Hi. My wife an I will be taking our first trip to Barcelona in March. We think we want to stay outside the Gothic/Born areas and in one of the lest touristy parts of town? We've narrowed it down to a few places in Gracia and Poblenou. From what I can tell, Gracia seems a bit more central and established, while Poublenou seems removed from the main tourist track while still being accessible to all the sites via public transport and a bit more of an up and coming part of town. Does anyone have any experience in staying in either of these neighborhoods that they could share? Much appreciated!
Posted by
Washington DC
28082 posts
I had to look at a map to confirm that I did not get over to Poble Nou during the ten days I spent in Barcelona this summer. That's probably an indication that you'd find it pleasantly untouristy.
I did walk through Gracia a couple of times, and it didn't feel touristy, just solidly middle class. It is a very convenient area if you want to spend a lot of time wandering around looking at modernista architecture.
Since you're traveling in March, I'll mention that I wonder whether the waterfront area of Poble Nou might be sort of chilly at that time of year. Waterfronts tend to be windy.
Just looking at Google Maps, it appears that there may be more restaurants in Poble Nou.
Paging Enric!
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
Being a former industrial zone that has undergone urban renewal with converted buildings and new apartment blocks, Poblenou is similar to such regenerated areas the world over (albeit in Barcelona).
Gracia, on the other hand, is an historic residential district noted for its artistic leanings and the grassroots Festa Major held each August.
For me, Gracia would offer a more 'authentic' experience.
Posted by
22 posts
We spent a month in Barcelona in August, and to me, you can't beat the neighborhood of Gracia. It has charm which Poblenou doesn't seem to have. There are a number of wonderful little restaurants in the Gracia area, and transportation in and out of it is great. A hint: Buy the 10 pack metro ticket, it will cost you about 10 euros. ( Individual rides are E2.20) You can use a metro ticket for 90 minutes...