Barcelona neighbourhoods: city centre

Passeig de Gràcia

The main street in the classy and upscale Eixample district, where high-end designer names like Chanel, Ferragamo, Jimmy Choo and Hermes abound. Perhaps best known for housing Gaudí’s Modernist creations, Casa Battló and the famous Casa Milà, fondly known as La Pedrera, which is open for daily tours. Multiple retail chains like Zara and H&M can be found as well as mid-priced classics like Esprit and United Colors of Benetton. Plenty of restaurants line the street, and if you continue the walk you will wind up at Plaça Catalunya, a park-like plaça that leads to La Rambla.

Metro: Passeig de Gràcia: L2, L3 and L4;  and Diagonal: L3

Rambla Catalunya

A quieter, slightly greener version of Passeig de Gràcia, thanks to the tree-lined streets, this is a pleasant stroll for those looking for high-fashion names and Spanish luxury brands. The fact that it runs parallel with Passeig de Gràcia makes it easy to go back and forth between the two for an excellent shopping extravaganza or just a bit of window cruising amongst the impressive Modernista (Art Nouveau period) buildings.

Metro: Catalunya: L1 or L3; Passeig de Gràcia: L2, L3 and L4

La Pedrera

Formally titled Casa Milà, this architectural wonder by Gaudí is a must see, even if you skip the official tour and just gaze in awe at the soft lines and oceanic like theme of this 1912 building. La Pedrera means ‘stone quarry’, and this is the nickname it was disdainfully given by city residents in its early years. Now it’s a well-known and well-loved symbol of the city and of the daring and imaginative Gaudí. Tours are available for all three floors, including the main floor art gallery and giftshop, as well as the rooftop garden.

Passeig de Gràcia 92, Tel. 93 484 5900, www.caixacatalunya.cat/obrasocial

Open: Dec-Jan, 9am-6.30pm daily; Feb-Nov, 9am-8pm daily

Admission: €8, free for under-12s

Metro: Diagonal: L3