Gràcia
gràcia
Gràcia was its own municipality, established in 1626, until the city of Barcelona expanded and connected Gràcia to the Old Town via the Eixample. Until 1987 it was still its own independent city. Today, it's probably the hippest little town-within-a-town, containing boutique shops, independent cinemas, and plazas buzzing with life. Gràcia is home to many artists and bars boasting a fabulous night life, so if you haven’t spent time in this area yet, now is the time.
Main Metro Stops:
Fontana (L3 - Green Line)
Joanic (L4 - Yellow Line)
about the barrio
The neighborhood of Gràcia is just one stop up from the top of Passeig de Gràcia but it feels like a whole different world. Being independent made its community small and tight. The people are exceedingly proud of their roots.
The area is popular with artists and attracts a generally bohemian crowd, boasting the highest concentration of foreign restaurants in Barcelona. However, despite the trendy nature of Gràcia it is also a traditional barrio with a large elderly population, which makes for an amusing and odd mix (and entertaining people-watching).
Gràcia is totally self-sufficient. That is to say, you could stay in Gràcia and never have to leave, because it has all the shops, cafés, restaurants, bars, and striking art nouveau architecture you could ever ask for!
The area is very well known for it's festival held in August in which the locals host a street decorating contest. The results are really spectacular and make for a fun evening out with live music. You can find more info on this here.
the gràcia to-do list
See Gaudí’s earliest architectural work, Casa Vicens. As a whole, it displays the creative freedom that he would instill in the rest of his future works.
Explore Parc Güell, one of the major works of Gaudí in Barcelona. It is located on top of Mont Carmel and offers amazing views of the city.
The last work that the great modernist architect Domenech i Muntaner did in Barcelona was the Casa Fuster located in between the Gràcia and Eixample, nowadays a hotel.
The Plaça Rius i Taulet is where the town hall stands and has a beautiful clock tower in the center.
Plaça del Sol is the focal point for this alternative neighborhood. It is always full of people socializing!
Visit the Plaça del Diamant, the setting for the book "The Time of the Doves" by Catalan author Mercè Rodoreda.
Walk through Mercat de la Llibertat. This market was inaugurated in 1893 and remodeled in 2009. It offers an authentic market experience.
The Plaça del Raspall and Plaça del Poble Romaní are frequented by the neighborhood's traditional Romany community. Among other things, the Romany community is known for the Rumba music they play in the streets.
Hike up to Los Bunkers del Carmel for spectacular views over the city. It's also the host for the remains of an anti-aircaft shelter of the Spanish Civil War.
Walk along Carrer Verdi, an apex of cool shops, bars and restaurants.
Cinemes Verdi is a popular movie theater for locals that plays films in their original language (versión original - V.O.).
The Jaume Fuster Library is the best study spot in Gràcia. The building has won different architecture awards.
RESTAURANTS
Be My Bagel - C/ del Planeta 37. Get a taste of home with fresh bagel sandwiches!
Pepa Tomate - Plaça Revolució de Setembre 1868, 17. Savour some authentic tapas in this always-busy restaurant.
La llavor del Orígens - Carrer Ramón i Cajal 12. Market style Catalan dishes with local produce.
The Market Perú - Carrer Gran de Gracia 7. Ceviche, dried lamb, traditional Peruvian dishes and a cozy terrace. Go for the menu del dia, same quality and better price.
Kibuka - Carrer Goya 9. An interesting mix of Japanese, tropical, and Mediterranean cuisine. A young and informal atmosphere with take-away options.
La Llesca - Carrer del Treol 6. This is a great option for grilled meats, traditional onions called calçots (when in-season) and Crema Catalana for dessert!
Cal Boter - Carrer de Tordera 62. A very decent price and a good combination of traditional Catalan food with more modern cuisine.
La Empanaderia de Gràcia - Carrer de Francisco Giner, 60. A wonderful assortment of empanadas to-go!
Ipar-Txoko - Carrer Mozart 22. A Basque (northern Spanish) restaurant with lots of daily specials.
La Panxa del Bisbe - Carrer del Torrent de les Flors, 158. Imaginative tapas, special Mediterranean dishes of the day, and fresh cuisine.
Els Jardinets de Gracia - Passeig de Gracia 116. Contemporary Catalan cuisine hosted in beautiful atmosphere resembling an enchanted forest!
You can find more recommendations on where to eat in Gràcia here!