Poble Espanyol (or Spanish Village) was built back in the 1920s. Visitors come here every year to immerse themselves in the architecture and the culture as well as the traditional Spanish way of life. Lose yourself in the narrow streets lined with shops, restaurants and nightclubs or watch the world go by in its busy squares.
Situated on Montjuic hill, the streets were built ahead of the International Exhibition in 1929. For a small fee, you can take a tour of the streets, exploring more than 100 buildings, which make up the open-air museum here.
Around the town, there are dozens of craft workshops where you can watch demonstrations before buying some of the crafts. Watch as experts show off their skills in glass blowing, embroidery, jewellery making and engraving, demonstrating the traditional techniques they practise as well as showing the finished product.
If you’re a fan of art, check out the Fran Daurel Foundation, a fascinating gallery with artworks from throughout the last century, including pieces from Dali, Picasso and Miró. Outside, is a beautiful sculpture garden with views across the city.
If you’re looking for somewhere to eat, head for an Andalusian style pub to enjoy some tapas, or try some delicious Catalan paella. In the town’s main square, Plaza Maya, there’s regular dancing and other entertainment to be enjoyed. On Sundays, there are parades, puppet shows and story-telling sessions held around the neighbourhood. After dark, head for a flamenco show and then dance the night away at one the area’s lively nightclubs.
The village is open daily, and is a brisk 20-minute walk from the metro station. There are also bus stops nearby. If you’re a student, a senior citizen, or have children under 12 in your party, you’ll receive discounted entry. For a fee, you can also hire an audio guide and benefit from additional insights into the architecture and the history of the individual buildings as you pass by.
