L'Eixample

Practical information about the Eixample

The Eixample district is one of the most famous neighborhoods in Barcelona, located in the city center of the Catalan capital, Spain. The Eixample is divided into two parts by the Diagonal avenue. For simplicity we speak of the eixample dreta (right eixample) and eixample left. The neighborhood is bounded by the following streets; To the north: Marina street/ To the east: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes street/ To the south: Paral-lel street/ To the west: Passeig de Gràcia.

 

To get to the Eixample by public transport, there are several options:

Metro: The metro lines L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, L7 and L8 all pass through the Eixample, serving the different areas of the different areas of the neighborhood. The most important metro stations are Passeig de Gràcia, Diagonal, Sagrada Família, Tetuan, Urgell, Hospital Clinic, among others.

Bus: There are also many bus lines that pass through the Eixample. The most frequent bus lines are H10, V15, V17, 20, 24, 39, 45, 47, 50, 51, 54, 56, 59, 62, 66, 67, 68, 141, N1, N2, N3, N4, N5, N6, N7, N8, N9, N11, N12, N13, N14, N15, N16, N17, N18, N19, N20, N22 and N24.

Hop-on hop-off Bus: Eixample, Sagrada Família, Casa Batlló, Perdera, Plaçade Catalunya.

Train: It is possible to get to the Eixample by train, especially with the R2 North train line which serves the Passeig de Gràcia and Clot-Aragó stations.

 

Map of the Eixample district

 

Eixample in Catalan means "Extension" or "Enlargement" because it was built in 1860 to enlarge Barcelona after the demolition of the medieval walls. Today, it is a wide commercial and residential area. With its intersection of perpendicular avenues, often photographed from the air, it illustrates a new vision of the city. At its heart, "Quadrat d'Or" - the Golden Square - like a small open-air museum, which concentrates the largest number of modernist buildings in Barcelona signed by Antoni Gaudí, Domènech i Montaner or Puig i Cadafalch among other architects of the Catalan Art Nouveau. Facades of stone, glass, wrought iron and ceramic: an architectural delight.

 

To see in the Eixample district 

The Eixample is known for its unique modernist architecture and famous monuments such as the

Sagrada Família, Casa Batlló, La Pedrera, Arc de Triomf, Casa Amatller and Casa Lleó Morera. But we love to stroll along Passeig de Gràcia or Rambla de Catalunya for its stores of famous brands such as Hermès, Fendi, Versace CH Carolina Herrera, Moncler, Loro Piana, El Corte Inglés, Zara, Mango, Massimo Dutti, Desigual... And its many restaurants.

 

Our advice: You have understood, staying in this district is an excellent idea because this district is central, animated, rich of major monuments of the city andgreat for shopping > Your hôtel next to Passeig de Gràcia

 

The history of L'Eixample

The Eixample district was built in the 19th century, at a time when Barcelona was experiencing strong economic and demographic growth. The city had become too small to accommodate all the new inhabitants and it was decided to build a new neighborhood beyond the old medieval city limits. The Eixample urban plan was designed by the engineer Ildefons Cerdà, who won a competition to design the new neighborhood in 1859. The plan was innovative for its time because it was based on a regular grid of streets, with square blocks of about 100 meters on each side. This allowed for maximum use of space and smoother flow of people and vehicles.

A unique feature of Barcelona's Eixample urban planning is that the building blocks are cut diagonally on their sides. This diagonal cut allowed for larger and wider spaces at the intersection of the streets, thus improving the circulation of pedestrians and cars. In addition, the diagonal cutting of the corners also increased the amount of natural light entering the buildings, which was important at a time when the people of Barcelona did not have access to electricity and relied on natural light to illuminate their homes.

The construction of the Eixample took over 50 years. During this time, many architects were involved in the architects were involved in the design of the neighborhood's buildings, creating a mix of architectural styles ranging from Art Nouveau to Neoclassical. The facades of the buildings were decorated with elaborate ornaments and sculptures, giving the neighborhood an elegant and sophisticated appearance. Construction interrupted due to the economic crisis of the late 19th century and the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s.

