Barcelona's Glories alive with art, commerce

Visitors to Barcelona for just a few days understandably concentrate on the El Born, Barri Gotic and l'Eixample zones. That's where the density of historical, architectural and culinary attractions is the highest, and it's easy to fill a few days with activity there. Not too much activity, though, as we'd suggest slowing down enough to just stroll and gawk, with frequent stops for a snack or beverage.

Lesser-known to tourists are places like Poble Nou, near the beaches, Poble Sec, below Montjuic and Sant Antoni, between El Raval and Placa Espanya. One area that hadn't been a draw for tourists, or anyone really, was Glories, an unattractive combination of aging commercial structures and highways, whose focal point was the pickle-shaped Torre Agbar. Much has changed, as this New York Times article details. As I write this, you can see the transformation virtually on Google Maps Street View; just go there and place the little walking man on the inner and outer roadways around Placa des les Glories and you'll see before-and-after photos. Pretty cool.

Torre Agbar, right, towering over the new Design Hub Barcelona. View from the huge Encants flea market.

The Design Hub Barcelona is a centerpiece of the revived district. Its museum displays a collection of decorative art from the 3rd to the 20th century, graphic design and fashion 1550-2015, among other delights.Here's a night shot:

Dramatic lighting at Design Hub Barcelona.

If you like to prowl flea markets and tag sales, the Encants market is for you. Sprawling below an angular mirrored roof, this place has everything from socks to electronics and antiques, as well as a tag sale level. It's open Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and there are places nearby to eat if you need a break.

There are many booths selling underwear and socks.

The basement level is like a giant tag sale.

To reach this area, take the Metro L1 (red) to the Glories station, or trams T4, T5 or T6.

Here's an apartment near the beach in Poble Nou that's about 20 minutes away from Glories on foot, or about the same by bus, Metro and/or tram if you don't feel like walking.

There are two bedrooms and two baths, just a short walk from the beach.

See examples of other apartments we can offer in Barcelona and Paris at www.likelivingthere.com.