Sant Gervasi
Sant Gervasi was the bourgeois summer-villa district and keeps the air: modernist houses with gardens, tree-lined avenues and the Tibidabo funicular at the door.
Towers and modernisme
The towers and gardens tell of Barcelona that summered in its own houses: several are now visitable public centers with park included. Walking it is a diffuse, silent museum.
The mountain's door
The Vallvidrera funicular and blue tram leave from here: Sant Gervasi is the natural base for Tibidabo and Collserola without a car. The century-old park up top, calm below.
Sleeping north
Serious four-star hotels below center prices, and fifteen rail minutes from plaça Catalunya. For travelers who prefer garden to bustle.