Passeig de Gràcia: architecture, shopping and chic hotels
Everyone has heard of the Ramblas, but not necessarily of Passeig de Gràcia. However, this beautiful avenue is as prestigious as it is pleasant to stroll through!
Passeig de Gràcia, an historic avenue
At one time Passeig de Gràcia was just a pathway lined with greenery that linked the village of Gràcia to the fortified city of Barcelona. Inaugurated for the first time in 1827, the avenue quickly became a favourite among the aristocracy. Passeig de Gràcia then became populated with numerous cafés, restaurants, dance halls and theatres. It was the perfect place for fun!
Passeig de Gràcia underwent a second transformation during the latter half of the 19th century when the aristocracy abandoned it to the bourgeoisie. The houses with gardens were then gradually replaced by multi-storey residences and flourishing businesses.
At the beginning of the 2oth Century Passeig de Gràcia was once again transformed due to the modernist wave that was flooding the city, and which created much of the striking and emblematic architecture we can see today.
Passeig de Gràcia, a magnificent window on Catalan modernism
The Passeig de Gràcia is an architectural gem, as it has more than 20 listed buildings (that’s all- only 20)!
- Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (also known as the Pedrera) are two of Gaudí’s most famous works, which you should absolutely not miss during your stay in Barcelona.
- Other superb, if lesser known, buildings that are worth the trip are the Casa Lleo i Morera, Casa Amatller, Casa Fuster, Casa Pons i Pascual, Casa Vidua Marfa, Casa Antoni Rocamora…
- Find more information on these modernist buildings and their addresses in our article Follow in the footsteps of Catalan.
Another very interesting building is the Palau Robert. It is not modernist but rather neoclassical. Take a tour and enjoy the temporary exhibitions that take place there all year long.
Passeig de Gràcia, perfect for shopping
The Passeig de Gràcia is also a strategic avenue for fans of shopping. It hosts countless boutiques for men and for women.
- Big chains: Zara, Mango, H&M, Bershka, Stradivarius, Oysho… These are mostly located at the bottom of Passeig de Gràcia, between Plaça Catalunya and Mallorca street.
- More chic: Adolfo Dominguez, Maje, Uterque, Boulevard Rosa shopping centre, & Other Stories, C.O.S., Bimba & Lola…
- Very chic: Chanel, Gucci, Loewe, Louis Vuitton, Santa Eulalià, Bulgari, Burberry, Chopard, Rolex, Cartier… These are found near the top of Passeig de Gràcia, at the corner of Diagonal avenue and València.
Bear in mind that one night each year around the beginning of December is Shopping Night in Barcelona. The boutiques of Passeig de Gràcia stay open until 1am and offer discounts on their collections. Find more info in our article on Shopping Night.
Passeig de Gràcia, bastion of luxury hotels
What is a chic boulevard without luxury hotels! There are plenty of 4 or 5 star establishments: Majestic, Condes de Barcelona, Mandarin Oriental, Casa Fuster, Hotel Omm…
Some are quite modern, such as the hotel Omm or Condes de Barcelona, but others have retained their art nouveau charm. In particular, Casa Fuster, a splendid building that we strongly suggest you visit even if only to have a drink or a coffee, as it provides an exceptional setting.
If you’re looking for a stylish and comfortable hotel that’s not too expensive, the Sixtytwo might be exactly what you need.
Passeig de Gourmets
It’s a gastronomic festival that is held every year in March. This year is from March 14 to 24, 2019.
During these 10 days, several well-known restaurants in the area offer a tapas route for €7 or a high-quality tasting menu for €50. In addition, workshops and activities are also organized.
Click here for further information.
Useful information
Where to eat and drink on the Passeig de Gràcia?
- For a little time out, head to the roof terrace of one of Passeig de Gràcia’s luxury hotels: the decor and view will astonish you! We really like the terrace at Condes de Barcelona (more information here), but the Majestic, the hotel Royal or Casa Fuster are also worth a look. The prices are higher than in a traditional café but the setting is worth the higher price.
- For anything more substantial, we advise you to avoid the establishments on the Passeig de Gràcia. They are very touristic, and generally overpriced. Head instead to one of our favourite places near the Passeig de Gràcia.
How to get to Passeig de Gràcia?
- By metro: Passeig de Gràcia is served by the stations Diagonal (L3, L5) and Passeig de Gràcia (L2, L3, L4). Passeig de Gràcia station is very large so you will have to walk almost 10 minutes to cross from lines 2 and 4 to line 3.
- By bus: Passeig de Gràcia has a lot of bus stops for the city bus and the tourist bus.
- By train: Commuter trains and big lines serve Passeig de Gràcia, as well as the train that goes to terminal 2 from the airport.
- By car: there are two spacious and well arranged car parks under Passeig de Gràcia. More info here.
- By taxi: there are lots of taxi ranks along the Passeig de Gràcia.
- By bike: Bicing terminals are installed along the avenue.
Enjoy your walk!
