Gracia, Barcelona — Travelrags

Lonely PlanetSep 11

Pedaling around the city is a quintessential Barcelona experience. Here are three tours to see the best of the city on two wheels.

Neighborhood with plazas and steep climbs.

23 things in this story

Casa BatllóPublic artworkAntoni Gaudí's iconic house with mosaic facade.
Casa VicensAttractionGaudí's house with red brick exterior and geometric tiles.
GraciaNeighborhoodNeighborhood with plazas and steep climbs.
El BornNeighborhoodNarrow streets with architecturally impressive Palau de la Música.
W HotelHotelWave-shaped hotel at San Sebastian Beach.
La PedreraPublic artworkGaudí's ice-cream-cake-shaped building.
Palau de la MúsicaTheatreArchitecturally and acoustically impressive music venue.
Gran Via de les Corts CatalanesSightStreet with 19th-century mansions and chic stores.
Passeig de GràciaSightStreet with chic stores.
BaluardBakerySells fresh-baked goods.
La Sagrada FamiliaSightGaudí's towering masterpiece.
Avinguda de GaudíSightBroad, pedestrianized avenue lined with cafes and restaurants.
Recinte Modernista de Sant PauSightFormer hospital, now a medical research facility.
Parc GüellParkGaudí classic with mosaic lizards and panoramic views.
Plaça d’EspanyaSightBustling square.
Museu Nacional d’Arte de Catalunya (MNAC)MuseumMuseum with views from Las Arenas.
Avinguda del Paral·lelSightTwo-way bike lane running to the seafront.
Maritime MuseumMuseumLearn about Barcelona's relationship with the sea.
La BarcelonetaNeighborhoodArea with beaches and the W Hotel.
Face of BarcelonaSightRoy Liechtenstein's pop-art sculpture.
PeixSightFrank Gehry's bronze fish sculpture.
Port OlímpicSightRefurbished port with a spot for a drink.
Mar Bella BeachSightBeach in El Poblenou.

Smithsonian MagazineMay 27

To honor the pioneer of Catalan Modernism, who died 100 years ago, learn about both his lesser-known and famous works

Neighborhood where Casa Vicens is located

10 things in this story

Antoni GaudíSightAntoni Gaudí i Cornet was a Catalan architect and designer, widely known as the greatest exponent of Catalan Modernisme.
Sagrada FamiliaPlace of worshipEmblematic basilica, construction began in 1882
Casa BatllóPublic artworkWhimsical, colorful mosaic facade with undulating balconies
Casa VicensAttractionFirst house Gaudí designed, built 1883-85
Park GüellPark47-acre complex of architectural elements and gardens
MontjuïcSightCity's highest hill
GraciaNeighborhoodNeighborhood where Casa Vicens is located
Palau GüellSightMansion commissioned by Eusebi Güell, built 1886-88
Casa CalvetPublic artworkConservative work built with symmetry, 1898-99
La Torre BellesguardSightMansion built on land with remnants of a medieval castle

Gracia