Right now Lindsey shares her ideas for Barcelona’s quirkiest space with a Gracia neighborhood information. I’ve spent months residing in Gracia over the previous a number of years, and I agree that it is certainly one of Barcelona’s finest neighborhoods!
Visiting Gracia after experiencing the hustle and bustle of central Barcelona nearly looks like getting into one other world. With an enthralling small-town vibe and authenticity round each nook, you may even get the sensation that you’ve got been transported to a picturesque Catalan village.
Centuries in the past, that may 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 pretty nook of Barcelona, simply north of the town heart, has miraculously managed to retain its heat.
It is nonetheless a splendidly welcoming neighborhood with a powerful sense of Catalan tradition. And should you’re trying to immerse your self fully in native life whereas visiting Barcelona, that is the place for you.
It is arduous to not fall in love with Gracia, and as soon as you have skilled it for your self, you will see why. This Gracia neighborhood information will make it easier to benefit from your time in Barcelona’s most lovely neighborhood (in my humble opinion!) and reside like a neighborhood when you’re there.
Gracia Neighborhood Information
Listed here are my tips about what to see, do, and eat in Gracia, plus some suggestions for nice locations to remain! Whether or not you are excited about 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 taking a look at a map of the Gracia neighborhood, one title may soar 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 ideal 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 beautiful space has a lot extra to supply. Probably the most rewarding solution to expertise Gracia is by performing like a neighborhood—not a vacationer.
And what would a neighborhood do?
Considered one of my all-time favourite methods to expertise native life in Spain can also be one of many easiest: sitting outdoors on a sunny terrace having fun with espresso and a superb guide or drinks with buddies. 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 previous city corridor nonetheless stands!) and stays a thriving heart of native life even immediately.
One other nice choice 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 ideal place to do some buying as properly (however extra on that in a bit!).
In the event you’re getting drained, pop into Cine Verdi to see a film. This funky theater reveals every little thing from Hollywood blockbusters to unbiased arthouse movies, all of their unique languages with Spanish subtitles.
In the event you’re visiting in August, you will positively need to try 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 road meals, and naturally Catalonia’s well-known giants!
Cannot make it to the get together? No worries—test it out for your self within the video under as Devour Barcelona takes you inside this thrilling occasion.
The place to Store in Gracia
In the event you’re questioning the place to buy in Gracia, you’ll be able to’t go flawed with Carrer Verdi. Along with being certainly 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.
Choose up a handcrafted piece of residence decor constituted of recycled wooden at Rekup & Co or browse the classic garments at Revolution. While you’re executed, pop into Çukor and deal with your self to one thing from their scrumptious number of artisanal candies and sweets.
One other nice buying road 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 singular 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 decent number of worldwide fare, narrowing down the place to eat in Gracia merely relies on no matter you are craving!
For Catalan delicacies, you’ll be able to’t go flawed with vermouth and a number of charcuterie and cheese at Bar Bodega Quimet. In the event you’re hungry for one thing extra substantial (and craving good, easy, homestyle meals), you will love the normal choices at Casa Pagès.
For a top-notch wonderful eating expertise with Catalan aptitude, do not miss Con Gracia or Roig Robí. And for a classy, subtle meal and loads of innovation, try La Pubilla, the place the menu adjustments each day with a view to use solely the freshest substances obtainable.
Do not forget the handfuls of nice worldwide eating places in Gracia, both. Intestine serves up scrumptious Mediterranean-Asian fusion (with a lot of gluten-free choices). And on the subject of 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 ideas in Gracia and past!
The place to Keep in Gracia
Earlier than you’ll be able to beginning buying, consuming, and having fun with Gracia, you will want a spot to remain! Quite than the massive lodge chains widespread within the metropolis heart, right here you will discover loads of nice boutique properties and stylish hostels. For the total native expertise, think about an house rental as a substitute of staying in a lodge.
That is to not say there aren’t some critically nice motels in Gracia, although. One of the crucial luxurious is Casa Fuster, housed in a surprising Modernist constructing that dates again to 1908.
There are many nice budget-friendly choices as properly, comparable to Casa Gracia: a superbly embellished trendy hostel providing each shared and particular person rooms.
Need extra ideas? Take a look at 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 a neighborhood!
Gracia Neighborhood Information FAQs
Sure! Gracia is certainly one of my private favourite components 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 unbelievable Park Güell, plus tons of nice eating places.
The principle road in Gracia is Carrer Verdi, the place you will discover loads of implausible 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 possibly can buy groceries at quirky boutiques, see a movie at Cine Verdi, or take pleasure in all types 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 per week! Be a part of immediately and get my FREE Spanish ingredient necessities information!
