Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon We help you navigate a myriad of possibilities Sign up for our newsletter for the best of the city By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush) Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. Barcelona follows the same line and lives up to the expectations that come along with the hotel’s reputation: with views that sweep from Tibidabo to Montjuïc Sagrada Família and Casa Batlló along the way The terrace is just the right size to avoid crowds creating a relaxed atmosphere with a hint of romance The menu covers everything you’d expect from a luxury rooftop – a set menu (€68 per person) featuring ceviche you might want to consider La Dolce Vitae as an option for a special occasion rather than for a cloudy Tuesday afternoon This review was fact-checked and updated in 2025.  📍 Discover the best rooftop bars in Barcelona Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! facebooktwitterspotifytiktokAbout us Contact us Time Out Worldwide First published: February 18, 2025 07:57 PM Associations of neighbours from the Eixample neighborhood in Barcelona presented a report on Tuesday in which they say they have detected 232 "speculative" single-ownership properties. With these "speculative processes", the associations claim that between 2016 and 2024 there have been 4,000 "invisible evictions" which they estimate have affected 10,000 residents. Included in these are five senior citizens' homes and a day center that have been "expelled" from the district in the years analyzed. To consider a property to be "speculative," they have taken into account whether there has been any activity that could be considered as such, including the purchase of an entire building or a single property intended for the commercialization of homes, new construction or major renovation promotions, contract cancellation processes, and eviction of residents or rental prices that exceed the average price index, among others. This was explained by Jaume Artigues, president of the Dreta de l'Eixample residents' association explained, at the event on Tuesday. The study found 131 such properties in the Dreta de l'Eixample area, 48 in the Esquerra de l'Eixample, 24 in Sagrada Família, 18 in Sant Antoni, and 11 in Fort Pienc. Residents have also noted the average price of the property on offer is nearly 33% higher than compared to the city average. The study also detected that 70% of the rental offer in the Eixample is short-term, which avoids having the price regulation applied to it. Meanwhile, 21% of the beds in the district are for tourist use. They have recorded 97 judicial and 4,000 "invisible" evictions in the time period studied, with around 10,000 residents affected. However, this figure is a rough estimate, as it comes from a calculation by the neighborhood associations regarding the average number of homes in a building and the number of people living on average in each home. In presenting the results, which are part of a study that is still underway, the president of the Dreta de l'Eixample residents' association denounced that current laws are "too weak" against speculation and claimed that "more decisive market intervention than has been done so far" is needed. Get the day's biggest stories right to your phone This district of Barcelona combines data that seem contradictory and yet coexist in a unique way With only 2.01 square meters of green per person and alarming levels of nitrogen dioxide that exceed the limits recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) one would expect the quality of life to be low women born here have a life expectancy of 87.5 years The report presented last week at the district’s plenary session reveals a complex picture Despite the deficiencies in terms of green spaces and high pollution the Eixample has an unemployment rate bordering on full employment In neighborhoods such as l’Esquerra de l’Eixample this positive figure is tempered by the difficulties of accessing the real estate market in this area where the price per square meter is 4,752 euros The Eixample is also the district with the highest concentration of tourist apartments in the city and has a stock of 38,771 homes inhabited by a single person which further increases the already impressive life expectancy the possibility of staying in the Eixample throughout one’s life is more the exception than the rule One of the most striking aspects of the report is the low birth rate in the district there are 8,083 children between the ages of zero and four in the Eixample while the number of registered pets exceeds that figure This uniqueness is also reflected in the negative population balance that the district The population is only stable thanks to immigration which represents 28.9% of the total in the Eixample The Eixample is home to a unique mix of profiles Large companies coexist here with a high density of elderly people The report highlights that 30.4% of Barcelona’s commercial companies are based in this district making it a kind of business hub for the city of the 8,308 new companies incorporated in the city the district is also home to a sizeable population of centenarians 205 women over 100 years of age reside in the Eixample reinforcing the idea that this is a space where very different generations and lifestyles intermingle scarce presence of green areas and exorbitant housing prices it remains a hotspot for residents and investors alike the question remains: how long will it be able to maintain this balance With climate change hitting hard and population density bordering the limit authorities and neighbors will have to find solutions to keep the Eixample a livable and prosperous place Stock images by Depositphotos La venta de la nuda propiedad Copyright © 2022 Salirporbarcelona , All rights Reserved. Created by JEZZ Media SpainChevron CataloniaChevron BarcelonaChevron Save this storySaveSave this storySaveAll products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links Attracting the whole gamut of visitors—from curious solo travelers to romantics drawn to music and dance—this destination has something for everyone We've selected these listings based on Superhost status, ratings, amenities, location, decor, editor stays, and previous guest reviews. This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date. spacious wardrobesNearby: Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau 2 bathsTop amenities: Rooftop with Sagrada Familia views eclectic lightingNearby: Casa Vicens Gaudi With an open floor plan that offers sight lines from the kitchen to the living room and the dining room, kid-friendly amenities like cribs and high chairs available upon request, and a glassed-in terrace that offers all the natural light and views but none of the stress, this three bedroom apartment is a family-friendly dream. The neighborhood is extremely walkable and there are tons of restaurants nearby, too. The colorful, wallpapered rooms of this three-bedroom Airbnb Plus apartment are a major draw, but it's the spacious, partially covered outdoor terrace that serves as an additional living and dining space that caught our eye. Inside, you'll also find a well-stocked kitchen, living and dining rooms, and a washer/dryer. Right on the border of the Gràcia and Eixample neighborhoods, there's plenty to explore by foot nearby, including the luxe Passeig de Gracia. up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse We understand that time is the greatest luxury which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world The flats have a useful floor space of between 41 and 45 square metres and all of them have an outdoor terrace. The rooftop is available for all residents to use as a communal space, with cultivation areas, leisure and relaxation spaces. Rental prices for the homes are established according to the financial capacity of the tenant with a maximum of 541 euros, including communal costs and services. Twelve of the 47 homes have been reserved for local people from the neighbourhood. The U-shaped building is on the corner of C/ Viladomat and C/ Consell de Cent. It consists of a ground floor, which will house the centre for the elderly (opening in the autumn), six floors with a total of 47 flats with services, and an underground car park with two levels and a capacity for 33 vehicles. The shape of the site meant a public access could also be created to get to the inner gardens of the block from C/ Viladomat. Eixample, Barcelona, Spain Contemporary Rustic Scandinavian 3 Bernat and Liliana’s apartment is in the heart of Barcelona’s Eixample area “a historic area with a unique architectural style,” Bernat begins interconnected spaces typical of modernist buildings and traditional elements like load-bearing walls and Catalan ceramic vaults immediately attracted us.” Keep up with our latest house tours each weekday with our House Tour of the Day newsletter By subscribing, you acknowledge and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy open day area that combines the living room the interconnected spaces allow us to move seamlessly between different activities."“The apartment’s history and original architectural features such as the wooden beams and ceramic vaults provide a charming and authentic backdrop for our modern living needs.” We also created a circular opening in a load-bearing wall using handmade ceramic bricks to connect the master bedroom with the living room-kitchen area they made sure to aim to “preserve the essence of the original structure while adapting it to modern needs,” Bernat describes singular," are words the couple uses to describe their home's style.“We restored the ceilings and used traditional materials like lime and natural pigments The kitchen was relocated to benefit from natural light and the overall layout was adjusted to create a more open and connected living space We focused on restoring and reintegrating these features This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity Share your style: House Tour & House Call Submission Form Read the commentsFiled in:Apartment The home you love starts here The home you love starts here Apartment TherapyThe wordmark for the Apartment Therapy brand.More From Us By subscribing, you acknowledge and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Barcelona is to introduce a ban on pub crawls in the city's Eixample district from June 1 The ban will be in place for two years initially with advertising pub crawls also forbidden The measure is being brought in as the city believes pub crawls to be "incompatible with community harmony and residents' rest."   The mayoral decree will "completely restrict the promotion organization and execution of organized routes for the purpose of alcohol consumption between public establishments in the district to 7:00 am," according to the city council It also prohibits "any type of advertising of these activities." The ban in the Eixample district, known for its distinctive grid layout and Catalan modernist architecture, follows the example of a similar decree that has been in effect in the city's old town – the Ciutat Vella district – since 2012, in force until at least 2028.  Justifying the measure, the council cites "the risk posed by the irresponsible consumption of alcohol, especially in relation to its impact on specific public spaces in the district, notably high-tension areas such as green corridors or zones with a high concentration of nightlife establishments, like the area around Enric Granados. This results in disturbances and complaints from the public." High numbers of tourists are another reason given by the council for the pub crawl ban, "with the aim of "preventing certain tourism operators, in collaboration with specific establishments, from promoting activities that negatively affect the city's image and the quality of life in local neighborhoods."  