Location
Eixample is Catalan for "extension", meaning an extension of the old Barcelona city. Eixample was designed by Catalan Ildefons Cerdà, who took traffic and sunlight (amongst many other things) into consideration when drawing up the plans of the new area. Eixample is now characterized by its octagonal blocks and its grid-like pattern, with wide streets, and both commercial and residential districts. It is split into two parts, Eixample Izquierdo and Eixample Derecho, and is home to one of the most famous streets in Barcelona, Passeig de Gràcia, known for high fashion stores and trendy restaurants. The street is intersected by the long Avinguda Diagonal, which runs through the entire city and is considered the core of Barcelona's shopping district.
Eixample Derecho is home to many architectural gems, including La Pedrera and the towering La Sagrada Família, known as Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece. You will also find plenty of great bars and cafés here, too, so if you decide to choose one of the many Barcelona apartments in Eixample Derecho for your stay, you won't be disappointed.
See area map