Plaça de Catalunya Tours and Activities

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


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.

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Best Lodging Options Near Plaça de Catalunya

Lamaro Hotel

Lamaro Hotel

5 out of 5
Avenida Catedral, 7, Barcelona
Lamaro Hotel
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
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
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
Hotel Monegal

Hotel Monegal

2 out of 5
Pelayo 62, Barcelona
Hotel Monegal
El Avenida Palace Hotel

El Avenida Palace Hotel

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

Rialto

3 out of 5
Carrer de Ferran, 40-42, Barcelona, Barcelona
Rialto
Hotel Regina Barcelona

Hotel Regina Barcelona

4 out of 5
Bergara 2-4, Barcelona
Hotel Regina Barcelona
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

Plaça de Catalunya in Barcelona offers a vibrant blend of activities, including shopping, lively festivals, and live music. Visitors can explore the area using tourist buses, enjoy cycling escapades, and discover notable tourist sights. For relaxation, consider indulging in spa escapes, making it an ideal spot for both adventure and leisure in this bustling hub of Catalonia.

Shopping

At Plaça de Catalunya, shop at El Corte Inglés for a family-friendly experience with diverse entertainment options. For a taste of local culture, head to Boqueria Market, a bustling public market 644m away. Also, explore Sant Antoni Market, 1.1km away, for unique city vibes.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Camp Nou, a renowned stadium that embodies sports spirit, located 3.2km from Plaça de Catalunya. Enjoy captivating performances at the Palau de la Música Catalana, only 483m away, where music and entertainment intertwine. Palau Sant Jordi, another sports venue, is also 3.2km away.

Adventure

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

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Tivoli Theatre, only 0.3.2km from Plaça de Catalunya, where you can enjoy captivating performances. For some family fun, visit Happy Parc - Pau Claris, 483m away, offering exciting arcade adventures. Don't miss the cultural charm of Teatre Coliseum, also 0.3.2km away.

Find the best attractions near Plaça de Catalunya

At Plaça de Catalunya in Barcelona, immerse yourself in a vibrant blend of culture and city life. Explore nearby attractions like local streets, stunning churches, and art museums that cater to families and culture enthusiasts alike. Whether you're strolling around Plaça de Catalunya or visiting the surrounding landmarks, there's plenty to see and do in this bustling square, making it a perfect starting point for your Barcelona adventure.

  • La Rambla: A vibrant 1.3km street, La Rambla embodies the essence of city life in Barcelona. Stroll along this lively promenade, lined with shops, cafes, and street performers, immersing yourself in the local atmosphere and culture.
  • Barcelona Cathedral: Located 644m from Plaça de Catalunya, this stunning cathedral showcases Gothic architecture and rich history. Explore its intricate details and serene cloisters, offering a glimpse into Barcelona's cultural heritage.
  • Casa Batlló: Just 644m away, this iconic building designed by Antoni Gaudí is a masterpiece of modernist architecture. Marvel at its whimsical shapes and vibrant colours, reflecting the artistic spirit of Catalonia.

Best time to go to Plaça de Catalunya

Visitor numbers around Plaça de Catalunya is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Plaça de Catalunya can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Plaça de Catalunya falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Plaça de Catalunya falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January48.9°F (9.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February49.8°F (9.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly 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 Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June71.8°F (22.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
July77.0°F (25.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
August77.4°F (25.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly 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 Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Plaça de Catalunya

Visiting Plaça de Catalunya can be budget-friendly with free attractions like La Rambla and Barceloneta Beach nearby. Aim to travel during the off-peak months from November to January for lower accommodation rates. Booking a month in advance or checking Expedia for last-minute deals can secure savings, especially if you stay on a Tuesday, the cheapest day. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities into an Expedia package for added discounts. Utilize filters to find eco-friendly options and ensure you compare prices for the best rates with free cancellation options.

  • 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: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Plaça de Catalunya is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Plaça de Catalunya is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Plaça de Catalunya is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool is designed to help you find the perfect accommodation that fits your budget and preferred location. You can easily sort the results from lowest to highest price, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels at the top. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, by selecting the "Eco-certified" filter, you can discover sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay in Plaça de Catalunya with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.