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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Mantequería Ravell

A deli-style shop offering incredible breakfasts, including eggs with foie gras, at a huge communal table. Wine and traditional hams and cheeses are also available.
Medusa

Strictly gay and one of the hits in the booming “gayxample”. Elegant, tasteful and ultra fashionable, with excellent house sounds.
Miranda

The emphasis at Barcelona’s first decidedly gay restaurant is on drag queen acts, not the economical International food.
Museu Egipci

Spain’s most important Egyptology museum houses more than 350 exhibits from over 3,000 years of Ancient Egypt. Exhibits include terracotta figures, human and animal mummies, and a bust of the lion goddess Sekhmet (700–300 BC).
Muxart

Excellent and arty shoe shop for men, women and kids in a country famed for its leather.
Nick Havanna

A classic designer spot with some outré toilets and a fabulous cow-skin upholstered bar. The crowd is mostly yuppie and moneyed.
Palace Barcelona

This elegant Modernista hotel is the perfect place for breakfast in the conservatory or afternoon tea in the Grand Hall. It’s thoroughly luxurious, but pricey.
Palau Macaya

Designed by Puig i Cadafalch (1901), this palace is a fine example of the Neo-Gothic style in Modernista architecture. A magical, white façade is broken up by engravings and two towers. Of note are the decorative sculptures by Modernista sculptor Eusebi Arnau. The palace belongs to the Centre Cultural de la Caixa and, unfortunately, is closed at the moment; it is, however, worth a visit to see the outside alone.
Pilma

Breathtaking designer shop selling quality modern furniture and interior accessories by big names, as well as cuttting-edge creations by Catalan designers.
Qu Qu

Hugely popular tapas; the three-cheese croquettes hit the spot.

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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