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!