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District of Barcelona, Catalonia
Photo: Year of the dragon, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Gràcia is a district of Barcelona and is the most distinctively Catalan neighbourhood within easy walking distance of the city centre. It was an independent town before it joined the city in the 20th century. Its narrow streets and young atmosphere gives Gràcia more of a local than a cosmopolitan feel. The district's many public squares are lively with people, and the wonderful Park Güell's Gaudi flair and panoramic views of the city delight.
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Parc Güell, Güell Park
A large urban park heavily influenced by Antonio Gaudi. The area was originally meant to be a residential property development with Gaudi doing much of the planning and landscape design. Only two houses were built and the land was later sold to the city of Barcelona and turned into a park. There are two areas -- a relatively undeveloped (and un-crowded) natural area near the top of the hill and the more famous sculpture park below. The top of the park offers panoramic views of Barcelona, while the sculpture portion is full of walkways and other structures exhibiting the distinct and colourful style of Gaudi, including the famous terrace and fountains near the main entrance. You are strongly advised to buy tickets days in advance. Don't expect to be able to buy one on the day. Be patient when exploring the site, as once you enter the Natural Plaza where crowds gather, you are confined to a one-way path that you must traverse before backtracking if you want to return to higher ground. Park Güell is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the Works of Antonio Gaudi.
Two Gaudi-style pavilions mark the entrance to the park and lead to the steps up to the Hipostila Room. In the middle of the steps is the dragon (or salamander) fountain that has become almost as much a symbol of Barcelona as the Sagrada Familia.
terrace
At the top of the stairs from the main entrance is the Hipostila Room with its 86 white columns supporting the plaza above. The ceiling has a number of colourful mosaics. Above the Hipostila Room is the main terrace, which was meant to be the main square of the development. It features a mosaic-tiled wall in the shape of an undulating sea serpent and provides excellent views of Barcelona.
Casa Museu Gaudi
Distinctive pink house that Gaudi lived in for nearly 20 years (although not designed by him). It features furniture designed by Gaudi and other objects relating to Gaudi's life. The gift shop has a large selection of Gaudi-themed souvenirs that are generally better quality than what's available in the normal tourist shops.
The Calvary
This is the highest point of the park and where Gaudi wanted to build a chapel. After the development failed, Gaudi built a monolith with three crosses like Calvary instead. Be sure to take in the panoramic views of Barcelona.
The first building Gaudi built in Barcelona. It has been opened as a museum. It's possible to walk the whole monumental enclosure, including the garden and the interior of the building. In UNESCO World Heritage Sites list since 2005.
The cinema has 9 screens.
The cinema screens a diverse programme of independent, mainly European and Asian films. All films are shown in their original version.
Sells hamburgers and hot dogs at cheap prices, hence very popular for locals and young crowd in the evenings.
A Syrian restaurant
A restaurant that serves only vegetarian food - mainly Indian dishes. This may be the only place in Barcelona where you can get Masala Dosa. Beware that the size of the dishes is not that big.
Probably one of the best Catalan restaurants in the neighbourhood, although their selection of other Spanish food is quite good. Particularly excels at meat dishes, cooked in traditional Catalan style. Dishes of note include the Ous Estrellats (Andalusian scrambled eggs with potato) as well as desserts such as strawberries with salt and pepper. Great wine selection with a number of Catalan varieties.
The Lebanese restaurant has impeccable and friendly service. It serves authentic Lebanese food.
The Japanese sushi bar serves in convivial atmosphere different sushi plates, Japanese beer, sake, cocktails and wines too.
The Moroccan food restaurant in Barcelona offering quality and generous portions, with a quite special decoration.
This cosy restaurant serves good Mediterranean cuisine.
The tavern of the priest
Known by locals as one of the better restaurants in town, the menu is mostly meat selections, but seafood can be ordered from its sister restaurant Botafumeiro next door. La Taberna is on the expensive side, but the food is excellent.
Catalan meals. Allow about €20 per person, although you could get out of there for half of that if you let the price dictate your choice of dishes. See chain review in the Eat section of Barcelona.
