Abba Sants Hotel - Shopping/Markets Guide

Abba Sants Hotel: Your Gateway to Authentic Barcelona and the Vibrant Sants-Montjuïc Neighborhood

Barcelona, a city that pulsates with the history of the Mediterranean, the audacity of modernist architecture, and the warmth of its people, offers endless possibilities for the traveler. In the heart of this metropolis, in the dynamic district of Sants-Montjuïc, stands the Abba Sants Hotel. Strategically located at Carrer Numància, 32, 08029 Barcelona, this establishment presents itself as an ideal starting point to explore both the local essence of the neighborhood and the iconic corners of the city.

With geographic coordinates at 41.3825777, 2.1400103, the Abba Sants Hotel not only promises comfort and a solid base for your adventures, but also a direct immersion into the daily life of Barcelona, away from the most touristy bustle but just a step away from all its wonders. This article will guide you through the cultural, historical, and gastronomic richness that surrounds the hotel and will offer you a detailed perspective to make the most of your stay.

The Sants-Montjuïc District: A Mosaic of History and Modernity

The Abba Sants Hotel is located in the Sants-Montjuïc district, one of the ten major administrative divisions of Barcelona. This district is a fascinating contrast of the working-class tradition of Sants and the cultural and natural majesty of Montjuïc mountain.

Sants: A Neighborhood with Character and Soul

Sants, the neighborhood where the hotel is located, is much more than just a passing point. Historically, it was an independent municipality until its annexation to Barcelona in 1897. Its industrial and working-class past has forged a strong and authentic identity, which is manifested in its streets, its squares, and the lives of its residents.

History and Evolution: Originally known as Santa Maria de Sants, the neighborhood experienced exponential growth during the Industrial Revolution, becoming a nerve center for the textile industry. Factories such as España Industrial or the Fábrica de Can Batlló marked its landscape and its economy. Today, although much of that industry has disappeared, its legacy endures in the architecture and in the community spirit. Sants has known how to adapt, transforming itself into a vibrant neighborhood with a mixture of traditional shops, new gastronomic proposals, and an intense cultural life.

Points of Interest in Sants:

• Estació de Sants: It is the main train station in Barcelona and a crucial transportation hub. From here, you can access high-speed trains (AVE) that connect with all of Spain, commuter trains (Rodalies), and several metro lines. Its proximity to the Abba Sants Hotel (a few minutes walk) is an invaluable advantage for any traveler.
• Parc de l'Espanya Industrial: Built on the grounds of the old textile factory La España Industrial, this park is an urban oasis that combines green areas with unique architectural elements, such as its lighting towers, a metal dragon sculpture, and a navigable lake. It is a perfect place to relax and observe local life.
• Carrer de Sants: One of the longest shopping streets in Europe, full of all kinds of shops, from fashion boutiques to traditional establishments and markets. Strolling through it is immersing yourself in the commercial life of the neighborhood.
• Plaça de Sants: The social heart of the neighborhood, where events, markets are held, and where neighbors meet to socialize.

Montjuïc: The Magic Mountain of Barcelona

A short distance from the Sants neighborhood rises the imposing Montjuïc mountain, a green lung and a cultural treasure that dominates the Barcelona skyline. Its name, which translates as "Mountain of the Jews," evokes a millenary history.

History and Significance: Montjuïc has witnessed and starred in the history of Barcelona. From its origins as a strategic point of defense, with its imposing castle that has served as a fortress and prison, to its transformation into the stage for major international events. The Universal Exhibition of 1929 left an impressive architectural legacy, and the 1992 Olympic Games catapulted it to modernity, providing it with first-class sports facilities.

