In the Eixample district surrounding Sagrada Familia, you’ll find a layout of broad avenues crisscrossing in a grid.
This upscale area blends quiet residential streets with lively commercial zones, offering a local atmosphere and convenient access to downtown.
Beyond the iconic Sagrada Familia, exploring these streets reveals quaint cafes, fashionable boutiques, and hidden architectural marvels waiting to be discovered.
Let’s explore them one by one in this article.
1. Plaça de Gaudí
Hours: Open 24 Hours
Location: C/ de Lepant, 278, L’Eixample, 08013 Barcelona, Spain. Get Directions.
Distance from Cathedral: 220 meters
Plaça de Gaudí sits just a stone’s throw from Sagrada Familia, directly across Carrer de Mallorca.
Getting there is a breeze due to its proximity to the basilica.
It’s an excellent place to unwind on a bench, soak in the green surroundings, or capture memorable photos with the basilica as a picturesque backdrop.
The park welcomes visitors with no admission fee, allowing you the flexibility to relax briefly or extend your stay after your Sagrada Familia visit.
2. Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site
Hours: 9.30 am to 6.30 pm
Location: C/ de St. Antoni Maria Claret, 167, Horta-Guinardó, 08025 Barcelona, Spain. Get Directions.
Distance from Cathedral: 850 meters
Just a brief 13-minute walk northeast of Sagrada Familia, the Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site invites you to delve into Barcelona’s rich modernist legacy.
You can explore the intricately designed pavilions and lush gardens, originally conceived to offer a therapeutic environment for patients.
Admission to this UNESCO World Heritage Site is approximately €15, and you should allocate about 1 to 1.5 hours for your visit.
Combining a trip to Sant Pau with Sagrada Familia ensures a comprehensive exploration of Barcelona’s architectural marvels.
3. La Pedrera-Casa Milà
Hours: 9 am to 8 pm, 9 pm to 11 pm
Location: Pg. de Gràcia, 92, L’Eixample, 08008 Barcelona, Spain
Distance from Cathedral: 1.5 kilometers
Just a quick drive or a brief 10-minute metro journey from Sagrada Familia, you’ll uncover La Pedrera-Casa Milà, another mesmerizing creation by Antoni Gaudí.
Positioned conveniently nearby, it’s an effortless walk of approximately 20 minutes linking these two renowned landmarks.
Experience Gaudí’s modernist vision at La Pedrera-Casa Milà, known for its creative rooftop, including its famous chimneys, undulating stone facade, and unique balconies that resemble abstract sculptures.
Admission prices start at around €26, and you can explore the entire structure, including the rooftop terrace and the intriguing Espai Gaudí exhibition housed in the attic, for 1.5 to 2 hours.
4. Take a Bike Ride near Sagrada Familia
Hours: Morning until Evening.
Location: Rental shop near the Sagrada Familia
Take a bike ride around Sagrada Familia to get a new view of Barcelona.
The basilica is only a minute’s ride northeast on the peaceful trails and picturesque surroundings of Parc de la Ciutadella.
You can rent a rowboat on the lake or explore the Barcelona Zoo while you’re there.
For a different experience, take the scenic 20–25 minute drive southwest from Sagrada Familia towards Barceloneta Beach.
You can swim in the Mediterranean waves and relax by the beach here.
5. Teatre Gaudí Barcelona
Location: C/ de St. Antoni Maria Claret, 120, L’Eixample, 08025 Barcelona, Spain. Get Directions.
Distance from Cathedral: 650 meters
A pleasant 10-minute walk from Sagrada Familia, Teatre Gaudí Barcelona provides a lively cultural experience in the center of Barcelona’s Eixample neighborhood.
Use pedestrian paths or sidewalks to navigate with ease.
Once there, enjoy cutting-edge artistic expression and local talent through musicals, plays, and dance acts.
The cost of tickets varies according to the performance, and you should allow one to two hours to appreciate this small theater’s varied schedule.
6. Picasso Museum Barcelona
Hours: 9 am to 8 pm
Location: C/ de Montcada, 15-23, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Distance from Cathedral: 1.3 kilometers
Just a short stroll of 1.3 kilometers from Sagrada Familia through Barcelona’s delightful El Eixample district leads you to the Picasso Museum Barcelona.
It’s a pleasant 17-minute walk, ideal for exploring after you’ve visited Gaudí’s masterpiece.
The museum houses over 4,250 pieces by Pablo Picasso, housed across five interconnected medieval palaces.
The collection includes paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, and ceramics, showcasing Picasso’s early artistic journey from his childhood in Barcelona.
7. Arc de Triomf
Hours: Open 24 Hours
Location: Ciutat Vella, 08018 Barcelona, Spain. Get Directions.
Distance from Cathedral: 1.9 kilometres
The Arc de Triomf, built in the mid-1800s, is just a 20-minute walk northeast of Sagrada Familia.
This historical arch was the main entrance to Barcelona’s 1888 Universal Exposition.
It’s free to visit, showcasing neoclassical statues and offering expansive views of Passeig de Lluís Companies.
Adjacent to the arch lies Parc de la Ciutadella, where you can enjoy activities like picnicking, rowboating, or leisurely walks through botanical gardens.
8. Park Güell
Hours: 9.30 am to 7.30 pm
Location: Gràcia, 08024 Barcelona, Spain. Get Directions.
Distance from Cathedral: 2.1 kilometers
Sagrada Familia is just 2.1 kilometers from Park Güell, offering a delightful excursion near Barcelona’s renowned basilica.
You can reach the park by walking uphill for 30 minutes or taking a quicker taxi or subway ride.
Once there, enjoy panoramic city vistas, the distinctive gingerbread gatehouses, and the mosaic salamanders in the Monumental Zone.
Tickets are necessary for this area and are best booked beforehand, but the park’s free sections boast scenic walking paths and Gaudí’s distinctive architectural features.
9. Museu Egipci de Barcelona
Hours: 10 am to 2 pm, 4 to 7.30 pm
Location: C/ de València, 284, L’Eixample, 08007 Barcelona, Spain. Get Directions.
Distance from Cathedral: 1.7 kilometers
The Museu Egipci de Barcelona, situated close to Sagrada Familia, is within a brief 20-minute walk.
You’ll encounter ancient Egyptian artifacts and mummies that span millennia.
The museum provides an intriguing glimpse into Egyptian culture and history, showcasing items ranging from sarcophagi to ornate jewelry.
Admission is reasonably priced at approximately 12 euros per person, and visitors typically allocate 1 to 2 hours to explore the extensive collection on display.
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10. Casa Batlló
Hours: 9 am to 10 pm
Location: Pg. de Gràcia, 43, L’Eixample, 08007 Barcelona, Spain. Get Directions.
Distance from Cathedral: 2 kilometers
Casa Batlló, located just a short walk from Sagrada Familia, is another stunning creation by Antoni Gaudí on Passeig de Gràcia.
It’s approximately 2 kilometers away, translating to a 12-minute taxi ride or a pleasant stroll to the northeast of the basilica.
Step into Gaudí’s imaginative world at Casa Batlló, where you’ll encounter whimsical interiors adorned with vibrant stained-glass windows and uniquely shaped walls.
Plan to spend between 1 to 1.5 hours exploring this architectural gem, where interactive exhibits offer insights into Gaudí’s life and creative process.
Featured Image: Sagradafamilia.org