5 sustainable reasons to visit Eixample in Barcelona
Eixample might feel bombastic. It’s Barcelona’s largest district, consisting of various neighbourhoods, from Sant Antoni to Fort Pienc, Sagrada Familia and more. Initially, this urban development project which was created in order to meet the growing demand of housing in Barcelona was aimed to include ample green spaces, blocks which wouldn’t be occupied by buildings. Yet, because of some people that were only thinking in terms of money, every inch got covered with concrete. The goods news: the green side of Eixample is reviving. Not in nature (yet), but by small businesses and projects that are bringing a sustainable story to this district. We’ll help you to find those, giving you at least 5 reasons to visit Eixample.
1. It’s also called (craft) Beerxample
Yep, Eixample is the heart of Barcelona’s craft beer scene, hence its name Beerxample. A scene that is absolutely on the rise, and can compete with many other European cities. You’ll find bars and brewers that are authentically passionate about craft beer; brewing, selecting and/or serving the finest artisan beers. Check out Barcelona Beer Company to know what it is about. The taproom of this local, sustainable brewery is located in the heart of this district. And/or visit places such as La Més Petita, “the smallest one”, a very charming craft beer bar or The Beerket, where you can re-fill your growler with artisan beer. To finish your proper craft beer crawl, check out and . More into wine? Check out .
2. You can find great organic, local and slow food here
Eixample can count on some real innovators in the slow food scene, with some of the finest, most sustainable restaurants in the city. You’ll find places such as The Juice House in Sant Antoni, offering healthy juices and slow food, made with carefully selected ingredients. Another slow food innovator here is Due Spaghi, a really lovely, authentic kitchen with Italian and Catalan influences. If you want to know how to make tapas with organic, local ingredients, Eixample is also the place to be, with Barcelona Slow Travel’s Tapas cooking experience. Or if you’re more into organic, natural wines, check out their Wine tasting experience. A nice place to buy organic groceries is Cal Rosset, selling the products of their own ecological farm and related bio farmers.
3. Because many of Barcelona’s most famous landmarks are to be found here
Food and drinks aren’t the only reason for visiting Eixample. It’s also a part of the city with a large amount of landmarks. Smaller ones, to be found in backyards or hidden corners, but also the famous Sagrada Familia, Casa Battlo or La Pedrera. Walking in the different neighbourhoods of Eixample will give you a clue on the recent history of this city. Above all, you’ll notice how a monotonically-built district, can still be hugely diverse in its streets and atmospheres.
4. Because it’s the place to get pampered.
Not only can you find a wide range of quality wellness centers and treatments in Eixample, many of them are real sustainable innovators. One as such are Tito Peluquero and Signature Spa, working with quality, organic and vegan products only. Another one is Under Pressure Massage Barcelona, offering quality massages with bio oils only. And there’s a range of natural hairdressers, such as Hammam & Henna, La Bio Pelu or Organicamente.
5. Because some great vegetarian and vegan restaurants are located here
It’s not only slow food that can be had in Eixample, if you’re up for an entirely vegetarian or vegan meal, you’ll have plenty of options in Eixample. Check out Cafeteria Santoni for its 98% vegan kitchen and welcoming, local atmosphere or visit Quinoa Aragó Vegetarià with delicate, super delicious veggie food. From veggie tapas at El Maderal Bar Vegano to café-eateries as La Trocadero and to entirely vegan supermarket EcoCentre, you’ll find everything your veggie heart craves for.
6., 7., 8., ….
And of course, there are also reasons 6, 7, 8, … and more to visit Eixample. It’s also called Gayxample, the Parc de Joan Miró is well worth to discover, the shop B de Barcelona sells only items made in Barcelona, you can sleep in green accommodations such as Sleep Green – Certified Eco Youth Hostel or Ecozentric and so on. There’s something for everyone in this district, an area in Barcelona that shouldn’t be missed!
More sustainable places: in Barcelona or in Europe
Good Goal is an independent guide to sustainable places in Barcelona and various other European cities. We visit every place ourselves and only list the most innovative ones. Our guide is made so that everyone can easily find the sustainable options, those that benefit local people, sustainable innovators and that show you the authentic and local Barcelona. To keep yourself updated, please like our