There is a 20-day public consultation period for any objections. The measure is set to come into effect on June 1. Barcelona City Council also reported that in 2023 and 2024, 366 sanction procedures were initiated related to the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in the Eixample district. The council stated that they are taking steps to more effectively control the sale and consumption of alcohol, particularly with regard to minors and outside of authorized hours. The Mayor’s Decree has been published in the Official Gazette of the Province of Barcelona on 21st February 2025 announcing the initial approval of the measure A twenty-day public consultation period is now open for any objections The decree will fully prohibit the promotion organisation and execution of organised alcohol consumption routes between public establishments in the district between 7:00 p.m It will also ban any form of advertising for these activities through any medium The regulation is set to come into force on 1st June 2025 L’Eixample follows the steps of the decree that has been in place in the Ciutat Vella district since 2012 while also preventing the potential negative impacts of this practice shifting elsewhere One of the reasons for this measure is that these routes disrupt community life particularly by obstructing the free movement of people and disturbing neighbours’ rest the irresponsible consumption of alcohol is a risk to certain public spaces within the district particularly high-pressure areas such as green corridors and heavily saturated leisure areas which leads to public disturbances and an increase in complaints from residents This special measure is also justified by the exceptionally high influx of tourists in L’Eixample Inspection services and the Municipal Police have increased their efforts to monitor and regulate the sale and consumption of alcohol particularly when it comes to underage drinking and consumption outside permitted hours Data from 2023 and 2024 confirms that 366 sanctioning procedures were initiated in L’Eixample in response to this behaviour A giant white-light-bulb marquee spells out the name of what's on at the Coliseum a building that was inaugurated in 1923 as a cinema and that since 2006 has been host to all types of theatre productions now under the ownership of Grup Balañà who was inspired by the Paris Ópera Recently it has also been used as a concert venue The Barcelona City Council is firmly committed to transforming the Eixample, following the success of the Sant Antoni superblock. The idea is to continue applying tactical urbanism in the streets to turn them into green axes with squares is that in 10 years this urban planning model will be implemented in the most populated district of Barcelona All with the aim of converting the 21 streets between Plaça Espanya and Plaça de les Glòries into green axes complemented by the construction of 21 octagonal squares If you want to imagine in advance what the Eixample will be like in the coming years you can go for a walk around Sant Antoni market An environment where the priority is the pedestrian and where you can see people tasting coffee Everything will become an environment formerly occupied by cars The cars that will be allowed to circulate in the zone will have to do so at no more than 10 km/h (6 mph) The large superblock is considered a transformative project for the city The Mayor’s Office took as a reference for its development the “Cerdà plan” that modernized the City of Barcelona at the end of the 19th century it was possible to recover the spirit of urban transformation that was key to changing the Eixample for the 21st century It is expected that in ten years one of every three streets in the district (the most polluted in the city) will become a green area and that the residents of the area and all the inhabitants of the city will have a square of a similar size to those of Gràcia Each square will mean that cars will have to turn as they will not be able to continue in a straight line as happens in the superblocks of Sant Antoni and 22@ cars and delivery vans that have to work in the area The superblock proposal is conditional on improvements related to public transport and mobility steps that the City Council has been taking with the Generalitat and the Government public transport could be reduced by some 350,000 vehicles crossing the Eixample every day in the case of the extension of the Trambesòs from Glòries to Passeig Sant Joan it could be thought that about 40,000 fewer vehicles would circulate in this area of the city the municipal government will start the Eixample readaptation project on four streets (Consell de Cent betting on tactical urbanism in the midst of the de-escalation of the first wave of pandemic Each octagonal plaza will be about 2,000 square meters In early February 2025, Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni announced that the city government, together with non-profit social entity Hàbitat3 would purchase Casa Orsola from the investment fund Lioness Inversiones for €9.2 million.  “All evictions will be suspended as we buy the building as a city along with an entity that has a funded experience and a long-term trajectory to send a strong message," Collboni announced at the time adding that the move was “extraordinary” and a “pioneering operation.”  Not everyone shared the mayor’s enthusiasm and the move was widely criticized across political and social interests.  the Association of Real Estate Agents of Catalonia (AIC) and the Association of Real Estate Property Agents of Barcelona (API) called Casa Orsola “another piece in a model of public intervention that demotivates and destabilizes the rental market.”  The latter also stated that a “worrisome precedent” had been created while the Catalan Owners’ Association went a step further and called the precedent “very dangerous.”  housing activists did not hesitate to criticize the news.   spokesperson for the 2nd Housing Congress of Catalonia told the Catalan News Agency (ACN) that they couldn’t celebrate the purchase “as a victory” because they were not in favor of “injecting private companies with public money.”  said that while it was “great” that the city would have more public housing units the real question was: “What price are we willing to pay for it?” Lionness Inversiones originally bought the modernist Eixample building for €5.4 million and stands to make around €3.8 million profit from the sale a fact that has been condemned both by the Tenants’ Union and Eixample residents alike.   “The bad side of it is that the person who created the problem is the one who ends up winning because [Lioness Inversiones] makes money from selling the building,” Claudia who lives in Eixample tells Catalan News.   the Tenants’ Union criticized that "instead of helping the tenants the city council decided to turn its back on the tenants and the union to ensure that the speculator doesn’t lose a single euro.” saying that the sale price was 30% lower than the average market price for similar housing in the same district of the city.   According to Mariano, a Barcelona resident, the deal should have been made before the evictions began.   “The most important thing is that it shouldn’t happen again,” he stresses and people with millions and millions buy up houses to throw people out of their homes.”  Although Hàbitat3 has admitted that the deal has not yet been finalized another criticism of the possible purchase is what Carme Arcarazo sees as a lack of transparency.   “It was an agreement that was signed behind closed doors,” she complains “It’s very unfair that someone who has tortured the neighbors for three years is now being rewarded.”  She also questions the mayor’s motives behind the deal: “I think the reason why Jaume Collboni bought it is because he saw that this was becoming a mobilization that was growing every day and could become a problem for the council.”  Meanwhile, it’s hard to find consensus on how to solve the housing problem even though access to housing was the main concern of Catalans, according to a 2024 survey conducted by the Center for Opinion Studies.  who both live near Casa Orsola are not convinced by the “Casa Orsola model” because they believe that each case should be treated equally.   While Maribel says that it’s “very good” that the residents won’t lose their homes, buying only Casa Orsola when there are many others in need is not “fair” why aren’t others?” she asks rhetorically.   Carlos agrees: “This is not the only such case and all of them deserve to be resolved in the same way.”   “This issue could have been handled in many ways and I don’t think the city has handled it properly.”  but at least it’s a way to increase the housing stock “I don’t think the perfect solution exists and you can't make everybody happy.”  Jaume Collboni has said that he is open to applying the “Casa Orsola model” again although it should be studied "case by case but what needs to be done is to change the rules of the game," as "there is no magic solution."  Casa Orsola has become a symbol of Barcelona's housing crisis in recent years and has gathered much media attention.   The building was purchased by investment fund Lioness Inversiones in 2021 and since then has stopped renewing leases of the residents in the building, favoring instead to convert the flats into short-term lets, which are exempt from any rent cap regulation.  This menu requires arrow keys to be able to use it Located in the district of L’Eixample on the corner of C/ Viladomat and C/ Consell de Cent the new homes include services such as communal spaces for leisure and relaxation The ground floor of the building will be used as a centre for the elderly The flats have a useful floor space of between 41 and 45 square metres and all of them have an outdoor terrace The rooftop is available for all residents to use as a communal space Rental prices for the homes are established according to the financial capacity of the tenant with a maximum of 541 euros Twelve of the 47 homes have been reserved for local people from the neighbourhood The U-shaped building is on the corner of C/ Viladomat and C/ Consell de Cent which will house the centre for the elderly (opening in the autumn) six floors with a total of 47 flats with services and an underground car park with two levels and a capacity for 33 vehicles The shape of the site meant a public access could also be created to get to the inner gardens of the block from C/ Viladomat This development brings the number of homes with services for the elderly in Barcelona to 1,825 in all Managed by the Municipal Institute for Social Service the model of homes with services for the elderly in Barcelona includes features such as telecare phone lines multi-purpose halls for communal activities cleaning and internal alarms in case any incidents occur   Social activities are also organised to combat unwanted loneliness The goal is to reach 2,000 homes with services for the elderly this year Casa Amàlia is a long-established restaurant (it first opened all the way back in 1950) right in front of the Concepció Market offering a classic and uncomplicated menu where quality ingredients and traditional cooking take centre stage when Jordi Castán and Sergi Suaña took over – a duo with decades of experience in high-end dining and a focus on local produce but then things get interesting: the main courses are divided into two sections one dedicated to tradition and one to transformation you'll find wonderful classic dishes like grilled monkfish with a fish and sherry velouté and fennel or three-meat cannelloni with béchamel sauce The transformation section offers playful creations like the ‘Mallorcan panalena’ a grilled aubergine with thinly sliced bacon This culinary creation evokes the pleasure of sobrasada with honey They take pride in highlighting the finest products even specifying on the menu which stall in the Concepció Market (which supplies 50% of the kitchen) has supplied each ingredient the cod with tarragon mousseline and rum-soaked raisins is a light and delicious reinvention of the typically heavy cod with garlic mousseline It's not just the food that's exquisite – the elegant refurbishment makes it a fitting place for those looking to impress someone special Still hungry? Check out our list of the best restaurants in Barcelona.  Barcelona was suffocating – until unknown engineer Ildefons Cerdà came up with a radical expansion plan yet his scientific approach changed how we think about cities it had grown increasingly dense throughout the industrial revolution mostly spearheaded by the huge development of the textile sector The city was living at a faster pace than the rest of Spain and was ready to become a European capital Yet its population of 187,000 still lived in a tiny area With a density of 856 inhabitants per hectare (Paris had fewer than 400 at the time) the rising mortality rates were higher than those in Paris and London; life expectancy had dropped to 36 years for the rich and just 23 years for the working classes almost literally suffocating the people of Barcelona – who were addressed directly in the following public statement of 1843: “‘Down with the walls!’ has said this province’s council and ‘Down with the walls!’ has no doubt answered your town hall which knows the importance of making this girdle disappear that is squeezing and choking us.” horse-drawn carts – was problematic too: the city’s narrowest street (now gone) was just 1.10 metres wide while around 200 were less than three metres across combined with residents’ Mediterranean way of life (which meant being on the street whenever it was light – and in the case of some artisanal professionals worsened an already severe lack of hygiene in the city Retreating facades, taken from L’Eixample: 150 Anys d’HistòriaBarcelona’s epidemics were devastating: each time they broke out geography and urbanism professor at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona Cholera alone killed more than 13,000 people between 1834 and 1865 His plan consisted of a grid of streets that would unite the old city with seven peripheral villages (which later became integral Barcelona neighbourhoods such as Gràcia and Sarrià) The united area was almost four times the size of the old city (which was around 2 sq km) and would come to be known as Eixample This unknown engineer was revolutionary in what he envisioned – but also in how he got there Cerdà decided to avoid repeating past errors by undertaking a comprehensive study of how the working classes lived in the old city “He had thought he would find all these urbanism books Cerdà’s eye was as careful as it is fascinating His was the first meticulous scientific study both of what a modern city was and what it could aspire to be – not only as an efficient cohabiting space but as a source of wellbeing (not a straightforward concept back then) He calculated the volume of atmospheric air one person needed to breathe correctly He detailed professions the population might do Cerdà's was the first meticulous scientific study both of what a modern city was, and what it could aspire to beIn short, Cerdà invented “urbanisation” – a word (and discipline) that didn’t exist in Spanish or Catalan, nor English or French, and which he codified in his General Theory of Urbanisation in 1867 His work is still studied in Catalan schools to this day “The high mortality rates of the working class population pushed Cerdà to design a new type of urban planning,” wrote Pallarès-Barberà in a recent paper about the district Gardens in the centre of each street block; rich and poor accessing the same services; and smooth-flowing traffic were among his then revolutionary even utopian-sounding ideas – many of which materialised to at least some extent (although not the central gardens) Eixample remains a prominent part of Barcelona’s image today: the octagonal blocks allowing drivers to see more easily what was happening to the left and right Cars hadn’t even been invented yet – but when Cerdà discovered railways: “He realised there would be some sort of small machines moved by steam that each driver could stop in front of their house,” Permanyer explains this design makes traffic circulation infinitely easier in Eixample Plan of the Eixample development in Barcelona (1859) Illustration: Archives of the Kingdom of Aragon Barcelona/Ministerio de Cultura/Ministerio de CulturaAnd yet none of these ideas were well-received or appreciated in Barcelona at the time when the council originally opened a public competition for the extension plan in 1859 via the creation of a new ministry of public works (which suddenly ruled over city councils) imposed Cerdà in a sign of historical – and future – tensions between Spain’s central and Catalan administrations This would forever taint Cerdà’s legacy in the city A well-travelled but little-known engineer when he began his career-defining project he was immediately mistrusted by Barcelona’s architects who were in the middle of a considerable rivalry with engineers As it was impossible to oppose the rulings coming from Madrid his opponents instead tried to discredit him ideologically and intellectually Leading architects such as Domènech i Montaner (designer of the city’s celebrated Palau de la Música) and Josep Puig i Cadafalch slashed and patronised the streets’ excessive width and the sameness of the “communist phalanstery-like squares” “He has been nibbling at and turning all the gardens .. and spaces destined to public buildings into the monotony of an American city destined for a pretentious tribe without more aspirations than the agglomeration of houses to eat property owners and architects alike wanted to build “the biggest This is why there’s such a rich diversity in architecture in the district – one that matches the anarchist touch of the local bourgeoisie” Cerdà had created a neighbourhood without class divisions where the population would be spread out equallyThis drive to be different is illustrated by an anecdote Salvador Dalí once told Permanyer. According to the artist, when asked how he wanted his house, a member of the bourgeoisie said: “I’m only asking for one thing: for it to be taller than my neighbour’s, so that I can piss on it!” Cerdà’s plan, though, was a “liberation for everyone”, according to Permanyer. The engineer was a utopian socialist – and at the centre of his urbanism was a deep sense of equality and a populist ideology. He had created a neighbourhood without class divisions where, both for ideological and public health reasons, the population would be spread out equally, and there wouldn’t be exclusive areas for the rich or poor. Over the following decades, Eixample grew with magnificent modernist buildings standing cheek by jowl with artisan homes demanding much cheaper rents. Barely cited in any urbanism books not written in Spanish or Catalan to this day, Cerdà finally began attracting praise from his compatriots, and even internationally, in the 1980s and 90s, when Catalan architects started revising history and recognising him – something that became “official” when the city hosted the 1992 Olympics. These days, Barcelona is consistently praised as an urban success story. And its fortunes are inextricably linked to Cerdà’s work, which propelled it, in the words of Permanyer, “from a provincial town where it was difficult to live, to a truly modern city”. Does your city have a little-known story that made a major impact on its development? Please share it in the comments below or on Twitter using #storyofcities What's the vibe?With a geometric exterior that's something between a Sudoku grid and a game of Tetris, Ohla Eixample's facade hints at the modern experience inside. Once you're checked in, complimentary glass of cava in hand, you can admire the trunk-like metal support beams, exposed industrial ceilings, and multi-colored lamps. More surprising, perhaps, are the tortoise sculptures, which dot the space, hide-and-seek style. Give us the backstory on this place.Local architects Isern Associats were given a former 1970s office block (ugly) with weird ceiling heights (challenging), and an unfortunate proximity to the metro (noisy). Yet the final result is sleek, sculptural, and well soundproofed. You’ll find Ohla Eixample's sister property, Ohla Barcelona, on Via Laietana on the busier side of the Eixample district. Tell us about your room.Our room was spacious and cement-heavy. Taller guests will love the Junior Suites, which have extra-large beds; Deluxe rooms have balconies; the Attic has a terrace. A bedside control panel has four lighting modes—Day, Relax, Night, and Off. The only divisive point could be the shower: It’s transparent and visible from the bed. Great for light; less great if you’re traveling with your mother. How's the Wi-Fi?Free, and no complaints on quality. How did you find the service?The staff is plentiful and multilingual. Who stays here?An extremely international mix, with many saying hello to newly made friends over breakfast. How's the neighborhood?Sandwiched between two great, partly pedestrianized streets: Rambla de Catalunya, perfect for shopping, and Enric Granados, perfect for eating. Any standout features?The roof terrace, an urban garden complete with olive trees, has squishy, airbed-style loungers, a friendly cocktail bar, and a rare Barcelona win in the form of a year-round pool that’s heated in winter. What's the bottom line?If you crave modern design—concrete floors, exposed ceilings, and the like—this is a strong option. If that leaves you cold, come for dinner at Xerta instead. All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. the restaurant l’Olivé has been a fundamental pillar in the culinary offer of the Eixample This restaurant has not only known how to survive but has thrived in the changing demands of the gastronomic world The history of l’Olivé is a blend of tradition quality ingredients and exceptional service after a careful renovation and a renewed focus on the dining experience the restaurant is preparing to continue to lead the way in Catalan and Mediterranean cuisine located on the corner of Balmes and Consell de Cent has become a true symbol in the neighborhood The essence of Catalan cuisine is felt in every dish Every corner of the restaurant reflects its history and the recent renovation has been a declaration of intent: they are here to stay and continue to offer a unique experience The contemporary and cozy design of the place invites you to relax and enjoy a first-class dining experience With a combination of classic and modern elements l’Olivé has created the perfect ambiance for any occasion from a romantic dinner to a celebration among friends has taken l’Olivé’s cuisine to new heights His approach is clear: to value the product and bring it to the table in the most honest way possible the cod xatonada is a sublime appetizer that leaves diners wanting more The combination of flavors is balanced and full of nuances is another dish that stands out for its texture This dish surprises even the most demanding and shows that each creation at l’Olivé is made with passion and dedication As they progress through the culinary experience diners cannot miss the iconic artichoke stuffed with ham and onion confit but the perfect execution transforms a simple vegetable into a gastronomic gem The main offer at l’Olivé does not disappoint the octopus cannelloni with seasonal mushrooms and béchamel takes the cake This dish is so creamy and flavorful that diners will probably remember it long after they have left the restaurant making it one of those dishes that becomes legendary The canned cod with samfaina is still a favorite but the kid’s shoulder and the Donostia-style toad are the best sellers Each bite is a journey through the flavors of Catalonia and culinary tradition the restaurant l’Olivé has shown admirable resilience especially considering that the environment has changed Some customers are still reluctant to return to enclosed spaces but the restaurant’s management approaches the situation with optimism Olivé mentions that returning to business means facing the reality of a different clientele Companies have opted for teleworking and tourism has decreased considerably the effort to provide a safe and pleasant environment is a priority and it shows One of the restaurant’s most successful decisions has been to renew its wine list which includes both national and international options A good meal is not complete without a wine to complement it and l’Olivé has thought of everything You can’t talk about a complete experience without mentioning desserts The restyling in that section has also been remarkable The millefeuille with strawberries and cream is a sweet that should not be missing at the end of any meal The combination of textures and flavors transports diners to a state of happiness worth experiencing l’Olivé restaurant has demonstrated that their love for cooking and customer service goes beyond words passion and commitment to quality promise that they will continue to offer the best of Catalan gastronomy the restaurant l’Olivé not only keeps culinary tradition alive but also adapts and presents it in a contemporary way ensuring that there will always be reasons to return Carrer de Balmes, 47, L’Eixample, 08007 Barcelona Mission Statement: to assist the integration of foreign residents living in Spain and this is never more accurate than when you establish yourself as a foreign resident in a new country Being able to quickly familiarise yourself with the culture and customs can help ease the transition during a challenging time This is why Euro Weekly News makes it our mission to provide you with a free news resource in English that covers both regional and national Spanish news – anything that we feel you will benefit from knowing as you integrate into your new community and live your best life in Spain you can forget about translating articles from Spanish into awkward English that probably don’t make much sense Let us be your convenient and essential guide to all things that will likely affect you as a foreign resident living in Spain Barcelona has dropped a boozy bombshell on fun-seekers: from June 1 pub crawls are strictly off the menu in the city’s famous Eixample district also rules out any sort of advertising for organised drinking tours This isn’t Barcelona’s first rodeo when it comes to cracking down on bar-hopping Pub crawls have already been banned in the city’s old town – the Ciutat Vella district – since 2012 and that particular prohibition will remain in force until at least 2028 Eixample is joining the party (or not!) by rolling out its own two-year ban signalling a strict “no gracias” to anyone hoping to take part in organised pint-fuelled prowls around the city’s iconic grid-like streets City bosses say these late-night boozy jaunts are ‘incompatible with community harmony and the local residents’ right rest.’ In a mayoral decree officials have promised to completely restrict pub crawls between 7 PM and 7 AM citing concerns over public disturbances – especially in hotspots like the trendy Enric Granados area where revellers have been known to cause a right old racket They also warn of the ‘risk posed by irresponsible consumption of alcohol,’ with large numbers of tourists flocking to the city and piling into pubs and bars The council insists this ban will keep Barcelona’s reputation sparkling and help safeguard local quality of life (not to mention a few eardrums) there’s a 20-day public consultation period for any objections Barcelona City Council is already taking a firm line: over 2023 and 2024 officials dished out a whopping 366 fines related to the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in Eixample The council is ramping up efforts to curb underage drinking and ensure bars aren’t pouring pints outside authorised hours So anyone who had their heart set on a boozy tour of Barcelona this summer It seems the city’s message to rowdy revellers is simple: if you’re looking to hit the bars for a pub crawl better brace yourself for a sobering surprise Read more news from around Europe Get more Spanish news in English Subscribe to our Euro Weekly News alerts to get the latest stories into your inbox Euro Weekly News is the leading English language newspaper in Spain by delivering news with a social conscience we are proud to be the voice for the expat communities who now call Spain home With around half a million print readers a week and over 1.5 million web views per month EWN has the biggest readership of any English language newspaper in Spain The paper prints over 150 news stories a week with many hundreds more on the web – no one else even comes close Our publication has won numerous awards over the last 25 years including Best Free Newspaper of the Year (Premios AEEPP) Company of the Year (Costa del Sol Business Awards) and Collaboration with Foreigners honours (Mijas Town Hall) All of this comes at ZERO cost to our readers All our print and online content always has been and always will be FREE OF CHARGE Download our media pack in either English or Spanish Barcelona City Council plans to start work in June 2022 to include more greenery new plazas and less asphalt in the Eixample “superilla” The green axis model seeks to transform the streets of Consell de Cent Comte Borrell and Girona into a green axis with pedestrian priority The goal is for Barcelona to be ready to face the challenges of the 21st century and to become a better place to live every day Construction is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2023 The asphalt will be removed and materials such as granite and panot will be used to pave the area the land will be permeable in order to take advantage of rainwater making the streets 100% pedestrian accessible green will occupy a prominent place in the work vegetation in the Eixample district occupies only 1% The road will be lined with 400 new trees and around 7,930 m2 of shrub and perennial species will be planted along the area The crossing will be pedestrian and in the few circulation areas only vehicles traveling at a maximum speed of 10 km/h of residents in the area and emergency services will be allowed 31 new squares located at crossroads with transversal streets There will be spaces for children’s games Barcelona will offer several guided tours around traditional shops still standing in Esquerra de l'Eixample and Rambla de Catalunya boulevard The city council has planned two different routes one walking in front of historical establishments in La Rambla boulevard The second route will focus on historical stores still standing in the l'Esquerra de l'Eixample neighborhood and pharmacies Serralta and Antonio Torres with a capacity of around 20 people per tour Attendees will learn about traditional, unique, and special establishments with significant historic and heritage value. These are some of the many different traditional stores still standing in Barcelona's city center Free tours will take place on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings and will last around 1:30h. There will be two tours with sign language, and those interested must register on the District de l'Eixample website. The Local Europe ABVästmannagatan 43113 25 StockholmSweden Barcelona has paid the cost of its international popularity pickpockets on its iconic Ramblas boulevard and a nightlife scene which keeps neighbours awake in some neighbourhoods Barcelona banned pub crawls in the Old Town (Ciutat Vella) in 2012 a part of the Catalan capital which includes the touristy Gothic Quarter Now a new rule will extend the ban on rutas alcohólicas or rutas de borrachera to the city's Eixample neighbourhood as well Pub crawls are organised tours around bars and other nightlife venues where participants drink at each stop and there's usually the promise of some free drinks along the way They're usually aimed at tourists or groups of young people The new measure will ban the organisation and promotion of pub crawl routes between bars and nightclubs in Eixample and the neighbourhood's public spaces for the next two years Eixample extends up from Plaça de Catalunya and either side of Passeig de Gràcia Dreta de l'Eixample and Esquerra de l’Eixample The main problem with Barcelona's pub crawls is that they take place in central areas where local residents live open squares and apartment blocks often with just single window panes (instead of double glazing) all mean sound can travel very easily A group of loud youngsters on a pub crawl can often sound like they’re almost in your apartment Barcelona City Council handed out more than 1,100 fines to those promoting pub crawl in these central neighbourhoods But despite the ongoing ban and stiff fines these types of tours have still been taking place in the Old Town local news site El Periódico reported that they discovered advertisements for a “whirlwind tour of Barcelona’s hottest spots where the atmosphere is electric and the drinks are flowing” And after a quick Google search for 'Barcelona pub crawls' The Local Spain found several of them still being advertised on booking sites such as Viator and Get Your Guide many around the Ciutat Vella neighbourhoods like the Gothic Quarter There are even several websites specifically dedicated to pub crawls in Barcelona Some of them say that they stay within “central area of the city” and one states that the meeting spot is in a “bar just off La Rambla” which again is smack in the middle of the Ciutat Vella area where they’re supposedly banned Barcelona extended the Old Town pub crawl ban until 2028 and the new Eixample ban will last until the same year although it’s likely both will be extended further Eixample has also intensified controls on the sale and consumption of alcohol in public places 366 fines related to infractions of this type were issued in the Eixample neighbourhood If you’re considering booking a pub crawl in Barcelona it’s important to realise that it may be illegal and that by going on one you’re contributing to the issues of mass tourism that so many locals in Barcelona have been protesting about for years There are plenty of local bars to visit on your own without having to go on an organised tour and disturbing the locals It’s important to also be aware of noise levels and perhaps choose clubs away from the centre such as Razzmatazz Please log in here to leave a comment a new restaurant has opened its doors and promises to ignite the most demanding palates Darvaza is not just a place to eat; it is a gastronomic experience that transforms the way diners think about the embers This restaurant goes beyond the simple grill and offers an international tour of the flavors that fire can present From exotic cuts to traditional-style rice dishes each dish is designed to take the breath away from those who sit at the table everything is cooked to perfection and surrounded by an ambiance that does justice to its name inspired by the famous “Darvaza Well” in Turkmenistan also known as “The Gateway to Hell” Once diners walk through Darvaza’s door they are greeted by a warm and welcoming atmosphere The décor evokes the feeling of being near the fire This atmosphere is complemented by exceptional customer service making each person feel special and valued The open kitchen showcases the magic behind each dish the restaurant specializes in offering matured meats of the highest quality as well as fish and rice dishes that promise delicacies for all tastes you can see how the chefs transform these ingredients into culinary masterpieces Darvaza’s menu stands out for its variety of meat cuts which come from different corners of the planet From Argentinean entraña to the famous Japanese Wagyu the restaurant meets the expectations of every meat lover The best thing is that you can order specific quantities: feel like tasting only 100 grams of a tasty entraña Feel like sharing a kilo of Argentinian lomo alto diners can enjoy dishes that are ideal for eating with your hands such as the Black Angus rib eye served on freshly baked bread This style of serving food creates a warm and social atmosphere where sharing is part of the pleasure of eating Darvaza offers a selection of rice dishes that highlight the Mediterranean tradition these rices are a true sin and reflect the chef’s passion for authenticity each bite becomes an experience that transports diners to the coast The fish are also protagonists in this feast Each dish highlights the flavors of the sea complemented by high quality ingredients that enhance the freshness of the fish the experience at Darvaza does not end with the savory adds a touch of intensity that contrasts beautifully with the more common cream cheese desserts Its creamy texture and strong flavor provide a perfect closure to any meal We cannot forget to mention the magnificent offer in cocktails that Darvaza offers Using fresh ingredients and innovative techniques the restaurant’s bartenders create drinks that perfectly complement the flavors of the menu capturing diners’ attention even before the first sip takes place the restaurant transforms into a place full of energy The music plays and the atmosphere heats up thanks to the presence of a DJ who adds vibrant beats to the experience cocktails and ambiance makes Darvaza not just a place to dine but a meeting point where people want to be It is a culinary destination that invites diners to discover unique flavors that emanate from the fire and every detail of the ambiance has been carefully crafted to guarantee a great experience if you want to surprise your senses and know every corner of the world through the embers do not hesitate to make your reservation at Darvaza We promise it will be a trip you won’t forget Carrer de Mallorca, 209, L’Eixample, 08036 Barcelona The Barcelona City Council presented a special plan for uses that seeks to restrict and regulate the opening of new restaurants food stores and other activities in the Eixample district The objective is to avoid the concentration of these establishments on pedestrian streets The municipal government stated that the measure seeks to “preserve local commerce and avoid gentrification” in the district the aim is to apply the Girona Street model Everything is aimed at avoiding the concentration and excess of commercial premises at the same point the new plan for Eixample uses stipulates density and distance requirements between premises Also minimum and maximum areas for restaurants The presentation of the document marked the beginning of a two-month participatory process The aim is to gather the opinions of the neighborhood entities and political groups before approving the final plan the new plan will only allow the operation of a maximum of five premises within a radius of 50 meters as well as a maximum of 18 premises within a radius of 100 meters Audiovisual and musical activities may only take place on streets wider than 25 meters Already a member? Log in Not a member? Sign up Explore our Food Tours → This is how Adrián Rubio – originally from Aragón province where he studied cooking – ended up in Barcelona Perhaps it was the strong wind known as cierzo which blows from the Pyrenees and down through his native land to the southwest that carried him here to open a restaurant where the recipes change every day A chef has to be tough and