Eixample: The Heartbeat of Modern Barcelona

• HelloHola
  [O-la]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [A-di-ós]
• YesSí
  [Si]
• NoNo
  [No]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [Por fa-vor/De na-da]
• Thank youGracias
  [Gra-cias]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [Per-dón/Lo cien-to]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [¿Có-mo es-tás?]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [Bi-en. ¿Y tú?]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [¿A-blas in-glés?]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [No en-tien-do]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver la carta, por favor
  [Me gus-ta-ría ver la car-ta, por fa-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [No co-mo car-ne]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [¡Sa-lud!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [Me gus-ta-ría pa-gar, por fa-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [¡A-yu-da!]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [¡Ve-te!]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [¡Ya-ma a la po-li-cía!]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [¡Ya-ma a un mé-di-co!]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido/a
  [Es-toy per-di-do/a]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo/a
  [Es-toy en-fer-mo/a]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [Me gus-ta-ría com-prar...]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [So-lo es-toy mi-ran-do]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [¿Cuán-to cues-ta?]
• That's too expensiveEs demasiado caro
  [Es de-ma-sia-do ca-ro]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [¿Pue-des ba-jar el pre-cio?]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [¿Qué ho-ra es?]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [Es la u-na]
• Half past (10)Las diez y media
  [Las diez y me-dia]
• MorningMañana
  [Ma-ña-na]
• AfternoonTarde
  [Tar-de]
• EveningNoche
  [No-che]
• YesterdayAyer
  [A-yer]
• TodayHoy
  [Hoy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [Ma-ña-na]
• 1Uno
  [U-no]
• 2Dos
  [Dos]
• 3Tres
  [Tres]
• 4Cuatro
  [Cua-tro]
• 5Cinco
  [Cin-co]
• 6Seis
  [Seis]
• 7Siete
  [Siete]
• 8Ocho
  [O-cho]
• 9Nueve
  [Nue-ve]
• 10Diez
  [Diez]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está un/el...?
  [¿Dón-de es-tá un/el...?]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [¿Cuál es la di-rec-ción?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [¿Pue-des mos-trar-me (en el ma-pa)?]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [¿Cuán-do es el pró-xi-mo (au-to-bús)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billete (a...)
  [Un bi-lle-te (a...)]

Eixample, meaning 'extension' in Catalan, was designed in the mid-19th century to accommodate the growing population of Barcelona following the city's industrial boom. The old city walls were demolished, and the Eixample was laid out in a grid pattern by Ildefons Cerdà, featuring wide avenues and chamfered corners, allowing for better air circulation and sunlight.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw Eixample become a canvas for Modernisme, a Catalan art and architectural movement. Notable architects like Antoni Gaudí, Lluís Domènech i Montaner, and Josep Puig i Cadafalch left their mark on the neighborhood, with iconic buildings such as the Sagrada Família, Casa Batlló, and Casa Milà, which reflect the era's innovative spirit.

Eixample is often considered the epicenter of the Catalan Modernisme movement, which sought to express Catalan identity through art and architecture. The movement gained momentum during the Catalan Renaissance, a cultural revival in the late 19th century, which aimed to promote Catalan language and culture amid political oppression.

The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) had a profound impact on Eixample, as it did on all of Barcelona. Many Modernista buildings were damaged or repurposed during the conflict. The war also saw a rise in political tension, with Eixample becoming a site for various skirmishes, reflecting the neighborhood's strategic importance.

Following the end of Franco's regime in 1975, Eixample underwent significant transformation. The neighborhood became a desirable area for both locals and expatriates, leading to gentrification. This period saw the restoration of many historic buildings and an influx of cultural institutions, restaurants, and shops, further solidifying Eixample's status as a vibrant urban center.

Eixample is centrally located in Barcelona, making it easily accessible from other neighborhoods. The neighborhood is well-served by public transportation, including the metro. The nearest metro stations are Passeig de Gràcia (lines L2, L3, and L4) and Universitat (lines L1 and L2). Buses also run frequently, with numerous lines passing through the area. If coming from the airport, the Aerobus service offers a direct route to Plaça Catalunya, which is adjacent to Eixample.

Eixample is a walkable neighborhood with wide streets and ample sidewalks. The metro is the quickest way to travel across Barcelona, while buses provide access to various parts of the city. Biking is popular, with many dedicated bike lanes available. You can rent a bike from local shops or use the Bicing system, a bike-sharing service available for locals and tourists. Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Uber are also readily available.

Eixample is generally safe for tourists, but like any urban area, petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded places like Passeig de Gràcia and near major attractions. Avoid leaving valuables unattended and be cautious in busy areas. Although the crime rate is low, it is advisable to stay alert and be aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire brigade, or medical assistance. Hospitals and clinics are available in Eixample, and pharmacies are scattered throughout the neighborhood. Always carry a copy of your identification and travel insurance details for emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress appropriately for the occasion, particularly when visiting churches. Casual attire is acceptable for most outings, but avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially in religious sites like Sagrada Família. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding and don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with 'Hola' and a smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try local tapas and beverages. Don't rush through meals; dining is a leisurely experience in Spain.

To experience Eixample like a local, explore the lesser-known streets and plazas, such as Plaça del Sol and Plaça de la Sagrada Família, which often host local events. Visit local markets like Mercat de la Concepció for fresh produce and regional specialties. Engage with locals at neighborhood bars and cafés, where you can enjoy authentic Catalan cuisine and tapas. Don't miss the opportunity to admire the architectural works of Antoni Gaudí, but consider visiting early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.