Eixample is all about Gaudi and Barcelona's great modernist architects, whose creations line Passeig de Gràcia, one of Europe's most enchanting boulevards. The highlight of Eixample's architectural legacy is La Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's unfinished basilica masterpiece. Also dotted around Eixample are some unusual bars and very upmarket restaurants and boutique stores.
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This article is part of our 100 Things to Do in Barcelona
1. Sagrada Familia
Image: (c) Damian Corrigan
It's been described as everything from a giant termite mound to the last cathedral, but its honeycomb spires and unbelievably ornate Passion Facade make this Barcelona's most unforgettable monument.
2. Hospital de Sant Pau
Image: (c) Damian Corrigan
None of us like going to hospital, but with its mudejar flourishes, mosaics and polychrome tiles, this is one hospital you really will want to visit. It was built by the modernist architect Domènech i Montaner with the aim of bringing therapeutic beauty to patients. You can be the judge of whether he succeeded.
3. La Pedrera
Image: (c) Damian Corrigan
Known as La Pedrera (The Quarry), this is yet another of Gaudi's avant garde creations. It has a wonderful smoothly curving stone facade, but the highlights here are the Gaudi museum in the attic and decorative rooftop terraces with their stupendous vistas of the city.
4. La Fira
Swing chairs, weird mirrors and carousels are all part of the fun at this bar on Carrer Provenza, whose name means The Fair.
5. Casa Amatller
Image: Ixtla (Creative Commons)
Josep Puig i Cadafelch was responsible for this Flemish-inspired house, which is included in the Ruta del Modernista Tour. Cadafelch is one of the sacred trio of Catalan modernist architects and Casa Amatller is one of his most emblematic creations.
Read more about Modernism in Barcelona.
6. Casa Batllo
Image: (c) Damian Corrigan
From the scaly rooftop to the skeletal balconies and rainbow colours, this is one of Gaudi's weirdest abstract treats. Overlooking Passeig de Gràcia, Casa Batllo is always swarmed by tourists and noisy traffic - so try and aim for an early-morning visit.
7. Casa Calvet
If you haven't already over-gorged on Gaudi then you can dine out with him as well, by eating in this restaurant housed in one of his buildings. Casa Calvet abounds in stained glass and organic wood carvings.The Mediterranean menu isn't bad either.
8. Catch A Cabaret Show At Star Class
An atmospheric bar on Avenida Sarria, Star Class is a lot of fun. Agreeably light-hearted cabaret acts and sexy dance shows are among the many entertainments.
9. Fundacio Antoni Tapies
Paintings, sculptures, books and engravings by Catalan artist Antoni Tapies are on display at this popular art gallery. The building itself is by modernist architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner.
10. A night-time stroll along Passeig de Gràcia
Barcelona's most elegant boulevard is best enjoyed at night, when the sidewalk is hauntingly lit by Art Nouveau streetlamps. Meanwhile, the otherworldly buildings by Montaner, Cadafelch and Gaudi are illuminated to full dramatic effect.