Eixample

L'Eixample, which extends between Gran Via and Diagonal, and the district that is home to Barcelona's most famous avenues, such as Passèig de Gràcia, Passèig de Sant Joan, and Rambla de Catalunya, as well as being home to wonderful works by Gaudí such as the Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló and Casa Milá.

This is a district that is an emblem of modernism and openness to the future. It is also populated by many communities of foreigners from all over the world, who make it a cosmopolitan place, which adds multiculturalism to its typically residential character.

Eixample's design

Since its creation, Eixample has been a symbol of openness to innovation and was designed to connect Barcelona in the best possible way. Its wide, geometric roads are regulated by alternating directions, making car, taxi and bus traffic very fluid. At the same time, it may be a little difficult for a pedestrian to find his way around the streets which are very similar in layout, and also very long! But the area has everything you need: if you live in Eixample you can be sure that you will have a supermarket, a gas station, a laundrette and who knows how many restaurants and bars to try! Moreover, seen from the top, L'Eixample is spectacular: the octagonal shape of its streets makes the view of Barcelona really unique.

Eixample's neighbourhoods

The district is divided into six neighbourhoods, each with its own character. The part called Dreta de l'Eixample is the one where Modernism is most evident: here you will find Gaudi's houses, elegant shops and a flow of tourists trying to take pictures of the surrounding beauty. Then there is the Antigua Esquerra de l'Eixample, less touristy and more peaceful: this is a residential area where the renowned Hospital Clínic and the Faculty of Medicine are located. The Industrial School, which is based in a former factory, is, however, located in the Nova Esquerra de l'Eixample, next to the wonderful Joan Miró Park, which has a modern design library and innovative services. Another fantastic library is located in the upper part of Carrer de Comte Urgell (towards Diagonal) and on the top floor it has a wonderful room with stained glass windows that look out onto the street. In this same street, but in the lower part that enters the district of Sant Antoni, every Sunday morning there is a well-known (and immense) comic book market. Not to be missed by both the passionate and the curious, who will appreciate the unique atmosphere (If you are a book lover, read also the article on book shopping in Barcelona).

Another magnificent neighbourhood in the district of Eixample is that of La Sagrada Família, which expands around this phenomenal work of modernist architecture still under construction. Life in this district is calm and relaxed, with streets full of small historic shops. At the same time, the enormous flow of tourists who come every day to visit Gaudi's famous church coexist without interrupting the daily life of the neighbourhood, thanks also to the violet L2 and blue L5 metro stop, next to the Sagrada Familia. Finally, there is Fort Pienc, between Diagonal and the Arco del Triunfo, it is a very lively district, with streets that become a meeting point for the residents, who can also enjoy large green areas for sport or relaxation. Anything else to say about the wonderful Eixample district? It is perfect for moving around by bike, thanks to the numerous bicycle lanes.