Gràcia is a hidden gem and my favorite neighborhood in Barcelona

I spent months exploring and living in Barcelona. With all that firsthand experience in the city, I finally feel comfortable claiming my favorite neighborhood.

Without a doubt for me, it’s Gràcia. 

Some people prefer the central, tourist-saturated parts of Barcelona, such as the Gothic Quarter, Raval, or L’Eixample. Now that I’ve spent significant amounts of time in all of these areas, I’ve decided the authentic charm of Gràcia just draws me in the most. 

Between the serene streets with glimpses of the Collserola Mountains, the homey Catalan restaurants, and the abundance of green spaces — I couldn’t help, but fall in love. 

Certain travelers are better suited for central Barcelona, such as first time visitors. However, I think Gràcia is a hidden gem for seasoned travelers, which is why I stay in this Barcelona neighborhood every time I go back. 

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Gràcia has an overall peaceful ambiance with quiet, clean streets 

Barcelona doesn’t have a reputation for being a peaceful city and in general, I’d have to agree with that perspective. When I lived in Raval, every evening the streets flooded with people eager to partake in the nightlife. Even during the off-season. 

As a person who likes to go out, but wants to return home to a bit of peace, this aspect of Barcelona was exhausting to me. However, I’ve realized that this characterization is only fitting for Barcelona’s central neighborhoods. It was the exact opposite experience I had in Gràcia. 

Unlike the places where tourists tend to congregate, there is a clearer sense of community in the Gràcia district. It’s palpable that this is home for most of the people around and they treat it with that level of care (as should anyone who spends time here). 

I thought the streets were cleaner and quieter than the party-central neighborhoods, plus it felt a touch safer. Even inside Gràcia’s famous Park Güell, one of the city’s biggest tourist attractions, it was just so serene. At least it was for me during the low season of November. 

For instance, in my photo above, everyone was sitting in silent awe at this park during sunset, listening to a distant guitarist and appreciating the experience. This warm, soothing atmosphere is one of the biggest reasons Gràcia is so unique in my opinion. 

Gràcia encompasses Antoni Gaudí’s famous Park Güell 

For all of Gràcia’s peacefulness, it is actually home to one of the most popular attractions in all of Barcelona: Park Güell. I live by the cardinal rule that visiting major tourist attractions goes one of two ways. 

1. It’s completely overrated and I can’t understand why people are so obsessed (cough, cough – looking at you, Times Square).
2. I understand why it’s become so popular because it’s objectively amazing. 

Barcelona offers a few of these ‘objectively amazing’ tourist attractions thanks to Antoni Gaudi, such as La Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. But despite Park Güell’s popularity, there is still an air of tranquilness. Perhaps because it’s a 40-acre park where the crowds can spread out a bit. 

I actually loved Park Güell so much that I returned to visit three times. It’s the type of attraction I’d come back to any time I’m in Barcelona. I relish watching the musicians around the grounds and taking in the views over the city from this park. You can even spot Sagrada Familia way in the distance. 

It’s quite versatile as well; a good place to read a book, eat a scenic picnic lunch, or go on a date. Park Güell is a breathtaking feature of Gràcia without overtaking the whole neighborhood.

You’ll find great views over the city at spots like Turó de la Rovira

Gràcia is situated along the periphery of Barcelona near the more mountainous parts of the city. This provides access to gorgeous viewpoints dotted around the district. At these spots, you can take in sweeping views of Barcelona and the Mediterranean Sea. 

Park Güell is one of these expansive lookouts, but another one that is much less touristy is Turó de la Rovira. Also known as ‘The Bunkers’, this viewpoint is over 800 feet high and one of my favorite places to watch the sunset. It was actually used as an anti-aircraft defense point during the war, but these days, it’s become a stunning local hang-out. 

There is a very social atmosphere here with vendors selling snacks and drinks. Friends socialize here much like you would at a bar after work. Except it’s only the coolest bar ever because you can watch the sun dip down below the horizon as you sip on a beer atop of abandoned Spanish Civil War facilities. 

For me, Turó de la Rovira was the ultimate laidback people-watching spot. There was something so lovely about witnessing all the unique lives of strangers unfolding up there. It provided a different version of the Barcelona nightlife that I really enjoyed. 

Gràcia offers a delicious range of food at restaurants like Tasta Gràcia, KILTRO Restobar, and Suguru Sushi

One thing that was easy for me to find anywhere around Barcelona was delicious food. You could go from having top-tier sushi or French cuisine for lunch to eating traditional Catalan dishes for dinner on the same day. 

There is no shortage of Barcelona restaurants anywhere, but I think the ones in Gràcia are just cozier. At highly-rated eateries in the city center, reservations can be difficult to nab and dining rooms fill to the brim. This atmosphere makes dining out feel a little overwhelming for me. 

