You may have heard of some of the most famous squares in Barcelona, such as the central Plaça Catalunya, And the Plaza de España, the magnificent landscape that serves as the backdrop for the spectacle of the Magic Fountain of Montjuic.
But that's not all, there is more !
Barcelona is made up of many more or less hidden places to explore! Here is our selection of most beautiful squares in Barcelona and tips on what to see and do.
¡Vamos!
Barcelona and its squares
Since ancient Greece and Rome, places have always been central to the social lifeThis is where people met, went to the market or church, did business, attended shows.
Today, squares are still the soul of a city, and Barcelona must have an especially beautiful one because its squares are Beautiful places!
of the magical and privileged spaces to observe the life of Barcelona sitting around a table, admire monuments and sculptures, attend events of all kinds, or simply pause and enjoy the moment.
We are in love with the squares of Barcelona and we have decided to celebrate their beauty by dedicating an article to them. Since there are all typesTake a look and choose the ones that inspire you the most and discover them!
Plaça Catalunya
Location | Metro: Catalunya (L1 / L3) | Relax in the heart of the city
We can only start at Plaça Catalunya (Place de Catalogne in French), emblem of the city and its beating heart, this large square is the meeting point of the most important streets of Barcelona: Passeig de Gràcia, La Rambla, Portal de l'Àngel, Ronda Universitat and therefore we can consider it as the main square of barcelona.
Stroll through its central area among the children who feed the pigeons and tourists from all over the world who come to soak up the energy that this nerve center gives off.
Yes, admire the view from aboveYou can go up to the bar on the top floor of the Corte Inglés, the large shopping center that overlooks the square. For coffee, you can sit at the tables in the Zurich bar, where apparently Orwell has come for breakfast.
In front of the Corte Inglés there are also the stops of the Aerobus, the fast bus that connects the El Prat airport with the city center. Nearby is also the stop for the red line of the Tourist Bus, while the blue line stops on the other side of the square near the FNAC.
In the middle of the square there 3 sources, both commonly called twin fonts and that of the six statues in front of the beginning of the Portal de l'Angel.
The Twin Fountains provide visitors with music and light shows at the following times (however, it is recommended to consult the municipality's website):
In the Plaza de Catalunya in Barcelona, you will also find the Barcelona Turismo offices where you can pick up your Hola Bcn or Barcelona Card.
Plaza de España
Location | Metro: Espanya (L1 / L3) | His greatness
Plaça d'Espanya is undoubtedly one of the most most famous in barcelona with Plaça Catalunya that we talked about above. The Plaza de España has a very large area and is theone of the largest in the country.
It was built in 1929, together with the funicular and the cable car from the port, on the occasion of the Universal Exhibition at the foot of the Montjuic mountain.
If you arrive in Barcelona from El Prat airport, it is very likely that you will pass through this beautiful square, in fact there is a Parada de aerobus, the fast bus that goes to the terminals.
As you look around, you will notice several points of interest, including two venetian towers built to mark the entrance to the Universal Exposition of 1929. They are called "Venetian towers" because they are very reminiscent of the Bell tower of St. Mark's Square in Venice..
Beyond the towers is theAvenida Maria Cristina, with the hangars used for the Universal Exposition on both sides, now transformed into the city's exhibition center.
At the end, the street ends with a staircase that leads to the Magic Fountain, famous for its light and color shows, and later to the Museum of Modern Art.
In the middle of the square there is a another fountain by the architect Josep Maria Jujol.
For a beautiful view of the plaza from above, go up to the top floor of the Las Arenas shopping center, the old bullring converted into a shopping center. Here you will find several restaurants and bars and a wonderful viewpoint.
Barcelona's Plaza de España is also the place where the city celebrates the New Year!
The squares of the Gothic Quarter
Royal Square
Location | Metro: Drassanes (L3) | Its architecture and nightlife
One of the liveliest squares in Barcelona, practically adjacent to the Rambla, is lined with galleries, dominated by elegant buildings and its streetlights are the work of the modernist genius Gaudí.
The palm give it an exotic touch and the rest of the magic is done by the people, who mostly crowd at night, making it a must for nightlife in the city (under the arches you will find a multitude of bars and clubs ).
On Sunday mornings it hosts a picturesque stamp and coin market.
Headquarters Plan
Location | Metro: Jaume I (L4) | Admire the Cathedral and discover Catalan culture
La Pla de la Seu, presided over by the Cathedral of Barcelona, owes its name to the fact that it was rebuilt in the 50's, after the bombing of the Civil War.
