A Luxury Walk Through Eixample: Art Nouveau, Boutiques & Cafés
The Eixample district of Barcelona is more than just a grid of beautiful buildings—it’s a lifestyle. Known for its elegance, symmetry, and architectural significance, Eixample is the heart of the city’s modernist movement and an ideal backdrop for a luxurious urban stroll.
For NUVIRTUS guests seeking a refined yet authentic Barcelona experience, Eixample delivers with style, charm, and sophistication at every turn.
Start: Passeig de Gràcia
Begin your walk on Barcelona’s most iconic boulevard, home to both historic mansions and flagship stores. Admire the stunning facades of Gaudí’s Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera), two of the finest examples of Catalan Art Nouveau.
Don’t just walk by—consider booking a private early-access tour to enjoy them without the crowds.
Designer Shopping
Passeig de Gràcia rivals the Champs-Élysées and Via Montenapoleone when it comes to luxury retail. Here you’ll find boutiques by:
- Loewe
- Santa Eulalia (iconic local fashion house with personal shopping service)
- Hermès
- Rolex
- Chanel
For a quieter luxury experience, explore the side streets such as Carrer de València or Carrer d’Enric Granados, where up-and-coming Catalan designers showcase limited-edition collections.
Coffee and Culture Break
Pause at Café El Magnífico or Satan’s Coffee Corner for a specialty brew in an elegant setting. Or opt for a classic cortado at Café de l’Acadèmia, where marble tables and vintage interiors meet.
Culture lovers can pop into the Fundación Antoni Tàpies, a museum and cultural center housed in a modernist building, or the Palau Robert, a free exhibition space surrounded by gardens.
Hidden Courtyards and Architecture
Venture off the main avenue to discover hidden courtyards such as Passatge Permanyer or Passatge de la Concepció. These narrow, tranquil alleyways lined with ivy and elegance are perfect for photos or a quiet moment.
Don’t miss the intricate detail in wrought-iron balconies and floral facades—Eixample is best appreciated slowly, with your eyes always up.
Lunch with Flair
Conclude your walk at Hotel Alma’s garden restaurant or El Nacional, a beautifully restored 1920s venue offering several upscale tapas corners under one roof. For something truly exclusive, reserve a table at Moments (2 Michelin stars), inside the Mandarin Oriental.
Final Thought
Eixample isn’t just a neighborhood—it’s an open-air gallery, a shopping mecca, and a stage for modern Catalan life. Whether you’re discovering its history or indulging in its luxuries, it remains a refined yet inviting world within the city.
For those staying in one of NUVIRTUS’ curated properties in Eixample, this neighborhood isn’t just a destination—it’s your doorstep.