Plaça Catalyuna is a famous square where every street meets. Plaça Catalyuna is the centre of the modern city of Barcelona.
This large square is where the modern city meets the historic city of Barcelona. A square connecting with some of the cities most famous streets such as La Rambla, Passeig de Gràcia and La Rambla de Catalyuna. The square conceived in 1859, and modified in 1902 and also 1929. This was just in time for the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition.
Plaça Catalyuna was a focal point in the independence referendum. There were many protesters camping in the square as the events of this historic moment rolled out. Also the fantastic El Corte Ingles department store is in front of this square. When visiting the store, remember to have a coffee on the rooftop terrace, just for the great views!
There are many notable sculptures by artists such as Josep Clarà, Pablo Gargallo and Josep Llimona. Plaça Catalyuna also serves as the terminus for the Aerobus to Barcelona El Prat airport. The barcelona tourist buses also arrive and depart from Plaça Catalyuna. Below the square you will find both the metro station and regional train station. Plaça Catalyuna train station shouldvget you to almost all parts of the city.
Situated alongside the Plaça Catalyuna is El Triangle shopping center. A small shopping center that is great for a quick stroll around. Unlike some super sized shopping centers Barcelona offers, this is much more of an intimate affair. A handful of shops, a large FNAC electronics shop, a few restaurants and a Starbucks awaits.
Big City, Main Square
The Plaça de Catalyuna is one of those city squares that just bursts with life. The square offers a chance to discover the real life of the city and watch the Barcelona people live their daily lives. In the summer months, it’s a great place to hang out and watch the world pass by. Skateboarders, artists, romantic couples, they are all visible as are many more within this great square. Its history tells a story, as does its present day. A nucleus of busy urban life flows through Plaça Catalyuna every minute of the day.
There are many great places to visit around the square, such as Hard Rock Café and Belushi’s Sports bar. The famous Barcelona streets of Passeig de Gràcia and La Rambla also lead off the square. The Plaça Espanya is also a great place to choose a hotel. It is directly within the center, so walking distance from most attractions. It is also by a main transport hub, ideal for using public transport to explore Barcelona. Furthermore, the aerobus airport shuttle buses arrive and depart here, making getting to and from the airport much easier.
Personally, I prefer the charm of the Plaça Reial just down La Rambla and within the Gothic Quarter. Plaça Catalyuna, whilst a busy and fascinating square, lacks the intimacy of smaller historic squares around Barcelona. This is probably due to its quite massive size and large open space. However, it is still a great public square to explore, if anything to fit in to busy urban life and meet the habitants of Barcelona.
How to get to Plaça Catalyuna Barcelona
The metro station Plaça Catalyuña, is served by metro lines 1,3, 6 and 7. Plaça Catalyuna also has a train station for regional commuter trains. The Barcelona tourist sightseeing buses depart from this square. Also the aerobus departs here with a direct link to Barcelona El Prat airport every 5 minutes. You can arrive on foot from L”Eixample, La Rambla and the Gothic Quarter within 5 to 10 minutes walk.
