Hospitalet de Llobregat, located in the province of Barcelona, is a hidden gem that deserves to be discovered. Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbour, Barcelona, this city has experienced significant growth and development in recent decades, becoming an increasingly popular destination for tourists looking for an authentic and less crowded experience. Due to its proximity to Barcelona airport, it is a location you can visit with great ease. If you plan to do so, you can travel with Shuttle2Sun‘s low-cost and sustainable shared transfer services and private transfer services. You can transfer from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE trainstation.
With a rich history, a vibrant cultural scene and a privileged location, Hospitalet de Llobregat offers a unique combination of traditional charm and modernity. Its origins date back to Roman times, which later witnessed the evolution of civilisations over the centuries.
Origin
Hospitalet de Llobregat, located just 15 minutes from Barcelona airport, has origins dating back to Roman times, although its history spans centuries of evolution and transformation. The name of the town comes from “hospitalete“, which means “little hospital” in old Catalan, and refers to the presence of a hospital or hostel that existed in the area that provided accommodation and care for travellers and pilgrims passing through the area.
During Roman times, Hospitalet de Llobregat was part of the ancient city of Barcino, which later became modern-day Barcelona. At that time, the area was mainly rural and agricultural, and was characterised by the presence of Roman villas and small scattered settlements. The Romans took advantage of the fertile land to cultivate vineyards and produce wine.
As Barcelona grew and expanded, Hospitalet de Llobregat experienced a parallel development. During the 19th and 20th centuries, the city rapidly industrialised, attracting workers from different parts of Spain in search of employment in the factories and workshops that sprang up in the area.
In recent decades, the town has undergone a major transformation. Modernisation and revitalisation projects have been carried out, turning it into an economic and commercial centre of great importance in the Barcelona metropolitan region, as it is located just a few kilometres south of Barcelona. Hospitalet de Llobregat has also made a commitment to improving its services, infrastructures and public spaces, providing a high quality of life for its residents.
What to see and do in Hospitalet de Llobregat
The town of Hospitalet de Llobregat has also been able to adapt to modern times. The city has become an important business centre, housing numerous companies and corporate headquarters. In addition, Hospitalet de Llobregat has excellent transport links, including an efficient metro network that allows easy access to Barcelona and other nearby destinations. It is also just an hour north of Reus airport and the Camp de Tarragona AVE station.
One of the highlights of Hospitalet de Llobregat is its lively cultural scene. The city hosts a some events and festivals throughout the year, attracting visitors from Costa Dorada, Costa Brava and Barcelona, where you can enjoy live music, dance, theatre and much more. The Festival Visual Brasil, for example, is an annual event that celebrates Brazilian culture through audiovisual screenings and concerts. In addition, Hospitalet de Llobregat has several cultural venues, such as the Teatre Joventut, which host renowned exhibitions and shows.
For those looking to relax and enjoy nature, Hospitalet de Llobregat offers several options. Parc de Bellvitge, for example, is a beautiful park with large green areas, lakes and playgrounds. You can also explore Parc de la Torrassa, a green space that offers panoramic views of the city and has hiking and cycling routes.
Congresses and corporate events
Hospitalet de Llobregat hosts a wide variety of business events that attract professionals from different sectors and countries. It has first-class convention centres that offer an environment conducive to holding conferences, presentations, exhibitions and business activities, guaranteeing the comfort and satisfaction of participants. Its proximity to Barcelona airport and the port of Barcelona makes it a convenient place to stay during trade fairs and congresses.
For example, the Mobile World Congress is one of the most important events in the field of mobile technology worldwide. For several days, Hospitalet de Llobregat becomes the epicentre of the mobile communications industry, attracting thousands of professionals, companies and industry leaders. The event is held at Fira Barcelona’s Gran Via exhibition centre, located in Hospitalet de Llobregat.
On the other hand, IBTM World, considered one of the main international meetings for professionals in the MICE industry, is also held. The event brings together event service providers, destinations, hotels, convention centres, travel agencies and other key players in the sector. These activities allow attendees to discover new trends, establish business contacts, exchange knowledge and explore business opportunities in the field of events and meetings.
If you have visited the area or are planning to do so, you will probably notice a tall, red building with a different architecture in the metropolitan centre. This is Porta Fira, an avant-garde skyscraper that has become an architectural landmark in the area. The building houses a luxury hotel of the NH Hotel Group, known as the NH Collection Barcelona Tower. The hotel has a wide range of facilities and services, including elegant rooms, meeting and event rooms, a gym, a spa and several restaurants and bars. In addition, the Porta Fira also houses offices and commercial space.
Come and discover Hospitalet de Llobregat. You can do it in a cheap and eco-friendly way with Shuttle2Sun‘s shared transfer services and private transfer services from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
