Plaça de Catalunya Tours

Placa de Catalunya which includes outdoor art and a statue or sculpture
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 center. 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 neighborhoods 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 harbor 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 neighborhood. 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

ME Barcelona
Melia Barcelona Sarrià
AC Hotel San Cugat by Marriott
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Browse tours and tickets to explore Plaça de Catalunya

Air, helicopter & balloon tours

See all 7 activitiesOpens in new tab

Reviews of Plaça de Catalunya

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
1363
" "5 - Excellent 51.39517345399698%
4 - Good
1022
" "4 - Good 38.536953242835594%
3 - Okay
247
" "3 - Okay 9.313725490196079%
2 - Disappointing
17
" "2 - Disappointing 0.6410256410256411%
1 - Terrible
3
" "1 - Terrible 0.11312217194570136%

3/5 - Okay

SoloSasha
Feb 23, 2020

Nothing too exciting here. Just a giant square flanked with hotels.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jan 4, 2020

The usual crowd at Christmas/3 Kings holiday time; Enjoyed browsing a bit at the shopping stalls.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Nov 13, 2019

Typical european plaza. Does not need a special trip

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Oct 21, 2019

There is so much to see and explore in and around this square. On a sunny day, it is beautiful to enjoy time here.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Oct 16, 2019

Beautiful square, but very busy. Watch your personal belongings!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Aug 31, 2019

Numerous steps in front - escalators were available except for the last couple of dozen stairs. If you want to see the museum, the Barcelona Ride on/ Hop off tour busses have a drop off behind museum was easier access. - we did not discover that until we were headed back to hotel.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Plaça de Catalunya

Hotel Rec Barcelona - Adults only
Hotel Rec Barcelona - Adults only
3 out of 5
Carrer del Rec Comtal, 19, Barcelona
Hotel Rec Barcelona - Adults only
Rialto
Rialto
3 out of 5
Carrer de Ferran, 40-42, Barcelona, Barcelona
Rialto
Hotel 1898
Hotel 1898
4 out of 5
La Rambla, 109; (entrance on the street, Pintor Fortuny), Barcelona
Hotel 1898
Cuatro Naciones
Cuatro Naciones
2 out of 5
Calle La Rambla, La 40, Barcelona
Cuatro Naciones
Hotel Barcelona Universal
Hotel Barcelona Universal
4 out of 5
Del Paral.lel, Del 76-78, Barcelona
Hotel Barcelona Universal
Iberostar Selection Paseo de Gracia
Iberostar Selection Paseo de Gracia
4.5 out of 5
Plaza Cataluña, 10, Barcelona
Iberostar Selection Paseo de Gracia
Royal Ramblas
Royal Ramblas
4 out of 5
La Rambla, 117, Barcelona
Royal Ramblas
Barceló Raval
Barceló Raval
4.5 out of 5
Rambla del Raval, 17-21, Barcelona
Barceló Raval
Sonder Casa Luz
Sonder Casa Luz
4 out of 5
Ronda Universitat, 1, Barcelona, Barcelona
Sonder Casa Luz
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.