Pedralbes: a quiet district of Barcelona

• Pedralbe: a peaceful neighborhood close to downtown
• What to see in Pedralbes
• The royal palace, the stronghold of Pedralbes
• Getting around the neighborhood
• Where to eat in Pedralbes
• What to do in Pedralbes in the evening?

Pedralbes: a peaceful neighborhood close to downtown

The pace of life is slow in Pedralbes, and there's a wide choice of sunny green spaces to relax in. A perfect example is the Parc de Cervantes, on the southwest corner of the neighborhood. Here you'll find over 10,000 roses of 245 varieties from countless different countries.

The rest of the park features grassy banks and benches, making it an ideal spot for a picnic.

What to see in Pedralbes

The district's main attraction is the XIVᵉ century monastery, the Museu-Monestir de Pedralbes, at the top of Avinguda de Pedralbes. For most of its existence, it remained isolated in the middle of the countryside. It was only in the XXᵉ century that the residential areas of Pedralbes began to be built around it.

The complex contains a single-nave church of unique beauty, which you reach at the end of a quiet cobbled lane. Several nuns from the Order of St. Clare still reside here today, and as you stroll through the quarters open to the public, you'll get a real insight into the lives of local people over the centuries.

The royal palace, the stronghold of Pedralbes

The Royal Palace of Pedralbes (Palau Reial) is a manor house turned royal residence that houses several museums open to the public. These include the Ceramics Museum, where you can see interesting pieces by Picasso and Joan Miró. The surrounding classical gardens are a haven of peace, with a Gaudí-designed pergola and lampposts hidden among the trees.

Nearby, you'll find part of the former Güell estate, présidé par une mémorable porte de dragon en fer forgé, et deux pavillons conçus dans le style « trencadís ». En fait, ce projet était la première commande

from Gaudí to its famous patron. The dragon's gaping mouth over the door provides the perfect backdrop for your photos.

Getting around the neighborhood

Green line 3 of the metro runs along the southern edge of Pedralbes, with Maria Cristina, Palau Reial and Zona Universitaria stations, where the line ends.

The streetcar also runs along Avenida Diagonal. Within the district itself, there are several bus routes that will take you in different directions, including to the place Catalunya.

Where to eat in Pedralbes

There's not a huge choice of restaurants in this area. However, those that are present tend to be excellent. Right next to the monastery is El Jardi de l'Abadessa, whose garden makes summer a pleasure for al fresco dining. Fresh cuisine and wine list adds to the charm of the place.

If you prefer seafood, try the Tritón restaurant, with its white tablecloths and copious topiaries. The fish dishes are superb, although there are always a few meat dishes on the menu.

If you're looking for the most charming spot in the neighborhood, I'd recommend heading for La Venta, at the foot of the funicular to Tibidabo. These are in fact two separate restaurants. The first is a patio on the first floor. The second is an upstairs dining room, offering superb views of the city below.

The whole place has a rather mellow atmosphere, ideal for enjoying a quiet lunch. The upstairs room has only seven tables, so book in advance. if you don't want to miss the view.

What to do in Pedralbes in the evening?

In keeping with the rest of Pedralbes, the nightclubs here are very select. There's nowhere more chic than the Elephant Club, located in a 1920s colonial-style mansion.

The place starts to come alive after 11 p.m., when local celebrities and others begin to show up. During the summer months, white Bedouin-style tents are erected outside. You can enjoy the tropical atmosphere to the full. relaxing on a chaise longue.

If you're looking for peace and quiet on your vacation, I'd recommend spending some time in Pedralbes. The latter will give you the peace and quiet you're looking for during your stay!