District Gràcia in Barcelona - what do you need to know about it as a tourist?

Gràcia is the part of Barcelona that is located to the north of the immediate city ​​center defined by the square Pl. Catalunya. You can get here easily if you follow the path of the same name shopping boulevard Passeig de Gràcia.

She was in the past Gràcia popular especially with artists and bohemians, today, in addition to them, you will find an interesting mix of the older and younger generations (of which there are many expats) and, of course, tourists as well. But there are some compared to others parts of the city significantly less. 

More about the location of the district Gràcia this map will tell: 

Gràcia originally it was an independent village until 1897, which joined the ever-growing and expanding Barcelona. This is the character and architecture of this neighborhood different from what you will see in other parts of the city: there are countless very narrow streets and many small squares where local people gather. And everything here is somehow shaded from the hustle and bustle of "big" Barcelona... 

You're in a lot of places Gràcia it still retains its village character, which is in stark contrast to the neighboring and modern ones quarters Eixample. 

What in the neighborhood Gràcia see and do? 

Compared with other parts of the city there is not much here. Well, at least as far as monuments are concerned. 

Sure, you can find it in the northern part of this part of town Park Guell and a little further down, perhaps even a beautiful building Casa Vicens, but that's about all of Barcelona's interesting monuments and attractions. 

But where Gràcia what stands out is its atmosphere. 

If you like wandering through picturesque streets, visiting hidden businesses, pubs or bars where you can indulge in a conversation with the locals over tapas, you will love it here. 

For a starting point to explore the neighborhood Gràcia I recommend the main square Plaça de la Vila de Gracia. It's within walking distance of everything the neighborhood has to offer... 

What must you see here? 

  • Park Güell – the famous park under which it is signed Antoni Gaudí
  • Casa Vicens – a colorful Gaudí building inspired by the Moorish style
  • little square Pl. del Sol – this is the oldest square in this district, where in the past there was, for example, an anti-aircraft shelter; today it is a popular meeting point for local people, where you can have a coffee in one of the bars (try the period cafe Cafe del Sol) or something good to eat (for non-traditional tapas, go to the nearby sun sun)
  • Liberty Market – the local market, where you can go to buy food, but also other things, or have something to eat here (open every day from morning to evening, except Sunday)

The best restaurants in the neighborhood Gràcia

You will find a lot of good smaller businesses in this neighborhood, often staffed by the owners or family members. Most of the restaurants here are smaller, but cozy. What would you in the neighborhood Gràcia shouldn't they have missed?

  • El Glop Tavern – go here if you fancy a first-class paella or something else traditional Catalan (or Spanish) dishes
  • El Rusc – a small bistro where you can have something quick and good for lunch or dinner (empanadas, sandwiches)
  • Sannin Lebanese Restaurant – if you want to take a break from the local cuisine and would like to head to the Middle East, try the Sannin restaurant. Hospitable staff, great food and good prices. 
  • Spelta Café & Restaurant – This place is a bit hidden off the main street (and you might have a hard time finding it :) but the food here is really worth it! Here you will find truly homemade dishes, often fish, various salads, grilled meat or vegetables... And to top it all off, very friendly and attentive service. 
  • Casa López – a simple and uncomplicated bar/bistro where you can have great tapas at good prices

Enjoy the flavors of the neighborhood Gràcia accompanied by a local guide

Food tour in Barcelona with a guideFinding the best restaurants and businesses may not be easy at all. If you want to try Barcelona cuisine, book an afternoon "food tour". in the quarter Gràcia During three hours, you can visit 5 establishments with a professional guide in a small group, where you can taste more than 10 Spanish dishes and 4 local drinks. Also suitable for children.

View details of the experience >>>

Where to stay in the Gràcia neighborhood?

Accommodation capacities are in the district Gràcia a little smaller than downtown, but still plenty to choose from. 

Above all, you may be pleasantly surprised by the prices, which are on average lower compared to other parts of the city. 

  • If you want a hotel (and you have it at the same time), look at Radisson Blu 1882 or a modernist gem on behalf of Hotel Casa fuster. It is a five-star hotel in a beautiful historic building, signed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner. 
  • A good price / performance ratio has, for example, two stars Casa Gràcia, which is right next to the mentioned one Casa Fuster, so it's still a short distance to the center... 
  • On the other hand, if you have a little deeper in your pocket and are looking for something cheaper, you will find popular hostels like this Safestay Barcelona Gràcia, Generator Hostel or Rocket Hostels Gràcia.
  • And of course there are countless apartments, hostalor boarding houses, I recommend looking at Booking and find something according to the location, date and budget available to you.

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Map with my tips for places in Barcelona

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