Main Attractions in Montjuïc:

• Castell de Montjuïc: An old military fortress with spectacular panoramic views of the city and the port. It can be accessed on foot, by bus, or by cable car from the Paral·lel metro station.
• Font Màgica de Montjuïc: A spectacle of light, color, water, and music that captivates thousands of visitors. Located at the foot of the Palau Nacional, it is an essential nighttime experience.
• Palau Nacional (MNAC): Houses the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, with one of the most important collections of Romanesque art in the world, as well as Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque works, and an outstanding collection of modernist art.
• Poble Espanyol: An architectural "village" that reproduces different architectural styles and squares of Spain on a real scale. It houses artisan workshops, restaurants, and shows.
• Fundació Joan Miró: A space dedicated to the work of the famous Catalan artist Joan Miró, with an extensive collection of his paintings, sculptures, and drawings.
• Anillo Olímpico: Includes the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, the Palau Sant Jordi, and the Calatrava Communications Tower, symbols of the 1992 Olympic Games.
• Jardines de Montjuïc: The mountain is dotted with beautiful themed gardens, such as the Jardins de Laribal, the Jardins del Teatre Grec, or the Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobera, which offer tranquility and impressive views.

The proximity of the Abba Sants Hotel to these two facets of the district (the local atmosphere of Sants and the grandeur of Montjuïc) makes it an ideal starting point for a deep and diverse exploration of Barcelona.

Connectivity and Exploration: Barcelona at Your Fingertips

The location of the Abba Sants Hotel is one of its greatest assets. Located in a residential and commercial area, it offers excellent connectivity with the entire city, allowing guests to easily access any point of interest.

Public Transport from Abba Sants

• Metro: Several metro stations are within walking distance. The Sants Estació station (L3 and L5) is the closest and most central, offering direct connections to key points such as Plaça de Catalunya, Passeig de Gràcia, Sagrada Familia, and the Gothic Quarter. Other nearby options include Plaça del Centre (L3) or Les Corts (L3).
• Train (Rodalies): From Sants Estació, commuter trains (Rodalies) connect with Barcelona-El Prat airport and with numerous cities and towns in Catalonia.
• Buses: Numerous bus lines pass through the vicinity of the hotel, offering an extensive transportation network to move around the city at any time.

Discovering Barcelona Beyond Sants-Montjuïc

Thanks to this excellent transport network, guests of the Abba Sants Hotel can easily explore the jewels of Barcelona:

• The Eixample and Modernism: Through the metro, you can quickly reach the Eixample, the district famous for its grid-patterned urban plan and its modernist works. Here you will find Gaudí's Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, and La Pedrera (Casa Milà), as well as the elegant Passeig de Gràcia, ideal for strolling and admiring the architecture.
• Gothic Quarter and Ciutat Vella: The historic heart of Barcelona, with its narrow medieval streets, the Barcelona Cathedral, Plaça Sant Jaume (seat of the City Hall and the Generalitat de Catalunya), and the vibrant Boqueria market on La Rambla.
• El Born and La Ribera: A bohemian and cultural neighborhood, home to the Museu Picasso, the Palau de la Música Catalana, and the majestic Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar.
• Gràcia: An old annexed town, known for its charming squares, its independent boutiques, and its relaxed and artistic atmosphere.

The location of the Abba Sants Hotel guarantees that, while you can enjoy the tranquility and authenticity of Sants, the vibrant pulse of the best-known Barcelona is always a short journey away.

Gastronomy: A Feast for the Senses in Barcelona

Barcelona is a gastronomic paradise, and the Sants-Montjuïc district is no exception. From traditional Catalan cuisine to innovative proposals, the city offers an unparalleled culinary experience.

Catalan Cuisine: Flavors of the Land and Sea

Catalan gastronomy is characterized by its Mediterranean diet, with fresh seasonal products, quality olive oils, and a rich variety of seafood and meats.

• Typical Dishes: You can't leave without trying pa amb tomàquet (bread with tomato, the base of many meals), escudella i carn d'olla (a hearty stew), fideuà (similar to paella, but with noodles), esqueixada de bacallà (shredded cod salad), or botifarra amb mongetes (Catalan sausage with white beans).
• Desserts: Crema catalana is the quintessential dessert, similar to crème brûlée. You will also find delicious panellets (marzipan sweets, especially on All Saints' Day) and mel i mató (cottage cheese with honey).
• Wines and Cavas: Catalonia is a renowned wine region, especially known for its Penedès wines and its cava, the Catalan sparkling wine that rivals French champagne.

Culinary Experiences in Sants-Montjuïc

The Sants neighborhood offers an excellent opportunity to taste local cuisine in a more authentic environment and often at more affordable prices than in the central areas.

