Today, we take you to visit the Gracia district in Barcelona, a district that we like because it is not very touristy, traditional and also bohemian, where all ages mix and where we like to have a drink Plaza del Sol. The programme includes a story, history, tips, advice, good addresses and a complete tour to discover the district in 9 stages.
This traditional district, located in the heart of the Catalan capital, is popular with travellers in Barcelona who want to get off the beaten track. We have been travelling to Barcelona regularly for 15 years and have stayed in the Gracia district on several occasions.
A real village in the city.
By the way, we are Franck and Richard. We are travel bloggers and have been exploring the world by sharing our inspiring stories, itineraries, city guides, practical tips and alternative plans with you since 2008 on OneDayOneTravel.
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We also have a local travel agency MimpiGO, based in BALI, Indonesia. Since 2021, we have been offering 100% tailor-made, authentic, eco-responsible and solidarity-based trips.
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We keep going back like a pilgrimage with each new trip. And you know what? Each time we rediscover new streets, squares, markets, restaurants and tapas bars. We tell you everything in this article.
Before we tell you more about the Gracia district in Barcelona, you can find our tips, tricks and good advice on each of the districts in our Barcelona City Guide. If you are preparing your first trip to Barcelona, don't hesitate to read our article my first trip to Barcelona. You'll find plenty of tips to help you prepare for your stay in Barcelona.
This is what Barcelona looks like on video!
Here is the summary of this Gracia city guide.
1. Map of Barcelona's neighbourhoods
Both the party capital and the epicentre of European culture, Barcelona has become one of Europe's top tourist destinations. The Catalan capital combines all the charm of Mediterranean cities: a relaxed lifestyle, endless days of sun and exquisite food.
Here is the map of the areas to visit in Barcelona that we detail on the blog.
On the interactive map of Barcelona below, find all our favourite places in Barcelona:
The hotels where we like to put our suitcases in blue,
The gourmet addresses where we eat good tapas in purple,
Our must-sees in Barcelona in red,
Some ideas for walks in green.
With its multicultural influences, Barcelona is a cosmopolitan city.
We suggest you discover the Gracia district on foot or by bike. Wander through the narrow streets and admire the facades of the 19th and 20th century buildings. Mingle with the local Catalan population and try a tapas bar in a cosmopolitan atmosphere. You can also sit on a café terrace in one of the sunny squares that make up the Gracia district. There are no wide avenues here. And the Güell Park, which is a must-see, is not far away!
2. History of Gracia
Walking through Gracia is like walking through a working-class village.
And for good reason, Gracia was once a village on the outskirts of Barcelona. But don't worry, that's long gone (end of the 19th century) and Gracia has become perfectly integrated into Barcelona. Perhaps that's why its inhabitants have a certain pride. Young artists, students but also retired people make up the population of the district.
A surprising and intriguing mix.
3. How do I get to the Gracia district?
You can get to Gracia by metro (green line 3). Get off at Fontana metro station. For more information on transport in Barcelonasee our dedicated article (Download the metro map in pdf).
4. What to see, do and visit in Gracia?
Here is a walking tour of the Gracia district in 9 steps
4.1. Departure: Fontana metro station
From Plaza Catalunya, for example, take metro line 3 and get off at Fontana station. You will immediately be immersed in the atmosphere of the district with its nearby shops. Walk a few dozen metres to the first work of Gaudí.
4.2 Casa Vicens (1888)
Go to 24 Carrer de les Carolines. Here you can see Gaudí's first important work. Construction of the building began in 1883 and took 5 years. In oriental style, Gaudí decorated the building with green and white ceramics. This is clearly visible in our photo above.
Passport : Visit Casa Vicens by Gaudí
Guided tour of Gaudí's Casa Vicens
Casa Vicenz has been open to the public since 17 November 2017. Go there and give us your opinion on the visit in a comment.
4.3. Plaça del Diamant
The square, which dates back to the 1860s, has terraces where political activists often meet. Just look at the photo above that we took when we visited in March 2013. The locals had taken over the Diamant square and were chanting their desire for an independent Catalonia, in a very friendly atmosphere.
Giant barbecue for everyone but also sale of propaganda objects like flags or other yellow and red badges, the colours of Catalonia. Don't be surprised to see many Catalan flags on the balconies when you walk around the area. When taking pictures, be discreet. Avoid walking around with your camera around your neck. Some locals don't like having their picture taken, even from a distance.
If you want to experience the political spirit of Gracia, visit the neighbourhood during the Gracia Festival, which takes place every year in mid-August.
4.4. Plaça de la Virreina
Another typical square in Gracia. Sit for a few minutes on the steps of the Sant Joan church or on the terrace of a café and watch the locals come and go in the well treed square. It is one of the most relaxed squares in Gracia.
4.5. Plaça de la Revolucio
Located at the end of carrer Verdi, this is a lively square with terraces and restaurants. The spirit of the Revolution reigns in the neighbourhood and in this square. Just look at the large letters on the ground that make up the word " Revolucio". The inhabitants of Gracia are definitely shouting out their uniqueness.
4.6. Marcat del Abaceria Central
The Mercat del Abaceria, located at number 186 of the Travessera de Gracia, is a local food market but also a place where all the social classes present in Gracia meet. The market is open every day except Sunday. In the surrounding area there are many shops and restaurants where you can have a break for lunch, for example.
4.7. Plaça Rius i Taulet
This is one of the most interesting tree-lined squares to visit thanks to its centrally located tower. It is in fact the bell tower of Gracia with its four-sided clock. Bars and restaurants in the square.
4.8. Plaça del Sol
This is our favourite square in the neighbourhood.
It deserves its own article: la plaza del Sol
4.9. Mercat de la Libertat
The modern architecture of the Mercat de la Libertat attracts the locals living in the neighbourhood. The food market is housed in a remarkable iron and brick structure that is well worth a visit. Reasonable prices for fruit and vegetables.
5. Where to have a drink and eat in Gracia?
In addition to the two markets, take a break at the Café del Sol, the emblematic café in plaça del Sol. Tapas y vinos, beers, etc. Cheap and typical.
6. Where to sleep in the Gracia district?
When it comes to where to sleep in Gracia, there are many options to choose from, but we recommend the H10 Port Vell Hotel. Located just a short distance from the Gracia district, this hotel offers a modern and stylish design, as well as top-notch amenities. The hotel's central location makes it easy to explore the city, and it's within walking distance of many of Barcelona's main attractions. The H10 Port Vell Hotel offers comfortable rooms, a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city, and a restaurant serving delicious local cuisine. If you're looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay in Gracia, the H10 Port Vell Hotel is an excellent choice.
There are many possibilities to rent flats in Gracia. You can find a lot of ideas and reviews on specialised websites like Airbnb.
If you prefer to stay in a hotel, you can also enjoy the Gracia district! With so many hotels competing with each other, it's easy to find great deals all year round for stay in Gracia. We also recommend you to read our article : Where to stay in Barcelona ?
To conclude this Gracia city guide,
Gracia is a village within a city. A district apart that we particularly like. We spent a lot of time in this area a few years ago. We like to go back there every time we visit.
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