We had a most enjoyable stay at Joan's apartment in Gracia. It was modern, quiet, clean, and comfortable (including the bed!). A block away is a public square with restaurants and shops--a wonderful place to have breakfast or gelato, and catch a glimpse of family life going on in Barcelona. It was only a few blocks walk to catch buses and the Metro. A good place to stay if you want to be out of the middle of "tourist central," but still close enough to have ready access.