Paseo de Gràcia: Barcelona dresses up
ICON BCN By Petit Palace
There are avenues that have something special. Paseo de Gràcia is one of them: effortlessly elegant, cosmopolitan, and with that Barcelonian charm that invites you to celebrate life without looking at the clock. Here, the modernist facades of Casa Batlló and La Pedrera are followed by shop windows of major brands and terraces where you can taste exquisite bites.
Casa Batlló is one of the most celebrated works of Antoni Gaudí and a jewel of Catalan modernism. Among the sinuous shapes of the facade, the visitor will have the challenge of discovering the shine of the trencadís glass, the iron railings shaped like masks, and the circular colored windows. Additionally, the building is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Casa Calvet is one of the lesser-known works of Antonio Gaudí. Located on Casp street, the building stands out for its colorful iron balconies and a style that combines baroque with modernism. As a curiosity, the building received the annual award for best building from the Barcelona City Council, being the only award Gaudí received in his lifetime. The only visitable area is its restaurant, specializing in contemporary Catalan cuisine (among its must-tries are the esqueixada, fricandó, or canelones).
Casa Lolea is a tapas bar that has a good reputation among both tourists and locals. The place stands out for its creative menu, warm decor, and famous homemade sangrias. Among the dishes are tapas to share, preserves, montaditos, and homemade desserts, always inspired by Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant opens every day from 9h until midnight.
The MUJI Flagship Store, located on Passeig de Gràcia, is a symbol of Japanese minimalist design. In its three floors, visitors can find a wide range of products ranging from fashion to furniture, including decor, household items, and countless stationery products. The company is committed to using eco-friendly materials and maintains a spirit based on simplicity and practicality.
Pretty Ballerinas is a handmade women's shoe store originating from Menorca. Located on Passeig de Gràcia, it is very difficult to pass by its window without being hypnotized by designs that combine artisanal tradition with the latest trends. Each shoe is sewn, shaped, and assembled with care by the expert hands of a lineage of skilled artisans.
With more than forty years behind it, Llibreria Gigamesh is a must-visit for literature lovers. Considered the largest science fiction and fantasy bookstore in Europe, its founder Alejo Cuervo has spent these years gathering the best titles in these genres on its shelves. The bookstore is a cultural reference in Barcelona. The bookstore also offers a wide variety of role-playing and board games.
MiiN Korean Cosmetics is a brand specializing in Korean cosmetics founded by entrepreneur Lilin Yang. In the more than 400 square meters of its emblematic store located on Balmes street (in the former Bella Aurora cosmetics store), MiiN offers a carefully curated selection of beauty products. Are you looking for face masks, serums, makeup, or skin treatments? You will find them here. An ideal space to discover the latest trends in innovative Asian cosmetics.
Right in front of the Arc de Triomphe of Passeig de Sant Joan is La Foga, a bar restaurant with a cozy and relaxed atmosphere. The place is ideal for those who want to take a small break and enjoy a drink or a tapa, as well as for those who want to stop and eat calmly. Their menu highlights the flambéed tagliatelle on a wheel of parmesan, baos and tatakis, or their must-try tacos and nachos.