Be there and be square: Eixample Esquerra

If one looks at the Eixample Esquerra (which, in English, means “left widening”) of Barcelona from above, the view will be a pleasant symmetrical grid made of housing blocks, streets and inside patios. That’s what Ildefons Cerdà, the engineer behind the project that gave birth to this part of the Mediterranean city, had in mind when he designed this expansion of Barcelona in 1859. His main thought was to create humanitarian urbanism that would give comfort and equality to its citizens without differentiating whether they were rich or poor.

The Eixample Esquerra is restricted by the streets of Tarragona, Josep Tarradellas, Diagonal (from Plaça de Francesc Macià to the intersection with Balmes), Balmes and Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes (from the junction with Balmes to Plaça d'Espanya ).

The most important streets in the area are Carrer del Comte d'Urgell, Avinguda de Roma and Carrer d'Aragó. It’s one of the most exquisite examples of Catalan Modernist architecture and design. Therefore, never miss a chance to peep inside the big house entrances; many surprises are hidden.

The Eixample Esquerra is a safe and exciting area in town, as comfortable as it gets. The streets that form this quarter are wide, easy to follow, adorned with trees and bike trails and community spaces with benches and pedestrian paths. There is a perfect balance between everyday life (you can find good supermarkets, gyms and yoga studios, butchers and fresh groceries) and exciting “things to do”, such as art galleries, fashion boutiques, beauty parlours and restaurants of all kinds, from Michelin stars to local and authentic tapas bars.

There is never enough at the Eixample Esquerra, and it’s worthwhile to stroll up and down its straight roads to discover new cosy wine cellars and 100-year-old shops. Also, this location in Barcelona is home to the always famous “gayxample” area, which excels in LGTBIQ+ bars and shops of all types; the nightlife is fantastic and varied but not very noisy.

The Eixample Esquerra is a most-wanted area in Barcelona; its location is perfect because this is the centre of the city, the public transport is abundant and works reasonably well, it’s quieter than the quarters closer to the sea and, of course, less touristy. This makes it a location for those who search for good quality life and houses with a history; new buildings are scarce in Eixample Esquerra, although many of them have been refurbished and renovated in the last few years.

Renting a long-term flat in Barcelona Eixample, an expat housing option or finding the perfect apartment here is an excellent choice for professionals who want to discover one of the most exciting zones of the city, enjoy hidden spots and good restaurants and want to feel a sense of belonging in the air.