DK Travel : Barcelona : Eixample

If the old town is the heart of Barcelona and the green mountains of Tibidabo and Montjuïc the lungs, the Eixample is the city’s nervous system – its economic and commercial core. The area began to take shape in 1860 when the city was permitted to expand beyond the medieval walls (Stages in Barcelona's History). Its design, based on plans by Catalan engineer Ildefons Cerdà, comprises hundreds of symmetrical grid-like squares. Construction continued into the 20th century at a time when Barcelona’s elite was patronizing the city’s most daring architects. Modernisme was flourishing and the area became home to the cream of Barcelona’s Modernista architecture, with myriad elegant façades and balconies. Today, a wealth of enchanting cafés, funky design shops, gourmet restaurants and hip bars and clubs draws the professional crowd, which has adopted the neighbourhood as its own.

For more on Modernista architecture Modernista Buildings For more on Antoni Gaudí see Antoni Gaudí

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Bar Paris

Chaotic and lively, with a sunny terrace, Bar Paris attracts a student crowd. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, it’s ideal for clubbers not ready to go home.
Bauma

A mixed crowd drifts in to read the paper or smoke a Havana cigar with a post-lunch carajillo (coffee and cognac). Excellent coffee.
BD Ediciones de Diseño

Superb design shop in Modernista Casa Tomàs, selling the best in Catalan furniture. Worth a visit to see the exhibition furniture by the likes of Gaudí and Dalí.
Biosca & Botey

Exceptionally elegant shop selling all kinds of lamps, from Art-Nouveau mushrooms to ultra-modern steel shades.
Cafè del Centre

Said to be the oldest café in the Eixample, with dark wooden interiors that have not changed for a century. An unpretentious and authentic spot for a quiet coffee.
Casa Alfonso

This classy café has been in business since 1929. Arguably the best pernil (serrano ham) in the city.
Casa Calvet

Splurge on Catalan food with a modern twist and fine wine in the impressive surroundings of these Gaudí-designed dining rooms.
Cervecería Catalana

Just a few steps from Rambla de Catalunya, with some of the best tapas in town and a variety of domestic and imported beers.
D Barcelona

An eclectic range of gadgets and gifts in a shop that doubles as an exhibition space for upand-coming designers and more established artists.
Dos i Una

A designer gift shop with a steel-tiled floor and a psychedelic colour scheme. Concentrates on selling “made in Barcelona” items, which make for unusual souvenirs.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under €10
- €10–20
- €20–30
- over €30