´round the squares

 

The Catalans love a good town square and Gràcia is absolutely full of them!

In total, there are 15 ´Plaças` dotted around the barrio – each with its very own unique charm and individual atmosphere. Children playing, people partying, old-folks gossiping + dogs wreaking havoc – these squares are a hotbed of local life, and all combine to create the heart and soul of this tight-knit community.

To help you decide which square best suits your tastes, join Porktie as we evaluate 5 of the best `Plaças´ in the area.

(Note to confused foreigners..... `Plaça´ = Catalan, `Plaza´= Spanish )

 

Plaça del Sol

• The vibe: A bit of a suntrap during the day (hence the name) but most popular when the sun goes down. Plaça del Sol is the epicentre of Gràcia´s nocturnal activity - lined with scores of bustling bars, filled with night-goers who spill onto the square and keep the party going well into the early hours.

• Perfect for: An afternoon beer in the sun or a big night-out... Gràcia style!

• Recommended... Start your night off Sol de Nit then snake your way anticlockwise around the square.

• Click here to see on google map 

 

Plaça de la Virreina

• The vibe: Chilled-out square containing the Parish Church of Sant Joan and the old worker´s cottages.

• Perfect for: Getting a feel of Gràcia as an old Catalan village.

• Got some balls? Take your guitar, sit on the church steps and try to pass for a local busker. We dare you!

• Recommended: Head down Calle Torrijos just off the square for a great selection of restaurants (especially Mexicans)

• Click here to see on google map 

 

Plaça del Diamant

• The vibe: Popular hangout amongst Gràcia´s older generation to catch up on the gossip whilst enjoying an early evening stroll, and with families making good use of the purpose built playground.

• Random Fact: The square was named after a novel by the Catalan authoress Mercè Rodoreda. There is a statue in the square of La Colometa – who was actually the main character in the novel. Who said Porktie isn’t cultural?

• Click here to see on google map

 

Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia

• The vibe: Picturesque square that´s easily recognisable for the huge clock tower that stands in the centre. Lined with a lively mix of bars and restaurants (give Amelie a try) and overlooked on one side by the local town hall. Confusingly this square used to be called Plaça Rius i Taulet until the name was recently changed.

• Recommended: Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia is home to the wonderfully named shop `Merengue hand made` – you cannot visit this square without a taking a look inside. Read more about this shop here.

• Click here to see on google map

 

Plaça de la Revolució

• The vibe: One of the areas more modestly sized squares – although still very lively, especially in evening once the working/ school days are over.

• Recommended: Head up Calle Verdi that leads off the top of the square. This pedestrianised street is one of Gràcia´s main shopping areas. Take a nice stroll and enjoy the tempting window displays of the trendy boutiques before stopping at the A Casa Portuguesa for a well deserved drink and a little nibble. (http://www.acasaportuguesa.com/)

• Click here to see on google map