Fortunately many ancient elements They have come to light, like the ancient towers and the Roman gate with the passage reserved for pedestrians.
Essential to discover the medieval streets from the Gothic Quarter and a good place to people-watch sitting on the church steps, stroll through the many markets that are often organized, or attend a show de Sardana, the traditional Catalan dance.
Specifically, the Colla Sardinista Violetes del Bosc organizes shows on Saturday afternoons, while the Agrupació Cultural Folklòrica Barcelona organizes dances on Sunday mornings. If you are interested in attending, please take a look at the times listed below.
There is no show during the month of August.
More info here.
King's Square
Location | Metro: Jaume I (L4) | See the square with the most beautiful medieval buildings.
A beautiful monumental square hidden a few steps from the cathedral, with beautiful Gothic and Renaissance buildings, one of which now houses the Museum of History.
During the day you can go through the beautiful courtyard of one of these buildings. Surely in my top 5 of the most beautiful places, you cannot miss it during your trip to Barcelona.
Sant Jaume Square
Location | Metro: Jaume I (L4) | Relax in the political epicenter of Barcelona
Here are the buildings that house the City Hall (the town hall) and the Generalitat (the region), making it the most important square in Barcelona from a point of view policy.
Concerts, parades and the impressive human towers of the Castellers take place here at all festivals, and particularly during the Fiestas de la Mercé. At Christmas you will find a spectacular nativity scene that changes every year.
Plaza San Felipe Neri
Location | Metro: Jaume I (L4) | The poetic and melancholic beauty of time that has stood still
This beautiful square nestled between the buildings and alleys behind the cathedral is truly a mystical place.
Maybe because of him melancholy that emanates from the church that still has on its facade the remains of a bomb that fell during the civil war, perhaps because of the sunlight that barely penetrates there, or because of the children who pass by with their backpacks full of books. .
Whatever it is, this place is magic!
Unfortunately, more and more tourists have discovered it, so the advice is to go to at morning or evening, when you can enjoy it alone (or with your partner, given the high degree of romance!).
Pi Square
Location | Metro: Liceu (L3) | See one of the most beautiful corners of the Gothic Quarter.
La Place des Pins (pi, in Catalan) in fact has in its center a large tree that, with the spectacular Gothic church of Santa Maria del Pi, is the protagonist of this charming corner of the Gothic Quarter.
The square houses a small craft market and some bars with tables on the street to take a break between visits to Barcelona's attractions.
Arrieros Square
Location | Metro: Jaume I (L4) | Its bohemian atmosphere
Un melting pot varied people inhabit this small square behind the remains of first Roman walls of Barcelona, not far from the cathedral.
You'll find 4 bars with outdoor tables for a drink on warm summer nights, where street performers, locals and young people from all over the world sit. On Saturdays you can paint outdoors.
Plazas del Born, Raval and Barceloneta
San Agustín Viejo Square
Location | Metro: Jaume I (L4) | Find an oasis amidst the chaos of Born
A beautiful square at the crossroads of different streets, with its trees, the lamppost with fountain in the center and the bars that seem taken from the past, manages to convey a feeling of Peace amid the joyous chaos of Born and Carders street.
She is among the most multi-ethnic and lively of the region.
Plaza de Santa María
Location | Metro: Jaume I (L4) | Observe Santa María del Mar
This is particularly valuable because it is in this square that the beautiful church of Santa maria del mar, one of the must-see attractions of your visit to the Born district of Barcelona.
Small, cute and cozy like all of the old town.
Los Angeles Square
Location | Metro: University (L1 / L2) | Study urban tribes
The beating heart of the Raval, in this square there is always a feverish movement: skaters trying new tricks, guys breakdancing, hipsters and tourists sitting on the stairs or on the terrace of one of the bars.
It overlooks the modern white building that houses the MACBA, the contemporary art museum, after the building in the direction of Ferlandina street, on the right, you will find a long fresco by Keith Haring.
Barceloneta Square
Location | Metro: Barceloneta (L4) | See how old Barceloneta was
Especially if you come in summer you will find Barceloneta full of beach tourists, but luckily for us there are still authentic corners that resist without losing their essence.
Like this square, which reminds us that once only fishermen lived here, and invites you to take a break in the shade of the church of San Miguel del Puerto.
A curiosity: the fountain in the center is a replica of the most famous Font de Canaletes, on the Rambla.
Gracia squares
Plaza del Sol
Location | Metro: Fontana (L3) | Have a drink at night
The neighborhood of Gracia is perhaps the one that contains the greater number of seats perfect for drinking, attending events or just taking a walk.
