As you may know, Barcelona is divided into multiple different neighborhoods or "barrios", each with its' own vibe and defining characteristics. Depending on what you're looking to experience, a certain neighborhood is sure to provide just that.

L'Eixample is a pleasant, upscale neighborhood just outside of the middle of the city. The name means "extension" in Catalan and was originally created as a place to live for those who could not afford to live in the center of Barcelona. However, almost the opposite had happened by the end of its' creation and it is now one of the posh, wealthy areas of Barcelona. Streets are lined with stores of international designers such as Armani, Chanel, and Burberry, but there is much more to see than just these high-end shops.
Passeig de Gracia is home to two of Antonio Gaudí's works of art, Casa Batlló and Casa Mila. Also, a couple blocks further down the road is one of Gaudi's unfinished masterpieces, The Sagrada Familia. The unfinished church has been worked on by various architects throughout the years and has come to be known as one of the important symbols of Barcelona. If you're looking to experience some brilliant architecture and do some shopping, this is the place for you.

Near L'Eixample is the neighborhood Gracia, which begins at the intersection of Avingunda Diagonal and Passeig de Gracia and goes north. It was originally a village of its' own but was connected to the rest of Barcelona when L'Eixample was created. However, it has a different feel than L'Eixample, with an active community that has a more relaxed attitude.Various different plazas throughout the neighborhood help provide a sense of authenticity that the neighborhood maintains. The gem of Gracia is Park Güell, a must-see for anyone visiting Barcelona. The elaborate park features various creations of Gaudi and an experience of art unlike any other. Gracia is the place to go to experience the real sense of neighborhood here in Barcelona.

Heading in the other direction, el Born is one of the more modern neighborhoods in Barcelona. What began as a settlement for medeival fairs and celebrations has become a haven for small boutiques and excellent tapas bars. The different cafes and stores provide a relaxing way to spend the day as well as good places to go at night. El Born is also home to the Picasso Museum and the Textile Museum, as the original textile mills were located here. One of the most fascinating pieces of el Born is the church of Santa Maria del Mar, an elegant church showcasing some of the gothic architecture seen throughout the city. El Born also provides the ideal location for those looking to experience cultural aspects of the city as well as the beach. A ten minute walk to the city center and a ten minute walk to the beach make it one of the ideal places to stay in Barcelona.

For those looking to experience the beach and an exciting night scene, Barceloneta is the place to be. One of the largest beaches in Barcelona, it has over 1,000 meters of beach for one to enjoy. Frequented by tourists, Barceloneta is the perfect place to spend the day lying in the sun and eating at one of the many restaurants located on the boardwalk. The boardwalk is also home to many extravagant bars and nightclubs, with stellar views of the beach. Barceloneta provides both fun and sun.

No matter what it is you're looking for, Barcelona is bound to offer it. Pick your favorite barrio and book your apartment there now!

The Eixample neighborhood is recognized as one of the most pleasant barrios in Barcelona, full of beautiful Modernistic architecture and upscale shops and restaurants. Historically, the Eixample, which means ‘extension’ in the native Catalan language, was created by designer Ildefons Cerda, who planned for it to be an area outside of the city for inhabitants who may had not been able afford to live in the center of Barcelona. His plans for the area were quite ingenuous, as he strived to make the neighborhood a structurally comfortable place by focusing on logistics such as sunlight and ventilation and on increasing the ease of using horse-drawn carriages on the avenues.However, several of these plans were not followed through by the architects and the neighborhood did not evolve into what Cerda had imagined. Instead of an area for all classes, the Eixample barrio is a wealthy and posh neighborhood, offering some of the most artistic gems Barcelona has to offer.

On Passeig de Grácia, two of Antoni Gaudi’s masterpieces can be found amongst other buildings by lesser known Modernistas. Casa Batlló and Casa Mila, also known as La Pedrera, are located only a couple of blocks from each other and are definitely worth a visit, if not a detailed tour. La Sagrada Familia, the unfinished church designed by Gaudi and since taken on my several other architects and a symbol of Barcelona, can also be found in the Eixample district.

There are a number of upscale dining choices in Eixample as well which offer both Catalan and Spanish dishes.  Dozens of cafes lines the streets of the district if you are looking for a coffee or quick snack.  It is also a retail haven for international designers such as Burberry, Chanel, and Armani and Spanish retailers such as Zara and Desigual.

The Eixample district should definitely be a spot for you to visit if you like a high class atmosphere.  Book a Sagrada Familia Apartment or check out other apartments in the area!

Due to its touristic importance, businesses, stores, and its great presentation of modernista architecture, El Paseo de Gracia, in catalán Passeig de Gracia, is the principal avenue of Barcelona and one of the most famous streets in the world. Behind the most emphasized works found along Passeig de Gracia are the artists Antoni Gaudí and Lluís Doménech i Montaner, both recognized with the World Heritage Site.

Its most spectacular buildings also include the Casa Milá, the Casa Batlló, Casa Lleó Morera, and the Casa Amatller. In 1906 the architect Pere Falqués i Urpi, designed the famous bancs-fanals de trencadiís, distributed along the avenue.

Paseo de Gracia is situated in the central part of the city, The Eixample, and connects southern part of Barcelona from Plaza Catalunya with the northern part in the street Gran de Gracia.

The avenue could be compared with the popularity of the Avenida de los Champs Elisée, and is considered the second most luxurious and expensive street in all of Spain in respect to apartments and Building rentals.  It is most similar in comparison to the street Preciados in Madrid that currently occupies the first position in the ranking mentioned above.

The most prestigious brands can be found in Paseo de Gracia, making it the most luxurious street in Barcelona.  As a result, the landscape along the avenue is very impressive, and the most affluent of residents and visitors can always be found in transit in the area.  Some of the most notable brands located on the avenue include Dolce & Gabana, Gucci, Valentino, Channel, etc.  Although it goes without saying that many other brands offer their products along side of these notable companies including Zara, Bershka or H&M.

If you come to Barcelona and wish to stay in a Barcelona apartment near or in this area, check out the availability at ComeToBarcelona and enjoy one of the most beautiful areas of the city.