DID YOU KNOW THAT...?
Sant Gervasi - La Bonanova was initially part of the municipality of Sant Gervasi de Cassoles, a small village next to Barcelona.
In the middle of the 19th century it was discovered by the old Barcelona bourgeoisie and the first housing developments began to appear. In 50 years it became a residential area of old houses, summer villas, convents and religious schools. Finally, in 1897, Sant Gervasi - La Bonanova was annexed to Barcelona.
Avinguda Tibidabo is one of the streets where buildings from that period still remain, while others were demolished to build blocks that preserve the spirit of a neighbourhood full of history.
WHAT TO DO OR VISIT IN SANT GERVASI - LA BONANOVA?
Although many people think that there is not much to do in this residential area, they are totally wrong. In this neighbourhood there are many interesting places to discover.
- COSMOCAIXA: is a science museum belonging to the "La Caixa" Foundation. It was inaugurated in 2004 and in 2006 it won the European Museum of the Year award. Its facilities are divided into different branches dedicated to science. Its best known areas are the Flooded Forest, a reproduction of an Amazonian forest, or the Universe room and the planetarium, where multiple samples of matter are exhibited. In addition, its children's areas make it a fantastic place to visit with the little ones.
- BELLESGUARD TOWER: its official name is Casa Figueras and it was designed and rebuilt by the architect Antonio Gaudí. You may be wondering where the popular name comes from, right? Well, this name, which means beautiful view, was given because of the beautiful and panoramic views of the city. Previously, it was a castle where the King of Aragon, Marin I the Humane, lived and married. In 2013 it was opened to the public.
- DIPÓSITO DEL REY MARTÍ: this deposit was discovered less than 20 years ago, in 2001, and is located next to the Bellesguard Tower. The enclosure was used as a rainwater tank. The town council recovered it to build a multi-purpose cultural space.
- AVENIDA DEL TIBIDABO: walking along this avenue means walking along an old bourgeois street where the most important families of Barcelona lived. It completely preserves the essence that has not changed in more than 100 years. On this avenue you will find several well-known restaurants such as the Asador de Aranda or the three-starred ABAC of Jordi Cruz. Moreover, at the end of this avenue we will find the Andreu Tower, better known as La Rotonda, in modernist style.
- URBAN PARKS AND GARDENS: looking for a moment of peace and quiet? In Sant Gervasi - La Bonanova you will find different urban parks and gardens where you can disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Here are some names: Tamarita gardens, Oreneta park, Joan Reventós park, Can Setmenat gardens, Monterolas park and Vila Cecilia and Vila Amelia gardens. All of them are green spaces where you can stroll in peace and quiet.
WHERE TO EAT?
The gastronomy of this neighbourhood is best known for the tapas bars and dishes in Calle Mandri, but there are also many other possibilities. Here are a few of them:
BAO BAO Paco Pérez
- Asian
- 25€ - 35€
- C/ Arimon, 48
CHICO
- Mediterranean (dishes and tapas)
- Price: 20€ - 30€.
- C/ Mandri 29-31, Local 1
TRAPIO
- Mediterranean and market (elegant dishes)
- 35€ - 45€
- C/ de l'Esperança, 25
BAR MANDRI
- Spanish (dishes and tapas)
- 10€ - 20€
- C/ de Mandri, 60
NOW (NOT ONLY WINE)
- Mediterranean and wine bar (elaborate dishes and tapas)
- 20€ - 30€
- C/ Hercegovina, 28
SHANGAI
- Chinese - Asian
- 50€ - 65€
- C/ Bisbe Sivilla, 48
LA BALSA
- Mediterranean (elegant dishes)
- 30€ - 50€
- C/ de la Infanta Isabel, 4
BAR BERO
- Spanish (small plates and tapas)
- 10€ - 20€
- C/ de Mandri, 35
LES TRUITES
- Mediterranean (omelettes)
- 20€ - 30€
- C/ Arimon, 22
BYKYNY
- Sandwiches
- 15€ - 20€
- C/ Mandri, 24
LA ROYALE Paco Pérez
- American (hamburgers)
- 25€ - 35€
- Plaza del Camp, 5
ASADOR DE ARANDA
- Rotisserie
- 40€ - 60€
- Av. del Tibidabo, 31
FANCY AN EXCURSION?
Very close to the neighbourhood is the Collserola Natural Park, where you will find the well-known "Carretera de les Aigües". It is a 20 km route that stretches from the Arrabassada road to Plaça Mireia de Esplugues, in Esplugues del Llobregat.
Along the way you will find various viewpoints from which you can contemplate Barcelona's most famous monuments. Its completely flat profile makes it accessible for all ages and for different occasions: cycling, running, walking, with dogs, with children, etc.
Are you up for it?
WHERE TO SLEEP?
Whatever you are looking for, at My Space Barcelona we are sure to have an option to suit your tastes. Click on the pictures below and discover our many options!
WE HOPE YOU LIKE IT!