Barcelona, ​​the capital of the Catalans, offers its guests extraordinary architectural structures, museums reflecting its rich culture, delicious food and various entertainment opportunities where they can have a pleasant time. Accommodation and transportation options in the city, which is decorated with a series of beaches appealing to individuals from all age groups, are also quite satisfactory.

Let’s take a look at the history that makes Barcelona a magnificent city.

According to the widely believed legend, Carthaginian Commander Hannibal’s father was born in BC. Established as a fishing village in the 3rd century, Barcelona is located within the borders of the Autonomous Community of Catalonia in the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula, where Spain is located. The city on the coast of the Balearic Sea is approximately 150 kilometers from the French border in the north. Surrounded by the cities of Tarragona, Gerona and Lleida, Barcelona occupies most of the fertile plain between the Besos and Llobregat rivers. The city, which is the most important port of the country and at the same time a commercial center, rests on the mountains, the highest point of which is the 532-meter touristic Tibidabo Hill.

In Barcelona, ​​which draws attention with its regular urban planning, residential areas are concentrated around the Old City, which is called Ciutat Vella in the local language. Example, where architecturally innovative buildings such as Casa Mila are located, forms the modern part of the city. Gracia, which is in the north of this region, and Sants-Monjuic, which extends parallel to the Mediterranean, were initially established as independent cities; but both were later included in the borders of Barcelona.

Would you like to experience a more special and different travel experience than a classic Barcelona tour? If so, let’s continue.

Now we’re going to a place where you can leave the crowds behind and sip a sangria or coffee in a quaint cafe hidden in the hillside. This is Gracia, an assertive hillside neighborhood of Barcelona. The Gracia area is a bit outside the city center, but you will not have any problems with transportation as the city’s public transport network is quite wide. In fact, you will enjoy staying in a more local area outside the city, away from tourists, just like a local. In addition, the density of shopping, restaurants, cafes and bars is quite high in Gracia. Even if you do not stay in this region, we are sure that you will want to make your way here.

People often come to Gracia to see Parc Guëll, a masterpiece by Gaudi. However, there is much more to discover here. We are sure that Gràcia will enchant you with its magnificent architecture, shopping options and the atmosphere of the cafes on the terraces.

Passeig de Gracia, one of the most important streets of Barcelona, ​​was the showcase of the Barcelona bourgeoisie at the beginning of the 19th century. The boulevard, which is still considered a commercial district with the city’s most famous shops, connects Plaça Catalunya to the Gracia district. The presence of Barcelona’s best modernist buildings makes this street a true open-air museum.

With a little imagination, you can still hear the carriages, smell the early trams, and visualize elegant ladies walking arm in arm with their husbands, maids running around looking after the children.

Passeig de Gràcia was one such street in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. On the sidewalks of the boulevard, you can see the organic paving stones designed by Gaudi and the white mosaic benches along the boulevard and the unique lights of the street lamps of Pere Falqués. Passeig de Gracia, one of the places you must visit in Barcelona, ​​is also fascinating with its unique shopping experience. Wander around this neighborhood and browse the quirky boutiques where local designers sell handmade jewelry, clothing, homewares and accessories.

Let’s talk a little bit about Spanish food. There are many alternatives to eat in Gracia. You can find a wide variety of international cuisine, from authentic Italian restaurants to American pastry shops and Japanese sushi and ramen restaurants to local Spanish dishes. However, it’s impossible not to taste the local delicacies when you come to Gracia.

P.S.: Pitchers of Sangria and delicious food is a must!

Mercat de l’Abaceria Central: A local market in the Gracia area, is also a must-visit location in my opinion. Here you can experience everything from fruits and vegetables to thousands of olives and cheeses. You’ll also meet the local people in the shops owned by the same owners for the 4th generation.

First of all, every meal starts with “Vermouth”. Vermouth prepares the stomach for the different flavors you will eat. Then go to a restaurant and try a few pieces of tapas. Then exit that restaurant and walk to the next one for about 10 minutes. Then other tapas at another, another walk, a new restaurant, new flavors and keep walking again. Thus, while you are eating, your digestion begins. Real Catalans are meticulous about gastronomy and natural food. They try to use gluten-free products in their meals and prefer to consume honey instead of sugar. 

Gracia is also a nightlife hub with lively bars, flamboyant cocktail venues and traditional venues with live music. You will feel completely free as you explore Gràcia, Barcelona’s artistic, colorful and friendly neighborhood.

There are so many fabulous reasons to visit Gracia that you simply can’t miss it!

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