Plaça de Catalunya Tours and Activities

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


This bustling square in the heart of Barcelona is renowned for its festivals, shopping and monuments.

In the centre of Barcelona is Plaça de Catalunya, the city’s bustling public square. This pleasant plaza is situated at the meeting point of the Ciutat Vella (Old City) district and the newer L’Eixample district. Constructed in 1927 by King Alfonso XII, the square is built where the old city wall’s gates used to stand.

Due to its central location, visitors who are crisscrossing the city during their sightseeing will encounter Plaça de Catalunya several times. Sprinkled throughout the square are monuments and sculptures, made by some of Catalonia’s most famous artists such as Eusebi Arnua, Josep Clará and Josep Subirachs. Relax on the grass and take a break from the fast-paced city.

Due to its central location, visitors who are crisscrossing the city during their sightseeing will encounter Plaça de Catalunya several times. Sprinkled throughout the square are monuments and sculptures, made by some of Catalonia’s most famous artists such as Eusebi Arnua, Josep Clará and Josep Subirachs. Relax on the grass and take a break from the fast-paced city.

On the other side of the square is Passeig de Gracia. This wide boulevard is home to some of the best contemporary architecture within Catalonia. Two buildings of particular note are Antoni Gaudi’s renowned designs, La Pedrera and Casa Batlló, which are nestled between a variety of fashionable restaurants, bars and stores. For additional shopping, walk down Portal de l’Angel and Rambla de Catalunya.

Plaça de Catalunya hosts a variety of celebrations and festivals. The National Day of Catalonia festival is held every year on September 11 and visitors can enjoy a free concert. Also in September is the Mercé Festival, which honours the patron saint of Barcelona with live music, a parade and fireworks.

The popular Plaça de Catalunya is also one of the transportation centres of the city. Trains, the metro and public buses all converge at the square. Visitors who wish to take a hop-on, hop-off bus tour begin their journey in the square, and it is also the place to catch the airport shuttle.

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Reviews of Plaça de Catalunya

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
52
5 - Excellent 39%
4 - Good
65
4 - Good 49%
3 - Okay
17
3 - Okay 13%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
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1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

10 minute walk from the hotel. Many restaurants nearby

Popular places to visit


Top Plaça de Catalunya Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Lamaro Hotel

Lamaro Hotel

5 out of 5
Avenida Catedral, 7, Barcelona
Lamaro Hotel
INNSiDE by Melia Barcelona Apolo

INNSiDE by Melia Barcelona Apolo

4 out of 5
Avinguda del Paral.lel, 57-59, Barcelona, Barcelona
INNSiDE by Melia Barcelona Apolo
Andante Hotel

Andante Hotel

3 out of 5
Avinguda de les Drassanes, 23-25, Barcelona
Andante Hotel
El Avenida Palace Hotel

El Avenida Palace Hotel

4 out of 5
Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 605, Barcelona
El Avenida Palace Hotel
Hotel HCC MontBlanc

Hotel HCC MontBlanc

3 out of 5
Via Laietana, 61, Barcelona
Hotel HCC MontBlanc
Royal Ramblas

Royal Ramblas

4 out of 5
La Rambla, 117, Barcelona
Royal Ramblas
Hotel Monegal

Hotel Monegal

2 out of 5
Pelayo 62, Barcelona
Hotel Monegal
Rialto

Rialto

3 out of 5
Carrer de Ferran, 40-42, Barcelona, Barcelona
Rialto
Barceló Raval

Barceló Raval

4.5 out of 5
Rambla del Raval, 17-21, Barcelona
Barceló Raval
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.

Things to do near Plaça de Catalunya

When visiting Plaça de Catalunya, you'll find a vibrant hub of activities including shopping at iconic boutiques, enjoying lively festivals, and soaking up the atmosphere with live music performances. This bustling square serves as a perfect starting point for exploring the rich culture and attractions of Barcelona, making it a must-visit destination for any tourist.

Shopping

At Plaça de Catalunya, enjoy vibrant shopping at El Corte Inglés, a family-friendly mall just 161m away. For local flavours, visit Boqueria Market, 644m away, or Sant Antoni Market, 1.1km away, both offering a bustling atmosphere and unique souvenirs.

Recreation

At Camp Nou, immerse yourself in the vibrant sports atmosphere and enjoy a thrilling match or stadium tour. Just a short stroll away, Palau de la Música Catalana offers captivating concerts in a stunning architectural venue. For relaxation, the Montjuïc Municipal Pool is perfect for family swimming in an outdoor setting.

Adventure

The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya offers thrilling motor racing experiences located 20.9km from Plaça de Catalunya, perfect for adrenaline seekers. For a family-friendly adventure, take the Port Cable Car, situated 1.6km away, offering stunning views. Climbat Foixarda, 3.2km away, is ideal for climbing enthusiasts looking for a challenge.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Tivoli Theatre, just 322m from Plaça de Catalunya, offering an enchanting blend of culture and entertainment. Alternatively, dive into adventure at Happy Parc - Pau Claris, 483m away, where fun and excitement await. Don't miss the captivating performances at Teatre Coliseum, also 322m away.

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

Find the best attractions near Plaça de Catalunya

When visiting Plaça de Catalunya in Barcelona, you'll find a vibrant mix of cultural experiences. Explore the lively Rambla Catalunya, the stunning Barcelona Cathedral, and the iconic square itself. This area is perfect for families and culture enthusiasts alike, offering a delightful blend of street life, churches, and art museums, ensuring an unforgettable holiday filled with history and charm.

  • La Rambla: Stroll down this iconic 1.3km street that pulsates with vibrant city life. Lined with shops, cafés, and street performers, La Rambla offers a delightful atmosphere perfect for people-watching and soaking in the local culture.
  • Barcelona Cathedral: Located just 644m from Plaça de Catalunya, this stunning Gothic cathedral is a cultural gem. Marvel at its intricate architecture and serene cloister, and don't forget to visit the rooftop for panoramic views of the city.
  • Casa Batlló: Also 644m away, this architectural masterpiece designed by Antoni Gaudí is a must-see. Its whimsical façade and vibrant interiors showcase Catalan modernism, providing a unique insight into the artistic spirit of Barcelona.

Best time to go to Plaça de Catalunya

The best time to visit Plaça de Catalunya is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, 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

For a budget-friendly visit to Plaça de Catalunya, plan your trip between November and January for lower accommodation rates. Booking a month in advance or utilising last-minute deals on Expedia can lead to significant savings. Consider staying on a Monday for the best prices, and use Expedia’s tools to filter by budget and eco-friendly options. Take advantage of public transport, which is economical, and explore free attractions in the area. Combining your hotel booking with flights and activities can also help you save money during your visit.

  • 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: Book your hotel around Plaça de Catalunya about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • 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: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can organise your results to display prices from lowest to highest, helping you find the most affordable accommodation first. Furthermore, you can refine your selection by hotel type—if you check the Eco-certified filter, you'll discover sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel booking at Plaça de Catalunya with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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