetups.

Even if you’re not a digital nomad, it’s worth exploring for its energy and architecture. Many of the buildings retain their original facades while hiding modern tech behind the scenes. Cafés in the area often double as creative workspaces, and you may even stumble upon a digital art gallery or concept store. It’s an inspiring, walkable crash course in where cities are headed.

6. Catch a Show at El Monasterio

Tucked into an old monastery building repurposed for modern culture, El Monasterio is one of the most unique venues in Sant Martí. It hosts electronic music events, DJ nights, and creative gatherings that bring together Barcelona’s eclectic crowd. With its mix of historic architecture and avant-garde music, the vibe here is unlike any club or concert hall you’ve experienced. It’s a staple of the local underground scene.

Even if electronic music isn’t your thing, El Monasterio often collaborates with food festivals and art collectives, making it a versatile space to discover. Events are typically held outdoors in warmer months, with vibrant visuals and international lineups. It’s not on the usual tourist radar—which makes it all the more exciting.

7. Shop at the Encants Vells Market

One of Barcelona’s oldest and largest flea markets, Encants Vells is a treasure trove of vintage goods, antiques, records, fabrics, and quirky collectibles. Housed under a futuristic mirrored canopy, the market offers a wild contrast between tradition and modernity. Open multiple days a week, it attracts both serious collectors and curious browsers.

Arrive early for the best finds, especially on auction days. You might score anything from antique furniture to retro fashion or dusty typewriters. Vendors love to chat, and haggling is part of the fun. Even if you don’t buy a thing, the experience is worth it for the colors, characters, and photo ops alone.

8. Check Out the Street Art in Poblenou

The streets of Poblenou, a neighborhood within Sant Martí, are a canvas for Barcelona’s most talented muralists. From political messages to abstract wonders, the area is alive with bold, thought-provoking street art. You’ll find large-scale murals on warehouses, hidden alley pieces, and ever-changing works that reflect the pulse of the city. Graffiti tours and self-guided routes make it easy to explore.

Many of these artworks change seasonally, meaning each visit could reveal something new. Local artists often use Poblenou’s walls to comment on social issues or celebrate Catalan culture. Bring your camera—and your curiosity. This is Barcelona’s open-air gallery, free and always evolving.

9. Attend the Poblenou Open Night

Once a year, Poblenou Open Night transforms Sant Martí’s creative district into a nocturnal playground. Art galleries, tech startups, fashion studios, and design spaces open their doors late into the evening. The streets fill with music, performances, and food trucks, creating a buzz that showcases the district’s best talent. It’s part festival, part community showcase, and totally immersive.

It’s the perfect time to meet artists, network with innovators, or just enjoy a night out in a space that feels collaborative and welcoming. If you happen to be in town during this event—usually held in November—don’t miss it. It’s one of the best ways to understand what makes Sant Martí so exciting.

10. Walk or Bike Along the Coastal Trail

For a relaxing yet active way to explore the district, rent a bike or start walking the coastal trail that runs along Sant Martí’s beaches. The path stretches from Nova Icària to the edge of Diagonal Mar and beyond, offering beach views, sculpture gardens, and waterfront cafés. It’s well-maintained, accessible, and great for both leisurely strolls and morning workouts.

You can pause for coffee with sea views or dip your toes in the water mid-route. The trail also passes public art, skate parks, and picnic lawns. Whether you’re into photography, fitness, or fresh air, this path is a favorite among locals for a reason.

What to do if you have kids?

Sant Martí is one of the most family-friendly districts in Barcelona, offering parks, playgrounds, and beaches that cater to kids of all ages. Bogatell Beach has shallow entry points and clean sand perfect for little ones, while Parc del Centre del Poblenou features play zones and creative landscaping. Museums like the Design Hub often host kids’ workshops, and bike paths make it easy to explore together.

For rainy days, shopping centers like Diagonal Mar have indoor play areas and kid-friendly eateries. Locals are warm and welcoming toward families, and public transport is stroller-friendly. With a mix of outdoor adventure and urban comfort, Sant Martí makes family travel easy and fun.

Where can I find free events in Sant Martí Spain taking place this weekend?

To discover free events in Sant Martí this weekend—from beach yoga and tech talks to food pop-ups and live music—check out https://planmyweekend.ai. This smart, AI-powered tool curates a real-time feed of local happenings, making it easy to plan spontaneous outings without spending a euro. Whether you’re visiting or a longtime local, you’ll uncover hidden gems you might have otherwise missed.

Simply enter your interests and location, and let the platform guide you to the most exciting free experiences around.

Final Thoughts on Planning a Trip to Sant Martí

Sant Martí blends all the best parts of Barcelona—beaches, creativity, community, and innovation—without the crowds. Whether you’re sipping espresso on Rambla del Poblenou or biking past street murals in 22@, you’ll feel the district’s local soul and forward-thinking spirit. It’s ideal for travelers who love a good mix of seaside calm and urban exploration. Plan a few days here, and you might just wish you stayed longer.