TheEixample is the quarter designed during the middle of the 19th century by Ildefons Cerdà, expanding the medieval city ofBarcelona into space left empty for defense outside the city walls. It's an enormous field of rectangular blocks in a continuously repeating layout, with the constant threat of getting lost (at least for those used to European cities). Eixample contains most of the modernist buildings, includingLa Pedrera,Casa Batlló andLa Sagrada Família. A very interesting example for planned urban development and subsequent re-planning and restructuring.
Eixample is in the middle of Barcelona so it's easily accessible by road, train, bus or metro. The L3 metro, with stops at Plaça Catalunya, Passeig de Gràcia and Diagonal, connects the district toGràcia andCiutat Vella. L5 and L2 both stop at the Sagrada Família and L2 also stops at the University. L1 and L5 connect the district withSants-Montjuïc.
Passeig de Gràcia is a main regional rail station in the area it is served by lines R2 which connects to the airport and R2SUD R2NORD along with other regional trains.
Other regional trains stop at Plaça de Catalunya
Driving a car in Eixample is possible, though you may find difficulties to find a decent parking place in peak hours. There are two zones for paid parking and prices vary depending on demand. (Green Zone, €1.08-2.42/hr)
41.4036082.1744421Sagrada Família(Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família),Carrer de Mallorca, 401(Sardenya and Mallorca;
Sagrada Familia L2 L5 ),☏+34 932 080 414,informacio@sagradafamilia.org.Daily: Nov-Mar 09:00-18:00; Oct Mar 09:00-19:00; Apr-Sep 09:00-20:00.Barcelona's most popular and famous attraction, the Sagrada Família is a testament to Antonio Gaudi's modernist style and unlike any other church in the world. The texture and detail on the façades are intricate and incorporate forms seen in nature as much of Gaudi's work does. The inside is huge — it's estimated that it can hold 13,000 people — with vaulted ceilings and columns designed to be reminiscent of trees. The church is still under construction, but the central nave, apse and crypt are open. Seeing the Sagrada Família at night with lights on is impressive — this is the time when you understand why people say that it is built of bones.€26 for adult, with audio guide, €30 if tour included. €10 extra to visit the towers.
(updated Mar 2025)
An audioguide is recommended. You will get a much better appreciation of the Sagrada Família, but it does last for over 90 minutes.
A trip to the towers costs extra but provides a different perspective to the church. There are two façades to choose from:Façana del Naixement (Nativity façade) andFaçana de la Passió (Passion façade). The first one was constructed between 1894 and 1930, and reflects Gaudi's style to the most. The Nativity façade is lower and faces to the east of Barcelona, but you could visit two towers there and then climb down by the famous stairs. The lift to the towers at the Passion façade goes up 85 m and offers you a panoramic view towards the centre of the city.Then you descend by foot, which takes 10-20 minutes. The entries to the lifts are on the left of the doors of the respective façade (looking from inside). There are some lockers there where the visitors are asked to leave their oversized items. Children under 6, unaccompanied children under 16 and elderly people with reduced mobility cannot go up into the towers.
Passeig de Gracia L2 L3 L4 ),☏+34 932 16 03 06,info@casabatllo.cat.09:00-22:00 Last entry 20:45.Another Gaudi masterpiece along the same avenue as La Pedrera. Open to the public. No straight line or right angles appear anywhere in the house. Often overlooked for La Pedrera, (also by Gaudi), La Casa Batlló is equally as stunning with its unique architecture and infamous two ornamental pillars in the entrance to the terrace. Open for visitors from ground floor to the roof, and down by an old-time elevator.Adult €29-€45 (online) discounts for residents, children, students & seniors. demand led pricing.Tickets at counter are €4 more expensive..(updated Mar 2024)Diagonal L3 L4 ),☏+34 932 142 576,reserves@lapedrera.com.09:00-20:30.One of Gaudi's masterpieces, there is not one straight edge on the exterior and the structure is one of Gaudi’s most eccentric and enticing architectural creations. Tours of the interior and the incredible roof structures are available. Great views of the tall buildings (especially La Sagrada Familia) from the roof. Hosts a large exposition of Gaudi works, coveringSagrada Familia andCasa Batlio, not onlyLa Pedrera itself. The exposition is a good place to start your exploration of Gaudi; it reveals many hidden details for the art novice.from €29, children 0-6 free, discounts for older children, students & 65+. €2 additional charge if buying from ticket office.(updated Jan 2025)
Passeig de Gràcia L2 L3 L4 ),☏+34 934 617 460.Daily 10:00-19:00 only every 1/2 hr (in English at 11:00); no high heels allowed.Designed by Puig i Cadafalch, the building is a fine work of Modernism. Check the detailed photos and explanation of facade sculptures. It also has a shop that sells fine chocolate (the Amatller family made its money out of cocoa).Audio-guided tour €17 reduced €15: Guided tour €20 reduced €17 (online prices).(updated Mar 2024)(updated Oct 2015)Passeig de Gràcia L2 L3 L4 ).Created in 1984 by the artist Antoni Tàpies to promote the study and knowledge of modern and contemporary art.(updated Mar 2024) Catalunya L1 L3 L6 L7 R1 R3 R4 R11 ).Connecting many of the major streets in the city, the Plaça is a central location and a hub of activity. It is a favourite meeting spot for locals and a transit hub for the tourist buses. There are many fountains, statues and gardens around the plaza, and a number of benches to just sit and take it all in.(updated Mar 2024)Universitat L1 L2 ).The university has many interesting buildings, libraries and courtyards. 
Most of the luxury international brands can be found atPasseig de Gracia.
| This page uses the following price ranges for a typical mealfor one, including soft drink: | |
| Budget | Up to €10 |
| Mid-range | €10 - €25 |
| Splurge | €25 and up |
Universitat L1 L2 ),☏+34 934546023.13:00-16:00, closed Su.Vegan restaurant.(updated May 2024)Encants L2 300 metres south west),☏+34 931757673.13:00-23:00.Vegan cafe(updated May 2024)
Eixample is the nightlife area of Barcelona. The famous zoneGayxample, around C/Balmes and C/Diputació has many gay bars and funky boutiques.
Universitat L1 L2 walk 250 metres South),☏+34 934 26 00 50.07:30 - 03:00.'Moritz Epidor' absolutely should be tasted. Brewery tours available.(updated Apr 2024)Universitat L1 L2 ).14:00-0:00.International craft beers a snacks(updated Mar 2024)L'Eixample is the place where most of the city's mid-range and top-end hotels are located. This quarter is very well connected with the rest of the city, although if you go by car it's impossible to park in the street.
Verdaguer L4 L5 on opposite side of Av. Diagonal).Check-in:14:00, check-out:11:00.Economical hotel with inclusive breakfast(updated Apr 2024)(updated Oct 2018)| Thisdistrict travel guide toEixampleis ausable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but pleasefeel free to improve itby editing the page. |
