PERFECT SQUARES
1. Plaça Reial
The arcaded Plaça Reial, in the heart of the Barri Gòtic, is unique among Barcelona’s squares with its old-world charm, gritty urbanization and Neo-Classical flair. It is home not only to Gaudí lampposts and majestic mid-19th-century buildings, but also a slew of happening bars and clubs, and an entertaining and very colourful crowd of inner-city Barcelona denizens.
Stately Plaça Reial, surrounded by Neo-Classical buildings and palm trees
2. Plaça de Catalunya
Barcelona’s nerve centre is the huge Plaça de Catalunya, a lively hub from which the city’s activity seems to radiate. This square is most visitors’ first real glimpse of Barcelona. The airport bus stops here, as do RENFE trains and countless metro and bus lines, including most night buses. The square’s commercial swagger is evident all around, headed by Spain’s omnipresent department store, El Corte Inglés (see Plaça de Catalunya and Carrer Pelai). Pigeons flutter chaotically at the square’s centre and hordes of travellers – from backpackers to tour groups – wander about. The main tourist information office is here. Concerts are held in the square during festivals.
Plaça de Catalunya
3. Plaça del Rei
One of the city’s best-preserved medieval squares, the Barri Gòtic’s Plaça del Rei is ringed by grand buildings. Among them is the 14th-century Palau Reial, which houses the Saló del Tinell, a spacious Catalan Gothic throne room and banqueting hall.
4. Plaça de Sant Jaume
Laden with power and history, this is the administrative heart (see Plaça de Sant Jaume) of modern-day Barcelona. The plaça is flanked by the city’s two key government buildings, the stately Palau de la Generalitat and the 15th-century Ajuntament.
5. Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia
The progressive, bohemian area of Gràcia, a former village annexed by Barcelona in 1897, still exudes a small-town ambience where socializing with the neighbours means heading for the nearest plaça. Topping the list is this atmospheric square, with an impressive clock tower rising at its centre. Bustling outdoor cafés draw buskers and a sociable crowd.
6. Plaça de Sant Josep Oriol and Plaça del Pi
Old-world charm meets café culture in the Barri Gòtic’s leafy Plaça de Sant Josep Oriol and Plaça del Pi, named after the pine trees (pi in Catalan) that shade its nooks and crannies. The lovely Gothic church of Santa Maria del Pi is set between the two squares.
7. Plaça Comercial
The buzzy Passeig del Born culminates in Plaça Comercial, an inviting square dotted with cafés and bars. It faces the 19th-century Born Market, which has been transformed into a cultural centre and exhibition space.
8. Plaça de Santa Maria
The magnificent Església de Santa Maria del Mar imbues its namesake plaça, in the El Born district, with a certain spiritual calm. Bask in its Gothic ambience, people watch, and soak up the sun at one of the outdoor terrace cafés.
Cafés on Plaça de Santa Maria
9. Plaça del Sol
Tucked within the cosy grid of Gràcia, this square is surrounded by handsome 19th-century buildings. As evening descends, it becomes one of the most lively spots for nighttime festivities and you can join all the Barcelonins who come here to mingle on the outdoor terraces.
10. Plaça de la Vila de Madrid
Mere steps from La Rambla is this spacious plaça, graced with the remains of a Roman necropolis. A remnant of Roman Barcino, the square sat just beyond the boundaries of the walled Roman city. A row of unadorned 2nd to 4th-century tombs was discovered here in 1957. The complete remains can be viewed from street level.
