Barcelona Area Guide: Gracia Barrio
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The area is popular with artists and a generally bohemian crowd, it also has a high ethnic population and the highest concentration of foreign restaurants in Barcelona. Placa de Sol is the most renowned area of the neighbourhood, it's lined with terrace cafes and at night this is where the people convene to drink and be merry. However despite the trendy nature of Gracia it is also a very traditional barrio with a large elderly population which makes for an amusing and odd mix - and very entertaining people-watching!
Gracia is also well-known for it's festival which is held for 5 days in August and sees the locals competing in street decoration (they take it very seriously!). The results are usually spectacular, and at night the festival comes alive with drinks stalls and stages of live music of every variety.
Gracia is totally self-sufficient. That is to say you could stay in Gracia and never have to leave, there are good amenities of every sort, great bars, cosy cafes, a real Mediterranean lifestyle. Whilst everything like the buildings, streets and placas are in much smaller scale than those in the centre of town there is some striking art nouveau architecture to be seen.
The area is perfect for those who want something a little bit different, those who perhaps have been to Barcelona before and want a different tourist experience. Although really because central Barcelona is so easily accessible from Gracia it is suitable for everyone.
One of the best features of Gracia is that there are not so many tourists so you feel like you've discovered something a bit new and diverse.
Shopping is also good in Gracia, where new, arty boutiques stand next to traditional Spanish stores.
Hotels Near Gracia
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Highlights of the area
Different atmosphere than Barcelona
Shopping
Placa del Sol and all the cafes