Plaça de Catalunya

Placa de Catalunya showing heritage architecture, a square or plaza and a city


This popular Barcelona meeting point connects the old city with the new and is famous for its shopping, monuments and festival celebrations.

Plaça de Catalunya marks the heart of Barcelona’s city centre. Surrounded by shops and peppered with monuments, this grand square is where the Ciutat Vella (Old City) and the modern 19th-century district of L’Eixample converge. King Alfonso XII unveiled the square in 1927 on the site of the former gates to the old city walls.

As you explore Barcelona and pass between its eclectic neighbourhoods you are bound to cross the square numerous times. Admire the various sculptures and monuments. These include works by revered Catalonian artists such as Josep Clarà, Josep Subirachs and Eusebi Arnau. Alternatively, sit on one of the grass verges or benches and watch as the energetic city life flows by.

If you are visiting Barcelona to shop then Plaça de Catalunya is an ideal departure point. Browse the department stores bordering the square or stroll along some of the city’s most important streets. The tree-lined promenade La Rambla runs to the city harbour and is a constant hive of activity. Here you’ll find high street brands and independent boutiques plus historic buildings, tapas bars and the Boqueria Market.

In the opposite direction is Passeig de Gràcia, a showcase of the finest contemporary architecture of the L’Eixample neighbourhood. Find two of Antoni Gaudí’s most famous creations, Casa Batlló and La Pedrera, alongside upscale fashion stores, bars and restaurants. The streets Portal de l’Àngel and Rambla de Catalunya present even more shopping opportunities.

The large central space of Plaça de Catalunya is frequently used for festivals and celebrations. Watch free concerts on the National Day of Catalonia, a festival held annually on September 11. The square also hosts live music during September’s Mercé Festival, which commemorates Barcelona’s patron saint.

Plaça de Catalunya sits in the heart of Barcelona. As well as being a tourist attraction it serves as an important transport hub. Public buses, trains and the metro stop here and it is also where the city’s hop-on, hop-off tourist buses begin their routes. The airport shuttle bus starts and finishes here too.

Reviews of Plaça de Catalunya

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
454
" "5 - Excellent 37.06122448979592%
4 - Good
629
" "4 - Good 51.3469387755102%
3 - Okay
139
" "3 - Okay 11.346938775510203%
2 - Disappointing
2
" "2 - Disappointing 0.16326530612244897%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 0.08163265306122448%

4/5 - Good

Patricia

Very busy. Great cafe on the top floor of El Corte Ingles department store. Get a window table for great views.

5/5 - Excellent

Alex

there is a department store (which name I've forgotten- sorry:/ ) there is a reastaurant/buffet there on the top floor. the food is cheap and ok and the views are amazing

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Lovely views...amazing fountain display in the evenings...watch your pockets!!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

The transport hub - would recommend the 'aerobus' link to/from BCN airport if you are staying centrally - very good value and super-efficient -

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Loved walking round here it was very close to the hotel. Everywhere so clean.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Pretty underwhelming, it was near to our hotel so we went multiple times, wouldn't recommend going out of your way to see it.

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