Gràcia

Hang with the cool kids

Noteworthy for: A highlight of the Festa Major de Gràcia is a competition for best decorated street: Carrer de Joan Blanques always puts on a good show.
Word to the wise: If you like the young, arty, multi-cultural, non-touristy vibe of Gràcia, also check out the Poble Sec neighbourhood in Montjuïc.

An independent town until the late 19th century, the neighbourhood of Gràcia still retains a distinctly villagey feel - albeit, a village populated by artists, musicians, dreadlocked skateboarders and others of the Bohemian persuasion, and with a wealth of kicking clubs and bars.
Despite its charming narrow streets and expansive squares, and a location only a kilometre from the centre of town, tourists tend to only pass through en route to the area's most famous attraction, Park Guell, so it's a good base for those who want a taste of local life. And, because it is possible to get bored of manchego and jamon, it's good to know that here is where you'll find the city's highest concentration of ethnic restaurants.

Action centres around the restaurant and bar-lined Plaça del Sol, particularly during the third week in August, when Gràcia hosts one of the city's biggest, most popular and extravagant neighbourhood festivals.