 

Tourist route in L'Eixample

More places to discover:

>>Take advantage of our good addresses such as restaurants and shops.This is also part of discovering a city.

>>> We recommend the best Hotels Barcelona Eixample district, both in the centre but slightly off the tourist trail, a great quarter for a stay... 

 

1- Casa Calvet***

Monument

Casa Calvet

Casa Calvet - Gaudi - Barcelona

The Casa Calvet, built as a dwelling and offices for the textile manufacturer Pere Calvet, is the first and least imaginative of the three houses Gaudí designed for Barcelona's Eixample (Extension).

 

The interest of the Casa Calvet centres on the imaginative resolution of the rear façade, the decoration of the hallway, and the design of the furniture, purely organic and breaking with everything before it.

 

What most calls attention on the façade are the symbolic elements. Over the door, the owner's initial, C; and supporting the main gallery, a cypress, symbol of hospitality. On the main storey, the relieves represent mushrooms, because Pere Calvet was a mycologist. Above the gallery, the horn of plenty. The three heads of the crown represent Saint Peter the martyr (Pere Calvet's patron), Saint Genesius of Arles and Saint Genesius of Rome, patrons of Vilassar, in el Maresme, where the family came from.

You can not visit the Casa Calvet in Barcelona but you can discover the very good restaurant Casa Calvet inside the building.

Address : C. De Casp,48
Opening hours : Can not be visited.
Phone : + 34 93 412 40 12
Metro/Bus : Metro: L4 L1 Urquinaona / Bus: 17, 39, 45, 47, 62, B21

2- The Passage of Gràcia

Monument

Passeig de Gràcia

Passeig de Gràcia

Passeig de Gràcia

Passeig de Gràcia

Passeig de Gràcia was from the beginning designed to be Barcelona's Grand Avenue. It is Barcelona's most elegant avenue and one of the best architectural walks in the city with lots of Modernist buildings (la Casa Batlló, La Casa Milà...). The quality and quantity of modernist buildings is unrivalled.

 

It's origins can be traced back to Roman times when it was a path that linked to the Via Augusta. In medieval times the city's door to this road was the Portal dels Orbs (blind people's gate), today the Portal del Angel pedestrian shopping area.

 

 

For the shopping:

 Aside from being one of the best places to see Catalan Modernist architecture, this avenue is one of the major streets for shopping in Barcelona. All national and international fashion houses have their boutique here. Among prestigious designers, you will find Adolfo Dominguez, Loewe, Chanel, Yves-Saint-Laurent, Hermès, Laurel. Foreign brands, such as Ermenegildo Zegna, Max Mara, Escada and Armand Bassi stand beside Spanish ones such as Purificación García, Camper and Loewe. Even more accessible brands like Zara, Mango, Globe, Benetton and Laura Ashley. More shopping in Barcelona..

 

To stay:  Hotels near Passeig de Gràcia Metro 

Address : Passeig de Gràcia
Metro/Bus : Metro: L3, L2, L5 Passeig de Gràcia and Diagonal / Bus: 7, 16, 17, 22, 24, 28

4- Casa Mila***

Monument

Casa Milà

La Pedrera - Gaudi

 

A totally unusual façade for this last civil work of Antoni Gaudí, La Casa Milà, nicknamed La Pedrera ( the quarry), in part because the cliffs near Barcelona were the inspiration of the great architect but also because of the appearance of the wavy facade of the building. In fact, the building does not have a single straight line, the façade is designed in such a way that it is impossible to draw a vertical line from the roof to the ground..Not much appreciated by the inhabitants of the city who cover it with sobriquets - piles of white stones, hangar for airships, earthquake - Gaudí had to fight with its owners who refused to pay his full salary. Following a lawsuit initiated by the architect and lost by the Milà, the latter decides to pay the sums recovered to a convent.A tumultuous history for what is now a monument of Catalan modernism.

