Explore the more modern parts of Barcelona and there's still plenty to delight every visitor. Eixample is to the north of the Ramblas, while Port Vell and Barceloneta are down by the sea. Football fans will find it hard to resist a trip to the Camp Nou stadium.
The Eixample
North of the massive Placa de Catalunya at the top of the Ramblas is Eixample or, in English, ‘Extension’, a modern planned addition to the city. It’s designed on a grid pattern with elegant, wide streets and has long been fashionable, with fine apartments, shops, restaurants and examples of modernista architecture, including many of Gaudi’s most famous designs.
The main streets are the Passeig de Gracia, featuring Gaudi’s La Pedrera, and Rambla de Catalunya. To the east is the Dreta de l’Eixample where the legendary Sagrada Familia church attracts virtually every visitor to the city.
Mansana de la Discordia
The Mansana de la Discordia, or ‘Block of Discord’ is just four blocks from Placa de Catalunya and features a series of buildings by three architects in completely different styles.
The best are the Casa Amatller, with the Centre del Modernisme on the ground floor, and the Gaudi-designed Casa Batllo - parts of which are open for tours, which we strongly recommend.
Port Vell
It’s down by the sea that there’s been a massive transformation, partly kicked off by the 1992 Olympics with the Olympic Village and Port Olimpic where many of the watersports events were held.
The old port, or Port Vell has also been transformed, making this a pleasant and entertaining part of town. It's across the road from the Columbus statue, at the bottom of the Ramblas.
You cross the wooden swing bridge, or Rambla de Mar to the Maremagnum entertainment complex with bars, restaurants and shops. It’s a pleasant space by day or night. Next door is the aquarium and then the IMAX Port Vell cinema.
Barceloneta
An early example of town planning, Barceloneta was developed in the 18th century on a grid pattern, with small squares and standardized housing. It’s now popular for its seafood restaurants.
To the north, there are beaches that can offer glorious relief from the summer heat of the city. Or, for a trip to remember, catch the Teleferic from the Torre Sant Sebastia and take a cable car ride across the harbour to Montjuic.
Port Olimpic
There are bars, restaurants and nightspots galore in the area where 1992 watersports events were held. It is very popular in the summer.
The city’s two tallest buildings are here along with its attractive, if pricey, residential area. Inland, the Poble Nou area is also being gentrified while the older parts can be reached by strolling up the traffic-free Rambla Poble Nou towards the Metro station.
Camp Nou, home of FC Barcelona
Football fans will want to head to one of the world's great football stadiums. It's to the northwest of the city centre in Diagonal - the tour buses stop here - and can house 120,000 fans.
Football is a near-religion in Barcelona and was an important focus of the Catalan spirit during the Franco era. Today, FC Barcelona has the world's largest football club membership. The Museu del Barca has fascinating displays and there's a shop and cafe.
Eixample boulevard
Eixample balconies
Nou Camp stadium
Street light
Castle moat
