I stayed at Alex’ place for 10 days during a summer course at a university nearby. I really enjoyed the fact that it is located near amazing and beautiful parks, and only a fifteen minute walk to go to Gràcia, that had become one of my favorite neighborhoods of Barcelona with loads of restaurants and bars and people who are sitting and drinking on the squares at night.. The metro station Valcarca is literally a one minute walk, so you can reach the city center in 6 minutes and reach the beach within half an hour. Since life is quite cheap in BCN, I was okay with not being able to cook (although after ten days I’m dying for a home cooked meal). Alex was super-friendly and helpful. I’d definitely go back if I ever go back to BCN.