Luxury holidays in L'Eixample

Instantly recognisable (and handily navigable) thanks to its signature grid-like layout, L’Eixample in Barcelona swaps the Old City’s snaking cobblestones for wide 19th-century avenues. The district carries cultural clout to match its ancient neighbours: take in Gaudí’s hallucinogenic greatest hits – you’ll find La Sagrada Família, La Pedrera and Casa Batlló here – stock up on designer glad rags on the Passeig de Gràcia, then flaunt your new finery as you sample the sumptuous local fine dining. After dark, there are endless options to keep the cava flowing: flit between decadent cocktail lounges, hip student hangouts and Gaixample, the barrio’s glittering gay club scene.

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When to go

Locals leave August – when the city can get a little sweaty and attractions often close – to the tourists. Aim to avoid public holidays: they trigger an exodus that means things tend to be shut.

Getting there

  • Planes

    European flights and international connections touch down at Barcelona’s El Prat Airport, along with domestic flights from Madrid, Palma, Valencia, Málaga and more. From there, take your pick from a 25-minute taxi ride or the regular Aerobús into town – the Gran Via-Urgell and Plaça Universitat stops are both in L’Eixample.
  • Automobiles

    A sun-warmed stroll is the best way to see L’Eixample, and most other areas of the city are within walking distance too. Plus, hunting down a parking space is likely to be a headache. The district has a host of Metro stops and taxis are easy to track down, so skipping the car rental is a no-brainer.