When studying abroad, it’s easy to get caught up in taking cheap flights to weekend trips rather than digging deeper into the city you live in. Taking the time to explore my neighborhood of L’Eixample in Barcelona allowed me to feel more at home for the semester and make my apartment less of simply a home base.
The sprawling neighborhood of L’Eixample, meaning “extension” in Catalan, was designed as an addition to the old town. It’s notable for its geometric layout—I highly recommend looking at some aerial photos of to get the full spectacle of the city layout. Call me biased, but in my opinion, L’Eixample is certainly Barcelona’s most captivating and charming neighborhood, especially for study abroad students.
The first aspect that makes L’Eixample so alluring is its density of high-quality and diverse restaurants. One of the best examples is a traditional Spanish restaurant, El Nacional, which is divided into four restaurants that specialize in meats, seafood, quick-serve foods, and, of course, tapas. Great for big groups or gatherings, everyone can find something they like. The Mercat de Sant Antoni, a vibrant indoor market, is another great option for those looking for fresh fish and produce.
Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the art and architectural wonders that are scattered across L’Eixample. Antoni Gaudí’s masterpieces Casa Batlló and La Pedrera line the Passeig de Grácia, showcasing its unique modernist style. A fan favorite of the neighborhood is a guided audio tour of the iconic La Sagrada Familia. The innovative goliath is definitely worth a couple-hour visit. For the best pictures of the basilica, try heading across Gaudí Plaza to escape the packed crowd.
Needless to say, with the number of famous Spanish artists, Barcelona is home to some impressive collections of museums. One of my favorites was the Pablo Picasso Museum, which is located just outside of L’Eixample in the scenic Gothic Quarter.
If the arts aren’t your thing, there are a myriad of shopping destinations catering to diverse tastes throughout L’Eixample. Corte Ingles, the towering six-story shopping center located next to Plaza Catalunya, offers high-end brands but often has great deals and brand variety. Many chic shops and outdoor seating restaurants adorn the Passeig de Grácia and are easily accessible via the metro.
The most unique shopping experience that I stumbled upon, though, has been the Centro Comercial Arenas, a once-historic bullring transformed into a shopping mall. For those seeking something closer to thrifting, the open-air flea market Los Encantes is filled with assorted vendors with whom you can bargain.
When I first received my housing assignment, I was hesitant; however, through my exploration, I’ve found everything I ever wanted in a neighborhood and more. L’Eixample is filled with a blend of experiences for every whim. From the hopping markets and traditional Spanish cuisine to the iconic architecture and one-of-a-kind shopping, this neighborhood beckons study abroad students like myself to immerse themselves fully in Barcelona.
Addie Jay is a student at the University of Pittsburgh and an ISA Featured Blogger. She is studying with ISA in Barcelona, Spain.