Discover Gràcia: The current situation has interrupted ground travel plans. With this, we have time to pause and reflect on the trips we have taken and the places we have fallen in love with. In addition, we now have plenty of time to search for places that interest us, so that we have the perfect trip in mind when it is safe to travel again. As Barcelona is one of the most popular cities in Europe to visit, most people come for a city break and stay close to its many monuments.
Indeed, some people tend not to seek out its many neighborhoods which all have a unique past and history. This means that they pay high prices for staying in the city center, missing out on some of the most charming areas of the city. Due to this lack of information, we think visitors to Barcelona are missing some of the best parts of the city. Therefore, this article will reveal the story behind Barcelona's first main residential area, Gràcia.
History of Gràcia
Gràcia started as its own municipality for many years, until it was joined to downtown Barcelona when enlargements took place in 1897. This saw the growth of the largest neighborhood, Eixample (which means "Expansion" in Catalan), and Gràcia being the place where the city workers would live. Despite the loss of part of its independence due to this change in urban planning, the district has retained its unique image and atmosphere.
With plenty of accommodation, independent shops and bars, Gràcia is considered an unknown place for tourists, due to the number of people sticking to the hot spots in central Las Ramblas and the beaches around Poble Nou and Barceloneta.
From the lively squares and restaurants to its amazing architecture that shows bold designs and traditional apartment buildings, strolling the streets is a great way to admire the true charm of Gràcia. Of course, you can also visit its many monuments, but we also appreciate the meanders in the side streets!
Gaudí Monuments Found in Gràcia The relaxed Gràcia district is also home to two works of art by local artist Antoni Gaudí. They are on the Passeig de Gràcia de l'Eixample road, where Casa Batlló and Casa Milà are located. As you progress from Eixample to the laid-back neighborhood, you will first come across Casa Vicens, located just off the main street of Gràcia, on Carrer de les Carolines.
It was the first house that Gaudí designed in Barcelona in 1888. 5 years earlier, Gaudí had received an order from Manuel Vicens I Montaner, to design a family house for him. Like most modern architects, Gaudí needed a building permit from the Vila de Gràcia council. He would have been treated at the town hall of Plaça Vila de Gràcia, which still exists today! Once his plans were approved, he started working on his colorful house with a geometric design. One of its most interesting facts is that it was built in iron, glass, ceramic tiles, and concrete, a revolutionary choice at the time. You can visit this magnificent monument on your next trip to Barcelona.
Gaudís Parc Güell
Another landmark defining the city found in Gràcia is Gaudís Parc Güell. This green space is a must in Gràcia, as it offers a panoramic view of the city and of Gaudí's sculptures. The playground for Catalan artists was based on British residential parks from the beginning of the 20th century. It is easy to draw parallels with British parks, such as Primrose Hill in London. In fact, the original plans for the parking space used to build sixty houses!
He built a house in Parc Güell... his own house - in which he moved at the end of the park in 1914. On your next visit to Barcelona, you should simply visit this monument for its art and to see where the son the most famous of Barcelona spent his life later.
Entertainment in Gràcia
In the center of Gràcia you can find several sources of entertainment. From its historic cinema Cines Verdi, which presents a range of world blockbusters and unique short films, dining on its seats. First, in Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia, you can enjoy a sangria next to the 19th century clock tower which stands 33 meters away. Around the square there are many restaurants and bars to admire the scenery in a relaxed setting. If you are looking for a quieter bar, you have a mix of restaurants and bars all over the place, mainly on its side streets.
As for the purchase of fresh products and drinks, the main street that crosses the residential district of Gràcia, the Carrer del Torrent de l'Olla, has many bakeries and grocery stores. Where you can call, practice your Spanish or Catalan and leave with wonderful ingredients to cook in your accommodation in Barcelona.
One of the best things about Gràcia is its diversity in food. You can enjoy any cuisine at any time of the day. If you're in the mood for sushi or Mexican food, this part of town has it all. Even just for quick coffee and a sweet treat, there are plenty of cafes dotted around for you to call, with lots of outdoor seating areas; a must for summer visits.
As for appetite, there are many independent stores to visit in Gràcia. From clothing to antiques to lamps, the stores here are unlike any other in the city. This will further underline the charm of this part of the city. Also, since you're not in the heart of Barcelona, the prices around Gràcia are slightly cheaper, which means you get more food for less. It is certainly something to keep in mind when you decide between here and elsewhere in the city as to where to stay.
Transport in and around Gràcia
Traveling to Gràcia is very simple. He takes a picturesque walk from La Rambla, after Plaça Catalunya, to the high-design street of Passeig de Gràcia, then through the district itself. The way the place has planned its accommodation means that you can wrap yourself around the accommodation, away from the hustle and bustle, until you reach an interesting place. If you are traveling further, you can take the L3 line to Fontana, the L4 to Joanic or the L4 / L5 to Verdaguer. There are also many bus services that run here from all over the city, such as lines: 24, 27, A6, D40. Finally, with its own station, you can go to the Rodalies train service, or travel from Gràcia to other parts of Barcelona with ease.
Sandra Roig is Marketing Director at AB Apartment Barcelona. AB Apartment Barcelona is an apartment rental agency offering more than a thousand short and long term apartments throughout Barcelona.
