Things to do in  Eixample

Sagrada Família, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Antoni Gaudí’s magnum opus, is the most iconic structure in Barcelona (and the most popular, with nearly 3 million visitors per year). Construction has been ongoing for more than 130 years, and the surreal structure, with its rainbow-hued stained glass windows, is slated for completion in 2026. Even in its unfinished state, it remains an absolute must-see for every visitor to the Catalan capital.

One of Barcelona’s most fanciful buildings, Casa Batlló is a creation by celebrated Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. Some visitors know the UNESCO World Heritage Site as the House of Bones for its skeletal columns, while others think its rippling, mosaic-covered facade symbolizes the sea. Come up with your interpretation on a visit—and don’t miss the interior’s exquisite tile work or undulating walls and ceilings.

The rippling facade of La Pedrera (Casa Milà) is among Barcelona’s most recognizable landmarks. Created by Antoni Gaudí, the architect behind Sagrada Família and other UNESCO-listed buildings, the apartment complex is now mainly a tourist attraction, and it encompasses courtyards, an apartment filled with early 20th-century furnishings, and a rooftop terrace with chimneys resembling abstract figures. Today, it’s preserved as an interpretive center dedicated to Gaudí’s work—and offers a great first taste of Barcelona architecture.

Classic and contemporary architecture meet in Plaça de Catalunya, hailed as the beating heart of Barcelona. Surrounded by luxury hotels and high-end restaurants, the square also features sculptures and a grand fountain. Plus, the attraction-packed avenues of La Rambla and Passeig de Gracia converge here, making it the ideal starting point for sightseeing excursions.

Barcelona’s Passeig De Gràcia is home to some of the city’s most impressive feats of architecture, but none are as emblematic of Catalan modernism as the Casa Amatller. Built by Josep Puig i Cadafalch for renowned chocolatier Antoni Amatller, the 19th-century structure blends Flemish and Catalan styles to impressive effect. Now a period museum, it’s filled with original furnishings, photographs, and architectural drawings.

IKONO Barcelona is an immersive experience created by international artists that offers a feast for the senses and some ultra-Instagrammable photo opportunities. The interactive museum space features a series of eclectic areas, including rooms equipped with ball pits, neon lights, mirrors, and other quirky features. It’s an ideal rainy-day activity in Barcelona for adults and is a popular choice for visiting families, too.