Where Modernism Meets City Life
If you’re planning to explore Barcelona, Eixample is where the city’s heartbeat truly lies. From its iconic grid layout and grand avenues to its vibrant restaurants and buzzing nightlife, Eixample is a hub for culture lovers, foodies, and anyone who wants to experience the real Barcelona.
While some visitors enjoy exclusive clubs like Piramide Barcelona, which is within walking distance from Poble Sec and Plaza Espanya, most of your time will likely be spent exploring the streets of Eixample itself, soaking up its limitless potential.
What Makes Eixample Special?
Eixample (pronounced “ay-sham-pluh”) actually means “expansion” in Catalan, and that’s exactly what it was—Barcelona’s 19th-century antidote to urban blight. The district was designed by Ildefons Cerdà and is famous for its perfect grid system, wide boulevards, and symbolic chamfered corners. There’s a seamless mix of breathtaking modernist architecture, trendy boutiques, street markets, and lively plazas.
But the real charm of Eixample is how it connects the old and the new. Whether you’re here for the architecture, the cuisine, or just to feel the city’s energy, Eixample never disappoints.
Getting Around Eixample
Eixample stretches from Plaça Catalunya and Passeig de Gràcia to lively Plaça de les Glòries, and from Sants station to trendy Gràcia district. Easy to reach by Metro lines (L2, L3, L5) and buses. The majority of travelers start their visit from Plaça Catalunya or Passeig de Gràcia, the sophisticated avenue flanked with boutiques and architectural masterpieces.
If you’re arriving from Piramide Barcelona near Poble Sec, hop on the green line (L3) and you’ll be in Eixample in just a few stops.
Must-See Sights and Streets
Passeig de Gràcia: The district’s main boulevard is a showcase for Gaudí’s masterpieces, including Casa Batlló and La Pedrera. The street is also a shopping paradise, home to luxury brands and stylish local boutiques.
Plaça de Catalunya:
A hectic square where tourists and residents congregate and the gateway to Eixample and the Gothic Quarter.
Carrer d’Enric Granados:
A cafe-lined street featuring galleries and some of the city’s best brunch cafes.
Plaça Universitat and Plaça Letamendi:
Favorite places to relax or start an evening out, with nearby tapas bars and terraces.
Where to Eat:
Eixample restaurants
Eixample is a food lover’s dream. You’ll find everything from Michelin-starred cuisine to family-run tapas joints. Here are some top picks:
Cinc Sentits:
Awarded a Michelin star, this spot offers a modern Catalan tasting menu.
Ciudad Condal:
Known for its lively vibe and top-notch tapas, it’s a local favorite.
Flax & Kale:
A pioneer of healthy and flexitarian eating, perfect for brunch or lunch.
El Nacional:
This several-roomed restaurant is in a wildly restored industrial building, offering Spanish staples in an up-to-date setting.
Bodega Joan:
One of the classic spots for traditional Catalan cuisine, with relaxed, welcoming surroundings.
Best Bars and Nightlife in Eixample
When the sun sets, Eixample is abuzz with fashionable bars and lively nightclubs. The area is also full of some of Barcelona’s top LGBTQ+ nightlife, especially around Gaixample, Eixample’s LGBTQ+ quarter.
Dry Martini:
Iconic cocktail bar where classic cocktails are a masterpiece.
Tandem Cocktail Bar:
Cosy and refined, a haven for high-quality cocktails.
Bobby Gin:
Situated near Passeig de Sant Joan, Bobby Gin is famous for its creative gin and tonics.
Arena Madre:
Gaixample icon renowned for its welcoming and lively dance floors.
Shopping and Culture
Eixample is riddled with eccentric boutiques, galleries, and street markets:
Passeig de Gràcia:
For high-end fashion, jewelry, and design stores.
Mercat de la Concepció:
This market is a treasure trove for fresh produce, flowers, and gourmet treats.
Art galleries:
Don’t miss Fundació Antoni Tàpies or the many smaller galleries showcasing local talent.
Day Trips and Nearby Attractions
Eixample’s central location means you’re never far from other Barcelona highlights:
Sagrada Familia:
Gaudí’s unfinished basilica is a short walk from most points in Eixample.
Montjuïc Hill:
Take the metro or a short taxi ride to find museums, gardens, and city-wide vistas.
Poble Sec:
Close by Eixample, it’s a neighborhood with pintxos bars, theaters, and of course, the Piramide Barcelona club for those so disposed.
Last-Minute Fun Tips for Eixample
Walk and explore:
Eixample’s grid system is perfect for strolling—don’t be afraid to get lost.
Book restaurants in advance:
Popular restaurants book up quickly, especially on weekends.
Respect local customs:
Dinners start late, and terraces fill up even in winter.
Eixample is more than a neighborhood—it’s an experience that captures the creative, modern, and cosmopolitan soul of Barcelona. Whether you’re here for a few days or a local looking for new favorites, there’s always something waiting around the corner.