In the present day Lindsey shares her suggestions for Barcelona’s quirkiest space with a Gracia neighborhood information. I’ve spent months dwelling in Gracia over the previous a number of years, and I agree that it is considered one of Barcelona’s finest neighborhoods!
Visiting Gracia after experiencing the hustle and bustle of central Barcelona nearly appears like entering into one other world. With a captivating small-town vibe and authenticity round each nook, you may even get the sensation that you have been transported to a picturesque Catalan village.
Centuries in the past, that might have been precisely the case. Till 1897, Gracia existed as a very separate city! As Barcelona continued increasing, nonetheless, it formally annexed Gracia, incorporating it into the metropolitan, cosmopolitan world of the Catalan capital.
However greater than 120 years later, Gracia nonetheless hasn’t misplaced its village-like really feel. This beautiful nook of Barcelona, simply north of town heart, has miraculously managed to retain its heat.
It is nonetheless a splendidly welcoming group with a powerful sense of Catalan tradition. And in the event you’re seeking to immerse your self utterly in native life whereas visiting Barcelona, that is the place for you.
It is onerous to not fall in love with Gracia, and as soon as you’ve got skilled it for your self, you will see why. This Gracia neighborhood information will enable you to take advantage of your time in Barcelona’s most stunning neighborhood (in my humble opinion!) and dwell like an area when you’re there.
Gracia Neighborhood Information
Listed below are my recommendations on what to see, do, and eat in Gracia, plus some suggestions for nice locations to remain! Whether or not you are all in favour of sightseeing, experiencing native tradition, digging into Catalan delicacies, or the entire above, this Gracia neighborhood information has one thing for you.
What to See in Gracia
When a map of the Gracia neighborhood, one identify may leap out at you: Park Güell. That is proper: Gaudí’s whimsical fairytale park calls Gracia residence! It is a cease on many Barcelona itineraries and an awesome place to take younger youngsters. Nevertheless, it’s miles from the one factor to see in Gracia.
Within the curiosity of accountable journey, develop your horizons past Gracia’s most well-known attraction and you may see that this attractive space has a lot extra to supply. Essentially the most rewarding solution to expertise Gracia is by appearing like an area—not a vacationer.
And what would an area do?
One among my all-time favourite methods to expertise native life in Spain can also be one of many easiest: sitting exterior on a sunny terrace having fun with espresso and e-book or drinks with pals. Fortunately, Gracia is teeming with picturesque plazas the place you are able to do simply that.
Plaça de la Vila de Gracia is a historical past buff’s dream come true—it was the unique city sq. again in Gracia’s humble village days (the outdated city corridor nonetheless stands!) and stays a thriving heart of native life even right now.
One other nice possibility is Plaça de la Virreina, residence to the historic Sant Joan church and loads of nice bars and cafes. Lastly, Plaça del Sol is ideal for a style of Barcelona’s iconic nightlife proper right here in Gracia.
To stretch your legs, head to Carrer Verdi for a stroll. This lush, inexperienced avenue exemplifies the center and soul of Gracia. Rustic Catalan taverns stand alongside eclectic worldwide eateries, and it is an awesome place to do some buying as nicely (however extra on that in a bit!).
If you happen to’re getting drained, pop into Cine Verdi to see a film. This funky theater reveals every thing from Hollywood blockbusters to unbiased arthouse movies, all of their authentic languages with Spanish subtitles.
If you happen to’re visiting in August, you will undoubtedly wish to take a look at the Festa Main de Gracia. This colourful native competition brings Gracia’s proud small-town spirit and Catalan tradition to life. There are elaborate decorations, tasty avenue meals, and naturally Catalonia’s well-known giants!
Cannot make it to the social gathering? No worries—test it out for your self within the video beneath as Devour Barcelona takes you inside this thrilling occasion.
The place to Store in Gracia
If you happen to’re questioning the place to buy in Gracia, you may’t go incorrect with Carrer Verdi. Along with being considered one of Gracia’s most picturesque pedestrian streets, it is also residence to a few of Barcelona’s finest buying, from quirky shops to unbiased boutiques.
Decide up a handcrafted piece of residence decor constructed from recycled wooden at Rekup & Co or browse the classic garments at Revolution. While you’re carried out, pop into Çukor and deal with your self to one thing from their scrumptious collection of artisanal sweets and sweets.
One other nice buying avenue in Gracia is Carrer Torrijos, which runs parallel to Carrer Verdi. Right here you will discover Té Quiero, a comfortable little bookstore and tea store with a novel choice, in addition to Layer Boots, a shoe lover’s dream come true with footwear handmade in Spain.
The place to Eat in Gracia
With scores of conventional Catalan and Spanish spots in addition to a good collection of worldwide fare, narrowing down the place to eat in Gracia merely relies on no matter you are craving!
For Catalan delicacies, you may’t go incorrect with vermouth and a collection of charcuterie and cheese at Bar Bodega Quimet. If you happen to’re hungry for one thing extra substantial (and craving good, easy, homestyle meals), you will love the standard choices at Casa Pagès.
For a top-notch advantageous eating expertise with Catalan aptitude, do not miss Con Gracia or Roig Robí. And for an elegant, subtle meal and loads of innovation, take a look at La Pubilla, the place the menu modifications day by day in an effort to use solely the freshest components accessible.
Remember the handfuls of nice worldwide eating places in Gracia, both. Intestine serves up scrumptious Mediterranean-Asian fusion (with a number of gluten-free choices). And with regards to glorious Mexican fare, the colourful Cantina Machito all the time delivers.
Nonetheless hungry? Do not miss Devour Barcelona’s full Gracia restaurant information. And take a look at our information to the place to eat in Barcelona for suggestions in Gracia and past!
The place to Keep in Gracia
Earlier than you may beginning buying, consuming, and having fun with Gracia, you will want a spot to remain! Relatively than the massive resort chains widespread within the metropolis heart, right here you will discover loads of nice boutique properties and stylish hostels. For the complete native expertise, take into account an house rental as an alternative of staying in a resort.
That is to not say there aren’t some significantly nice motels in Gracia, although. One of the luxurious is Casa Fuster, housed in a surprising Modernist constructing that dates again to 1908.
There are many nice budget-friendly choices as nicely, akin to Casa Gracia: a fantastically adorned trendy hostel providing each shared and particular person rooms.
Need extra suggestions? Try our full information to the place to remain in Barcelona!
Able to discover Gracia? Feed your wanderlust by becoming a member of Devour Barcelona’s Gracia Neighborhood Meals Tour to expertise this charming neighborhood with an area!
Gracia Neighborhood Information FAQs
Sure! Gracia is considered one of my private favourite elements of Barcelona—and I believe you will agree. It has a beautiful small-town really feel to it, and it is extremely picturesque! As if that weren’t sufficient, it is also the place you will discover the unimaginable Park Güell, plus tons of nice eating places.
The primary avenue in Gracia is Carrer Verdi, the place you will discover loads of improbable shops and eateries. This tree-lined avenue is the beating coronary heart of the neighborhood.
There’s a lot to do in Gracia, from visiting Park Güell to exploring the neighborhood’s picturesque streets and squares. You’ll be able to buy groceries at quirky boutiques, see a movie at Cine Verdi, or bask in every kind of scrumptious meals—from Catalan classics to worldwide delicacies.
Love Spanish meals? Join my free weekly publication and obtain a brand new Spanish recipe as soon as every week! Be a part of right now and get my FREE Spanish ingredient necessities information!
