Do you still not know the Eixample district? It’s located in the heart of Barcelona and is one of the city’s most beloved and distinctive areas. Surely, if you think of an aerial image of Barcelona, you would recognise Eixample.
It’s the most central district of the city, and the most curious thing about it is that it’s geometrically distributed in a grid pattern. The combination of its innovative urban structure and the vast amount of cultural and architectural heritage it possesses makes it a perfect place to explore the best sights in Barcelona.
Are you coming to check it out?
What can you find in the Eixample district?
Eixample was designed in the 19th century by the engineer Ildefons Cerdà and is famous for its urban planning. It’s characterised by a grid of wide and long streets, interrupted by octagonal blocks with chamfered corners. This layout greatly facilitates circulation, ventilation, and sunlight entry.
Once there, what stands out the most is its impressive Catalan modernist architecture, which can be seen throughout the district. Many façades are elaborately decorated with mosaics, sculptures, and wrought iron. On the inside, they maintain the same aesthetic and feature spacious lobbies, marble staircases, stained glass windows, and ceilings decorated with frescoes and mouldings.
In fact, there are numerous buildings designed by masters such as Antoni Gaudí, Lluís Domènech i Montaner, and Josep Puig i Cadafalch. Among them are gems like the Fundació Antoni Tàpies Museum, the Palau de la Música Catalana, and the Casa Lleó Morera, but undoubtedly, there are three that stand out above the rest and attract thousands of visitors each year.
#1 Sagrada Família
The iconic basilica of Barcelona is one of the most visited monuments in Spain and also one of Gaudí’s most acclaimed works. Can you picture it? With its majestic façades and towers that exhibit countless geometric shapes and details alluding to nature, the Sagrada Familia is an architectural marvel that never fails to impress and is a must-see if you are in the Eixample district.
#2 Casa Batlló
Another classic among the classics that you must see is Casa Batlló, with its undulating façade decorated with mosaics of vibrant coloured ceramics and balconies that resemble masks.
Another testament to Gaudí’s creativity.
#3 Casa Milà
And without a doubt, Casa Milà also had to be part of these three must-sees if you’re in the Eixample district. Like Casa Batlló, it is famous for its façade; with its undulating stone and wrought iron balconies of organic shapes. It’s a building that, although it seems impossible, lacks straight lines.
Good food and lively nightlife abound in the Eixample district
In addition to architecture, the streets of the Eixample district are the gastronomic epicentre. They feature a wide variety of restaurants and cafes where you can fill your belly with traditional Catalan tapas or even international cuisine.
You can enjoy classics like ‘pa amb tomàquet‘ (bread with tomato), ‘escalivada’ (roasted vegetables), ‘esqueixada’ (shredded cod salad), and ‘butifarra’ (Catalan sausage). And, in season, also the typical ‘calçotadas’, delicious grilled spring onions served with a tasty romesco sauce.
There are countless venues specialising in fusion cuisine that offer a wide international selection, ranging from Japanese, Indian, or Lebanese to Italian and Mexican food. And all without leaving the Eixample district!
If you’re looking for a more gourmet experience, Eixample is also home to several Michelin-starred restaurants. In each of them, you can enjoy succulent dishes prepared by renowned chefs who combine modern techniques with high-quality local ingredients.
And at night, the fun continues. The Eixample district in Barcelona is also an ideal place for night owls. Its streets are lively, and there are numerous bars and entertainment venues.
Strolling through the streets and squares of the Eixample district
The Eixample district is known for its wide, tree-lined streets designed to create a spacious and pleasant environment where you can walk without feeling crowded. There will always be a shaded area nearby to shelter from the sun.
Additionally, it’s filled with squares and small parks where you can take a break, read, or simply forget for a moment that you’re in one of the largest cities in Spain. Places like Plaça Catalunya, Plaça de la Sagrada Família, or the Jardins de la Torre de les Aigües are ideal spots to rest, watch the world go by, or enjoy a coffee or refreshment on a terrace. It really has it all!
Shopping in Eixample: a foolproof plan
The Eixample district in Barcelona is an ideal destination for shopaholics, offering a wide variety of shops and boutiques ranging from the most luxurious brands you can think of, like Chanel or Gucci, to independent designers and more alternative stores.
Most of these brands are located on Passeig de Gràcia, the main artery of Eixample, and on the nearby Rambla de Catalunya or Pau Claris Street, where you have a greater variety of independent fashion and local designer boutiques. It’s an excellent place if you’re looking for something different and exclusive.
If you come to the Eixample district, you cannot leave without visiting the Mercado de la Concepció, one of the most emblematic markets in the area. Here, you can find fresh products such as fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish, as well as a wide variety of gourmet products like cold cuts, cheeses, and wines.
For vintage and second-hand fashion, there’s also space. Several shops scattered throughout the Eixample district offer retro-style garments, kilometre zero options, and more sustainable versions for those looking for unique and environmentally-friendly pieces.
Come and explore the beauty of the Eixample district in Barcelona!
Has the Eixample district surprised you? We’re sure it has! That’s why we’re making it easy for you to come and visit because you probably think finding accommodation here is nigh on impossible.
How are you travelling? Alone? As a couple? With friends? Or with a very large group? Well, it doesn’t matter! Whatever the case, at Key Barcelona, we have accommodation options that will make you feel at home, with all the comforts and, most importantly, right in the Eixample district.
What are you waiting for? Book yours now!
