Restaurante Martinez
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About
Perched on the side of Montjuïc hill, Martinez offers what is arguably the best dining view in Barcelona, overlooking the industrial port and the sea. The sensory experience is one of a high-end beach club, with a breezy terrace and a chic, sun-drenched atmosphere. It specializes in 'socarrat'—the crispy bottom layer of the paella. Expert recommendation: the 'Martinez Paella' or any of their wood-fired rice dishes are the highlight. Pro tip: the restaurant is slightly difficult to reach by public transport; take a taxi or the Montjuïc cable car. It is a very trendy spot, so book a terrace table well in advance, especially for Sunday lunch.
Highlights
- Stunning port views
- Specialist rice and paella
- Trendy Montjuïc terrace
- High-end beach club vibe
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
Maritime Museum of Barcelona
Located in the Royal Shipyards (Drassanes Reials), a magnificent piece of Gothic civil architecture, this museum celebrates Barcelona's long history as a Mediterranean sea power. The highlight is the full-scale replica of the Royal Galley (Galera Reial) from 1571, which sits beneath soaring stone arches. The atmosphere is cool, quiet, and filled with the scent of old wood and history. Expert recommendation: don't miss the garden courtyard, which feels miles away from the chaos of nearby La Rambla. Pro tip: the museum offers free entry on Sundays after 3:00 PM. It’s an excellent choice for a hot afternoon as the thick stone walls of the shipyard keep the interior naturally chilled.
Columbus Monument
Standing 60 meters tall at the lower end of La Rambla, this monument was built for the 1888 Universal Exposition to honor Christopher Columbus’s first voyage to the Americas. The iron column is topped by a bronze statue of Columbus pointing toward the sea. The base features intricate reliefs depicting scenes from his life and figures associated with his journey. Expert recommendation: most people don't know there is a tiny elevator inside the column that takes you to a small viewing gallery at the top. Pro tip: the viewing area is extremely cramped; avoid this if you are claustrophobic, but go for the unique view of the harbor and the Rambla's canopy from above.
Montjuïc Castle
Perched atop Montjuïc hill, this 17th-century military fortress offers a 360-degree view of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. The castle has a dark history, having been used as a prison and execution site during the Spanish Civil War, but today it serves as a peaceful municipal facility and garden. Walking along its ramparts provides a cool breeze and stunning vistas of the industrial port. Expert recommendation: take the Montjuïc Cable Car to the top for a scenic ascent, then walk down through the Joan Brossa gardens. Pro tip: visit in the late afternoon to catch the sunset over the Llobregat delta; the castle often hosts outdoor cinema events during the summer months.
Quimet & Quimet
This tiny, standing-only wine bar in Poble Sec is world-famous for its 'montaditos' (small sandwiches) made primarily from high-quality canned goods (conservas), which are a gourmet delicacy in Spain. The walls are lined from floor to ceiling with thousands of wine bottles. The sensory experience is intimate and vibrant, as the owner expertly assembles complex layers of flavor in a space no larger than a walk-in closet. Expert recommendation: the 'Salmon, honey, and truffle oil' montadito is life-changing. Pro tip: arrive 15 minutes before they open to secure a spot at the counter; otherwise, you will be squeezed against the door. It’s a perfect first stop for a Poble Sec 'tapas crawl' before heading to Carrer de Blai.
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