Passeig de Gràcia

This 2-kilometer boulevard cuts through the heart of Eixample, connecting Plaça Catalunya to Gràcia district. You'll walk past two of Gaudí's most famous buildings - Casa Batlló with its dragon-scale facade and La Pedrera's wavy rooftops - plus Casa Amatller and Casa Lleó Morera forming the architectural Block of Discord. Between the Modernista masterpieces, you'll find flagship stores for every major luxury brand from Chanel to Louis Vuitton, making this Barcelona's answer to Fifth Avenue.

The wide sidewalks give you space to crane your neck at the elaborate facades without blocking foot traffic. Those distinctive hexagonal pavement tiles beneath your feet were actually designed by Gaudí himself, though most people never notice. The ornate street lamps and mosaic benches add artistic touches between the high-end storefronts. You'll find yourself constantly looking up then down - the architectural details are as impressive at ground level as they are six stories up.

Don't try to shop and sightsee simultaneously - you'll miss both experiences. Casa Batlló charges €35 for entry while La Pedrera costs €25, but their exteriors are honestly 80% of the appeal. The luxury shopping is genuine but overpriced even by European standards. Skip the northern section past Diagonal - it becomes generic retail territory. Focus your time between Plaça Catalunya and Carrer d'Aragó where the architectural concentration is highest.