Gracia

Gracia was originally its own village set apart from the rest of the city. However, when the Eixample was built in the late 19th century, it served to connect old Barcelona and Gracia. Thus Gracia ceased to be a town and become a neighborhood in the larger metropolis that we now know and love as Barcelona.

Gracia is immediately recognizable for its narrow streets, a stark contrast to the wide, modern boulevards of L’Eixample. It's known as a hip area with an active and politically-conscious community. Here you'll find a number of lively plazas, bars and restaurants, but it's a little more subdued other cultural hubs like the Born or El Raval, with a slightly more mature crowd.

Barcelona's Gracia neighborhood is worth exploring for its unique personality and Park Güell, Antoni Gaudí's awesome modernista playground.

Gràcia is not a touristy section of Barcelona. Nevertheless, it's certainly worth the visit if you enjoy strolling around quaint strees and want to escape the "big city" feel for a small town, alternative vibe.

The Plaça del Sol, Plaça de Rius i Taulet and Plaça de la Virreina are vibrant centers of activity and good places to look for outdoor food and drink.

Just west of Plaça del Sol you'll find the Mercat de la Libertat, a beautiful modernista market designed by Antoni Gaudí's assistant.

Most visitors only head up towards Gràcia to see Parc Güell, which is well worth the visit. Designed by Antoni Gaudí as a wealthy living community, the project failed and was converted into a public park. It's located at about a 10-15 minute walk north from the center of Gràcia.

Gracia has a formed an important part of Barcelona Culture since officially joining the city bounds in the 19th century. A republican/ liberal stalwart during Spain's 1st and 2nd Republics and Civil War (1936-1939), Gràcia went bohemian again in the 1960's and 70's. It's still common to see anarchist flags hanging from apartment buildings and other signs of political radicalism on the streets and in plazas, restaurants and bars. While undoubtedly more gentrified and subdued than during its rebellious past, Gràcia remains a one-of-a-kind, funky neighborhood. Its mixed population of students, intellectuals, artists and families join together to organize the Festa Major de Gracia , the best and most creative community festival of the year.

Do you plan to attend this awesome event with your friends? Find an accommodation next to the festival.

Park Güell

Park Güell is a 17, 18 ha wide garden complex with architectural elements situated on the hill of el Carmel in the Gràcia district of Barcelona, Catalonia. It was designed by the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí and built in the years 1900 to 1914. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Works of Antoni Gaudí".





The park was originally part of a commercially unsuccessful housing site, the idea of Count Eusibi de Güell, whom the park was named after. It was inspired by the English garden city movement; hence the original English name Park. The site was a rocky hill with little vegetation and few trees, called Muntanya Pelada (Bare Mountain). It already included a large country house called Larrard House or Muntaner de Dalt House, and was next to a neighborhood of upper class houses called La Salud. The intention was to exploit the fresh air (well away from smoky factories) and beautiful views from the site, with sixty triangular lots being provided for luxury houses. Count Eusebi Güell added to the prestige of the development by moving in 1906 to live in Larrard House.


In the event only two houses were built, neither designed by Gaudi. One was intended to be a show house, but on being completed in 1904 was put up for sale, and as no buyers came forward. Gaudi, at Güell's suggestion, bought it with his savings and moved in with his family and his father in 1906.




The Park Güell is a good place to visit during your trip to Barcelona, and you will be able to enjoy a wonderful view of the all city (from the mountain to the Mediterranean sea).


For more information to do organice your vacation in Barcelona, click here.

Barcelona Zoo

The Barcelona Zoo is based in the Parc de la Ciutadella the best way to find it is to go to Ciutadella park and to follow the signs to the Zoo. The zoo has a wide variety of animals on show: a collection of some 7,500 individual animals belonging to more than 400 species from all over the world.

Barcelona Zoological Park first opened its gates on 1892.. The Zoo also has a restaurant, picnic area, a shop, electric cars, ponies and a mini-train. Its biggest attraction was an albino gorilla nicknamed Snowflake who was born in 1964 and died en movember 2003. The gorilla was found in Equitorial Guinea in 1966, he was the only albino gorilla known to man.

A nice place to go especially if you are travelling with children.

Rent an apartment to spend a family holiday in Barcelona and discover all the activities the city offers.

Ciutadella Park

The Parc de la Ciutadella is right next to the area called "El Born", a very popular suburb of the "Citutat Vella" (Old City) in Barcelona . In 1888, the World Exhibition in Barcelona partly took place here and numerous Modernism architects contributed to the design of the park. Nowadays, it is a space for Barcelonans to enjoy nature, culture and their free time in the centre of Barcelona. On Sundays the park is full of young people who play drums, sell food and clothes.

The Ciutadella Park is the perfect place to relax and do some jogging. The Park houses the Barcelona Zoo and the Zoology Museum. It has a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere and pleasant attributes such as the spectacular waterfall, the pond, gardens and abundance of trees will give you the feeling of being far from the city. You can sip a beer, and the kids can have an ice cream at the no-frills cafe opposite. Stroll over to the lake and rent a rowboat. A leisurely, purposeless float around the small lake is a great restorative after a hard day.

A picnic in the Ciutadella Park with your couple or friends can be a good break to rest from a tiring day.


If you are travelling with children, the "Parc de la Ciutadella" is a great place to spend a sunny day with your children. Usually on Sundays, there are plenty of activities for children such as clowns shows.



Rent an apartment to spend a family holiday in Barcelona.