General Information

Nowadays the Gracia area is a district of Barcelona but up until the end of the 19th century it was an independent village founded by Carmelites back in the 17th century (for additional information – History of Barcelona). Though today the site is part of the city of Barcelona, the people who live here still have their own independent identity and they have preserved their culture.

Most of the tourists who come to this neighborhood are curious about Park Güell which is situated on the northern part of the district. There are not that many tourists on the streets of Gracia as there are in the centre of Barcelona, however the area is recommended to visit because it is very beautiful and full of modernist buildings designed mainly by Antoni Gaudí, a famous catalan modernist architect. The neighborhood is home to many historical landmarks mainly related to the Spanish Civil War and many shops and restaurants which are more authentic than those found in the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gotic). The nightlife is also very active and authentic in this part of the city.

Tips and Recommendations for Visiting Gràcia

• It is recommended to combine your trip to Gracia with the visit to all of the main landmarks of the north of Barcelona, such as the Basilica Sagrada Familia or with a shopping tour on Avinguda Diagonal and Passeig de Gràcia. The last one starts from the Eixample and the part which is closest to Gracia has a few small and authentic shops (for additional information – Shopping in Barcelona).
• There are many interesting guided tours in Gracia area and in Park Güell (for additional information – Attractions and Tours near Gracia and Attractions and Tours in Barcelona).
• Gracia area is very easy to travel by wheelchair on the streets of the neighborhood. However, getting on wheels in Park Güell could be a problem (for additional information – Accessibility in Gracia, Accessibility in Park Güell and Accessibility in Barcelona).
• Gracia is a very unique and colorful area that is strongly recommended for families. During the month of August, when the famous Festa Major de Gracia (Gracia Festival) takes place, there are even more attractions and shows that could be interesting for kids. It is suggested for families to visit this district in that period (for additional information – Kids and Families in Gracia, Kids and Families in Barcelona and Events in Barcelona).

• It is highly recommended to visit Gaudí Experience which is located close by.

Tips for Transportation in Gràcia:

• Unlike other parts of Barcelona, mainly its city center, traffic in Gracia area is friendlier and so it is possible to visit the area by car (for additional information – Parking Near Gracia and Car Rental in Barcelona).

• Nearby there is a station of the Hop-on Hop-off bus blue line (for additional information – Hop-on Hop-off Bus Map).

Tips for “when to visit” in Gràcia:

• Gracia area is recommended for those who spend at least 3 or 4 days in Barcelona, or for those who are visiting the Catalan city for the second or third time, and already saw most of the must-see sites of the city. The area is highly recommended for those who would like to see something different and more authentic than the popular sites of Barcelona.
• A good time to visit Gracia area is during the month of August, due to the famous Festa Major de Gracia (Gracia Festival). This event is quite unique, in where one can enjoy parades, watching a human tower, different competitions between the inhabitants of the old parts of the neighborhood and a lot of music events (for additional information – Events in Barcelona).
• Gracia area is recommended at any hour of the day. During the daytime one can enjoy a lot of tourists attractions and visit many authentic small shops, while during the night the district becomes very active with students and people from all over Barcelona. There are not as many tourists in this area as opposed to El Born or the Gothic Quarter, which is why the pubs and the clubs are more authentic than in the center of Barcelona.

Tips for Shops and Restaurants in Gràcia:

• There are numerous small shops in Gracia. These are situated mainly on the small streets of the district and not on its main street. The shops in Gracia are cheaper and more authentic than those in the center of Barcelona.
• Gracia area is full of authentic restaurants and coffee shops, such as El Jardinets del Gracia, the Con Gracia and the Onna Coffee (for additional information – Bars and Restaurants in Barcelona).

Tips for Hotels in Gràcia:

• In regards to accommodation, there are many recommended hotels in Gracia, such as the Bestprice Gracia and the Aparthotel Silver. The quarter is ideal for those who would like to spend their holiday in peace and silence, far from the noisy nightlife of the city center. Since the hotel rooms and apartments in Gracia are 20%-30% cheaper and larger in size than in the center of the city, this area is also a recommended for families and groups. The district is approachable by car and there are many public parking lots, which makes it a good place to stay for those who visit the city by a private car or for people with disabilities (for additional information – Family-friendly Hotels and Hotels with Parking in Barcelona). It would be a good idea to check if the hotel is near to a metro station in order to make it easier with getting to the city center (for further information – Hotels near Gracia and Hotels in Barcelona). 

Recommended Blogs and Articles about Gràcia:

• 10 Things to Do in Gracia at Devour Barcelona
• Lively Gracia at Lifestyle Barcelona