The Eixample district is not only Barcelona's most emblematic district, it's also the most diverse in terms of things to see and do.
Most of the famous buildings in Gaudí as the Sagrada Familia or the Casa Batlló are located in this district.
Let's explore the streets together!
L'Eixample in Barcelona: article summary
A few words about Barcelona's Eixample district
The grid layout is the symbol of the sunny, modern Barcelona we know today.
Before the walls of the old town were demolished, small towns were scattered across the surrounding countryside.
With the arrival of the industrial revolution, the population grew considerably, and the center of Barcelona didn't have the best sanitary living conditions.
In 1855, the town council launched a public competition to meet the city's need for growth. Ildefons Cerdà, a civil engineer, won the competition. the Eixample project (Catalan for expansion)a huge company that would build the new Barcelona.
Cerdà imagined a city that placed great importance on people's needs in terms of leisure, health and social relations. The main objective was to make better use of space. Thus, he designed a grid pattern for added convenience.
What to see in Barcelona's Eixample
The Eixample district is one of the most comfortable areas to stay in Barcelona. Mainly because there's always a restaurant, store, supermarket or bar within walking distance.
The Eixample is also famous for having one of the city's most dynamic shopping districts.
Visit Passeig de Gràciathe Plaça Catalunya and Avenida Diagonal are home to the most exclusive boutiques, where you can go shopping and some of Barcelona's most impressive monuments.
The Eixample's main attractions
While the whole city offers exceptional places to visit, the Eixample is a place that is brimming with Barcelona's finest works of art.
La Sagrada Família
She needs no introduction, the Sagrada Familia is considered one of Gaudi's greatest masterpieces. The magnificent basilica is one of the most striking monuments ever built in the world.
The area around the Sagrada Familia
is highly recommended if you're looking for a place to stay in Barcelona.La Casa Milà - La Pedrera
This distinctive building is one of Barcelona's most famous icons. La Pedrera was also built and designed by Antoni Gaudí, one of the driving forces behind the Catalan modernist movement.
Barcelona's Eixample: Casa Batllo
Visit Casa Batlló became world-famous, also thanks to the creative force of Gaudi's work. Today, it is one of Barcelona's most important monuments.
The different districts of l'Eixample
The large Eixample district is divided into six different neighborhoods. On your visit, chances are you'll discover them all!
La Dreta de l'Eixample
Some of Barcelona's most important avenues and squares are located in this district. Such as the Place de Catalunya, Las Ramblasthe Passeig de Gràcia and the Gran Vía. La Pedrera and the Casa Batlló can also be found here.
Barcelona's Eixample: theAntiga Esquerra
Antiga Esquerra is one of the liveliest districts in the Eixample. If you're looking for a nice, comfortable place to have a drink or dinner, head for Rue Enric Granados.
On the other hand, streets like Aribau, Casanova and Muntaner and Plaça Universitat are home to most of the bars and clubs.
The Sagrada Familia district
The emblematic Sagrada Familia is the main landmark of this charming and quiet district, as well as the impressive building on the Sant Pau Art Nouveu site.
Don't miss a stroll along the magnificent Avenue Gaudí, a pedestrian avenue linking the two monuments, with its many restaurants, bars and boutiques.
Le Fort Pienc
The Arc de Triomf is undoubtedly the main attraction of the charming Fort Pienc district, a great and comfortable place to find first-class hotels. Not far away, you'll find Estació del Nord, Barcelona's main bus station.
You shouldn't miss walking along Passeig Sant Joan, the main avenue leading to theArc de Triomf. A perfect place for an early drink and dinner in one of the many cosy bars and restaurants.
Barcelona's Eixample: Sant Antoni
Centered around the Sant Antoni modernist marketthe Sant Antoni district is one of Barcelona's trendiest. You'll find a wide choice of cinemas, bars and restaurants. A perfect place if you're visiting Barcelona with children.
Nova Esquerra
The Nova Esquerra district lies to the southwest of the Eixample neighborhood, bounded by the Plaza España and the shopping center Arenas.
It's a recommended place to stay in Barcelona if you're arriving by train or planning to do some sightseeing near Barcelona. Sants train station, the city's largest railway station, is located in this district.
Barcelona's Eixample district is a place you won't want to miss on your visit. So let yourself be transported in Barcelona's gridiron district!
Leave a Reply