Barcelona Area Guide: Eixample Barrio

Eixample, which translates as "extension" in recognition of its status as the newer part of the city, is a large area north of Placa Catalunya spreading left and right of Passeig de Gracia. 

The area is indeed an extension to the city that benefits greatly from its ingenious urban planning at the hands of Catalan engineer Cerdes in the 1850s.   Cerdes had a fondness for straight lines and the whole area is set out in a grid with each block having an inner courtyard.  This means that it is hard to get lost in Eixample, and moreover, easy to find places.

Nowadays Eixample is famous for being home to the majority of Barcelona’s art nouveau masterpieces, and a high-class residential and shopping area. 

The right side of the Eixample is the older and therefore has more of the impressive architecture, but really there is not a huge difference between the two sides.

Passeig de Gracia is the heart of Eixample and the line that cuts the area into two from "Eixample left" and "Eixample right". 

Here you will find most of Barcelona’s international designer shops such as Chanel and MaxMara.  Also along this road are La Pedrera and Casa Batllo, two of Gaudi´s characteristically dreamlike buildings.  There are many interesting art galleries in the area and if art appeals then be sure to have a look in Fundacion Antoni Tapies which is just off Psg de Gracia and has a permanent collection of this Catalan artist’s work..

Eixample is a safe and residential part of the city but there is also a vibrant nightlife and a thriving café culture.  Eixample is a beautiful barrio to wander round, take in the glorious architecture and people-watch from one of the many terrace cafes.

It is in Eixample that you will find some of the best, and most expensive, restaurants in town.  This combined with some internationally known bars such as Dry Martini makes the area a very pleasant place to spend an evening.

Transport to and from the area is good.  Eixample is serviced by several metro stops, as well as the FGC train.  However the area is very central and most other parts of the city are within walking distance.

Hotels In the Eixample Area:

Amister Hotel - 4 stars
Astoria Hotel - 4 stars
Condes Hotel - 4 stars
Cristal Palace Hotel - 4 stars
Gallery Hotel - 4 stars
Gran Havana Hotel - 4 stars
HCC Regente - 4 stars
America Hotel - 4 stars
Cram Hotel - 4 stars
Granvia Hotel - 3 stars
Majestic Hotel- 5 stars
Omm Hotel - 4 stars
Sagrada Familia Hotel - 3 stars
Diagonal Hotel - 4 stars
Jazz Hotel - 3 stars
NH Master - 3 stars

Highlights of El Eixample area:

Gaudi´s buildings - Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló and Casa Mila
Art Nouveau (modernist) architecture
Shopping - especially along Passeig de Gracia and Rambla de Catalunya

Related Pages

Barcelona Neighbourhood And Hotel Guide - Guide to the main Barcelona neighbourhoods and hotels listed for each area. Photos, descriptions makes it easy for you to know where to choose your hotel.

Barcelona Hotel Reviews - Read our independent reviews of over 100 Barcelona hotel

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