Barcelona in 3 days – Second day: Gaudi, Modernism and Gracia

Route in the afternoon:

View Itinerario del pomeriggio. Primo giorno in a larger map

From the Hospital de Sant Pau, where we had finished in the morning, take the metro again to Diagonal. From here it is just two stops on L3 to Lesseps, and then just a walk away to the Gaudi Park.

Take a stroll around the curvaceous shapes of the Parc Güell (1): it is an absolutely wonderful location where Gaudí’s passion for natural forms is quite apparent in the 4 km of paths, stairways and a wonderful panoramic terrace with a number of buildings that are straight out of a fairytale. Nothing is square. Absolutely all its shapes are rounded, your head will be spinning!

Just a metro stop from here (or if you prefer a short walk) you can reach the district of Gracia: It is an absolute must to get lost in its narrow little streets and infinite number of squares! The great quantity of pedestrian areas, bars and restaurants make the district even livelier!

From Plaza Lesseps (2) and continuing along the Avinguda Princep de Asturies you can not miss (although only from the outside as visits inside are not possible) one of Gaudi’s first works the Casa Vicens (3) (Intelink con la página oficial) at number 18 on the Carrer de Carolines. The facade is fascinating, full of little towers, statues and floral decorations. The rumour has it that it is up for sale… Maybe you are interested?!

Not far from here is the Mercat de la Llibertat (4) at the market square Plaza de la Llibertat built in wrought iron and an authentic modernist style.

From here you can begin walking along the little chanting streets and squares of Gracia: the Plaza del Sol (5), the Plaza de Rius i Taulet (6) with its clock tower and beautiful Plaza de la Virreina (7).

Where to Eat?

Café Salambó with a select decoration, benches and low tables has a gallery of portraits of actors and writers.

Bodega Raïm is an old typical Spanish tavern with its walls covered in black and white photos of Cuba, old wooden seats and marble tables.

El Disabrat, another rustic tavern serving mediterranean cuisine. Its speciality: grilled meat and torradas (toasted bread topped with a number of ingredients)

Bodega Manolo, drink wine and try a select number of interesting dishes and tapas.

Botafumeiro, Galician restaurant specialising in fish. Excellent.

Can Punyetes, tavern with a pleasant atmosphere, excellent cuisine.

VIP ADVICE: The Carrer de Verdi is a very individual street in the district of Gracia, full of colourful, unique little craft shops.