Popular neighborhood café with great coffee, brunch plates and a relaxed, modern atmosphere that's friendly for students and families; a good local start before exploring Poblenou. Typical open hours on Sundays are ~9:00am–6:00pm but confirm for special dates and reserve if you want a table inside.
Walk the pedestrian Rambla and the quieter streets of Poblenou to see local shops, cafés, and street art — very local-feeling compared with central Barcelona and easy on a Sunday morning. Most streets and public art are always accessible; shops may open later in the morning on Sundays.
Compact modern park designed by Jean Nouvel with interesting geometry and places to sit — a pleasant local green space close to Diagonal Mar and Poblenou. The park is open all day year-round (free).
A quieter stretch of Barceloneta coastline popular with locals for walking, sun and sea views; great for photos and a relaxed seaside atmosphere. Beaches are public and open year-round; beach kiosks hours vary on Sundays so check if you want a drink or snack.
Large historic park with the Cascada Monumental, boating lake and lots of green space — perfect for a gentle walk and local people-watching; accessible any time and lively on Sundays. Park is open all day; if you want to rent a rowboat allow extra time and ~EUR6–10 for 30 minutes.
A cozy, well-regarded tapas spot in El Born serving seasonal Catalan plates and a local crowd; good for sharing small dishes and trying Catalan flavors rather than tourist menus. Typical lunch hours start ~1:00pm on Sundays; reservations recommended as it can fill up.
Explore narrow streets, independent boutiques, and the square around Santa Maria del Mar; the El Born Centre de Cultura i Memòria is a converted market with archaeology and exhibits about Barcelona's history and usually open ~10:00–20:00 on Sundays. Great spot for local shops and low-key culture — check the centre's schedule before you go.
Walk from El Born down to Barceloneta for a relaxed seaside stroll, gelato or horchata at a local kiosk and watch the light on the Mediterranean; an easy, local beachfront experience without heavy tourist sites. The beach and promenade are always open, shops/kiosks vary on Sundays (most open midday–evening).
Take metro L4 or a taxi back to Diagonal Mar to rest and freshen up before dinner; travel time is ~25–35 minutes depending on connection. Good moment to relax and let your mom sit down after a full day on foot.
Traditional Catalan seafood restaurant beloved by locals for fresh fish, rice dishes and a welcoming neighborhood vibe — great for a last meal that feels authentically Barcelonan. Many classic local restaurants are open Sunday evenings but hours can vary; definitely call ahead and reserve.
If you have energy, a short walk along Port Olímpic offers lit-up waterfront and a calm end to the day; otherwise return to Diagonal Mar and enjoy a quiet evening at the hotel. Public promenade is open anytime; bars/clubs have varying hours on Sundays.