Dreta de l’Eixample is much more than just a central area of Barcelona. It is a harmonious blend of history, architecture, lifestyle, and urban elegance.
Stretching from Plaça de Catalunya to the Diagonal, and between the streets of Balmes and Passeig de Sant Joan, this neighbourhood unfolds as a mosaic full of culture and sophistication. Here, walking down the street feels like strolling through a true open-air museum, thanks to the modernist gems that adorn it, such as Casa Batlló, La Pedrera, and Casa Amatller — buildings that hardly need an introduction.
Keep reading and… prepare to be impressed by everything Dreta de l’Eixample has to offer!
Origin of Dreta de l’Eixample
Dreta de l’Eixample was born at a key moment in Barcelona’s history: the approval of the Plan Cerdà in 1859. It was then that the city, which until that point had lived within walls, began to expand with order, light, and spaciousness.
Among all the new expansion areas, Dreta de l’Eixample was the first to develop and lay a solid foundation for what would become one of the preferred neighbourhoods of the Catalan bourgeoisie.
This was where textile industries, financial institutions, and affluent families began to build not just a neighbourhood but a lifestyle. They wanted modern, spacious homes filled with natural light and surrounded by elegance. And they certainly achieved that!
Moreover, it’s impossible to talk about the origin of this neighbourhood without mentioning the great names of Catalan modernism: Antoni Gaudí, Domènech i Montaner, and Puig i Cadafalch, along with some of their masterpieces that are a must-see in Barcelona. We’re talking about icons such as Casa Batlló, La Pedrera, and Casa Amatller.
And what is the heart of this neighbourhood? Passeig de Gràcia, which remains one of the city’s main commercial hubs today. Although offices, shops, and residences now coexist, the stately and artistic atmosphere that defines it is still very much alive.
Dreta de l’Eixample is full of elegance and community life
The Gràcia district and Rambla de Catalunya concentrate much of Barcelona’s luxury: international brand boutiques, gourmet restaurants, five-star hotels, and art galleries.
But Dreta de l’Eixample is much more than shop windows. Its quieter streets, like Girona, Roger de Llúria, or Diputació, hide bookshops, cosy cafés, artisan bakeries, and traditional shops where the pace slows down and calm prevails.
Hidden gardens and historic corners in Dreta de l’Eixample
Although it’s a neighbourhood right in the centre of Barcelona, Dreta de l’Eixample surprises visitors with its many inner gardens and patios full of greenery. What’s most curious is that some of these are perfectly integrated into civic centres or libraries, such as the gardens of Sofia Barat or Casa Elizalde, both of which are well worth a visit. Also notable is the Palau Robert, with its exhibition centre and extremely elegant, well-tended garden.
If you ask us about the most original green space, we have no doubt: the Jardins de Jaume Perich, where you’ll find the Lungomare bench, an urban design piece by Enric Miralles and Benedetta Tagliabue.
Culture and art everywhere you look
In this neighbourhood, the cultural offering is as rich as its architecture. The Fundació Antoni Tàpies, housed in a unique modernist building, hosts exhibitions and activities focused on contemporary art. Nearby, Casa Garriga Nogués will surprise you with high-quality painting and photography collections. Adding to this cultural richness are the Conservatori del Liceu, the parish of La Concepció, and even former cinemas and theatres that have been renovated and continue to make waves.
As if that weren’t enough, Barcelona and Dreta de l’Eixample in particular boast a large number of museums.
Dining in Dreta de l’Eixample
Eating in Dreta de l’Eixample is as pleasant as strolling through its streets. The gastronomic offer in the neighbourhood combines tradition and modernity with an almost perfect balance.
Here, you’ll find everything from bars offering affordable daily menus and traditional vermouths to signature restaurants and Michelin-starred venues. If you’re looking for specific places to eat well in Dreta de l’Eixample, here are some fail-safe recommendations!
For quality dishes made with market-fresh produce, Casa Amàlia or El Nacional are safe bets. If you want a well-prepared daily menu without surprises, head to Casa Masana or Cierzo. For quick and tasty tapas, Vinitus and La Flauta Aribau never disappoint. And if you fancy treating yourself to haute cuisine, book without hesitation at Cinc Sentits or Restaurante Atempo. Eating well in this neighbourhood isn’t hard… the challenge is choosing where!
Terraces also abound, and if you’re looking for a more specific type of cuisine, the restaurants in the nearby Gràcia district are charming and offer excellent food: tapas, world-inspired cuisine, vegetarian options… there’s something for everyone.
A piece of advice? If you plan to dine in the evening, it’s best to book. Good food is highly valued here, and both tourists and locals flock to these tables.
Visiting Dreta de l’Eixample?
Dreta de l’Eixample is a place to live, to stroll, and to linger. You can go shopping, sit on a terrace with views of a Gaudí masterpiece, enjoy the best local gastronomy, or walk streets full of architectural surprises.
Whether you’re staying for a couple of weeks, planning a weekend getaway to Barcelona, or thinking about a longer stay, this neighbourhood has everything you need. And we offer all kinds of accommodation right in the heart of Barcelona so that you feel at home indoors as well.
If you want to discover the most sophisticated side of Barcelona without giving up the neighbourhood spirit, browse accommodation with Key Barcelona.