Luxury and cheap short-stay apartments to rent in Barcelona, Spain

BARCELONA NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDES - SARRIA / PEDRALBES GUIDE

Sarrià, Pedralbes, and Sant Gervasi are located in the highest part of the city. Certain corners of these districts remind you of an old village. The districts also have modern areas. Sarrià is together with Pedralbes the wealthiest district in Barcelona.

Sarrià is a place where acquiring a home was, and still is, a true luxury. It has kept most of its historic centre intact; most of the buildings are still looking as they did 50 years ago. In the main street of the old town, called Call Major de Sarrià, you can find traditional family-run businesses.

The district is well connected by public transport. Some other fascinating curiosities in this district are the palace of the royal family and an old convent.

In the north above the area Les Corts lies the old Monister de Sante Maria de Pedralbes. This is a beautiful convent with splendid buildings. The convent was set up in 1326 and is situated in one of the most expensive areas in Barcelona and is surrounded by villas. A museum is located inside the convent. It is magnificant to walk through this area and examine the residential houses.

Palau Reial Pedralbes is a palace with a wonderful garden. Back in the days this palace was the main building of the country property of Eusebi Guell. In 1919 he offered everything to the royal family. Since 1937 the Museu de Arts Decoratives is located in this palace. Inside, old furniture and other old objects are exhibited.

Museu de Ceramica is also located in the palace. In this museum you can see old and new ceramic art works made by Miro and Picasso. Behind the palace lies the old entrance that leads to the former country property of Guell. The entrance contains two beautiful gatehouses and a magnificent iron fence, designed by Gaudi. The palace is surrounded by several universities with beautiful buildings and parks.

Going northwards, the Sant-Gervasi district extends up to the foothill of the Collserola mountain, the largest nature park in Barcelona. Here runs, along both sides of the Calle Muntaner, the long avenue from downtown right up to the hills. This area is home to the wealthy upper-middle class. In Sant-Gervasi you can find many fashionable bars and discotheques, but also many important hospitals and clinics. A large number of primary and secondary schools are located here.

In the mountain range, which is surrounding the city, lies the area Collserola. Collserola holds the old towns Vallvidriera and Les Planes. It also contains the top of the Tibidabo Mountain. This mountain offers a panoramic view of the whole city. Tibidabo Mountain also contains the Tibidabo Amusement Park. This park was constructed in 1899. One of the unique items is an exact replica of the airplane that was used for the first flight between Barcelona to Madrid.

In this area the Vallvidriera tunnels, which are 12.5 kilometres long, cut through the Collserola Mountain. These tunnels are connecting the city with the Vallès area.