creative enough to face such a powerful force and he decided to name his new personal project Cierzo is a small two-story restaurant in the Dreta de l’Eixample neighborhood with just a few tables managed by Adrián’s good friend “Javier was recommended by a friend when I needed a waiter and now he is like part of the family,” says Adrián The area around the restaurant is full of offices and shops with hundreds of workers who are spoiled for choice when it comes to their daily lunches But among the well-organized crowd of eateries in L’Eixample Cierzo has made a name for itself as a reliable option drawing a crowd of regulars that drop by week after week they can find a simple but delicious menú del día for just 14 euros The regulars who come in pairs know what to do: they just sit and order one of each After a different project that didn’t work out as he expected The original idea was for a bar with a counter serving street food another sudden gust of wind took this space away and brought the unexpected opportunity that today is Cierzo Adrián flipped his vision into a more gastronomic concept dedicated to the main clientele in the area: the neighbors and local office workers which meant he needed to serve meals with both high quality and accessible prices “Eating [out for lunch] shouldn’t be boring or lame,” he says mixing local Mediterranean market cuisine with Asian or South American touches He plays around with any and all possibilities to build the four new dishes for the daily lunch specials but traditional Italian recipes are an especially important source of inspiration at Cierzo especially when it comes to exploring vegetables the infinite variations of pastas and gnocchi Here we’ve enjoyed tasty cannelloni and the fantastic lasagnas with meat Winter is a time for more local recipes like Aragonese or Catalan soups and stews The second courses typically feature one fish and one meat dish When we see Javier pass by our table with a magnificent roasted Iberian pork sirloin with mashed potato parmentier and crispy leeks But we’re reassured when we’re presented with our freshly grilled corvina a juicy and tender white fish served with a crunchy layer of breadcrumbs on top and covered in roasted garlic sauce I never repeated one single dish!” Adrián explains “I go with the seasons and throughout the day the I get ideas for the next menu.” It makes us wonder how he keeps track of this incredible number of creations And I don’t have time to take notes or even take photos of everything.” The suppliers announce the products available each day and Adrián selects what makes the most sense to produce something different within the restraints of the season and the menu costs “Now things are different; if something becomes a big success I try to include it [in the menu] again every fifteen days,” he explains Some of these successful dishes makes their way onto the menu for dinner an event that only takes place on Thursday and Friday nights Dinner at Cierzo is a fun selection of around twenty high quality dishes to choose and share which hang around for a bit longer on the menu than the fleeting lunch specials concentrating all the attention on just a few tables downstairs The tomato tartar is one of the favorites among the nighttime customers: a juicy “meaty” vegetarian tartar of preserved tomato with avocado covered with black olive paste and a sun-dried tomato sauce making the flavor change from intense at the top to fresher and creamier on the base levels It’s impossible not to be curious about what’s going to happen next week at Cierzo; which new ideas will appear scrawled on the blackboard Come Monday through Friday to get a taste of Adrián’s latest creations loading map - please wait...Map could not be loaded - please enable Javascript!→ more information Urban Planning and Mobility Area is responsible for providing municipal services linked to the public areas and city services which make life easier for people who live and work in the city.  The City Council seeks to ensure a quality public space a green and biodiverse city that is productive and resilient a city committed to active and sustainable mobility with public involvement and commitment Urban Planning and Mobility Area has different instruments as well as advisory and participatory bodies for effective involvement and collaboration in municipal projects with the general public The Council sees to the smooth running of the city services to ensure the daily wellbeing of the public and contribute towards the city's development and the director of the Association of Civil Engineers of Catalonia unveiled a commemorative plaque for the engineer and urban planner Ildefons Cerdà at the building where he lived Also attending were the journalists Carles Cols (‘El Periódico’) and Lluís Permanyer (‘La Vanguardia’) who were behind the search to locate the home The ceremony was conducted by the Eixample District council member Marta Sendra The tribute emphasised the life and career of the outstanding engineer and urban planner renowned for his contribution to the urban development of L’Eixample and Barcelona The journalists Carles Cols (El Periódico) and Lluís Permanyer (La Vanguardia) gave an explanation of Cerdà’s trajectory and the studies carried out to determine where he lived The director of the Association of Civil Engineers of Catalonia provided information on the role of Cerdà in the history of urban planning The Mayor noted that Ildefons Cerdà dreamt of an open and healthy Barcelona that helped to improve the quality of life of its inhabitants Vegetables often get short shrift at restaurants – greens legumes and tubers are relegated to the same tired side dishes or just one component of many in a generic main Not so at GatBlau (literally BlueCat in Catalan) a kohlrabi or any other delicious weirdo from the garden is taken to the next level after working in several Catalan restaurants that favored a more conventional and traditional cooking style felt that his professional life was going in the wrong direction and the next morning you’d have any ingredient you want in the restaurant the season or where it comes from,” he explains This was in stark contrast to his personal food consumption – every Wednesday he was buying a box of seasonal organic vegetables from a cooperative Barcelona was home to only a few restaurants that specialized in vegetarian or organic cuisine “Nobody thought that a good top restaurant should also be conscious with their products,” says Pere “So I thought that this connection would be basically impossible.” They serve up almost exclusively organic products – not just vegetables but also meat and fish a few words from the most unexpected person can change the course of one’s life That’s what happened to Pere: “The first person who opened my eyes was Pep Montserrat when nobody was really talking about Km0 [a Slow Food designation for food that has been locally grown and produced] ‘What you have to do is a restaurant fed only with products from 50 km around.’ I told him Yet Pere started to research and almost immediately discovered (and joined) the Slow Food movement in Barcelona open GatBlau in line with the sustainable philosophy they share very close to the intersection of Gran Via and Urgell – an area that combines residential and business life with its natural colors and easygoing atmosphere they serve up almost exclusively organic products – not just vegetables but also meat and fish into a higher gastronomic concept: creating dishes that spotlight one seasonal vegetable in all its unique glory supported by a cast of other vegetables and products They landed on an ever-changing menu of 16 dishes half of which are completely vegetarian while the other half feature veggies mixed with dairy Lunchtime is always busy for restaurants in Barcelona but that’s especially true for those located in commercial areas like the Eixample GatBlau’s “Eco2” lunch (ecologic and economic priced around €14) has been so successful over the past few years that they also began offering a complementary “Gastronomic” menu that has more sophisticated and creative dishes for bit more money The cuisine at GatBlau is strongly rooted in the Catalan and Mediterranean traditions Some of their creations mix land and sea vegetables including a green hummus made of chickpeas and algae and fresh Ganxet beans with mushrooms and algae from Portomuiños in Galicia Sometimes they get creative with traditional meat dishes like their fennel fricandó (originally a stew of thin beef fillets with St George’s mushrooms) and parsnip rillettes with Marcona almonds where the grated parsnip is confited in Marcona almond oil and then torn apart to create the same texture of the meat in a rilletes we loved their creamy and luscious gnocchi made of sweet potato and served with aromatic rossinyols (Cantharellus cibarius a mushroom that is very common in Catalonia) and a chestnut pesto that gets its zing from a subtle touch of garlic The dish is crowned with a few thin shavings of Gran Reixagó cheese (made from artisan Catalan raw cow’s milk and aged for 24 months) A similarly powerful dish is their flavorful squash escalivada (Catalan for roasted and peeled) served with barbecue sauce and caramelized squash seeds which give a crispy touch to balance the creamy texture of the squash gaining new importance on our tables and in our restaurants Pere Carrion and Jo Mestres are giving shape and color to this new gastronomic world full of delightful vegetable characters This stylish speakeasy is hidden away behind the cover of a trendy Pastrami Bar in the heart of El Born Simply give a knowing look to the person behind the counter and they’ll let you in through to the back when the time is right If you want to experience one of the best views of the city then the Carmel Bunkers are the place to head Located on the foothills which surround the city these former wartime bunkers are now a popular hang-out with those looking to escape the busy city-center and admire the impressive 360º view Once the sun goes down the Antic Theatre will be bustling | © Michael & Tara Castillo Located just a minute’s walk from the famous Palau de la Música, the Antic Theatre is an urban oasis which has managed to keep a low profile The theatre boasts a large open-air terrace surrounded by stunning old buildings typical of Barcelona’s Old Town The Can Deu Civic Centre is housed inside a stunning Modernist building located in the heart of the Les Corts neighborhood that is rarely visited by tourists The cafeteria there is a hidden-gem which few in the city know about with a large outdoor terrace and stylish interiors serving a selection of drinks and small dishes at affordable prices Carved into the side of Montjuïc hill, the amphitheatre in the Grec Gardens was constructed in the 1920s for the Barcelona International Exposition Today the theatre is used each year in July for the Grec Festival but the rest of the year the gardens and theatre are open to the public and make for a great place to read a book or have a picnic Sign up to our newsletter to save up to $800 on our unique trips See privacy policy El Jardí Bar Historic courtyard of El Jardin | Michael & Tara Castillo / © Culture Trip Just a minute’s walk from La Rambla this cute outdoor café and restaurant is a surprisingly well-kept secret Housed within the inside courtyard of ancient university buildings and surrounded by orange trees El Jardí is an oasis of peace in an otherwise hectic part of town The Horta Labyrinth | Unsplash | Alina Stiba Ever wanted to lose yourself in a real-life labyrinth like the ones you used to read about when you were little? Well so did the Marquis Joan Antoni Desvalls of d’Ardena, who ordered the construction of this 820-yard long labyrinth located on the outskirts of Barcelona back in the 18th century Only 750 visitors are allowed in daily and access costs just over €2 per person Walking around this part of Poblenou you could easily think there wasn’t much going on at first glance Housed inside the Valkiria co-working space which serves a selection of fresh dishes and drinks in a cool which promotes networking and creative thinking While many of Montjuïc’s gardens are famous for their sumptuous flower displays and bourgeois gardens the Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobrera are home to some of the hardiest and most unusual varieties of plant this little-known garden is home to hundreds of species of cactus Fancy swimming in the open seas but without risking coming head-to-head with a jet-ski or ending up caught in the waves The Zona de Banys del Fòrum is the city’s premier open-water swimming pool combining the benefits of sea-water with the ease and safety of swimming lanes Once upon a time, it was the law that all restaurants in Spain needed to offer an