Barcelona/Gràcia
Gràcia, about 1 km north of the center of Barcelona at the north end of the Passeig de Gràcia, is the most distinctively Catalan neighborhood to be found in easy walking distance of the center. A prosperous neighborhood, Gràcia nonetheless has more a local than a cosmopolitan feel to it, with much of life lived on the many public squares.
It's also a very good place to start (or finish) a walk through the most important modernist buildings.
A good place to stay in an hotel.
Do
If you are in Barcelona around August 15th, you should go there during all the day and night to its major parties. There is a contest about "street decoration", live music, popular food in the streets, dancing, games for kids, and lots, lots of people. It is a really popular celebration.
Eat
- La Rosa del Desierto Plaça Narcís Oller, 7. The first Moroccan food restaurant in Barcelona. The quality is excellent, with a quite special decoration. The amount of food is very important. About 18€ each person.
- Flah-Flash C/Granada del Penedès, 25. Not really in Gràcia, but next to it, it's one of the rests of the Tuset street years, when the Gauche Divine was the most cool group in the city. This restaurant was made as a cool bar during the late 60's and it remains with no change. The food's good (omelettes is the speciality and the cheapest option). About 15€.
- Botafumeiro. Very expensive.
Drink
Lately Gracia has become a very popular place among students, and offers a lot of nice restaurants and bars. The plazas in the area, as Plaça de Sol for instance, are filled with nightlife and youngsters drinking in the streets and partying.
- Plaça del Sol Has a lot of bars, such as Sol Soler, Woody's
- Plaça Rius i Taulet This nice square with the old city hall and the clock tower in the middle has also many bars.
- Plaça de la Revolució Is not as crowded as the others, but has an Ice cream bar, owned by two Italian sisters, that serve the best ice creams in Barcelona. The problem is that you may have to wait a long time.
- The Dubliner Not just a bar but a cultural association. Features Irish classes, intercambio and has the feel of being in somebodies living room. Unique place to check out.
Contact