Buy your tickets now for Casa Milà – La Pedrera from 22 €

The Patrons: Pere Milà i Camps and his wife.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Barcelona grew rich. The industrial revolution being at full speed, the city grew and was being transformed, while the Catalan bourgeoisie settled in residences that rivaled architectural boldness. The Passeig de Gràcia became one of the main arteries of the city and it is in all logic where best architects defy themselves with fantastic projects. The architect Antoni Gaudí, whose notoriety has been perfectly proven, finishes the Casa Batlló with the help of the constructor Jaume Bayo i Font but also the Pharmacy Gibert and the decoration of the Bar Torino in 1902, last both disappeared now a days. Gaudí at that time had already started the project of the Sagrada Família since 1884 and also worked on the Parc Güell (1900-1914).Gaudí meets Pere Milà i Camps, a rich entrepreneur and property developer who is also keen to mark his era with the creation of a house with an innovative design and great luxury. The project started in 1906 by Gaudí and will indeed become one of the most emblematic residences of the city.

Unpublished volumes and spaces for the time

The building is built on a surface of 1,835 m2 at the corner of Passeig de Gràcia and Provença street. The first floor for the Milà family occupies 1,323 sq. M. The building consists of nine levels, overlooked by a roof terrace. This imposing structure actually houses two detached and independent buildings, each with its access door and its skylight, communicating only via the ground floor. The unity of the buildings is rendered by a common facade.

Casa Milà was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 as "Works of Antoni Gaudí" in conjunction with Park Güell, Güell Palace, Casa Vicens, the Nativity Facade and the Sagrada Família Crypt, The Casa Batlló and the crypt of the Güell Colony. 

The sculptural façade of Casa Mila – La Pedrera

A striking symbol of the Casa Mila, its large sculpted wave-shaped facade and its 33 stone balconies crowned with forged steel like algae are abstract motifs. Wave shapes, ornamental work of the stone, luminous effects according to the time of day, Gaudi wishes to evoke the marine swell. He went so far as to draw the ceramic hexagonal pavers on the sidewalks adjacent to the building. They are also marine motifs, with octopus, stars and conchs. Its creative freedom will be limited only by the events: a statue dedicated to the Virgin of the Rosary was never installed on the facade due to the anti-clerical uprisings of 1909.

 

The visit of Casa Milà: The roof terrace

The building is crowned by a roof built on the attic, where Gaudí installed thirty chimneys, two ventilator towers and six stairway exits in very original shapes to create a terrace that looks like an authentic sculpture garden. A strange landscape, on different levels, with functional sculptures covered as in the Park Guell de trencadis, this mosaic based on ceramic breakage. A dazzling view of the city and a landscape whose symbolic significance is constantly being sought. Some see giants, others see masks or Corinthian helmets. The discovery of their meaning will be part of your visit to La Pedrera. The terrace has the particularity of being open in the evening for an audiovisual show that we describe later on.

The visit of the Gaudí Space

The Gaudí space is installed in the attic formed of large arches of stones giving a higher floor with a sinuous aspect to the roof terrace. This museum is very interesting to visit because it gives a general overview of the work of Gaudí and his work method. Examples include models of La Pedrera, Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Güell Colony and Casa Batlló. But perhaps the most amazing is to discover the collection of furniture created by Gaudi himself to decorate every room of the building. Chairs, tables, furniture, screens, doorknobs locks .. One understand the great dimension of the creativity and precision of the master by observing the refinement of every detail of this furniture.

 

The Apartment of the Milà family

Through small staircases we descend to the reconstruction of an original apartment at the times of the Milà. You will be able to see how every detail of the decoration was important and as everything had to be beautiful and functional. A beautiful design lesson that should inspire many architects today!

 

Tickets & Pass

Price of entrance tickets to La Casa Milà - La Pedrera

La Pedrera is today one of the most visited monuments in Barcelona. Access to its inner courtyard is free. The entrance ticket allows you to visit the roof terrace, the Gaudi Space and the Mila apartment. We begin the visit from the top to go down by stairs to the ground floor of the building.We advise you to purchase a ticket that will allow you to choose the date and time of your visit and to avoid queues that can be always expected for this monument

  • Adult over 13 years old regular rate: 22 €
  • From 7 to 12 years old: 11 €
  • From 0 to 6 years old: free
  • Students 16.5 €
  • Senior over 65: 16.5 €

An audio-guide is included in the price of the tour. There are two versions: a short version of 40 minutes and a long version of 75 minutes. The audio guide is available in Catalan, Spanish, English, French, German, Portuguese, Italian, Russian, Korean, Chinese and Japanese.