affordable lunchtime menu so that workers could get a decent meal. Today, while no longer a law, many restaurants continue to serve a menu del día or menu of the day which usually consists of three courses and a drink for as little as €8 this is an excellent way to experience some authentic cuisine and rub shoulders with the locals | Jr Harris / Unsplash You’ll get some splendid panoramic views along the way and see a greener side to the city which is a favourite amongst locals for enjoying a vermouth during Sunday lunchtimes Watch an FC Barcelona match in the bar The Camp Nou may be Europe’s largest football stadium, but it struggles to attract locals and has a reputation for a hit-and-miss atmosphere. If you want to see where the FC Barcelona supporters choose to cheer on their team head to a local bar instead and join in the shouting hugging and – if you’re lucky – celebrations follow the crowds to the Canaletes Fountain on La Rambla which has been the supporters’ gathering point after a victory for decades or rather they have some breakfast early in the morning when they get up and then tend to have a mid-morning snack around 11 am to keep them going until lunchtime at 2 pm this is usually a moment to grab a coffee with a colleague and have a break from work and cheese or jamón sandwiches appear fresh on the counter Act like a local and soak up the atmosphere of this Mediterranean way of life About the author Tara is a travel writer and editor who lived in Barcelona for 5 years writing exclusively for Culture Trip She has a passion for sharing experiences around food and wine See & Do Top Things to Do Around Las Ramblas See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in October Guides & Tips The Best European Cities to Visit in November Guides & Tips How to Attend a Bullfight in Spain Guides & Tips The Best European Cities to Visit in December Guides & Tips How to Spend the Perfect 24 Hours in Santander See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in Summer Architecture Spain’s Most Impressive Bullrings See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in Autumn See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in September See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in July Food & Drink The 5 Best Food Markets in Madrid US: +1 (678) 967 4965 | UK: +44 (0)1630 35000 tripssupport@theculturetrip.com © Copyright 2025 The Culture Trip Ltd The closure was carried out in a block interior of the Sant Antoni neighborhood due to the need to apply treatment to eliminate the presence of rats in the place the Barcelona City Council through the Public Health Agency of Barcelona The Jardins dels Tres Tombs is an island interior of the Sant Antoni neighborhood Located between the streets Calàbria where the only access is the presence of rodents in the children’s area was immediately detected and the park was closed with metal fences to prevent people from passing through along with the distribution of several mousetraps throughout the area to trap the rats a sign was installed next to the children’s slide informing about the sanitation tasks and activities being carried out in the area citizens in Barcelona have expressed their indignation at the presence of pests such as mosquitoes cockroaches and mice in the streets and buildings It is usual for these pests to increase during the summer recently in Barcelona there have been several episodes of rat concentration in different areas of the city which was recorded on video and became known on social networks at the end of June began to take the necessary measures together with the City Council as a result of the increase in pests during the summer 75% of incidents in the city can be recorded for this reason studies indicate that the city’s sewage system has a rat population of approximately 259,000 rats a plague of rats was also detected next to a kindergarten in an abandoned lot in Jaén street a figure that increased compared to last year’s 6,133 outbreaks According to the Catalan Association of Environmental Health Companies of Catalonia (ADEPAP) the confinement caused by the pandemic has encouraged rodents to move closer and closer to the populated areas of the city eat waste thrown on the streets or wander through parks and squares such as the one in Catalunya As the food scene in Barcelona continues to change at a rapid clip with a constant stream of closings and openings the city’s bodegas are an excellent example of what can be saved These are businesses that have been updated again and again in order to preserve an essence and an identity that nobody – not now nor back then – wants to lose a tapas bar and bulk-wine shop on Carrer d’Enric Granados in the Eixample Esquerra (Left Eixample) neighborhood is a good example of this preservation model the bodega has survived just about everything and served as an important gathering place for its customers over the years – so much so that one of its previous names Franxa Tomás and Carmen Fernández bought the place from its former proprietor it was still purely a bulk-wine shop – local residents would come in to buy vino by the liter from large barrels Franxa and Carmen fell in love with La Moderna at first sight and wanted to preserve the essence and identity of an iconic Spanish bodega: a simple and casual place where friends and neighbors can gather cheaper and more casual than the old Catalan casinos de poble.” the bodega offers the best environment for socializing cheaper and more casual than the old Catalan casinos de poble [village casinos],” says Ingrid Pérez a friend of the owners who also helps out at the bodega The casinos she’s speaking of are not typical gambling casinos but rather large old-school cafeterias that were often found in village centers chess or dominos and have a coffee or a vermut often a combination of a wine bar and a convenience store where people could talk and drink in smaller groups Given their love of traditional bodegas and the fact that they both have backgrounds in the restaurant industry (in addition to his advertising job Franxa has worked on other restaurant projects and Carmen’s family owns a traditional Catalan restaurant in Barcelona) it’s no surprise that the only truly new thing at La Moderna is the food They kept the whole front of the bodega intact bottled bulk wine to take away and old pictures and photos And while they transformed the former owners’ residence in the back of the building into a homey dining room paintings and lamps still give it the feel of an old house you will find an enticing display of the high-quality food products that the bodega serves like the excellent Casa Santoña conservas (gourmet canned seafood) thick white stalks grown and canned in Navarre There’s also a small kitchen where they prepare the simpler plates and tapas on the menu while the more elaborate dishes are made in advance at Carmen’s family’s restaurant This includes their delicious ox tail casserole their special snails la Moderna (similar to snails a la llauna they are cooked with rosemary or oregano over a charcoal grill in an aluminum can and served with a side of allioli) and the callos (a traditional and very iconic tripe stew) Some of our favorite dishes here are the incredibly tasty smoked oysters and sardines over pan de cristal Their menu also includes a selection of cured Iberian and Catalan sausages a diverse range of Spanish cheeses as well as the aromatic Swiss Tête de moine there are some Mediterranean salads featuring such ingredients as lentils don’t forget to indulge in the artisan bread that’s always a fixture on the table the Catalan cream or their comforting chocolate mousse The drink options here range from local beer and house vermut to cocktails and a selection of around 15 Catalan and Spanish bottled wines in addition to the bulk wine in the barrels Preservation runs deep in Barcelona’s bodegas Not only are many of the products on offer preserved in some way but bodegas themselves also preserve an important part of the city’s cultural identity The immense pleasure of a casual drink and a bite to eat in a simple The property has a built area of 1,487 square metres, six floors and two commercial units. The total investment will amount to €8.7 million, including the cost of the necessary renovations. The operation is part of a strategy to increase Barcelona’s public housing stock and eliminate tourist apartments from the city, thus raising the number of homes available. In this case, the right of first refusal and setting aside will allow the acquisition of new housing units in a densely populated area where new construction is difficult. Jardins d’Enriqueta Sèculi, in the Sagrada Família neighbourhood.Foto: Vicente Zambrano The yard of the old Ernst Paul Lehmann toy factory, a building that now houses some 20 studios for different creative disciplines, in Esquerra de l’Eixample.Foto: Vicente Zambrano From the Jardins d’Enriqueta Sèculi you can enjoy an impressive view of the Sagrada Família. The City Council has opted to name the new gardens after women, to make up for their scarcity in street names, especially in the Eixample. Enriqueta Sèculi (1897-1976) was an educationalist, writer and feminist activist and co-founder of various women’s organisations in the years before the Spanish Civil War.Foto: Vicente Zambrano The President of the Dreta de l’Eixample residents’ association, Jaume Artigas, is in no doubt. ‘From the start of the crisis in 2012 until now, no new premises have been inaugurated in the neighbourhood. Inner courtyards were recovered by buying premises and not by expropriation, which cost the same as buying. Now the facts are starker: there aren’t enough funds. There’s no town-planning management because prices are too high.’ At Barcelona City Council they do not give much importance to the numbers: ‘What we want are free green spaces, we don’t care whether they’re block interiors or not. When all’s said and done, we prefer to count everything: our aim is to have about 50 accessible spaces and a hundred green spaces’, explains Elisenda Capera. The entrance to the Lehmann factory.Foto: Vicente Zambrano Access to gardens of Anaïs Napoleon, in the Fort Pienc neighbourhood.Foto: Vicente Zambrano Entrance to Torre de les Aigües, in Dreta de l’Eixample.Foto: Vicente Zambrano As part of plans for city block interiors, there are currently several operations under way to recover new ones. The first garden planned for inauguration at the beginning of 2019 is the one at Casa Macaya (191, Carrer de Roger de Flor). At the moment, there is a small play area, but the City Council wants to recover the whole of the city block interior and manage it as a green zone. The demolition work will be starting soon. All these projects are opportunities arising from private initiative which the administration has taken advantage of. It is therefore difficult to establish a recovery plan, as the Council depends on proposals coming from outside. As it is impossible to plan the gardens to be built, it means that projects like the ‘superblocks’, in which city block interiors could be used to connect the various blocks with pedestrian circuits, are difficult to put into practice. At the Esquerra de l’Eixample residents association, the interior gardens there are much appreciated, though they admit that if they have narrow entrances they are afraid to go in. ‘I don’t like going in, because I always imagine there’ll be someone there who might hurt me’, confesses Madrona Comas, a member of the association. The space dedicated to the memory of the soprano Montserrat Figueras (1942-2011), a specialist in early music, in Antiga Esquerra de l’Eixample, is one of the latest to enter the municipal street guide.Foto: Vicente Zambrano The route through the city block interiors begins with the city’s newest gardens, the Jardins de Montserrat Figueras in the Antiga Esquerra de l’Eixample, inaugurated in June 2016. A narrow passageway, the entrance and exit, leads us away from the traffic in Carrer de Còrsega and into an oasis. Full of trees and plants climbing up the walls, between the paths and around the areas for rest or play, the feeling of being in a small isolated space is stronger than ever. Elisenda Capera points out the contradictions in the prohibitions. ‘City block interiors echo. I can understand the nuisance when people are trying to sleep and that’s why they’re closed at night. But they’re children, they run and shout. It’s not that this interior has more problems than others, it’s that some residents are over-sensitive’, she concludes. The gardens dedicated to the famous popular singer Càndida Pérez (Olot, 1893-1989), in the Sant Antoni neighbourhood.Foto: Vicente Zambrano These gardens do not include any facilities, unlike other places that coexist with a range of services. This is the case