Barcelona Districts: Gràcia

Artistic and very bohemian, Gràcia is unlike any other district in Barcelona. Boasting an atmosphere and personality which is entirely individual by nature, Gràcia is loved by its inhabitants and visitors alike.

Comprised of tight-knit streets and bustling roads with public squares in between, Gràcia is a great place to visit both during the day and in the evening. The area’s abundance of squares (plaça) Plaça del Diamant, Plaça de la Virreina, Plaça del Nord, Plaça de la Revolució, Plaça Rovira i Trias and Plaça del Sol, are just some examples of what can be a special venue to enjoy a drink with friends, whilst mingling with the locals.

Gràcia is a very traditional Catalan district and it celebrates its heritage with an annual festival "Festa Major" which gives locals and guests a chance to celebrate. Residents spend many months preparing for a competition to decorate their streets with the most fantastic displays of creativity.

Local cuisine, design and retail are placed on stalls as the area comes alive with an atmosphere of togetherness. Indeed many young visitors to this area, who later decide to move to Barcelona on a more permanent basis, often seek out Gràcia as the first port of call when house-hunting. Spend a few hours exploring its community of people, bars, cafes and shops and you will see why it is such a special place.

It is advisable to start your tour of Gràcia by arriving at Fontana metro station (L3) and taking the pedestrianised Carrer Astúries. This street, like Torrent de l'Olla, is known for its shops and leads to the many quaint squares in the area. Carrer Gran de Gràcia is the main thoroughfare in the area, boasting a large selection of shops to suit all tastes. The Carrer Verdi houses a vast array of exotic restaurants showcasing cuisine from all over the world and the Verdi Cinema is a favourite haunt of locals and tourists wanting to watch films in their original language.

Indeed Gràcia is full of culture and tradition, with locals and visitors living side-by-side in modernity, whilst maintaining the area’s customs. So, if you’re looking for a district where foreign hairdressers, stores, bars, bakeries, bookshops and international restaurants live in harmony, you’ve come to the right place.

Read more about the Gràcia district in our Travel Article.