Sant Andreu, Barcelona

If you are looking for an authentic Catalan experience, while still being close to the bustling city center of the metropolis that is Barcelona, then Sant Andreu neighbourhood is the place for you. SANT ANDREU is mainly a residential area where most tenants are Catalan families and elderly couples, which greatly contrasts the multi-cultural city center of Barcelona. If you take a stroll through Sant Andreu you will notice a large amount of Senyeras (Catalan flags) hanging from windows and balconies of buildings.

This area is located further out of the centre towards Nou Barris. It has a very local and residential atmosphere making it great for families.

Despite having joined the city of Barcelona since 1897, Sant Andreu Barcelona still retains its independent village spirit. Walking around the area you cannot help but forget that you are in a big city as it has a tranquil and traditional Catalan feel to it. It is a great area to explore if you want to get away from the crowds of tourists in the city centre.

Sant Andreu is a district in Barcelona, rather than its own village since 1897. It still retains a lot of it’s “village” feel to this day. Sant Andreu is a great place for families, as it is more quiet and peaceful than other inner Barcelona city areas. It also has a lot more green areas than other districts and thus the nicest family friendly APARTMENTS IN BARCELONA. Sant Andreu is also home to the huge LA MAQUINISTA MALL where you will easily satisfy the biggest shopping urge!

Sant Andreu is well-connected by the metro (L1) and two train stations, Barcelona-Sant Andreu Comtal‎ and Sant Andreu Arenal, both serving rodalies services.

Sights in Sant Andreu neighbourhood

The biggest sights to find in Sant Andreu are the two old churches, Sant Andreu del Palomar and Sant Pacià, the latter having a genuine GAUDÍ mosaic inside.

# 1 MUHBA – Fabra i Coats

The Fabra i Coats factory is an enclosure of exceptional heritage interest, which follows the model of the English industrial complexes. The recovery of the complex has allowed to preserve the built complex, which now begins to host cultural and educational projects. The project, driven by the MUHBA, which includes the large rooms of the energy system, as well as other spaces, is oriented towards the creation of a museum space focused on the relationship between city and work. The project incorporates the archives and objects of the remarkable collection given to the city by the Associació d’Amics de la Fabra i Coats.

Opening hours: From Monday to Sunday from 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Address: Plaça del Rei, s/n, 08002 Barcelona

# 2 Església de Sant Andreu de Palomar

The church that currently stands in the plaza of Orfila, in the district of Sant Andreu, is built on the space which was once occupied by a Romanesque church dating from the 10th century. Dedicated to Saint Andrew, this church has seen centuries of history of this former independent town. Finally, in 1881, the new neo-Gothic parish church became a reality. The church is decorated inside with large murals representing the life of Saint Andrew.

Opening hours: Mon-Fri (7:00-8:00PM), Sat (7:00-8:30PM) and Sun (11:30AM-1:00PM)
Address: Carrer del Pont, 3, 08030 Barcelona

Eating out in Sant Andreu

Sant Andreu doesn’t have nearly the amount of restaurants that the city center districts have. But this doesn’t have to be a bad thing. It seems that the fewer restaurants a district have, the better the quality of the food is (and the lower the prices are!). Sant Andreu has its fair share of places where you can eat fantastic food at reasonable prices. However, you might have to search a bit to find them.

# 1 Can Roca

Can Roca is one restaurant that you have to visit if you ever find yourself in Sant Andreu. Can Roca serve traditional Catalan food, cooked with fresh products that the owner Josep Maria Solé Roca handpicks every morning at the market. This also means that the menu varies a lot depending on the season. Don’t only go there for lunch or dinner, their breakfasts is a real treat too!

Opening hours: From Tuesday to Saturday (1:00pm-3:30pm / 8:45pm-11:00pm) and Sunday (1:00pm-3:30pm)
Address: Can Roca, s/n, 08391 Tiana, Catalonia, Barcelona

# 2 Art

Another great place to eat is at the Art which also serves traditional Catalan cuisine. The Art is very cosy, picturesque, and serves wonderful food at very fair prices.

Opening hours: From Monday to Saturday (11:00am-12:00am)
Address: Carrer de Joan Torras, 28, 08030 Barcelona

Drinking & Clubbing in Sant Andreu

As mentioned earlier, Sant Andreu neighbourhood is a largely residential and quiet area, where the average age is a bit higher. Therefore, there aren’t that many music and cocktail bars. If you are up for some clubbing, hop onto the L1 metro line and go to the inner city.

# 1 Bar Torrente

Bar Torrente is a little bar/restaurant (it has only 5 small tables), where you can share some traditional or modern tapas with friends or family. Also you can drink some wines recommended by the staff/owner.

Opening hours: From Tuesday to Saturday (1:00pm-4:00pm / 8:00pm-11:00pm)
Address: Carrer de Parellada, 28, 08030 Barcelona

# 2 Bar Colombia

Les mêmes habitants qui, aujourd’hui comme il y a cent ans, se réunissent dans le mythique Bar Colombia de la Rambla de Fabra i Puig, originaire de 1913 et qui a à peine changé depuis.

Opening hours: From Monday to Sunday (7:00am-4:00pm)
Address:  Rambla de Fabra i Puig, 1, 08030 Barcelona

Shopping in Sant Andreu

Sant Andreu neighbourhood is home to Barcelonas biggest SHOPPING mall, the 230 stores open-air La Maquinista mega mall. The place is huge and houses all the stores you could ever wish for. Sant Andreu also has a busy shopping street called Carrer Gran de Sant Andreu where beside the stores there are many markets.

With the architecture made of metal structures this place offers brands such as Alain Afflelou, Blue Spirit, Coronel Tapioca, decimas, Foot Locker, Douglas, ideas, Intersport, Naturcenter, Sephora, Yves Rocher, Swarovsky… But also restaurants and specialized stores. Be careful, it’s a bit out of the way.

Opening hours: From Monday to Saturday from 9:30AM to 10:00PM
Address: Carrer de Potosí, 2, 08030 Barcelona

Are you planning a trip to Sant Andreu and looking for somewhere to stay? Why not take a look at the available apartment rentals on our website! Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.