Eixample
The Eixample, a gridded extension of the city planned by civil engineer Ildefons Cerdà and begun in 1860, is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable urban areas in Europe and indeed worldwide.
The Eixample, designed over a century and a half ago, is today the very heart and soul of Barcelona. It’s the biggest and densest of Barcelona’s districts, and the cultural and geographical focal point whose vibrancy keeps the city’s beat.
The neighborhood is comprised of 420 symmetrically aligned residential blocks, graced with gorgeous buildings, punctuated with public plazas and gardens, and home to beloved sites like the Aigües Tower, the Casa Elizalde, and the Palau Robert. Conveniently accessible by virtually all forms of public transit, this part of the city is one you’ll cross when coursing east to west, or from the mountains to the sea.
For those visiting the city on holiday, the Eixample offers fantastic opportunities for strolling pedestrian streets and promenades, like the famous Rambla de Catalunya, boasting over 9,000 shops, both modern and traditional, and all fabulously popular. The Paseo de Gracia is another favorite spot. Sometimes referred to as Barcelona’s Champs Elysees, this avenue features the most exclusive shopping in couture, footwear, and jewelry. And not too far away, you’ll find the city’s Quadrat d'Or (Golden Quarter), with the finest displays of Catalan modernist architecture, like Casa Amatller or Casa Batlló.
Neighborhoods:
El Fort Pienc, La Sagrada Família, La Dreta de l’Eixample, L’Antiga Esquerra de l’Eixample, La Nova Esquerra de l’Eixample & Sant Antoni.