Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
pensiveshopsandhotels,arangeofeateriesandseveralnightspots.Thisistheareatoheadto
for Modernista architecture, the best of which - apart from La Sagrada Família - is clustered
onornearPasseigdeGràcia.Eatingisatthehighend(thoughset-lunchoptionsareavailable
for lower budgets), and the emphasis is on design-led outfits that cater to designer-shopping
locals and tourists, though there are some notable exceptions. Drinking and nightlife are stu-
dent- and gay-oriented - part of the area has even been dubbed 'Gaixample'. The obvious
boulevards to start on are Passeig de Gràcia (with a line-up of international names and the
highest commercial rents in Spain) and the much more appealing parallel, tree-lined Rambla
de Catalunya.
L'Eixample is several
barris
(neighbourhoods) in one. La Dreta (the Right) de L'Eixample,
stretching from Passeig de Gràcia to Passeig de Sant Joan and beyond, contains much
sought-after real estate. Beyond, it takes on a dowdy feel, even around La Sagrada Família.
L'Esquerra (the Left) de L'Eixample, running southwest from Passeig de Gràcia, changes
character several times. The whole area between Carrer d'Aribau, Passeig de Sant Joan,
Avinguda Diagonal and the Ronda de Sant Pere has been known since the early 20th century
as the Quadrat d'Or (Golden Square) thanks to its extravagant architecture and grand houses.
The area is now home to high-end shops purveying everything from teak furniture to design-
er clothes, gourmet nibbles and shoes.
The Modernista stars include Gaudí's La Pedrera and the Manzana de la Discordia, which
comprises three Modernista gems by the three top architects of the period. Never is the old
axiom about looking up as you wander more true than here.
At night L'Esquerra de L'Eixample has its own flavour. From Thursday to Saturday, Carrer
d'Aribau becomes a busy nightlife axis, with an assortment of bars north of Carrer de Mal-
lorca(andspillingnorthoverAvingudaDiagonal).ClosertotheUniversitatistheheartofthe
'Gaixample', a cluster of gay and gay-friendly bars and clubs in an area bounded by Carrer
de Balmes and Carrer de Muntaner.
Local Life
A
Student life
Thepresence ofthe
Universitat deBarcelona
makes foralineofunpretentious
hang-outs nearby on the Carrer d'Enric Granados.
A
Coffee with a view
Takealifttotheverytopof
ElCorteInglés
foracafewithagreatview
across the neighbourhood and beyond.
