Plaça de Catalunya is considered Barcelona’s city center and main transport hub. The lively square – scattered with statues, fountains, landscaping and activity – is where the historic Old City meets L’Eixample (The Expansion) District. v
Get there
Arrive to Plaça Catalunya via metro. From The Gates Hotel Diagonal Barcelona, head left toward Carrer de Badajoz. Continue to the other side of the Design Museum of Barcelona to the Glòries metro station. Board the red L1 line, Hospital de Bellvitge. Plaça Catalunya will be the fourth stop, Pl. Catalunya. See map. Not familiar with how the TMB metro works? Refer to the TMB metro user guide for current prices, tips and more.
Take in the plaza
Statues, fountains, trees, backpackers and kids running after hordes of pigeons will act as a greeting when you enter Plaça Catalunya. The plaza occasionally plays host to large events, namely around Christmas and La Diada (The National Day of Catalonia) on Sept. 11.
The plaza is active during the day, but keep an eye on your purse and the contents of your pockets – as a major transport and tourist area, it’s best to err on the side of vigilance.
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Statues and sculptures
The number of statues at Plaça Catalunya is impressive. Keep an eye out for these notable works:
Monument Catalunya a Francesc Macià - Located on the southern edge of the plaza, an inverted staircase is situated behind the first president of the Generalitat de Catalunya, Francesc Macià. The unfinished staircase is said to represent the ongoing story of Catalonia. The piece is by Josep Maria Subirachs, most famous for his Passion Facade in the basilica in the Sagrada Familia.
La Deesse - “The goddess” sits pondering in the quiet fountain behind the Monument Catalunya a Francesc Macià. The current sculpture is actually a copy of the original that was previously in its place by Josep Clarà.
Pastor de Pau - The “peaceful pastor” stands near one of the northern fountain steps by Spanish sculptor Pablo Gargallo, who also co-sculpted the great arch over the front stage of the Palau de la Música Catalana.
Restaurants & cafés
The streets surrounding the plaza are chock full of restaurants, cafés and bars, but Café Zurich has stood the test of time. Founded in 1862, this popular café at the end of Las Ramblas has acted as a meeting point for over a century. Pay more to sit in the outside terrace and watch the world go by.
Shopping
Shopping abounds near Plaça Catalunya. The large shopping avenue of Passeig de Gracia is nearby; brand-name stores are also found on the Portal de l’Angel avenue (headed south of the plaza). Spanish department store El Corte Inglés and El Triangle shopping center are other popular spots near the square.
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The Gates Hotel Diagonal Barcelona is a chic boutique hotel located right near Torre de Glòries. Our rooftop pool, beer garden and central location makes for a desirable stay in Barcelona. Check out prices and promotions at The Gates Hotel Diagonal.