 

Opening times with our skip the line tickets :

  • Every day from 9am to 8:30pm (last entry at 8:00pm)
  • January 1st: 11:00am - to 8:30pm (last entry at 8:00pm)

Buy your tickets now for Casa Milà – La Pedrera from 22 €

Night visit « Gaudí’s Pedrera-The Origins »

A second visit to La Pedrera at the evening is possible: it is called « Gaudí’s Pedrera - The Origins »This magic evening offers a series of screenings in different parts of the building but also a show (in English) on the roof and even a cup of cava at the end of the visit.

 

The prices for the night tour « Gaudí’s Pedrera - The Origins »

  • Adults over 13 years old: 34 €
  • From 7 to 12 years old: 17 €
  • From 0 to 6 years old: free

Schedules for the audiovisual show « Gaudí’s Pedrera - The Origins »

  • From January 4th to March 2nd: Monday to Sunday, from 7pm to 9pm
  • From March 3 to November 1: Monday to Sunday, from 9 pm
  • From November 1st to December 24th: Monday to Sunday from 7pm to 9pm
  • From December 26th to January 3rd: Monday to Sunday from 9pm to 11pm

Your tickets for the visit of Casa Mila at night from 34 €

The three houses of Gaudí – Direct entrance to Casa Batlló, Casa Milà and Casa Vicens!

A combined ticket to visit three of Antoni Gaudí's masterpieces.

Save money to discover these three jewels of Catalan Modernism listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Close to each other, these monuments can be visited in a single morning or afternoon.

 

What is included?

  • Skip the line ticket Casa Batlló, including a Videoguide in your language
  • Skip the line ticket Casa Milà including an audioguide in your language
  • Skip the line ticket Casa Vicens

Extra Discount of 10% :

  • For Exterior Tour Mila & Batllo, Palau Güell and Colonia Güell.
  • Book tickets for the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell.

Gaudi´s Super Combi price:

  • Adult : 59€
  • Senior (65+) €54.50
  • Student €54.50
  • Child (13-17) €56.00
  • Child (7-12) €47.00
  • Child (0-6) € 0.00

Buy now "The three houses of Gaudí" ticket for 59€ instead of 63€!

Where is La Pedrera? Getting there.

Passeig de Gràcia, 92. 08008, Barcelona.Tel. +34 902 202 138

  • Bus: 7,16,17, 22, 24 and V17.
  • Metro: lines 3 and 5, Diagonal station.
  • FGC: Provença - La Pedrera.
  • RENFE: Passeig de Gràcia.
Address : C. Provença, 261-265.
Opening hours : March to November. Monday to Sunday: from 9am to 8pm (last admission: 7.30pm) // November to February. Monday to Sunday: from 9am to 6.30pm (last admission: 6pm) // Closed: 25 December, and one week in January for maintenance, 1 January: special opening hours from 11am
Phone : +34 902 202 138
Metro/Bus : Bus: 7,16,17, 22, 24, 28 // Metro: lines 3 and 5, Diagonal.

5- Manzana de la Discordia***

Monument

Manzana de la Discordia

Casa Batllo - Gaudi - Barcelona

Casa Batlló (designed by Antoni Gaudí): This house is one of Gaudí's most emblematic works. It is famous for its colourful, organic exterior and undulating forms. It is often described as an example of Catalan Modernist architecture.

Casa Amatller (designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch): This house features a combination of architectural styles, including Modernista and Neo-Gothic. It is mainly associated with the Modernista architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch.

Casa Lleó Morera (designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner): This house is another example of Catalan Modernista architecture, designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner. It stands out for its architectural details and ornamental sculptures.