On the other hand, Gràcia restaurants aren’t that sort of well-oiled machine pumping out patrons every hour. They’re more intimate. 

For instance, I was blown away by the high-quality and distinctive tapas from Tasta Gràcia. Their jamon platters were so rich and I loved their regional Catalan dishes, like arroz negro meloso. In addition to 5-star food, the service was very welcoming with a relaxed atmosphere. 

There are lots of other cuisine choices around Gràcia as well. I got a great takeaway cured meat sandwich at a friendly shop near Park Güell aptly called Güelly sandwichpark. The guy running the show was very nice, plus it was located right next to this gorgeous view down a steep Barcelona street. 

At KILTRO Restobar, they serve a yummy selection of ceviche, tacos, and intriguing cocktails (my favorite was the Salted Paloma). You could even get a pizza pie from Sartoria Panatieri or grab a table at Suguru Sushi for fresh Japanese food. 

Even if I never left Gràcia, I could still find a different cuisine every day. The versatile food scene was definitely a big pro for me in this neighborhood. It was just as easy to find good international restaurants as it was to get top-tier Spanish food. 

It’s easy to get around using the metro, AMBici rental bikes, and by walking

At first, my primary concern about staying in Gràcia was that it seemed tough to get around the rest of the city. But this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Like all of Barcelona (and Spain in general), Gràcia is very well-connected. 

To reach the Gràcia area from where I lived in Raval, all I had to do was hop on the L3 metro line at Liceu station. Then, I’d ride for a few stops before getting off at Vallcarca. 

No matter where I wanted to go in the city, region, or even country, it was simple and cheap to get there from Gràcia using solely public transportation. However, in Barcelona, I usually opt for walking. 

It took anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour to reach the city center on foot from Gràcia. But, the stroll never felt like it dragged on because it was such a beautiful journey. As a travel photographer, I preferred the long walk because it always afforded me the opportunity for amazing shots. 

When I wanted something between the metro and walking, I could always grab an AMBici bike off the street. This Barcelona electric bike-sharing service is so simple and affordable (€40 for the whole year) [source]. You just scan the bike’s QR code using the AMBici app, it’ll unlock, and you return it to a station at your destination. 

Gràcia is cheaper than more central areas like Eixample and the Gothic Quarter

I wouldn’t consider myself a full-blown budget traveler anymore, but I’ll never say no to a good deal. So, it’s definitely a big pro for me that Gràcia tends to be way cheaper than neighborhoods like the Gothic Quarter and Eixample where most visitors stay.  

There are stellar hotel deals all around these parts, such as Hotel Ronda Lesseps. This quaint stay provides an intimate atmosphere just a 10-minute walk from Park Güell for less than €100 per night depending on the season. 

If you’re planning to live in Barcelona long-term at an apartment rental or something of that nature, Gràcia has excellent options. When I was looking on Idealista, I found penthouse apartments in Gràcia for a fraction of what they would cost in Eixample or El Born.  

I noticed that the restaurants and bars around Gràcia tend to be a bit cheaper as well. For instance, Inch Bar serves a mix of delicious cocktails for super reasonable prices and they offer a range of tapas all for around €6 each. 

Prepare for built-in exercise walking around Gràcia’s steep streets

Many people might consider Gràcia’s steep streets and stairways a con to the area. I can totally appreciate that sentiment. Especially if you experience mobility difficulties, this might not be the best place in Barcelona for you. 

For me though, the inherent exercise that came with navigating Gràcia’s streets was another item in the pro column. I liked the fact that I didn’t have to think about getting a workout in because I spent all day climbing steps to get from point A to point B. 

Bonus points, the hilly nature of Gràcia means that even random streets along the way turn into a jaw-dropping view over Barcelona. I was constantly needing to stop and stare at the spectacular perspective over the city as I wandered Gràcia. 

Gràcia feels more homelike and “real” than other Barcelona neighborhoods

Spending time in Gràcia doesn’t feel like you’ve landed in the middle of planet tourism – it feels unmistakably homelike. It isn’t built upon the expectations of visitors; Gràcia is designed to be somewhere beautiful to live. 

Instead of avoiding drunk partiers, I’d pass parents hand-in-hand with their kids walking home from school. The evening noises of traffic were replaced by the subtle laughter of friends playing catch-up over coffee at a local cafe. It felt so authentic, like I was getting a true glimpse of Barcelona’s roots. 

Gràcia’s realness is something that I didn’t realize I was craving until I started spending more time there. It’s the ultimate reason I’d live in Gràcia if I moved back to Barcelona and why it’s my favorite part of the city. 

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Despite my love for even the most tourism-focused parts of Barcelona, there is a magic to Gràcia that’s forged a special place in my heart. Between the quiet streets, low prices, good food, and mountainous views all around, I could spend an eternity there. 

Looking for other Spanish destinations to visit besides Barcelona? Head over to my list of the 27 best places to visit in Spain next.