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Party Earth Review First-time visitors looking for the perfect place to begin their explorations of Barcelona will do well at Plaça Catalunya, an enormous and centrally located square. The historic Barri Gòtic, the bustling... ... read full review
Plaça Catalunya, 1
08002 Barcelona
1, 3: Catalunya
24/7
Las Ramblas, Barcelona –
First-time visitors looking for the perfect place to begin their explorations of Barcelona will do well at Plaça Catalunya, an enormous and centrally located square.
The historic Barri Gòtic, the bustling and gritty El Raval, and the sprawling expanse of L’Eixample all meet here, as do more than a half dozen of the city’s main thoroughfares – including Las Ramblas – making the square a popular meeting point for both long-time denizens and guidebook-toting tourists.
Constructed in its current form in the mid-1920s, the wide oval-shaped area is dotted with numerous mosaics and sculptures, including a large inverted staircase that honors the political struggles of former president Francesc Macià, a white marble nude of “La Deessa o l'Enigma” (The Goddess or the Enigma), and ornate fountains that are beautifully illuminated at night.
Shoppers make their way to the plethora of nearby stores, including major retail chains like FNAC and El Corte Inglés, while hungry visitors enjoy dining options that range from the glorious kitsch of a nearby Hard Rock Café to the prestigious Ohla Gastrobar in the five-star Ohla Hotel.
Constantly busy, the area features several trees around its inner perimeter to help waylay the never-ending whirl of traffic, as well as copious benches great for people-watching or just lazing about in the sun.
Concerts, fairs, and other events are regularly held on the grounds, especially during major holidays, but no matter the time of year, Plaça Catalunya remains the heart of this Catalonian city.
The only thing greater in number than the people in the square are the enormous flocks of pigeons that regularly gather in the center of Plaça Catalunya. It’s pretty incredible to watch them swoop down on all the folks who feed them, but definitely be wary of your own food if you come to enjoy a relaxing lunch on one of the many benches.
Tourists and residents of every stripe, from fashionable couples making their way to their glitzy hotel to camera-toting backpackers to groups of friends meeting up before a night out. All ages.
Concerts, live performances, street dancers, and those guys who pretend to be statues can often be found in some corner of the plaza.
There are no restaurants in Plaça Catalunya itself, but a number of options, which run the gamut in terms of price, can be found a quick walk away.
Major department stores FNAC and El Corte Inglés are on opposite sides of Plaça Catalunya.
Free.
Anything goes.
Major holidays for the largest crowds, though the area is regularly busy, sunny days for some great people-watching, and any evening for a romantic stroll around the fountains before venturing out into the night.
The self-service restaurant on the top floor of El Corte Inglés (Plaça Catalunya, 14) won’t win any gastronomy awards, but offers a splendid view over Plaça Catalunya, and the store’s supermarket makes for an easy place to grab food for the whole day.