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Plaça de Catalunya, Barcelona

Plaça de Catalunya, Barcelona, Catalunya

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.

Meta review

As a tourist attraction, the Plaza gets mixed reviews; some people enjoy the fountains and statues whilst other find them random and the square too crowded. The main draw seems to be its central location and, the main issue, the regular presence of pick-pockets.

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

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:0h 45m

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightOk

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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