10 Barcelona Squares You Should Visit
Barcelona is famous around the world for its incredible squares. There are beautiful plazas all over the city. In fact, we met in one over 10 years ago and married shortly afterwards.
The city is an architect’s dream. Though Catalan Modernism (Barcelona Art Nouveau) takes center stage, it has squares from different time periods and styles. Of all the things to do in Barcelona, walking about the city discovering squares is a must!
We live in Barcelona since 2006 and know the city well. We have prepared the following list with our 10 favorite squares. We are sure you will love every single one of them as much as we do!
Plaça Catalunya
Plaça Catalunya is in the center of Barcelona. The plaza is between the Old Town and L’Eixample. Passeig de Gràcia, Las Ramblas, and Portal de l’Àngel Street begin here.
Buses from the airport arrive here. There’s a massive train and metro station beneath it that connects you to the entire city and beyond. Most of Barcelona events and demonstrations happen here too.
There are fountains, benches and statues. We always go to the coffee shop at the top of the El Corte Inglés department store. The views from there are epic.
Plaça Nova
Plaça Nova represents the best of Barcelona’s Gothic. It’s a gorgeous square in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, at the end of pedestrian Portal de l’Àngel.
The Cathedral towers above the plaza. The remains of a Roman aqueduct are here too. The city’s historical archives are behind. Look for Picasso’s mural that covers the Chamber of Architects of Barcelona building.
Though touristy, the cafés on the square are a great place to rest and people watch. You will see street artists and people from all over the world chilling in the plaza.
Plaça del Rei
We are always shocked at how many tourists don’t notice the tiny but beautiful Plaça del Rei. We are delighted too! It’s a very small plaza super close to Plaça Nova, behind the Cathedral.
You will recognize it from its massive Roman walls from the 3rd Century. The General Archive of the Crown of Aragon is on the left. The counts of Barcelona and the Kings of Aragon lived here.
Don’t forget to visit the Barcelona History Museum and the Santa Àgata Chapel on the plaza. It’s altar from the 15th Century will take your breath away.
Plaça de Sant Jaume
You can’t skip Plaça de Sant Jaume, in the heart of the Gothic Quarter. It’s a medium size concrete plaza. The regional government’s building (Generalitat) and the Town Hall preside over the plaza.
Plaça de Sant Jaume is where Ferran Street begins. The main drag in the Gothic takes you to Las Ramblas. Jaume I Street begins here too. It changes name to Princesa Street and takes you to the El Borne Quarter.
Whenever there is a major festival in the city, like the Mercè, it happens on this plaza. We always go to grab a sandwich at Conesa Entrepans, a local’s favorite.
Plaça Reial
We met in Plaça Reial, long time ago during the Mercè Fiestas. Our favorite square in the city is next to Las Ramblas. Gorgeous arches flank the entire plaza.
There’s a fountain in the middle and lovely palm trees. Search for Gaudi’s lamp-posts. There are two, and to us they are the nicest in the world.
Though touristy, the cafes and restaurants that line the plaza offer great views and a tranquil setting. The square is very lively at nights. Some of the city’s best bars are here. Our favorite is the irreverent Ocaña.
Plaça dels Àngels
Plaça dels Àngels is in the heart of El Raval, in the Old Town. The Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art is on the plaza. Dozens of skaters too!
The neighbors complain about the noise on the plaza. We love it! Plaça dels Àngels is probably the city’s most lively and chaotic square. Locals visit to hang, skate, and dance.
The Angels Convent from the 15th Century is now an exhibition center. Free entrance! Carmelitas Square is behind. Don’t forget to check Plaça de Joan Coromines, next to the art museum, where the AIDS mural is.
Plaça d’Espanya
Plaça d’Espanya is the city’s most iconic plaza. The massive old bullring is here. It’s the Arenas shopping mall now. You can go up to the top from inside the mall and enjoy some of the best views in Barcelona.
Our gym is there, so we go all the time. The square is a massive roundabout. Buses from the airport stop here and there’s a major train and metro station beneath.
Barcelona’s fair is on the plaza. You will see two huge Venetian inspired pillars. The 1929 Magic Fountain is close to the plaza. The nightly show is superb!
Plaça d’Europa
To reach Plaça d’Europa you have to go up to Montjuïc Hill, the green hill that presides over Barcelona. Do not confuse it with the uninteresting Plaça Europa in Hospitalet.
The round square, also known as Anella Olímpica or the Olympic Ring, is in front of the 1992 Olympics stadium. Calatrava’s iconic Olympic tower is here too. The entire area is beautiful and full of fountains and benches to relax.
Plaça d’Europa is a great place to catch the sunset. Locals visit to exercise in the several courts and pools in the area. The Barcelona Botanical Gardens are a step away.
Plaça de la Concòrdia
Plaça de la Concòrdia is one of the prettiest in the city, and one of the least visited. Isn’t that great? The plaza is in the heart of Les Cortes, an upscale neighborhood around Diagonal Avenue.
In the 18th Century Les Cortes used to be a separate town from Barcelona. This was its central square. Thus most of the buildings on the plaza are from the 18th and 19th Centuries.
You have to visit the Modernist Mansion. Can Deu is now a cultural center with a lovely coffee shop with a patio and trees. The church on the plaza is also worth a visit.
Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia
We’ve saved the best for last! We lived in Gràcia for some time and we would always gravitate to its main square, Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia. Every single local does!
It’s always busy and so much fun! The clock tower in the middle is from the 19th Century. There are several restaurants and coffee houses. You can also sit on a bench and people watch.
Gràcia used to be a different town and this its main plaza. Gràcia’s other gorgeous plaza is super close. Stop by Plaza del Sol and have tapas and a beer with the local crowd.
How to Visit Barcelona Squares
The best way to visit all of the above squares is walking. One of the things we like the most about Barcelona is how easy and safe it is to walk about.
We usually bike around the city. There are bike lanes that take you everywhere. Rent your bike and enjoy the ride. Be sure to tie it properly where it’s allowed.
If you get tired, take the metro. There are stations literally close to every square. Buses are a great option too. Get the T-Casual card and use it in the metro and in buses.
Where to Stay in Barcelona
The best places to stay in Barcelona are in the L’Eixample and the Gothic neighborhoods. You can walk from both everywhere in no time and there are several metro stops.
Our favorite hotel in L’Eixample is the H10 Art Gallery. It’s on posh Enric Granados Street, the nicest pedestrian street in the hood. The hotel is all about art. It boasts a rooftop terrace, a pool, and a lovely garden.
In the Gothic Quarter, stay in the Mercer Hotel. The 5 star hotel used to be palace. The rooftop pool is gorgeous and the garden has old orange trees. The service is impeccable.