 

La Manzana de la discordia or the apple of discord

La Manzana de la discordia means the apple of discord, but also, by a subtle play on words, manzana means the block of houses. This block of houses became famous precisely because of the feud between the three wealthy owners of these three houses. Each of them appropriated the genius of an architect to build his own palace. Three palaces, three architects: Puig I cadafalch, Domènech I Montaner and Antoni Gaudí, and three different architectural styles are the result, much to our delight today.

Address : Passeig de Gracia, 43
Opening hours : Casa Batllo: Everday from 9am to 9pm
Phone : Casa Batllo: 00 34 +34 93 488 06 66
Metro/Bus : Metro: L3 Passeig de Gràcia

6- Tapies Foundation***

Museum

Antoni Tàpies foundation

Antoni Tàpies foundation - Barcelona

The Antoni Tàpies foundation was created by the Catalan painter  Antoni Tàpies in 1984 to promote the study and understanding of modern art and culture.

 

Articket: Art Passport Card for 6 Art Museums in Barcelona

Of course you will find works from all periods of the artistic development of Antoni Tapies. You will appreciate the beautiful library devoted to modern literature and documentation on the art and artists of our century.

 

The foundation is housed in a building by the modernista architect Lluís Domènech i Muntaner.

 

The roof terrace alone is worth a visit.

 

After 2 years of architectural reforms by the firm of architects Ábalos-Sentkiewicz, the foundation was reopened in March 2010 with renewed exhibition spaces in order to recuperate the industrial character of the building and a new entrance to the museum to improve the areas of reception and bookshop… To see!!

Address : Aragó, 255
Opening hours : Tuesdays to Sundays from 10am to 7pm // Closed 25 and 26 December, 1 and 6 January.
Phone : +34 934 870 315
Metro/Bus : Metro: L3 Passeig de Gràcia

Last comment
a district not to be missed
Luise (29 Mar 2023 - 10:18)
Eixample of course!!! mainly for la Pedrera and Batllo...
shopping is the same as everywhere in the world so nothing new ;-)
Add a new comment View comments

4 comments

  1. a district not to be missed - Luise (29 Mar 2023 - 10:18)

    Eixample of course!!! mainly for la Pedrera and Batllo...
    shopping is the same as everywhere in the world so nothing new ;-)

  2. En hora buena - Omar (23 May 2012 - 09:45)

    Son uno de los 3 mejores sitios para planear una visita a Barcelona, y vaya que he visitado muchos.. muchos :)

  3. ok - massy (7 Jul 2011 - 10:15)

    tra un mese vado per la prima volta a barcellona, le tue guide sono utilissime, ma la sagrada familia non l'hai messa?non si trova nel quartiere eixample?
    grazie ancora e se hai qualche dritta aiutami, non parlo lo spagnolo :) ma mi faccio capire

  4. Gaudiosa - Alfonso Cioccio (11 May 2011 - 09:45)

    Semplicemente "GAUDIOSA", avete reso la bellissima Barcellona ancor più interessante, stuzzicando il visitatore non solo ad andarci ma a ritornarci più e più volte. Complimenti per il sito.

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4 comments

  1. a district not to be missed - Luise (29 Mar 2023 - 10:18)

    Eixample of course!!! mainly for la Pedrera and Batllo...
    shopping is the same as everywhere in the world so nothing new ;-)

  2. En hora buena - Omar (23 May 2012 - 09:45)

    Son uno de los 3 mejores sitios para planear una visita a Barcelona, y vaya que he visitado muchos.. muchos :)

  3. ok - massy (7 Jul 2011 - 10:15)

    tra un mese vado per la prima volta a barcellona, le tue guide sono utilissime, ma la sagrada familia non l'hai messa?non si trova nel quartiere eixample?
    grazie ancora e se hai qualche dritta aiutami, non parlo lo spagnolo :) ma mi faccio capire

  4. Gaudiosa - Alfonso Cioccio (11 May 2011 - 09:45)

    Semplicemente "GAUDIOSA", avete reso la bellissima Barcellona ancor più interessante, stuzzicando il visitatore non solo ad andarci ma a ritornarci più e più volte. Complimenti per il sito.

Your comment has been recorded and will be published after moderation.

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