Private Gràcia neighborhood walking tour
Tired of the crowded and noisy city center? Enjoy a cultural excursion to an unique and dynamic neighborhood that was once a small autonomous village and has maintained its small-town charm ever since. At the end of the 19th century, Barcelona was in the throes of a large-scale expansion and was involved in the construction of the Eixample district. In 1897 the city absorbed the village of Gràcia, connecting it to the rest of the city through the famous shopping avenue Passeig de Gràcia and making it one of the city's newest neighborhoods.
Nowadays, longtime neighbors and new residents coexist in harmony, creating a pleasant environment that makes the district one of the liveliest and most popular in Barcelona. Discover the real Gràcia and enjoy the authentic local atmosphere and bohemian vibe, the lively markets and unique artisan shops that make this neighborhood so special. Gràcia is, additionally, one of the least congested areas of the city with many of its residents preferring to walk or ride their bicycles rather than drive cars. This makes for a wonderful setting in which to enjoy a stroll about, especially when the weather is nice.
During this 3-hour walking tour, you will admire important historic landmarks, including Casa Vicens, which was Gaudi’s first important work for the city. You will also explore bustling neighborhood markets to get a real feel for the local lifestyle of Gràcia. Along the way, our expert local guide will make several stops to explain local history and cultural curiosities.
And, of course, no tour of Gràcia is complete without an introduction to the famous festival of the neighborhood, taking place in mid-August. The Festa Major de Gràcia is considered a festival of national interest of Catalonia, and involves several cultural traditions, such as performances by "Castellers" (human towers) and "Correfocs" (fire runners). During this week long event, the residents of the neighborhood also dress their streets in colorful decorations, perfect to enjoy with some live music.
The tour will end in the wonderful Park Güell, a public park whose every detail expresses Antoni Gaudí's passion for combining unique architecture with a natural setting. From this famous landmark, you will enjoy spectacular views of the Catalan capital – a panoramic perspective of Barcelona’s dynamic skyline.
