Pedralbes brings about some of the best parts about living in Catalonia, let alone
Barcelona! On one end, the area stands out with its striking architecture, from Antoni Gaudí's amazing gatehouses to the very Gothic Monastery of Pedralbes. At the same time, the leafy district has also become one of the best places to live in the city, especially with how it continues to embrace Catalonia's natural beauty. Though it's still very much a central city district, its trees and gardens provide some much-needed botanical bliss amidst the bustling metropolis. What's not to love?
Where is Pedralbes in Barcelona?
Pedralbes, much like many other
central neighborhoods in Barcelona, is a district within a district. It's located within Les Corts and takes up the biggest part of the district. Technically, Pedralbes is the residential corner of Les Corts, as well as the most affluent part of the area. It's largely quiet here even though it's not too far from the city center. Pedralbes is only about 6.9 kilometers away from Plaça de Catalunya, so it's still very much a central city district. It also helps that the neighborhood is surrounded by equally popular areas, including Les Tres Torres and Sarrià-Sant Gervasi.
Is it Safe in Pedralbes in Barcelona?
Not only is Pedralbes generally safe, but it's to the point that it's one of the most family-friendly neighborhoods in Barcelona. It helps that it's a quiet area, practically devoid of tourist spots, and it's largely residential compared to other central districts. There's also the fact that
Barcelona's crime rates were never that high to begin with. They're only mid-range, which makes Barcelona one of the world's safest major cities. Since the city, overall, is already fairly safe, it makes sense that Pedralbes, a tranquil neighborhood, is one of the safest in the city.
Source: Wulf Willis
What's The Vibe in Pedralbes, Barcelona?
As already mentioned, Pedralbes stands out as one of the quieter neighborhoods in Barcelona. It's such a laid-back area that it almost feels like it's a
Barcelona suburb, not a central district. Naturally, it helps that Pedralbes doesn't have that many popular tourist spots. While there are noteworthy sights to see here, they're far less famous compared to those in the Example District, Gràcia, and the Gothic Quarter. As such, even when tourists stumble upon this neighborhood, this isn't exactly the type of place that draws them in droves. This, in turn, allows Pedrables to maintain its tranquil local spirit.
Is it Expensive in Pedralbes, Barcelona?
Pedralbes is notorious for being one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Barcelona. Some would even go so far as to say it's the most affluent area in the city, comparable even more so than the ever-popular Eixample District, Gothic Quarter, and the like. And that's on top of the
living costs in Barcelona, which are already generally high. So you just know that Pedralbes is extremely pricey. Take eating out here, for example. The average price for a meal in Pedralbes in Barcelona is about €20.00 to €35.00 per person in an inexpensive restaurant.
What to See in Pedralbes, Barcelona
As mentioned previously, the best sights to see in Pedralbes, Barcelona, may not be the most famous, but they're still fascinating nonetheless. The very gothic Monastery of Pedralbes is arguably the main highlight. It's such a breathtaking site that you'd easily forget that you're still in one of the busiest cities in the world. Parc de Cervantes is also in Pedralbes, offering some much-needed botanical bliss near the center of the city. It's one of the best places to relax and take a break from the rest of Barcelona. What's not to love?
What to Do in Pedralbes, Barcelona
Whether you're just visiting or you've
moved to Barcelona, Pedralbes is one of the best places to truly get to know the city by heart. It maintains a nice balance between a local residential district and a popular area to go sightseeing as a tourist. Of course, the latter is for places like the Monastery of Pedralbes, Parc de Cervantes, and the like. The crowds there are just right—not too many people on most days. At the same time, if you want to feel like a true local, Pedralbes has several quiet corners and hidden escapes that only long-time residents know.
The Best Restaurants in Pedralbes, Barcelona
Without a doubt, Pedralbes is one of the best places to eat out in Barcelona. Though the area is notorious as one of the most expensive in the city, its culinary scene is more complex. Pedralbes luckily has more than some of the
best Michelin-starred restaurants in Barcelona. There are still a few humble diners, chic mid-range bistros, and more that won't require you to drain your bank account. Chandigarh Café on Avenida d'Esplugues is a good example of the latter, which pairs good food and good live music. For the former, there's Restaurante Tritón Barcelona Pedralbes on Carrer de l'Alfambra, a fabulous hotspot where haute cuisine reigns supreme.
Here are some of the best restaurants in Pedralbes, Barcelona
- Alreves Restaurant on Carrer de Flos i Calcat
- Bistro Mató on Carrer del Bisbe Català
- Chandigarh Café on Avenida d'Esplugues
- Falafel Pedralbes on Carrer de Jordi Girona
- Handburg Pedralbes on Carrer de Pedro i Pons
- Honest Greens Pedralbes Centre in Les Cortes on Carrer de Joan Güell
- La Botiga Pedralbes on Carrer de Gandesa
- Monster Sushi Pedralbes in Esquina con Doctor Ferran on Carrer de Comas i Solà
- Restaurante Tritón Barcelona Pedralbes on Carrer de l'Alfambra
- Tingle Authentic on Travessera de les Corts
What to Know About Pedralbes, Barcelona Apartments for Rent
If you're still skeptical about how expensive Pedralbes is, take a look at its rental real estate market. It's not an exaggeration to say that this neighborhood has some of the most expensive
luxury apartments to rent in Barcelona. The average rent here is a minimum of €3,255.00 to a maximum of €7,110.00 per month. The former is already double the average rent in other parts of the city, so what more when you get a big place in Pedralbes? All in all, you'll need to be in a certain tax bracket to be able to afford to live in this affluent area.
With its leafy streets and fascinating architecture, Pedralbes is one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Barcelona. Not to mention one of the most peaceful too, making it one of the best places to live in the Catalan capital.
