Everything about Barrio de Gràcia, the pleasant neighborhood in the north center of Barcelona; a district full of boutiques, bars and galleries where locals like to meet.
The Gràcia district is a lively area in Barcelona with many squares, bars, original shops and art galleries. The charm of the district is that it is not heavily touristic and the locals like to come here for a drink on the terraces, to shop or to hang around the benches in the squares. The authentic neighborhood is located at the end of the ‘Passeig de Gràcia’, the road that led north to the former village of Gràcia. The absolute highlight of the district is Park Güell on the northern hill in the district. Partly due to the maze of many squares and narrow streets, the hip district still exudes its own village character and therefore attracts the necessary students, artists, expats and designers to the district.
Popular squares in the Barrio de Gràcia are Plaça del Sol (especially in the evening), Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia with the striking clock tower in the center and the town hall, and also Plaça de la Virreina full of plane trees near the Iglesia de San Juan. For original shops, boutiques and workshops, visit Carrer d’Astúries street, for the larger commercial shops, go to Carrer Gran de Gràcia. The market halls Mercat de la Abacería Central and Mercat de la Llibertat are where the inhabitants of this district do their shopping.
The highlight of the district is the Festes de Gràcia from 15 - 21 August; For almost a week, plenty of decorated streets (each street its own theme), street parties, castellers (the typical Catalan human towers), parades with giant dolls and a special fire procession. A pleasant party week where the residents still really radiate a neighborhood feeling.
The most obvious metro stop is Fontana (line 3), where you get off near Carrer d'Astúries and all the pleasant streets and squares of the Gràcia district are within easy reach.
The most famous landmark of the district is by far the Park Güell by architect Antoni Gaudí. The park was built on the hill in the northern part of the district by order of Eusebi Güell. Would you like to visit the park? Before visiting the park it is important to buy your tickets in advance (more info).
This striking and colorful Casa Vicens building is located on Carrer de les Carolines 24. This building was Antoni Gaudi's first major design in Barcelona and part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. Casa Vicens is a mix of Mudejar and Spanish style and spaciously covered with ceramic tiles. It was commissioned by Manuel Vicens i Montaner, a wealthy tile manufacturer. Since 2018, Casa Vicens can be visited again after a thorough renovation.
Iglesia de San Juan in the district of Gracia
Decorated streets during Festa Major de Gràcia
