Gràcia Neighbourhood in Barcelona

History

The iconic dragon of Park Güell guarding the entrance.

Barcelona’s districts, or barrios each have their own distinctive features, and nowhere is this more true than in Gràcia. This can largely be attributed to its history, as it used to be a separate village on the outskirts of the city and was only incorporated into Barcelona in 1897 during industrialization when it came under the administration of the Barcelona City Council.

Gràcia was traditionally a working class district, the location for much industry, particularly textiles, and small scale artisans. Although during the 60’s it became one of the trendier areas where plenty of hip locals hung out, its Catalan identity and independent traditions stay strong. With a reputation for being home to a bohemian and artsy crowd, it is not surprising that it retains some of the city’s richest local festival traditions and community spirit.

Gràcia is filled with small squares. The most infamous is Plaça del Sol, however, all its squares have their own unique history. In Plaça de Rovira I Trias there is a statue of Antoni Rovira, Ildefons Cerda’s rival in the competition to design l’Eixample during Barcelona’s expansion. Rovira’s design is printed on the pavement so that you can check it out and see how it compares.

Sightseeing

Park Güell is the first major work that Antoni Gaudí created in Barcelona. The park along with the houses inside were constructed in the very early 1900’s. The park offers an amazing view of the city and if you choose to take the metro rather than a taxi or bus you will get a good bit of exercise on your ascension to the park.

A street decorated for the Festa Major de Gràcia

Festa Major de Gràcia is proof that this eclectic neighbourhood has never let go of its community traditions. The Gràcia festival, held in mid August, is centred around the competition for creative and elaborate street decorations which is taken very seriously by the people who live in the neighbourhood. By day you can explore the decorated streets and by night there are free concerts and shows.

Restaurants and Nightlife

Gràcia is well known for it’s self sufficiency; you can find anything you desire in this one vast neighbourhood. There are several plaças scattered throughout with bars and restaurants of all varieties, you just have to know where to look.

Alfa Bar (Calle Gran De Gràcia, 36), gets its inspiration from 80’s grunge. The garage band atmosphere is perfectly casual and attracts a very large crowd of visitors and locals at the weekends. Alfa bar also hosts open mic nights and live music every week. You can find their schedule of events online.

Shake it! Barcelona (Carrer del Secretari Coloma, 42)  is a two storey club that takes pride in the wide variety of music that is featured, you will hear tunes from almost every genre you can think of. If a soulful, funky, disco, dance club doesn’t strike your interest the large menu of gin & tonics might.

Plaça del Sol, a popular hangout spot for neighbourhood locals and visitors.

Plaça del Sol is local favorite and is also popular with travellers. The large square is lined with terrace restaurants, perfect for a quiet lunch. In the evening the area is transformed and filled with young people playing guitars and sharing drinks. You can wait for a table at one of the many bars that surround it or you can join on of the many groups of people you will find sitting on the ground. Perhaps you can make a few new friends this way too.

La Gavina is an out of the ordinary pizza place, close to Plaça del Sol, that attracts a large crowd every day. There is a small informal atmosphere that awaits the hungry traveller inside and not a great deal of space to sit but the pizza is great.

Cantina Machito is a genuine Mexican restaurant, which can be hard to find in Barcelona, offering delicious tacos, enchiladas, and margaritas. The fun vibrant colors and friendly staff here will make your dining experience unforgettable.

Shopping

This particular neighbourhood is well known for it’s bohemian shops, which are perfect for finding unique gifts and souvenirs. Don’t miss this truly unique part of Gràcia, you will find hand made jewelry, vintage bags and shoes, organic clothing, and more. The best way  to shop here is to get lost, wander the streets moseying through any store that strikes your fancy, you are sure to find something you can’t live without.

How to get there

If you’re using the metro then getting to Fontana on L3 or Joanic on L4 is convenient. The FGC trains also have a stop in Gràcia.