• Tapas Bars: You will find numerous bars where you can enjoy a wide variety of tapas and pinchos. It is an excellent way to try different flavors in small portions.
• Traditional Restaurants: Many family establishments offer menús del día (midday menu) with homemade and market cuisine.
• Markets: Markets are the soul of local gastronomy. The Mercat de Sants (which we will discuss in detail later) is an ideal place to buy fresh products or enjoy a small lunch at one of its stalls.

From the Abba Sants Hotel, you will have access to an endless number of gastronomic options, from Michelin-starred restaurants in the Eixample to cozy neighborhood bars in Sants, ensuring that each meal is a memorable part of your trip.

Practical Information for the Visitor

To ensure a pleasant and trouble-free stay, here are some practical tips for visitors to Barcelona.

• Language: The official languages are Catalan and Spanish. Most people speak Spanish, and in tourist areas, English is widely understood. Learning some basic phrases in Catalan or Spanish is always welcome.
• Currency: The currency is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it is always useful to carry some cash for small expenses or markets.
• Business Hours: Shops are usually open from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 17:00 to 20:30/21:00 from Monday to Saturday. Large shopping centers usually have continuous hours. On Sundays and holidays, most shops are closed, except in designated tourist areas.
• Public Transportation: The transportation system is efficient. Consider purchasing a T-Casual card (10 trips) or a Hola Barcelona Travel Card (unlimited trips for a period of time) if you plan to use transportation a lot.
• Security: Barcelona is a safe city, but as in any big city, it is important to be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas such as La Rambla, the metro, or the markets. Keep your belongings safe.
• Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory in Spain, but it is customary to leave a small extra (5-10%) if the service has been good.

Guide to Markets and Shopping Near the Abba Sants Hotel

The shopping experience in Barcelona is as varied as the city itself, from traditional markets full of life to elegant boutiques and department stores. The Abba Sants Hotel is in a privileged location to explore these options.

Traditional Markets: The Soul of the City

Markets are the heart of Barcelona life, places where tradition mixes with the freshness of local products and the authenticity of the treatment.

1. Mercat de Sants

   • Location: Carrer de Sant Jordi, 6, 08028 Barcelona (a few minutes walk from the Abba Sants Hotel).
   • Description: This modernist market, opened in 1913, is an architectural gem and a nerve center for the residents of Sants. Recently renovated, it combines its original structure with modern facilities. It is a neighborhood market par excellence, where you can find an incredible variety of fresh and quality products.
   • Typical Products: Seasonal fruits and vegetables, local meats, fresh fish and seafood, Catalan sausages (fuet, butifarra), artisan cheeses, breads and pastries, olives and pickles, bulk legumes. It also has some bars and prepared food stalls to taste at the moment.
   • Typical Hours: Monday to Friday from 7:00/8:00 to 14:00/15:00 and from 17:00 to 20:00/20:30 (some stalls may close at noon). Saturdays from 7:00/8:00 to 14:00/15:00. Sundays and holidays, closed.

2. Mercat de les Corts

   • Location: Plaça de la Concòrdia, 08014 Barcelona (about 15-20 minutes walk or a short trip by metro/bus).
   • Description: A smaller and charming market, located in the charming Plaça de la Concòrdia, known for its village atmosphere and its terraces. It is ideal for a quieter purchase and enjoy the environment.
   • Typical Products: Similar to the Mercat de Sants, with emphasis on fresh products, meats, fish, and a selection of delicatessen.
   • Typical Hours: Similar to those of the Mercat de Sants.

3. Mercat de la Boqueria (Mercat de Sant Josep)

   • Location: La Rambla, 91, 08001 Barcelona (accessible directly by metro L3 from Sants Estació to Liceu).
   • Description: Although it is not in Sants, it is the most famous and emblematic market in Barcelona. It is an explosion of color, aromas, and flavors, a feast for the senses. It is very touristy, but it is still an impressive place to visit.
   • Typical Products: An amazing variety of exotic and seasonal fruits, natural juices, sweets, Iberian sausages, cheeses, fresh seafood and fish, spices, and a wide range of small bars and tapas stalls to eat at the moment.
   • Typical Hours: Monday to Saturday from 8:00 to 20:30. Sundays and holidays, closed.

