Plaça de Catalunya, Barcelona
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Plaça de Catalunya - by Tango7174 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Description
The Plaça de Catalunya in Barcelona is where the old City (Barri Gòtic and Raval) meet the 19th century district of Eixample; it is considered the center point of the city. Several key streets and avenues meet there, including La Rambla, Passeig de Gracia and Rambla de Catalunya. It is very large (5ha) and known for its fountains and statues. It was built at the outset of the 20th century as part of the city's modernisation and modified in 1929 on the occasion of the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition.
Access & Transport
The square is one of the city's largest transport nodes with most metro lines transiting there (L1, L3, L6, L7), a major train station, several suburban train lines and about 15 bus services.
Instructions & Recommendations
Because of its amazing connectivity, we would suggest using the square as the starting or end point of your day and either go north towards the Eixample with its modernist house and La Sagrada Familia or south towards the old city via La Rambla or the smaller streets of the Barri Gòtic.
Environmental & Social
Urban environment with hardly any green space and fountains using electricity and water Socially neutral
Conclusion
The Plaça de Catalunya is rather impressive in scale but clearly looks more functional than trying to showcase the city's architecture. We would not advise visitors to make a significant detour, but it is certainly worth taking a stroll around if you happen to be in the area, which is likely to be the case.
Key positive
Very likely to be on your way so no real time investment involved
The scale of the square is impressive
Key negative
Surrounding building architecture mostly lack charm
Some pickpocket issues
Suitability
Accessible for wheelchair users.
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 20m
est. visit time:0h 45m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightOk
Night – aft. midnightNo