Plaça de Catalunya

Placa de Catalunya showing heritage architecture, a square or plaza and a city
Placa de Catalunya featuring a statue or sculpture and outdoor art
Plaça de Catalunya
Plaça de Catalunya
Plaça de Catalunya


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.

Plan a trip to see Plaça de Catalunya

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hotel ILUNION Les Corts Spa
Apartments Sixtyfour
Lamaro Hotel

Reviews of Plaça de Catalunya

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
454
5 - Excellent 37%
4 - Good
629
4 - Good 51%
3 - Okay
139
3 - Okay 11%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 0%

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

Verified traveller

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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Things to do near Plaça de Catalunya

Plaça de Catalunya serves as a vibrant hub for visitors, offering an array of activities such as shopping, festivals, and live music. Art enthusiasts can explore local art studios, while those seeking adventure can embark on exciting excursions around Barcelona. This lively square is an ideal starting point to immerse yourself in the city's rich culture and vibrant atmosphere.

Shopping

At Plaça de Catalunya, enjoy shopping at El Corte Inglés, a bustling shopping centre just 161m away, offering a variety of goods and entertainment. For local flavours, visit Boqueria Market, 644m away, or Sant Antoni Market, 1.1km away, both showcasing vibrant city vibes.

Recreation

Experience the electrifying atmosphere at Camp Nou, where you can immerse yourself in the world of sports. Enjoy a cultural performance at the Palau de la Música Catalana, renowned for its stunning architecture. For a refreshing swim, visit Montjuïc Municipal Pool, perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Adventure

The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, located 20.9km from Plaça de Catalunya, offers exhilarating motor racing experiences for thrill-seekers. For a family adventure, the Port Cable Car, merely 1.6km away, provides stunning views. Climbat Foixarda, 3.2km from the square, invites you to conquer climbing challenges amidst outdoor excitement.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Plaça de Catalunya is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy a captivating performance at the Tivoli Theatre or Teatre Coliseum, both offering a blend of culture and romance. For a more adventurous experience, visit Happy Parc - Pau Claris, where excitement awaits in this thrilling arcade adventure zone.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Plaça de Catalunya

Plaça de Catalunya offers a vibrant blend of attractions, including charming streets, historic churches, and captivating art museums. This lively square serves as a gateway for travellers seeking rich cultural experiences, family activities, and the essence of city life. Whether you’re wandering through the bustling streets or exploring nearby points of interest, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this iconic part of Barcelona.

  • La Rambla: A vibrant thoroughfare, La Rambla stretches through the heart of Barcelona, brimming with street performers, shops, and cafes. This lively atmosphere invites you to stroll along, soaking in the city's dynamic energy and diverse culture.
  • Barcelona Cathedral: A stunning example of Gothic architecture, the Barcelona Cathedral offers a serene escape from the bustling city. Its intricate façade and tranquil cloisters provide a glimpse into the rich history and spiritual significance of the region.
  • Casa Batlló: This architectural masterpiece by Antoni Gaudí captivates with its whimsical design and vivid colours. Casa Batlló stands as a testament to modernisme, showcasing innovative forms and artistic flair that reflect the essence of Catalan culture.

Best time to go to Plaça de Catalunya

The best time to visit Plaça de Catalunya can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Plaça de Catalunya falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Plaça de Catalunya falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January48.9°F (9.4°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February49.8°F (9.9°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March53.4°F (11.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May63.7°F (17.6°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June71.8°F (22.1°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
July77.0°F (25.0°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
August77.4°F (25.2°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
September72.1°F (22.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October65.8°F (18.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November56.8°F (13.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December51.1°F (10.6°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Plaça de Catalunya

To save money during your visit to Plaça de Catalunya, consider travelling between November and January when hotel prices are lower. Booking about a month in advance or looking for last-minute deals on Expedia can yield great savings. Mondays are the cheapest days to stay, while Fridays tend to be the most expensive. Utilise Expedia’s filters for budget and eco-friendly options, and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for added discounts. Additionally, explore the area on foot or use the affordable public transport to get around without overspending.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Plaça de Catalunya are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Plaça de Catalunya about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Plaça de Catalunya is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Plaça de Catalunya is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and ideal type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To discover the best prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation at Plaça de Catalunya with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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