of the gardens named after the popular singer and composer Càndida Pérez (44-46, Carrer del Comte Borrell), in Sant Antoni, which shares the space with a library and an old people’s centre. Entrance is by a wide passageway with a high ceiling which leads to the busy, five-storey Sant Antoni-Joan Oliver library. All is quiet in the garden. It is half past seven and the only people there are an old couple with their granddaughter and two girls sitting on a bench. ‘We don’t often come to the garden, but it’s such a nice day we took advantage to do some work’, comments Helena, pointing to the computer on Marien’s lap. ‘I often come to the library for its comic section’, she confesses, as she glances at the letter of presentation she is getting ready to send to a business. A chimney stands out in the space, a memory of the sweet factory that used to occupy the courtyard. Although there are some trees, the garden is dominated by the ochre of the sand and the black of the iron on the walls, except for one corner full of climbing plants, a way of avoiding graffiti on the walls. Núria and her friends set off for home. A little while later the rest of the attendants at the Saint George’s Day dance follow them, crossing the courtyard with excited smiles. To end my tour, I visit the Jardins de la Torre de les Aigües (56, Carrer de Roger Llúria), which in summer become a swimming pool known as the ‘Eixample beach’. It is still spring and halfway through the morning the place is taken up with tourists, mothers and babies and workers resting. The many trees distributed around the courtyard provide shade and a feeling of isolation. The Jardins (gardens) de la Torre de les Aigües, in Dreta de l’Eixample, include a pool that is very popular in summer, known as the ‘Eixample beach’.Foto: Vicente Zambrano ‘I work very near here and I come every morning to switch off during my work break’, explains Andros, with a cigarette in one hand and in the other half a sandwich wrapped in silver paper. ‘It’s quiet today. Normally, the secondary students from the school come at breaktime and the courtyard fills up’. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The first kiosks were built in Barcelona in the mid-19th century, either to sell products or shelter musical performances. However, the first newspaper kiosk was the initiative of an evening paper born in 1888: El Noticiero Universal. From La Rambla, newspaper kiosks spread throughout the city. The last few years haven’t been kind to sellers of printed press. Over the course of a decade, 35% of kiosks in Barcelona have closed. The recession –and, above all, new ways of getting information– are causing many to shut down. Aware of the problem, the sector and the administration are taking on a necessary reconversion. Climate change and air pollution have driven the world’s great cities towards a change in paradigm. After a century of cars ruling the streets, the largest metropolises are starting to restrict their use. Officially, science was a man’s affair in Barcelona until very recently. This can be seen, for example, in the gallery of names of illustrious academics in the Paranimf of the University of Barcelona, which only includes one woman: 17th-century philosopher Juliana Morell. However, if we look under the surface, we find that women have in fact been involved in the scientific and technical life of the city in many different ways. From the 70´s, the historical establishments – neighbourhood cinemas and other, classier, first - run downtown cinemas – came up time and again against the challenge of survival. Throughout this struggle, and over and above the overpowering creeping commercialism, alternative circuits have been established that have allowed new experiences for cinema-lovers while preserving the best of the traditional ones. In Catalonia, 7% of all food purchased by families, restaurants and shops each year is wasted. Food waste is a global problem which can be fought by means of better laws and social projects, in addition to individual and household initiatives. The Model prison has since been emptied of its prisoners. Now, for the residents in this part of the city, it represents both an opportunity and a danger, as they watch to see what sort of restoration will be given to this large chunk of their neighbourhood, following four decades of calls for the prison’s closure in order to make way for amenities, green spaces and schools. Since the appearance of the first graffiti in the mid-1980s, Barcelona has had a rather tempestuous relationship with this new form of artistic expression in its public space. There are three main characters in this story: the artists, the authorities and the public. In the following pages we will analyse how their relationship has evolved over the last three decades. The Ecology, Urban Planning and Mobility Area is responsible for providing municipal services linked to the public areas and city services which make life easier for people who live and work in the city.  The City Council seeks to ensure a quality public space, a green and biodiverse city that is productive and resilient, a city committed to active and sustainable mobility with public involvement and commitment. Ecology, Urban Planning and Mobility Area has different instruments as well as advisory and participatory bodies for effective involvement and collaboration in municipal projects with the general public, groups and organizations, and both public and private entities. The Council sees to the smooth running of the city services, to ensure the daily wellbeing of the public and contribute towards the city's development. Following an in-depth analysis on the way the green streets are working in the district, an improvement plan will now be implemented as a result of joint work between 18 local organisations and all other municipal stakeholders. The goal is to consolidate the project and make the amendments needed to improve public space, mobility, environmental quality and socio-economic dynamics. The new streets entailed a different rollout of some services, bringing new maintenance models with them. A number of measures have now been planned to gradually improve the system through until next summer. In the case of services to maintain greenery, the cost has risen by 315,000 euros, and with cleaning, by 759,000 euros. Extra signage will also be installed at junctions from between now and October, to make obligatory runs clearer and avoid vehicles using spaces reserved for pedestrians at these points. Clearer delimitation of loading and unloading areas is also being looked at. Damaged parts of parterres of more than 20m² will be replaced and protected by the fencing used in Sant Antoni, shielding vegetation from dogs, pedestrians and vehicles. The work will be carried out progressively from 2024 to 2026 at an overall cost of 2 million euros. The analysis of the cleaning service concludes that it is well dimensioned, but that an additional five litter bins are needed in the meeting spaces in green streets, taking into account the distance to benches and tables to avoid smells. The implementation of the Usage Plan for the district is constantly being assessed as although the activities it regulates have not increased, there have been many permit transfers that included changes in their formal characteristics. In parallel, different inspection campaigns are also being carried out: one focusing on permits for minor works, another one specific to terraces and another soon in conjunction with the IMPUQV to review the façades of premises.    while lawyer María José Tarancón outlines the position of the building's new owners Housing rights activists Daniela Lima of the Esquerra de l'Eixample Housing Network and Enric Aragonès of the Sindicat de Llogateres tenants' union give their take Presented by Lorcan Doherty with Gerard Escaich Folch and Cristina Tomàs White This week's Catalan phrase is 'posar la mà al foc' it is used when you are very sure of something you say Get in touch with the podcast team: fillingthesink@acn.cat Listen to more episodes of Filling the Sink below or find out more here. Children joining the bicibús in the Eixample district of Barcelona make their way to school on a recent Friday morning The community is hoping to build a school-friendly bike lane for a safer commute for kids The Friday commute to school looks a little different for some kids in Barcelona more than a hundred kids and parents hop on their bikes and hit the road on their way to school and work Dozens of children ride bikes and scooters — and even skate — down empty streets, seen in videos and photos posted to social media Something special is happening in Barcelona. It started last month when some parents organized a bike ride to school for just five kids. Now entire neighborhoods are joining. They call it Bicibús – or Bike Bus. pic.twitter.com/qIxsQEervG and began in the Eixample district of Barcelona in September Families in the area are using the growing popularity of the bike commute to build community — and also fight for a safer more environmentally friendly way for their kids to get to school "It all started with a group of five families a lot of determination and a deep sense of the greater good," Mireia Boix a parent who rides with her 5-year-old son The bicibús operates similar to the way a school bus would but with three "stops" along the way where more riders join as it travels to several schools in the Eixample Parents often join in, some of them carrying younger children on their bikes. Police vehicles have started to escort the group In Eixample, the bicibús travels down Entença Street, where three schools are located; the ride from start to finish lasts about 25 minutes. Boix said it's a busy road where about 20,000 vehicles drive through every day It makes the surrounding area loud and busy she feels a sense of relief when her son bikes to school on Fridays because she knows he'll be safe That's why parents in the community are hoping for a school-friendly bike lane that is separated from the main traffic that would allow children to bike with their families This kind of lane already exists in other parts of Barcelona Boix says the city council has made some changes to make the street safer A police vehicle travels at the front of the bicibús in the Eixample district in Barcelona When the cyclists start their commute on Friday mornings they have help from local officials to keep everyone safe "It would reduce the amount of cars and it would make bike riding a possibility for families that right now are not too sure and feel insecure with the area," she said "Bicycles are a means of transportation and if a 5-year-old can ride a bike to school it means that every one else could quieter and overall better city to live in," Boix said Other neighborhoods in Barcelona and other parts of Spain have similar bicibus traditions Boix said she finds herself waking up earlier than usual every Friday out of excitement for the ride She and her son ride their bikes to school in the morning most days The joy, even just watching videos on social media, is infectious. Bystanders stop and take pictures of the group. Some of the children even sport bicibús jerseys. Some on social media have commented on how the bicibús shows what it means to rethink public space Boix said the camaraderie and companionship that have come with organizing and taking part in the rides becomes a little emotional "We have all felt emotional in one of the rides at some point It is a group of people convinced that things can be done a bit differently," she said "That we are not asking for something strange or impossible." Become an NPR sponsor Entrepanes Díaz opened last February with the goal of giving the sandwich the respect it deserves kokotxas al pil-pil (lower part of the cod chin cooked in parsley and garlic) and Antxón (red pork sausage and poached egg) Despite the sandwich being the main theme of this bar Díaz hasn’t neglected to include a wide range of equally delicious offerings on the menu Among the tapas (€3 to €15) are classics such as croquetas callos (pork tripe cooked with chorizo and paprika) and patatas bravas as well as more Andalusian ones: ortiguillas (deep-fried anemones) cazón en adobo (marinated school shark) and tortitas de camarón (deep-fried shrimp pancakes) Brunch (€9 to €10) at Entrepanes Díaz means eggs: eggs Benedict Among the daily specials (€12) there are always meat Desserts are as delicious as the rest of the menu: Amaretto ice cream crema catalana and chocolate marquise are the highlights Drinks include caña (a small glass of draft beer) Antxón Gómez was charged with overseeing Entrepanes Díaz’s interior design Stepping into this bar is like taking a journey back to a 1950s Madrilenian bar: Black-and-white photos mirrors and