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District of Barcelona
Photo: Marek Holub, CC BY 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons
The Eixample is the quarter designed during the middle of the 19th century by Ildefons Cerdà, expanding the medieval city of Barcelona into space left empty for defence outside the city walls. It's an enormous field of rectangular blocks in a continuously repeating layout, with the constant threat of getting lost (at least for those used to European cities). Eixample contains most of the modernist buildings, including La Pedrera, Casa Batlló and most famously, La Sagrada Família. A very interesting example for planned urban development and subsequent re-planning and restructuring.
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Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família
Barcelona's most popular and famous attraction, the Sagrada Família is a testament to Antonio Gaudi's modernist style and unlike any other church in the world. The texture and detail on the façades are intricate and incorporate forms seen in nature as much of Gaudi's work does. The inside is huge — it's estimated that it can hold 13,000 people — with vaulted ceilings and columns designed to be reminiscent of trees. The church is still under construction, but the central nave, apse and crypt are open. Seeing the Sagrada Família at night with lights on is impressive — this is the time when you understand why people say that it is built of bones.
Another Gaudi masterpiece along the same avenue as La Pedrera. Open to the public. No straight line or right angles appear anywhere in the house. Often overlooked for La Pedrera, (also by Gaudi), La Casa Batlló is equally as stunning with its unique architecture and infamous two ornamental pillars in the entrance to the terrace. Open for visitors from ground floor to the roof, and down by an old-time elevator.
Casa Milà
One of Gaudi's masterpieces, there is not one straight edge on the exterior and the structure is one of Gaudi’s most eccentric and enticing architectural creations. Tours of the interior and the incredible roof structures are available. Great views of the tall buildings (especially La Sagrada Familia) from the roof. Hosts a large exposition of Gaudi works, covering Sagrada Familia and Casa Batlio, not only La Pedrera itself. The exposition is a good place to start your exploration of Gaudi; it reveals many hidden details for the art novice.
Fundació Institut Amatller d'Art Hispànic
Designed by Puig i Cadafalch, the building is a fine work of Modernism. Check the detailed photos and explanation of facade sculptures. It also has a shop that sells fine chocolate (the Amatller family made its money out of cocoa).
By Lluís Domènech i Montaner.
Created in 1984 by the artist Antoni Tàpies to promote the study and knowledge of modern and contemporary art.
Passeig de Gràcia 68. Enjoy city views from the rooftop. Just enter the elevator right from the lobby, and head up to the top floor.
Connecting many of the major streets in the city, the Plaça is a central location and a hub of activity. It is a favourite meeting spot for locals and a transit hub for the tourist buses. There are many fountains, statues and gardens around the plaza, and a number of benches to just sit and take it all in.
University of Barcelona
The university has many interesting buildings, libraries and courtyards.
A scavenger hunt full of puzzles to solve, something like an outdoor escape room, and it doubles as a self-guided tour of modernist architecture around the Casa Batlló. Fun for groups and available in several languages including English. Book in advance.
Vegan restaurant.
Vegan cafe
Many local business people come to dine here during the week. The ever changing menu del dia (menu of the day) costs around €10 and will fill you up with delicious Catalan cuisine that is well prepared and equally well presented. The Crema Catalana, similar to a creme brulee, makes an excellent choice for dessert. Arriving for lunch before 14:00 could save you from waiting for a table.
Catalan meals. Allow about €25 per person, although you could get out of there for half of that if you let the price dictate your choice of dishes.
The restaurant, formerly known as Ty Bihan, serves good Breton crêpes made with artisanal dough.
Authentic Mexican restaurant.
Tapas and seafood
The restaurant offers pleasant modern Spanish cuisine in a cool setup (wine boxes decorate the walls, the entrance is the local bar). The dessert choices are plenty and the mille-feuille is recommendable.
Named one of the '80 Hottest New Restaurants in the World' by Condé Nast Traveller shortly after opening in 2004, Cinc Sentits surpasses expectations. One of the few restaurants in Barcelona to offer a wine pairing, it features contemporary Catalan cuisine in a modern, warm interior.
With a reputation for serving the freshest produce around, (there are even chickens wandering around the patio), Gaig focuses on classic Catalan cuisine, but in a modern, lighter sense. The decor is in a contemporary red and black design, and the staff are friendly and welcoming. Was awarded a Michelin Star.
Renowned Catalan chef Joan Roca serves up tasty treats such as sea bass with lemongrass or a delicious suckling pig.
Nice cosy cafe to sit and lounge over a cup of proper coffee.
'Moritz Epidor' absolutely should be tasted. Brewery tours available.
3-story disco club.
International craft beers a snacks
Good choice of craft beers. Food available except Monday
Formerly Centric Point Hostel.
Clean, friendly and good value.
Part of the St Christopher's Inns chain, this new hostel has private and dormitory style rooms and a Belushi's bar downstairs.