One of Barcelona's most highly regarded restaurants, run by acclaimed restaurateur Jordi Vilà. With a minimalist white interior that directs the attention to the inventive and indulgent foods on offer, Alkimia spearheads a new wave of new Catalan cooking that will delight and impress. It was awarded a Michelin Star.
Next door to La Taberna Del Cura, Botafumeiro specializes in seafood, while La Taberna handles the meats. High quality food with a price tag to match.
The wine bar offers exquisite tapas and many local wine choices.
The small hidden gem has 19 tables, hence reservation is highly recommended. The chef Hojiro Ochi serves Mediterranean cuisine with Japanese influences. The tasting menu consists of 3 entrées, 2 main dishes (fish and meat) and 3 desserts. If you are vegetarian it is recommended to declare it in advance when booking the table. The ingredients are chosen carefully at the Boqueria market. The elaborate kitchen links traditional cuisine with modern styles. Basic Spanish speaking skills help for the ordering and presentation of the food.
This stylish cocktail bar offers many different Gin Tonic's. Expect to wait a little at the door.
With an ample dance floor, it also has a pool table, 'futbolín' and arcade games. The giant video screens and the monitors over the bar are other icons of this music bar. Drinks are catered for by staff that are professional, likeable and friendly.
Barcelona's first brew-pub still going strong. Tasty snacks to go with the beer.
An emblem, Cafè del Sol was one of the first bars to open in this famous and very popular Gràcia squares. There is a decent choice of tapas or sandwiches too. Inside has a marble bar, outside many chairs on the placa.
The organic ice cream shop uses organic milk and fruits for natural flavours. They have sorbets like mango or red fruits and chocolate ice creams.
The ice cream is hand made. The service is great and allows you different mixes. One of the best ice creams in town.
Modest rooms, some with bath, about a kilometre north of the centre of town.
The hostel has mixed dorms for 4 to 8 people. It is open 24 hours a day. Fully equipped kitchen.
Hotel Casa Fuster's Barcelona accommodation offers 105 rooms. The stunningly beautiful, iconic 19th-century building is at the head of the chic Passeig de Gracia Avenue. It has a roof terrace with a pool and excellent views.
El Palauet Living Barcelona boutique hotel, with 8 suites and a spa is found on the most exclusive boulevard, in a five-storey palatial mansion built in 1906, that is an extraordinary example of Modernisme (the sumptuous Catalan version of Art Nouveau).
Besides clothing and accessories for men and women from interesting brands, the shop sells books and perfumes.
The shops philosophy is based on principles of sustainability, recycling and fair trade, which all sold items adhere. One finds cute designer dresses for a fair price.
Anna Tichy sells her design clothes, including dresses and swim wear.
The shop sells women fashion including dresses, skirts and jewelery.
mercatabaceria@mercatsbcn.cat
Built in 1892 the market sells local vegetables, fruits, fish, meat, cheeses and herbs. The market has three bars, all of which sell food prepared with ingredients from the market.
The market opened in 1888 and designed by architect Miquel Pasqual i Tintoré, it was modernised by a complete renovation. It sells poultry, game and eggs, Spanish hams and sausages, meat and offal, fruit and vegetables, pulses and cereals, farm produce, fresh fish and seafood, salted fish, preserves and provisions and bakery.
Inaugurated in 1974 it is an indoor market.
The shop sells a big variety of different teas: green, black, oolong and infusions.
Sympatic cellar with good choices for local wines and cava.
Secondhand English Bookshop
Good selection in many categories. Also has some new books, and a shelf of German and French titles.
The shop sells all kind of back-packs and outdoor equipment including skis, snow-boards and climbing gear.
Esports de muntanya
Since more than 30 years this shop sells outdoor gear specialised for activity in the mountains including speleology. The owner knows the surroundings of Barcelona and can give you great tips for Pyrenees trips.
The most convenient way to get to Gràcia is Metro line . Fontana is close to the restaurants and squares; Lesseps and Vallcarca provide access to Park Güell.
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