The most famous It is Plaça del Sol, always full of people sitting on the ground or at the tables of one of the many bars that dominate it.
If you are young and want to meet yourself, go at night to understand the meaning of the word "bottle".
Plaza de la Virreina
Location | Metro: Fontana (L3) | For some reason!
Our favorite place in the neighborhood, not only because it is objectively the most beautiful thanks to the church that dominates it, but above all because of its atmosphere.
Here everyone seems to find what they are looking for, from families with children playing freely, swing dancers, to those who just want to have a coffee and read the newspaper ... When you pass, there is very likely an event!
Villa de Gracia Square
Location | Metro: Fontana (L3) | Soak up the lively and popular atmosphere of Gràcia
When Grace was a independent town of Barcelona in the last century, Plaça de la Vila was its center, with the city hall building (now the district headquarters) and the clock tower.
Despite its annexation to the city, today it seems that thefestive village atmosphere It has remained intact, where everyone knows each other, stops to chat, children play soccer and the tables in the bars are always full.
In short, this square is a bit like we imagine Barcelona: a place where the streets come to life!
Brush Square
Location | Metro: Joanic (L4) | Feel alternative
This square, located in the gypsy area of the neighborhood and the epicenter of the activities of the local antagonist movements, is practically unknown to most and its tranquility is what makes it perfect to spend a few moments of relaxation.
If you fancy a drink, the Raspall bar offers you a free tapa for each drink and an atmosphere that encourages knowledge!
Other interesting places in Barcelona
Surtidor Square
Location | Metro: Poble Sec (L3) | Escape from the chaos of Blai
In this mountainous district full of bars and clubs it is also a place quiet, a place to have a quiet beer away from the nightlife.
In Plaça del Surtidor you will find many locals found in one of the many tapas bars and pizzerias.
It's a shame that the parking lot in the middle of the neighborhood is abandoned, but it is still one of the nicest corners of the neighborhood.
Huesca Square
Location | Metro: Plaça de Sants (L1 / L5) | See the diversity of proposals
In this small place characteristic of the district of SantsThere are 10 bars, each with its own little terrace portion.
In spite of the variety of offer, Plaça d'Osca is always very busy and it is easy to understand why: it is a piece of urban paradise that you won't want to leave.
San Vicente de Sarriá Square
Location | Railway: Sarrià (L6 / L12) | The beauty of an old town outside the city center
As in the case of Gràcia, Sarrià was once an independent town of Barcelona, and its independent and somewhat bucolic spirit of the past is still present in the current district, especially in the squares of the old town.
Sant Vicenç is a little oasis of peace with small crowds, the statue of the saint in the middle, which gives it its name, and a bar where you can take a break.
After viewing it, take the time to wander around the streets of the old quarter.
Concord Square
Location | Metro: Les Corts (L3) | Find a beautiful old square in a modern neighborhood.
When i discovered this fantastic place, it seemed incredible to me that such a place could exist in a modern neighborhood dominated by shopping malls and bustling boulevards like Les Corts.
Maybe that's why I fell in love right away, because it seems to testify the resistance of the popular space to unbridled consumption.
Dominated by the bell tower of theEglise of Santa María del Remedio and bordered by beautiful buildings Out of the 900, here you will find a large number of bars where you can have a drink, and I am sure you will be happy to extend your break!
plaza Prim
Location | Metro: Poblenou (L4) | Feel at home in a fishing village
The humble Mediterranean white houses The typical of Poblenou, once fishermen's houses, have remained intact in this place near the beach, which tastes of summer and fresh fish.
His main weapons to seduce you are Trees of feeble leaves where the children climb and a fabulous restaurant with an outdoor terrace.
Els Pescadors has excellent fish and paellas, with the added value of a view of the square. Beware, this is not within the reach of all budgets!
Ibiza Square
Location | Metro: Horta (L5) | The popular and relaxed atmosphere
In the old part of the neighborhood Orchard, Plaça Eivissa is another of those neighborhood squares that make Barcelona so special and that once visited you will never want to leave.
There is no place for fashion, hipsters and tourists (who venture to this region in no time), just a popular atmosphere that the inhabitants of the district thank at all hours. To feel like a local!
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So I gave you a list of our favorite places in Barcelona. What are your favorites too?
Do not hesitate to ask all your questions about the places or about your holidays in Barcelona in the comments below, will we respond with personalized advice?
Also, don't be afraid to join the discussion about Barcelona attractions on my new Facebook group called I'm Going to Barcelona. Here you can ask questions, voice your complaints, chat with other travelers and more - anything goes!
