The city district known as the Eixample began to take shape in 1859 in the area outside the city walls, reaching out to the villages surrounding the old Barcelona. The expansion project was designed by the engineer, architect and politician Ildefonso Cerdá and was made up of an immense mosaic of orderly blocks that make up the centre of the city. Some of the interior spaces of the city blocks, unused during 150 years, in contrast to the initial plans, are being recovered as public areas. This district is crossed by four major thoroughfares: the Gran Vía de les Corts Catalanes, Avinguda Diagonal, Passeig de Gràcia and Rambla de Catalunya. The area is populated by a wide rangle of commercial establishments including, clothes and gift shops, bars and restaurants, as well as large and luxurious offices and some of the city’s most historical cinemas. It also holds some of the most representative works of Catalan modernism art.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Since the Eixample contains most of the city’s bicycle lanes, this is a recommendable and healthy way to get about. You can, for example, visit the Gran Vía from end to end by bike, stopping off at a number of points of interest on the way such as Casa Golferichs (Gran Via 491) Barcelona University (Gran Via 585), where we recommend a walk around the gardens.
Urbanised following a project by architect Pere Falqués in 1886, this central city space has experienced numerous reforms throughout its lifetime. Under the square is one of the city’s biggest public transport hubs, connecting Barcelona’s four cardinal points. It also plays host to various banking institutions and big stores such as El Corte Inglés department store and FNAC culture and computer store. One of the square’s monuments pays homage to Francesc Macià, President of the republican Generalitat government between 1931 and 1933.
The street with the city’s highest land prices. No surprise then to discover that it contains luxury multinational jewellers and fashion stores. Passeig de Gràcia was inaugurated in 1827 and links Plaça de Catalunya with the main street of the formerly independent municipality of Gràcia. The street’s primitive gas lighting was replaced by electricity, and its famous streetlights were installed, together with benches featuring modernist mosaics designed by the architect Pere Falqués. Palau Robert, at the junction with Diagonal, is home to the Tourism Office of the Generalitat government and has a pleasant garden to have a rest in.
Running alongside Passeig de Gràcia, this elegant avenue links Plaça Catalunya with Avinguda Diagonal and has a wide central pavement ideal for visitors to rest a moment while having a drink at one of its numerous terrace bars. The headquarters of the Diputació de Barcelona government can be found near the top of this street in a much-reformed modernist town house.
A series of buildings located on Passeig de Gràcia, between Carrer Consell de Cent and Carrer Aragó, which received the constructional and decorative impact of Catalonia’s three great architects of the time, exhibiting evident stylistic differences: Casa Ametller (1900), by Josep Puig i Cadafalch, Casa Lleó Morera (1906), by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, and Casa Batlló (1906) by Antoni Gaudí. Casa Ramón Mulleras was added in 1911.
Located at number 255 of Carrer Aragón, this foundation was created by painter and sculptor Antoni Tàpies in 1984, with the objective of promoting the study and understanding of modern and contemporary art. It was opened in June 1990 in the former head offices of a publishing company called Montaner & Simón, and was originally designed by the modernist architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner. The roof incorporates a spectacular work by Tápies called “Cloud and Chair”. The foundation plays host to conferences, film cycles and a major library. C/ Aragó 255.
As with other modernist constructions, nobody calls this building by its original name “Casa Terrades”, preferring the more descriptive “Casa de les Punxes” or “House of Spikes”. It was designed in a spectacular style by the modernist architect Puig i Cadafalch, incorporating a certain Gothic air (Av. Diagonal, 416-420). The route between here and Plaça Francesc Macià is quite long, but on the level and makes for a pleasant walk if you have the time.
In 1901, Domènech i Montaner was commissioned to design what was to become the major representative of Catalan modernist civil architecture. It contains 27 stunning pavilions surrounded by quiet patios and gardens. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997 due to its unique design and artistic beauty. Moreover, the hospital itself is a world leading centre for medicine and investigation. The pedestrianised Avinguda Gaudí runs from the hospital to the Sagrada Familia. C/ Sant Antoni Maria Claret 167.
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GO MAG All the musical news monthly: independent pop-rock, electronic, fashion, cinema and books. |
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Guía del Ocio BCN The guide that puts all the entertainment in Barcelona in the palm of your hand. |
Dirección: Ausias March 73-75 Teléfono: 93 397 02 77 |
Come inside and take a look at the fish stall, select the fish or seafood you like and the way you would like it to be cooked - fried, boiled or grilled. Once it’s ready you’ll be called to enjoy seafood at an amazing price. The menu also includes everything from salads to monkfish soup, as well as fish stews, mixed fish grills and a delicious creamy rice with lobster. Ideal for lunch or dinner in an informal environment where you’ll feel at home. Open 12.30pm to 4.30pm and 8.30pm to midnight. More info |
Dirección: Consell de cent, 377 (next to pº de gracia) Teléfono: 93 502 49 52 Días de cierre: sunday open noon |
Tradicional Indian recipes are passionately prepared and presented in a modern stylish way by India and UK trained Master Chef. Experience Bembi in trendy surroundings... more info |
Dirección: Aribau, 44 Teléfono: 93 454 19 13 Horario: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 1pm to 5pm & 8pm to 1am. |
Buffet and barbecue. Catalan, Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine. Three dining rooms and various buffets available including hot and cold dishes, barbecue and desserts. Diners can choose among everything from paella to roasted meat and shellfish. Fixed price menu: 10 €, holidays: 20 €, grand buffet: 17 €. more info |
Dirección: Enrique Granados, 145 (Diagonal/París) Teléfono: 93 414 72 00 |
These graduated sunglasses have won awards as the lightest in the world. They are designed and crafted in the workshops of Venice and tailored for each individual customer. Available in both avant-garde and traditional styles, they are made of titanium, gold, horn and wood... These glasses are sold exclusively at micromega ottica, in the heart of Barcelona’s Eixample district. Opening times: 11am – 2.30pm & 4pm – 8pm. Sat. 11am – 1.30pm. |
Dirección: Aragó, 242 (Rbla. Catalunya/Balmes) Teléfono: 932 724 974 |
A magnificent place to taste the best cured hams from Jabugo and Guijuelo (the famours “Pata Negra”). Leading brands including Joselito and Jabu. Articles may be purchased at its shop. Take-home preparation of products for your convenience. Vacuum packed, knife-sliced in traditional cuts. Shipped throughout Europe. Excellent selection of wines and gourmet products. |