blackboards fill up this little corner joint offer impeccable service and lively conversation to regulars and newcomers Since Entrepanes Díaz is right on the intersection of financial Diagonal Avenue and the trendy Gràcia neighborhood businesspeople and the thirty-something hipster crowd congregate here throughout the day Martín Berasategui’s embassy at the Monument hotel has become one of the essential restaurants not only in the city but in all of ​​Catalonia and Spain where people flock to marvel at the chef's creativity The sampling menu is a treat that everyone should have the chance to enjoy Such excellence has earned the Lasarte the top prize in the restaurant world and as of November 2016 the restaurant is the first in Barcelona to boast three Michelin stars the man responsible for the day-to-day operations is Italian chef Paolo Casagrande Casagrande adds his own stamp of high elegance and creativity which you can see in dishes such as apple millefeuille and where the surprising aesthetic never surpasses the combination of amazing flavours The Government Commission approved a new urban plan this week that will enable the firs station in L’Eixample to be relocated to the site of the Mercedes dealership where the streets of Comte d’Urgell The fire station is temporarily housed in the Parc de Joan Miró The new location meets the needs of the corps in terms of mobility and its response capabilities within its area of service The agreement is a strategic one for the city particularly the district of L’Eixample and the Barcelona Fire Service unlocking the definitive location for the fire station in the district after years at its temporary location in the Parc de Joan Miró to allow for the fire station to be located there on an anticipated site of 2,215 m2 with a built space of 2,100 m2 on the ground level and two underground floors; plus another part classified as “18 which would help to fund the operation and be used for offices and commercial activity with the car dealership to continue on the site until then they looked for a more enjoyable and less stressful way to do what they loved starting with basically nothing but their enthusiasm and their solid ideas to convince the banks to give them a loan to start their own restaurant in 2011 with just Zaballa (head chef) and González (front of the house and sommelier) on board and after years of hard work they are opening a second place – with a different concept but the same name – and making the original restaurant a reference point for market cuisine in the area The cuisine here is simple but with a “cooking school” touch: interesting and precise They offer a variety of savory and sweet dishes of traditional or reinterpreted recipes from northern Spain (Zaballa is from Vigo-Galicia There are excellent cold cuts and ham and a great selection of artisanal Spanish cheeses Norte also has a small but ambitious wine list available by the bottle or glass She always chooses interesting wines from small producers made with personality sweet or savory dishes and a wide-ranging menu that includes sandwiches and egg dishes made with the best free-range eggs from Calaf prepared any way you wish Among the many sides on offer is the restaurant’s famous Spanish omelet and the most demanding customers can tell if it was made by Lara or not But other customers come for the fish of the day and don’t even ask what the fish is; they just know that it’s going to be fresh and delicious Some come just for the leche frita (fried milk a very traditional Galician dessert that is hard to find in any restaurant Still others come to the restaurant for another elusive classic dish which are given an Asian reinterpretation with sesame batter and ponzu sauce it would be impossible to remove the little hamburger of pickled pheasant with caramelized onion and arugula without hurting the culinary sensibilities of a number of customers here The fish of the day we tasted on a recent visit was cod cocotxas (or kokotxas) an always wonderful Basque dish made with cod (or hake) cheeks it was accompanied by baked potatoes and a few drops of a parsley sauce The smoked sardine surprised us: It appeared simple served over fresh cheese and a piece of bread but it made for a succulent and filling bite and paired perfectly with González’s wine recommendation we had one of Zaballa’s much-loved desserts “Congito,” made with chocolate mousseline with peanut streusel roasted peanuts and chocolate cream with a touch of salt – luscious in flavor airy in texture and absolutely divine in general For a top-notch lunch with a glass of great wine or a small bite or delightful breakfast The agreement is very important for the city The deal unlocks the definitive location of the Escola Entença which will move to the site currently housing a Mercedes dealership New location for the district fire station The Government Commission has approved an urban planning agreement with the owner of the site currently used as a Mercedes dealership The deal will enable the fire station currently located in the Parc de Joan Miró to be moved to this site The agreement means reclassifying the land where the dealership is located and then amending the General Municipal Plan and redefining the plot the agreement will allow the car sales office to continue operating on the site Work is expected to get under way from 2029 The transfer of the fire station will enable the Parc de Joan Miró to regain the space temporarily used for this facility of 1,964 m2 of surface space A major agreement has been achieved to enable the site in C/ Provença for two facilities: the Escola Entença currently housed in some prefabricated modules in La Model awaiting a definitive location and a healthcare facility linked to the activity of the Hospital Clínic Barcelona – Catalan Health Service This operation will need to be firmed up with various procedures and unlocks the future of two facilities which are absolutely necessary for and long sought by the District Office and the Esquerra de l’Eixample neighbourhood The deal comes after months of negotiations and work by different parties and at different levels to find solutions now the future enlargement of the Hospital Clínic Barcelona is cleared up with the signature in January of an agreement to build the new Healthcare Campus of the hospital and sports courts for the University of Barcelona The goal now is to have a document within six months that guarantees the terms of the agreement and which details the next steps and planning and urban management needed for the lease of the site for the effective construction of the education and healthcare facilities from 2028 Multilateral agreement to resolve the future of these facilities the agreement for the definitive location of the Escola Entença follows joint work and the complicity of all the municipal groups on the District Council (Junts who unanimously agreed in February to create a working group with all the political parties from L’Eixample the Education Consortium and the District Manager’s Office to work together on a definitive solution for the Escola Entença the agreement on the urban transformation of the site delimited by the streets of Londres also enables a definitive site to be found for the district fire station The Catalan capital’s radical new strategy will restrict traffic to a number of big roads drastically reducing pollution and turning secondary streets into ‘citizen spaces’ for culture In the latest attempt from a big city to move away from car hegemony, Barcelona has ambitious plans. Currently faced with excessive pollution and noise levels, the city has come up with a new mobility plan to reduce traffic by 21% And it comes with something extra: freeing up nearly 60% of streets currently used by cars to turn them into so-called “citizen spaces” The plan is based around the idea of superilles (superblocks) – mini neighbourhoods around which traffic will flow and in which spaces will be repurposed to “fill our city with life” Read moreAccording to several studies, air pollution alone causes 3,500 premature deaths a year in Barcelona’s metropolitan area (with a population of 3.2 million) as well as having severe effects on local ecosystems and agriculture Barcelona and the 35 municipalities in its surrounding area have persistently failed to meet EU-established air quality targets A study from the local Environmental Epidemiology Agency determined that 1,200 deaths could be prevented in the city yearly just by reaching EU-mandated levels for nitrogen dioxide levels (this would mean a five-month rise in life expectancy) Add to that an estimated 18,700 fewer asthma attacks 12,100 fewer cases of acute bronchitis and 600 fewer cardiovascular-related hospitalisations and the problem becomes apparent for a city with a population of 1.6 million Traffic is also the first cause for noise pollution in the city; 61% of its residents live with noise levels higher than those deemed healthy by legislation The council also cites road accidents (9,095 last year, 27 of which were fatal) sedentary lifestyles (one in five kids in Barcelona are overweight or at risk of reaching that state) and the lack of green spaces as reasons driving the plan The city has only 6.6 sq metres of green space per inhabitant (with the figures standing at just 1.85 in Eixample and 3.15 in Gràcia) closer to Tokyo’s three than to London’s 27 The World Health Organisation suggests every city should have at least 9 sq metres per capita which largely follows the same grid pattern a superblock will consist of nine existing blocks of the grid lorry and bus traffic will then be restricted to just the roads in the superblock perimeters and they will only be allowed in the streets in between if they are residents or providing local businesses and at a greatly reduced speed of 10km/h (typically the speed limit across the city is 50km/h Black routes allow public transport and cars at 50km/h while green routes only allow private vehicles at 10km/h to prioritise pedestrians and cycling Illustration: BCNecologiaThe objectives are ambitious; by implementing these strategies at once the city wants to reduce car use by 21% over the next two years and increase mobility by foot Superblocks will be complemented by the introduction of 300km of new cycling lanes (there are currently around 100km) as well as an orthogonal bus network that has already been put in place whereby buses only navigate a series of main thoroughfares director of the city’s urban ecology agency and one of the drivers of the superblocks idea that “anyone will be less than 300 metres from a bus stop at any time – and average waiting times will be of five minutes anywhere in the city [current averages stand at 14]” “it would be an equitable network in which one could go from any point A to point B with just one transfer in 95% of the cases Our objective is for Barcelona to be a city in which to liveJanet Sanz“It’s no surprise that this concept was born here,” said mobility city councillor Mercedes Vidal in the public presentation of the plan this month it’s all the more necessary to re-conquer spaces.” If all goes as planned around seven of the 13.8 million sq metres now dedicated to motorised traffic will be freed up “We want these public spaces to be areas where one can exercise all citizen rights: exchange, expression and participation, culture and knowledge, the right to leisure,” Rueda says. The entire process is being conducted in nine areas at a different pace, through what Sanz called “tactical urbanism” – a gradual trial and error method of sorts, with initial measures such as changing road signs – and with an initial budget of €10m (£7.9m). Now it is time to “go from theory to action”, she says. Read moreRueda says superblocks go back to Cerdà’s philosophy and take it to the next level by making it live with and for the ecosystem What was green in the plan was slowly overtaken and built on they slowly overtook more and more space .. We want to reclaim those green spaces and that can only be done through a drastic mobility change.” An Eixample superblock of about 400 x 400 metres would be inhabited by between 5,000 and 6,000 people Everything we need to consider to face the challenges of this turn of a century – construction social cohesion – should be captured in these superblocks.” “Every superblock is like a small city with its own character,” the plan suggests An Eixample intersection is as big as a Gràcia square,” says Rueda and he highlights that this new city structure will free up 160 intersections “I’m already fantasising with neighbourhood-organised inflatable swimming pools in the summer,” he jokes Follow Guardian Cities on Twitter and Facebook and join the discussion Guardian Cities is a member of the Habitat III Journalism Project. Read more about the project here