Guide of Gràcia Neighbourhood Barcelona

Description of Barcelona Gracia Neighbourhood

The neighbourhood of Gràcia is on top of the Passeig de Gràcia area of La Eixampla and has the atmosphere of a self contained village within the city of Barcelona. After Avenida diagonal, passeig de Gràcia transforms into Gran de Gràcia which is the main thoroughfare to Gràcia and Plaza Lesseps. Gràcia is predominately pedestrianised streets and a great place in the city to walk around.

Gràcia was an independent town until the late 19th century when the Eixampla housing expansion swallowed Gràcia into the larger Barcelona metropolitan area. Today Gràcia is a mixed neighbourhood with traditional Catalan families, elderly residents and younger people. The area is also popular with artists and has a bohemian vibe although this is disappearing because of gentrification.

What to do and see in Gràcia

My two favourite squares in Gràcia are Virriena and Plaça de la vila de Gràcia. Plaça de Sol is also well known as a place to hang out because it is lined with terrace cafes and at night a place to drink and be merry.

Gaudí received his first commission to build a house, Casa Viçens, in Gràcia. Gràcia also has one of only two surviving air raid shelters From the Spanish Civil war (1936 to 1939) in Plaça del Diamant.

Within the pedestrianised centre of Gràcia is Calle Verdí which is a mixture of cafes, bars and fashion boutiques. This street runs from the top of Gràcia Near Plaça Lesseps down to the market square and Plaça de la Revolucio.

In Gràcia you can also find many vegan supermarkets and specialty international food shops.

Gràcia is also well-known for its fiesta major de Gràcia which is held for a week in August and sees the locals competing for the title of best street decoration. The results are usually spectacular and thematic, and at night the festival comes alive with drinks stalls and stages of live music of every variety.

Just outside of the Gràcia Neighbourhood is Parc Güell.

My pick of places to eat and drink in Gràcia

I lived in Gràcia for three years and this is my list of Places to Eat and drink.

Pizzeria Lucania II in Carrer de Terol where you can order pizza by the slice.

For a three course meal I recommend Cadaques restaurant or Nou Candanchu restaurant in Plaça de la Vila.

in Plaça de la revolucion, La Cerveseria is open from breakfast till dinner for food and drinks and has a great vibe and Pepa Tomate Gracia, offers traditional Mediterranean cuisine.

My favourite bars in Plaça are El Cafe Rock&Roll, A small bar that is famous for live music. Teatreneu is a local community theatre which has a lavishly decorated bar on the ground floor. Bar Canigo on the corner of Calle Verdí with Plaça Revolucio, is one of Barcelona's oldest bars and has a great multinational vibe.

Getting to Gracia Neighbourhood

The green metro line (L3) runs underneath Gran de Gràcia street, the most popular stop being Fontana or Lesseps on the green (L3). Metro Diagonal on the green (L3) and Blue (L5) lines stops at the bottom left corner of Gràcia. On the other side of Gràcia, the yellow line (L4) passes via Gràcia with a stop at Joanic.

Use a T-Casual or Hola-Barcelona travel card.

Happy Exploring!