Sarrià-Sant Gervasi
SARRIÀ - SANT GERVASI
Sarrià is a safe and quiet neighborhood and is home to Barcelona's most upscale residents. The area is filled with green parks, shopping areas, interesting sights, and narrow and quiet streets. This neighborhood has a distinct small-town feeling, making it very special. The greatest aspect of this neighborhood is that its location is further from the most touristic parts of the city. What does this mean? An authentic barrio feel and a good night of sleep every night!
Main Metro Stops:
Maria Cristina (L3 - Green Line, Tram Lines T1/T2/T3)
Avenida Tibidabo (L7 - Brown Line)
Reina Elisenda (L6 - Violet Line)
ABOUT the barrio
Sarrià was its own independent town until 1921, when it was joined with the rest of the city. Soon this neighborhood became known as the "uptown" area for geographical and social reasons. It is located in the north of the city (literally up) and also because there were posh shops and upscale restaurants in the area. While being one of the most prosperous neighborhoods of Barcelona (and home to some celebrities!), Sarrià still retains many of its traditions and original heritage and you can still find some shops and restaurants that are more low-key.
the sarrià-sant gervasi to-do list
See a concert or open-air movie at Torre Bellesguard (designed by Gaudí)
Head up to Tibidabo Amusement Park and take in the best views of Barcelona
Stop by the Mercat de Galvany, one of Barcelona's most beautiful markets to get your groceries or pick up things for a picnic hike.
Hike in Collserola National Park (there are hundreds of trails, fantastic views, and hidden churches and restaurants). Head to the "Baixador de Vallvidrera" stop on the FGC train to take the cable car up to one of the higher trails!
Catch an exhibit at CosmoCaixa - thought to be the biggest Science Museum in Europe (and includes a flooded forest). In summer, the space hosts open-air cinema nights.
Upscale clubs here attract the city's elite, like the Barcelona soccer players who often choose this neighborhood when they want to have a drink with their friends.
Stroll around the Avinguda del Tibidabo and marvel at the modernista mansions. Hop on the famous century-old blue tram, the Tramvia Blau (closed for maintenance as of Fall 2022).
The Collserola Tower was built in 1992. This spectacular communications hub stands 289 meters high and was designed by the British architect, Norman Foster.
The so-called Pavellons Güell, or Güell Pavilions, is a complex of buildings designed by Antoni Gaudí between 1884 and 1887. Don't miss the dragon gate!
The Portal Miralles, the big entrance gate to the Finca Miralles, is one of Gaudí's least-known works in the city. It stands on Passeig de Manuel Girona, in Sarrià.
Turó Park owes its name to the old amusement park that used to be on the grounds of the Bertrand-Girona family until 1929. The park, dedicated to the poet Eduard Marquina, is small and elegant, and it retains a large part of the original trees.
The Fabra Observatory is one of the oldest still-active observatories in the world. Its long history has permitted systematic and continuous study of the local climate, seismic activity in the area, and astronomy.
The Monastery of Pedralbes is a Gothic monastery housing collections from Barcelona City's History Museum.
The Parc de l'Oreneta opened in 1978 on a site once occupied by two rural estates, Can Bonavia and Oreneta Castle. There are pony ride and a miniature railway.
Restaurants
Foix de Sarrià - Carrer Major de Sarrià, 57. Bakery founded in 1886 that produces sweets, artisan nougat, chocolate, cakes, and more.
Bar Tomàs - Carrer Major de Sarrià, 49. Said to be where patatas bravas were born!
OK Sarrià - Jaume Piquet, 18. This bar has an American theme (and is really accurate!) - a good place to go when you're missing home!
Les Truites - Carrer Arimon, 22. Their menu consists of different types of deluxe tortillas de patata (Spanish omelettes).
Nou Can Martí - Passatge de la Font del Mont, 4. They offer the best calçotadas (Catalan barbecues) in winter and it makes for the perfect stop on a hike on the Collserola mountain.
Mirablau - Plaça Doctor Andreu s/n. Has a beautiful terrace with some of the most amazing views of Barcelona!
El Nou de Sarrià - Carrer Major de Sarrià 109. Located in a house dating back to 1669, this restaurant offers excellent market cuisine for a great price. Their menu changes with the season, and is a good option for both vegetarians and celiacs.
Santamasa - Carrer Major de Sarrià 97. A fusion menu combining Mediterranean and Japanese cuisine.
5º Pino - Passeig de la Bonanova 98. A popular restaurant for Sarrià locals. Their menu offers a bit of everything and is one of the more low-key places in this area.
El Vell Sarrià - Carrer Major de Sarrià 93. The restaurant proudly claims it has the "best paella in Barcelona." They have a beautiful terrace during the warmer months (May-October).
El Asador de Aranda - Avinguda Tibidabo 31. This restaurant is housed in a beautiful modernist mansion from the end of the 19th century. It serves upscale, traditional Spanish cuisine.
For more ideas of where to eat in Sarrià, click here!