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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El Japonés

El Japonés pulls in a lively, hip crowd to feast on sushi, sashimi and tempura at communal trestle tables. Low lighting, buzzy atmosphere.
El Otro Lado

This über-designed space is a magnet for a young hip crowd. There are regular exhibitions and the low-key music makes it a conversation-friendly place.
El Principal

Oriental in design with a great terrace and “new” Mediterranean food.
Fundació Francisco Godia

Although Francisco Godia (1921–90) was best known for his prowess behind the wheel – notably as an F1 racing driver – his passions extended to the art world. His once private collection now forms this museum and encompasses a range of art from medieval times to the 20th-century from Jaume Huguet’s altarpiece St Mary Magdalene (c. 1445) to a range of Spanish ceramics and works by 17th-century fresco-painter Luca Giardano.
Fundació Tàpies

Paintings and sculptures by Antoni Tàpies (b. 1923), Catalonia’s foremost living artist, are housed in this early Modernista building (Modernista Buildings). For a glimpse of what awaits inside, look up: crowning the museum is the artist’s eye-catching wire sculpture Cloud & Chair (1990). The collection of over 300 pieces covers Tàpies’ whole range of work, including impressive abstract pieces such as Grey Ochre on Brown (1962). Temporary exhibitions are also held here, with past shows by Mario Herz, Hans Hacke and Craigie Horsfield.
Hospital de la Santa Creu i de Sant Pau

It’s almost worth feigning illness to be admitted to this fully functioning hospital, which was built in two stages from 1905 by Domènech i Montaner and his son. A tribute to Modernisme – and Domènech’s answer to Gaudí’s Sagrada Família – the sumptuous design comprises eight pavilions and various other buildings linked by underground tunnels. The pavilions, each different, recall the history of Catalonia with murals, mosaics and sculptures. Interlacing the buildings are gardens creating beautiful outdoor oases, where patients can recuperate. The courtyards and gardens are open to visitors.
Ideal

Luxurious cocktail lounge opened by legendary barman José María Gotarda in the 1950s and now run by his son. More than 80 varieties of whisky.
Kowasa

A specialist photography bookshop with over 7,000 titles, including foreign magazines. The ambience is friendly and intimate and browsing is encouraged.
La Bodegueta

This unassuming basement bodega has become a major pre-party meeting point. Famously good anchovies.
La Botiga del Te i Cafè

A specialist café with more than 50 types of tea and coffee.

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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