The Gothic Quarter, El Raval, El Eixample, El Born… These are some of Barcelona’s most famous neighbourhoods. This time, it’s time to talk in depth about Paseo de Gracia, one of the most luxurious neighbourhoods in the city of Barcelona. If you plan to arrive in the city by plane or boat, don’t hesitate to visit it and use Shuttle2Sun to do it. We offer sustainable and low-cost private transfer services and shared transfer services from Barcelona airport and Barcelona port.
Paseo de Gracia is one of the most famous and emblematic streets of Barcelona. Located in the heart of the Eixample district, this avenue is known for its impressive modernist buildings, luxury shops and fine dining restaurants. Whether you’re visiting the Catalan capital, or you’re in nearby towns such as Girona, Tarragona, Reus, Cambrils or Salou, Passeig de Gràcia is a tourist destination not to be missed, and it’s only 20 minutes from Barcelona Airport.
The history of Passeig de Gràcia dates back to the 19th century, when the architect Ildefons Cerdà, born in Centelles, in the province of Barcelona, designed the city’s expansion plan known as the “Ensanche”. Passeig de Gràcia was conceived as a residential avenue for Barcelona’s upper class, and many of the houses and buildings that were built there at that time are still visible today. One of the main attractions of Passeig de Gràcia are the modernist buildings that can be found there, so if you find yourself strolling in this neighbourhood of Barcelona, you only need to open your eyes and you will notice it. These buildings were built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and were designed by some of the most famous architects of the time.
In addition to the architecture, Paseo de Gracia is famous for its luxury shops. Here you’ll find some of the world’s most exclusive brands, such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Prada and Gucci, among others. But you won’t only find luxury shops, there are also more accessible shops such as Zara, Mango or H&M. So, if you are planning to arrive in the city using the port of Barcelona, you can use Shuttle2Sun to easily get to all these shops.
Casa Batlló
Perhaps the most famous building on Passeig de Gràcia is Casa Batlló, designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí and built between 1904 and 1906 during the period known as Catalan Modernisme. This impressive modernist house has become one of the most visited places in Barcelona due to its unique and amazing architecture. Casa Batlló stands out for its unique and striking façade, which is covered with ceramics and glass, as well as for its organic and fluid design, which is inspired by natural forms. The façade is said to resemble a skeleton, with the windows resembling eyes and the structure simulating the ribs of an animal.
The interior of Casa Batlló is well worth a visit and you can do so by taking an audio-visual guide producing an immersive experience. Gaudí designed the house to have an uninterrupted flow of space, containing vaulted ceilings and curved walls, with rooms connected by arches and frameless doors. He also incorporated a great deal of natural light and ventilation, using interior courtyards and skylights to ensure the house was well ventilated.
Other modernist buildings that can be found on Passeig de Gràcia include Casa Amatller and Casa Lleó Morera. Gaudí was one of the pillars of Catalan modernism and according to some biographies, he was born in the city of Reus. If you are interested in visiting his works, you have to visit his hometown as its streets are full of modernist architecture. In this way, you can make a quick visit to this city thanks to its great connection with Reus airport.
But Passeig de Gràcia is not only known for its modernist buildings and luxury shops, it is also a top gastronomic destination. If you’re looking for somewhere to eat, here’s a list of some of the best fine dining restaurants in Barcelona with Shuttle2Sun transfers. Enjoy!
Lasarte Restaurant
Lasarte restaurant has three Michelin stars, making it one of the most prestigious restaurants in Barcelona and Spain. Its cuisine is characterised by offering a creative interpretation of Spanish and Basque gastronomy, using seasonal and high quality ingredients.
The restaurant’s menu changes regularly to reflect the season and the availability of fresh ingredients. Dishes are designed to combine textures, flavours and artistic presentation. It is a gastronomic experience and a spectacle for the senses not to be missed.
The restaurant has an elegant and sophisticated ambience, with impeccable service and exceptional attention to detail. Reservations are highly recommended due to the restaurant’s popularity.
Moments Restaurant
Moments Restaurant is a Michelin-starred restaurant located in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Barcelona. It is run by the Catalan chef Carme Ruscalleda, who has multiple Michelin stars and is one of the most renowned chefs in Catalonia and Spain.
The Moments restaurant offers a creative and innovative dining experience, based on traditional Catalan cuisine, but with a modern twist. The menu is based on seasonal produce from around Barcelona, the province of Tarragona and the Costa Brava, and uses modern culinary techniques to create surprising dishes.
In addition to the à la carte menu, the Moments restaurant offers a tasting menu that allows diners to sample a variety of dishes and flavours. The tasting menu includes dishes such as truffled egg with potatoes and caramelised onion, roast duck with pears and red fruits, and the dessert “Petit Jardí”, which is a presentation of small edible plants and flowers.
The ambience of the restaurant is elegant and sophisticated, with impeccable service and exceptional attention to detail. The restaurant also boasts an impressive wine list with a selection of local and international wines.
If you prefer something more casual, there are also many bars and cafés where you can enjoy a good coffee or a glass of wine around Paseo de Gracia.
Another attraction on Passeig de Gràcia is Plaça de Catalunya, which marks the beginning of the avenue. This square is one of the largest in Spain and is located in the centre of the city. Here you will find many restaurants, shops and tourist attractions, such as the Canaletas Fountain, where football fans celebrate FC Barcelona‘s victories.
Also, if you are in other towns such as Salou, Cambrils, Reus, Tarragona or on Costa Brava, you can easily travel to Barcelona for a visit, thanks to its easy connection. Remember that Shuttle2Sun offers shared transport services and private transport services from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport or AVE Camps de Tarragona train station.