Common room, free Wi-Fi, rooms with air-conditioning, heating and TV.
In the heart of modernist Barcelona. Gaudi’s Casa Batlló and la Pedrera are a five-minute walk away while las Ramblas, Plaza Cataluña and the Gothic Quarter are all at your doorstep.
Run by a jazz musician, a local politician and an Australian, they have been around for 30 years taking care of guests. Good rooms, all the usual goodies, for couples, creative hearts and all those who want to get a feel of the creative edge of Barcelona in terms of cuisine, art, music, theatre, dance. They love the city and have our own travel guide to show you around. The city is made up of cement buildings, what makes it tick are its people.
Part of local chain of hostels that operates five hostels in Barcelona. Offers full equipped kitchen, common room with DVD, books, cable TV, guitar and couches, computers with 24 hours free internet access, free lockers and storage room, laundry facilities, towels rentals and public phone.
The beautiful building breaths the atmosphere of the late 19th century, which also is reflected in the inside. You'll find it relaxed and well preserved. Free access to the fridge, microwave and all the ingredients to prepare yourself a varied Mediterranean-style breakfast.
A hostel near the top of Diagonal. It is very safe and good fun, offering a restaurant, bar, TV area, ping-pong tables, kitchen, free internet, and sheets and breakfast included in the price. Be sure to book online; there are often good deals on the hostel's website.
It's located in the Sant Marti district, but close to the eastern border of the Eixample. Twins, 4-, 6-, 8-person dorms - en-suite bathrooms, fitness club and swimming pool, breakfast included, security lockers, wifi throughout the building, common room with cheap bar.
A design hotel built in 2006. Offers 54 modern and spacious rooms and a rooftop deck with pool. Free Wi-Fi.
A modern urban hotel by prestigious architect Alfredo Arribas. On the 8th floor you can find the endless-pool with views over Plaza Espanya and Montjuic hill. Free Wi-Fi.
Built in 1870 as a palace for the Serra-Chopitea family, the building was converted into a hotel in 1935. Today it still stores countless pieces and works of art from the 19th century, making it at once a distinguished, elegant and unique hotel. Free Wi-Fi.
A modern boutique hotel, built in 2006. The hotel is also home to the popular Zinc bar.
New modern design hotel, free WiFi.
1 km from La Rambla. Super-slick rooms with glass and marble bathrooms, flat panel TVs, free Wi-Fi. Problems with 3rd-party bookings reported, so book directly.
About €100 per night for a double room with bath and breakfast.
425 wifi-equipped rooms, near Sants Central Station and Fira (Expo). €58-180.
Enric Granados 83. Set in a 19th-century hospital, it has been converted into a Nouveau Art Decó styled hotel. Its structure of oxidised iron is reminiscent of New York's Soho loft, and it stands in contrast with the stone and glass façade and the elegant, minimalist zen styled interiors.
Very central. As a former palace, the public spaces of the hotel live up to its history. The rooms are large, but otherwise relatively modest. About €80 per night for a double room with bath.
Hotel Aranea
Nice hotel near the Sagrada Familia cathedral.
Economical hotel with inclusive breakfast
In Passeig de Gràcia district, featuring elegant rooms with adaptable lighting.
Established in 1918. Its rooftop terrace "La Dolce Vitae" offers views of La Sagrada Familia and much of the city.
In a rather nondescript building, the Renaissance offers contemporary style typical for the chain - except for guest bathrooms, who seem to have evaded renovation.
The Alexandra's rooms are somewhat sombre, with minimal decor kept in grayish hues. The lobby and restaurant are very impressive, however.
Trying to make the most out of a very small building in the Gran Via.
The usual NH fare packed into a nice corner building a minute away from the Arc de Triomf.
The bike shop sells high end bikes.
Xocoa or The Chocolate Factory is a must for chocolate lovers. They sell special products like peppermint white chocolate or blackberry dark chocolate.
The local market in the heart of the Eixample sells fresh fruits, vegetables and seafood. This is a great flower market too, the florists are open all week. The market is over than 120 years old, but has been thoroughly modernized since.
Different stylish clothes for men, women and children.
There are six shops in Barcelona, this is their outlet.
The Nike shop sells all kinds of football and running shoes. Every Thursday evening they organise a "Run Barcelona" with free participation.
The bike shop has a wide selection of quality bikes and some interesting offers.
A medium-sized store is to be found at the eastern end of the tram lines in Les Corts, handy if you are after some clothes or other merchandise you may need. Unlike most stores in the chain, in an actually nice and modern building - look for the entrance on the back side of the complex when approaching from Plaça de Francesc Macià (the roundabout)
Eixample is in the middle of Barcelona so it's easily accessible by road, train, bus or metro. The metro, with stops at Plaça Catalunya, Passeig de Gràcia and Diagonal, connects the district to Gràcia and Ciutat Vella.
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