Photo Taisia Karaseva / Unsplash
Living in Galvany, Barcelona
On the northern hill, next to Sarrià and La Bonanova. Traditional bourgeois residential bairro, modernista buildings, tree-lined avenues. One of the city's quietest and most well-off zones.
Sant Gervasi is one of Barcelona's most well-off neighborhoods, on the northern hill. Historically residential for the Catalan bourgeoisie, it remains today a neighborhood of beautiful buildings, tree-lined avenues, private schools, high-end clinics. It borders Sarrià and merges east with Sant Gervasi-Galvany.
Who lives here
Traditional Catalan bourgeoisie, high-level professionals, families with kids in international private schools. High-salary expats — especially French, Italian, American. Few young singles (high prices).
What it's like during the day
Orderly, tree-lined streets, moderate traffic. Carrer de Balmes is the great avenue descending to the Eixample. Plaça Molina is a central point. Numerous modernista period towers. Close to Tibidabo and Parc de Collserola.
What it's like in the evening
Quiet. Few venues, decent restaurants, discreet cocktail bars. To go out at night you head to Eixample or Gràcia.
Getting around
FGC Pàdua, Sant Gervasi, Plaça Molina, Bonanova. L7 metro. Capillary buses along Balmes and Via Augusta.
When NOT to pick it
If you're a young single seeking nightlife. If you want accessible prices. If you need to be ultra-central.
Sant Gervasi is the right pick for families with kids and medium-high budgets, expats seeking high quality of life on the hill with good connection to downtown.