Shopping Areas: From Local Boutiques to Big Brands

The commercial offer near the Abba Sants Hotel is very varied, allowing from everyday purchases to luxury experiences.

1. Carrer de Sants

   • Location: It crosses the Sants neighborhood, very close to the hotel.
   • Description: One of the longest and most active commercial arteries in Barcelona. Here you will find a mixture of clothing stores, footwear, accessories, drugstores, pharmacies, bakeries, cafes, and small supermarkets. It is the perfect place to experience local commerce and find everything you need for day to day.
   • Typical Products: Fashion for all audiences, household items, food products, bookstores, etc.
   • Typical Hours: Generally from Monday to Saturday, from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 17:00 to 20:30.

2. L'Illa Diagonal

   • Location: Avinguda Diagonal, 557, 08029 Barcelona (about 20 minutes walk or a short trip by bus or metro, line L3 to Les Corts, then a walk).
   • Description: One of the most elegant and complete shopping centers in Barcelona. Designed by Rafael Moneo and Manuel de Solà-Morales, it is a modern space with a wide range of fashion stores, electronics, home, restaurants, and a supermarket.
   • Typical Products: National and international fashion brands, cosmetics, jewelry, accessories, electronics, sports items, books.
   • Typical Hours: Shops from Monday to Saturday from 9:30 to 21:00. Restaurants and leisure with longer hours. Sundays and holidays, closed (except exceptions).

3. Plaça de Catalunya and El Corte Inglés

   • Location: Plaça de Catalunya, 14, 08002 Barcelona (direct by metro L3 from Sants Estació).
   • Description: Plaça de Catalunya is the nerve center of the city and houses the largest shopping center of El Corte Inglés, a chain of department stores where you can find practically everything, from luxury fashion to food, electronics, and household goods.
   • Typical Products: Fashion, beauty, electronics, home, gourmet food, souvenirs.
   • Typical Hours: Monday to Saturday from 9:00 to 21:00. Sundays and holidays, closed (except exceptions).

4. Passeig de Gràcia

   • Location: Parallel to Plaça de Catalunya (accessible by metro L3 from Sants Estació).
   • Description: The most luxurious avenue in Barcelona, famous for its modernist buildings (Casa Batlló, La Pedrera) and its haute couture boutiques and jewelry stores of international prestige.
   • Typical Products: Luxury brands (Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Rolex, etc.), jewelry stores, designer fashion.
   • Typical Hours: Generally from Monday to Saturday, from 10:00 to 20:30.

Typical Products to Take Home

In addition to the fresh products of the markets, consider taking home some gastronomic or artisanal souvenirs:

• Catalan Sausages: Fuet, salchichón de Vic, butifarra.
• Artisan Cheeses: Especially goat or sheep.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: From the regions of Siurana or Les Garrigues.
• Wines and Cavas: A bottle of cava or a wine from Penedès or Priorat.
• Turrones and Sweets: Especially at Christmas, but many are found all year round.
• Local Crafts: Ceramics, leather products, designer jewelry.

Conclusion: Your Adventure in Barcelona Begins at Abba Sants

The Abba Sants Hotel, with its address at Carrer Numància, 32, in the vibrant district of Sants-Montjuïc, is much more than just a place to rest. It is a strategic base that allows you to immerse yourself in the authentic Barcelona life, explore the rich history and culture of the city, and enjoy its exquisite gastronomy.

From the comfort of its location, you will have easy access to the effervescent local life of Sants, with its markets and traditional shops, and to the majesty of Montjuïc, with its parks, museums, and panoramic views. The excellent connectivity with public transport will open the doors to the rest of Barcelona, allowing you to effortlessly visit the masterpieces of Gaudí, the charms of the Gothic Quarter, or the beaches of the Mediterranean.

Whether you are looking for a deep cultural immersion, an unforgettable culinary adventure, or simply a comfortable place from which to explore, the Abba Sants Hotel presents itself as the perfect choice for a complete and enriching experience in Barcelona. Get ready to discover a city that captivates and enchants at every step.

Book your Table

Ready to enjoy an unforgettable gastronomic experience? Book your table at Abba Sants Hotel and discover why it is one of the best-rated restaurants in Sants-Montjuïc.