Barcelona is a big city, and picking the right area to stay can really make or break your trip.
Planning a last minute trip to Barcelona?
Here are some of my favourite places to stay & things to do:
🛌 Places to Stay:
1. Ohla Barcelona (best luxury hotel with a rooftop pool)
2. Yurbban Ramblas (fantastic location & modern rooms at a fair rate)
3. Hotel Nouvel (cheap, but decent hotel in the city centre)
Top Activities & Tours:
1. Get the Hola Barcelona Card & get unlimited use of public transport (you wont regret this!)
2. Make sure you book Sagrada Familia Skip The Line Tickets as the lines get super long
3. Take a Tapas & Wine Food Tour with a local guide
I’ve been lucky enough to have visited Barcelona four times and gotten to know its different areas quite well (I’m even heading back soon for the Primavera Festival).
But one particular area won my heart a few years back – Gracia, of course.
In this post, I’ll share some personal insights about this place and answer a question many travelers ask: Is Gracia a good place to stay in Barcelona?
I really like Gracia, but I’ve noticed some misconceptions about it online. Let’s clear those up and give you a real feel for what it’s like to stay there.
Where is Gracia and what is it known for?
From my visits to Barcelona, Gracia always stands out as a neighborhood with its own character.
Once a separate town until Barcelona annexed it in 1897, this district retains a distinct feel with its compact streets and vibrant community squares, such as Plaça de la Virreina and Plaça del Sol.
I’ve always enjoyed the laid-back ambiance of Gracia’s many plazas, perfect for sipping coffee or enjoying meals outside.
Where some of the other famous areas of Barcelona can feel a bit over-touristy sometimes, Gracia is still an area where the locals come together and enjoy the many bars and cafés.
See the best hotels in Gracia here.
You should also check out my huge guide on the best areas and places to stay in Barcelona for a full rundown of the city’s top areas.
My 5 favourite things to do in Gracia
I genuinely believe that Gracia is one of the best places to stay in Barcelona, so here are my five favorite things to do in this lovely area.
Dining at Tapeo Gràcia
This is a must for any food lover. Tapeo Gràcia offers a delightful selection of tapas that are both inventive and deeply rooted in Spanish culinary traditions.
It’s a fantastic spot to dive into dishes like patatas bravas or squid ink croquettes, each bursting with flavor.
Sipping Vermouth at Vermuteria Puigmartí
No visit to Gracia is complete without stopping by Vermuteria Puigmartí. This cozy spot is perfect for enjoying a glass of vermouth, a beloved local aperitif.
Pair your drink with olives or anchovies for a truly authentic experience.
Relaxing at Plaça del Sol
It’s a pleasure just sitting and soaking up the atmosphere at Plaça del Sol. It’s a popular gathering place for locals, often filled with the sounds of conversation, laughter, and occasionally live music.
The plaza’s vibrant scene gives you a genuine feel for Gracia’s everyday life and culture.
Exploring the Artisan Shops
Gracia has so many small, independent shops where local artisans sell their crafts.
From handmade jewelry to bespoke clothing and unique home decor, browsing these shops is not only a way to find one-of-a-kind items but also to support local artists and artisans.
Visiting Casa Vicens
For architecture enthusiasts, Casa Vicens, one of Gaudí’s first major works, is a must-see. This house is less frequented by tourists than other Gaudí buildings in Barcelona, offering a more serene experience.
The design and details of the building reflect the innovative spirit of Gaudí and provide insight into the early stages of his remarkable career in architecture.
If you’re looking for more stuff, check out my guide to the best things to see and do in Barcelona.
Why you should stay in Gracia
If you’re looking to really explore what Barcelona offers beyond the usual tourist spots, Gracia is the place to stay.
It’s just a stone’s throw from Barcelona’s main tourist areas, but it’s totally different from places like the Rambla or the Gothic Quarter.
This part of Barcelona is a haven for anyone in their 20s or 30s – or, frankly, anyone drawn to a more authentic local vibe. Gracia’s lively plazas, quirky shops, and local festivals make it an insider’s gem.
Here, you can blend in with the locals, sip coffee in artsy cafes, and experience Barcelona through the eyes of those who call it home.
My 2 favourite places to stay in Gracia
As Gracia isn’t one of the main touristy areas in Barcelona, there aren’t many hotels to choose from. But there are some!
So let me share two of my favorite places to stay in Gracia below – the first one even has a swimming pool.
The Catalonia Gracia is one of the best places to stay in Gracia.
This hotel is all about comfort and convenience and is located in the heart of Gracia. What sets this place apart is its lovely swimming pool – a rare find in hotels in this part of Barcelona.
With its prime location, you’re just steps away from quirky shops, local eateries, and the dynamic street life that makes Gracia special.
At Le Palacete powered by Sonder, you’re staying near Park Güell, one of Barcelona’s most famous sites.
You can expect stylish and comfortable rooms, equipped with everything you need for quick visits and extended stays.
Including a fully equipped kitchen means you can save some money on eating out if you like.
It’s an ideal place to stay if you’re keen to soak up the local culture of Gracia while enjoying upscale, self-sufficient accommodations.
See more hotels in Gracia here.
Who should not stay in Gracia?
There might be better choices than Gracia if you’re a typical tourist looking to hit all the major sights effortlessly or if you’re traveling with children.
The streets of Gracia can be narrow and sometimes hilly, potentially challenging for families with strollers or those who prefer less walking.
It’s also not the easiest area to get to from Barcelona Airport.
If you come to Barcelona looking for quick, easy access to iconic landmarks and more tourist-oriented services, you might find areas closer to the city center more convenient and accommodating.
As mentioned earlier, I’ve got another guide that mentions more areas and hotels in Barcelona.
I hope this post convinced to why staying in Gracia is an excellent idea. Let me know if you have any questions about the area or Barcelona in general.
Travel ressources & websites I use all the time 👇
• Booking.com has the best offers on hotels and unique places to stay
• GetYourGuide is the best place to book tours & activities with free cancellation
• NordVPN is the only VPN I've ever needed for travel (it just works, everywhere)
• Welcome Pickups is the best & safest place to pre-book airport transfers
Psst 👀 Have you subscribed to my Youtube channel and my Instagram where I provide more useful travel tips?