Located in what is known as Barcelona’s zona alta, Pedralbes is one of the city’s most exclusive neighborhoods, known for its upscale homes, large apartment buildings with private gardens and pools, and numerous parks. It is a quiet residential neighborhood, but getting to the bustling city center is simple and quick thanks to an excellent public transportation system that includes buses, trams, trains and the subway. Its location also allows an almost direct access to the rondas, Barcelona’s peripheral ring roads. It’s also fast and easy to get to the different highways and the airport. Pedralbes boasts an impressive number of international schools including the French Lycée, St. Paul’s School, St. Peter’s School and Kensington as well as two of the city’s most exclusive private clubs: the Real Club de Tenis, where the internationally-known Godo tennis tournament is held every year, and the Real Club de Polo, home of Barcelona’s top polo and hockey teams. From Pedralbes one can easily access the section of the Diagonal where the city’s residents practice a number of outdoor sports including running, biking, or simply walking.
GALVANY
The Galvany neighborhood, also located in Barcelona’s zona alta, is known for its market, an architectural jewel built at the height of the Catalan Modernist movement that is located just off of the Diagonal. In Galvany’s streets, one can also find restaurants featuring signature cuisine with lunch time specials, boutiques selling international and local niche brands, gourmet bread stores, delis, beauty centers, night spots and gyms, among other retail outlets. What is most attractive about this neighborhood is that it is a small community; it is easy to establish relationships with local business owners and to run into friends or acquaintances doing their daily grocery shopping or having lunch al fresco. The elegant and majestic residential buildings, many of them built at the beginning of the 20th century, add to its unique charm.
Galvany has an excellent transportation network, making it easy to reach any spot in the city, including the many local and international schools located in the neighboring areas. As is the case with Pedralbes, its location allows for a quick and easy access to the Diagonal, the rondas, the highways and the airport.
