Plaça d'Espanya
Plaça d'Espanya
4.5
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Top ways to experience Plaça d'Espanya
The area
Neighborhood: Sants-Montjuíc
How to get there
- Espanya • 1 min walk
- Hostafrancs • 6 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
8,274 within 3 miles
Attractions
1,413 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- JennyTull8 contributionsGreat but …..Top notch show, managed to get in without paying which was neat. Only down side it’s a bit of a bun fight to get a good view. Quite honestly they should think twice about letting anyone in if they are going to put someone on their shoulders. If I had paid I’d be mighty peeved to have had my view obstructed. Mainly by young un’s who probably also got in free and didn’t care anyway. I’ll pay for a seat next year.Visited January 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten January 1, 2023
- OZS_ATWBudapest, Hungary3,141 contributionsIconicPlace d'Espagnya is surrounded by iconic buildings like the two Venetian towers, the old Arenas bullring, and the Fira de Barcelona. In the middle of the square there is a monumental fountain called the Font dels Tres Mars which symbolizes the three seas surrounding the Iberian peninsula. A must to see!Visited June 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 6, 2023
- Thomas VOakland, California16,412 contributionsNoisy Traffic CircleIt's a big traffic circle with a huge statue in the center. Very hard to get around on foot. One arrives at a big Metro station and exits by the old arena, which is now a shopping center. To get over to the other side and the museum off in the distance, it take a lot of effort and time. Noise and pollution.Visited September 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 3, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
5,578 reviews
Excellent
2,784
Very good
2,194
Average
543
Poor
45
Terrible
12
Gaurav S
Glasgow, UK364 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
What a show... U can't miss this for anything.. 31st December show of fireworks at the place is something extraordinary. We really liked the music, fountain show and then themed fireworks, with social message of sea life... Plastic problem.
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arvind Kumar Yerram
Hyderabad, India1,401 contributions
Nov 2019
Undoubtedly this is one of the (if not most) busiest squares of Barcelona. Twin towers on either side of the road with a huge monument in the round about and the magical water fountain are the highlights of this area. Can get crowded during the fountain shows.
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James S
Toronto, Canada557 contributions
Sep 2022
Placa de Espanya is a major transit hub in Barcelona. Several major streets intersect here and there are numerous bus routes that head to various parts of the city. Underneath the ground there is a Metro station that serves three separate subway lines. There is also a regional railway station that has trains departing on a regular basis to Montserrat and elsewhere throughout the day.
The Plaza is a lot more than this and to be honest one would never know about the busy transit infrastructure underground by just looking at the place. At the very centre of the plaza is the Font monumental a la Placa D’Espanya. This is a massive fountain was constructed in 1929 for an international exposition by Josep Maria Jujol a collaborator of Gaudi.
Surrounding the circular plaza are several large and photogenic buildings including the Hotel Catalonia Barcelona Plaza, the Institut Municipal d’Educacio de Barcelona, and the Venetian Towers or Torres Venecianes. These twin pillars, built in the 1920s are the entrance to Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina which is lined by the Smart City Expo World Congress - Fira de Barcelona and terminates in the famous Magic Fountains at the foot of the Montjuïc National Palace.
On the other side of the Plaza is the Arenas de Barcelona. This was originally built as a bull fighting arena and is now a major shopping centre. The top floor has a restaurant with impressive views of the city. There are also movie theatres if for some reason you’ve run out of things to do and see in Barcelona.
As I said this is a major transport hub to help one get where they’re going, but it’s also worth it to take the stairs up and have a look around.
The Plaza is a lot more than this and to be honest one would never know about the busy transit infrastructure underground by just looking at the place. At the very centre of the plaza is the Font monumental a la Placa D’Espanya. This is a massive fountain was constructed in 1929 for an international exposition by Josep Maria Jujol a collaborator of Gaudi.
Surrounding the circular plaza are several large and photogenic buildings including the Hotel Catalonia Barcelona Plaza, the Institut Municipal d’Educacio de Barcelona, and the Venetian Towers or Torres Venecianes. These twin pillars, built in the 1920s are the entrance to Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina which is lined by the Smart City Expo World Congress - Fira de Barcelona and terminates in the famous Magic Fountains at the foot of the Montjuïc National Palace.
On the other side of the Plaza is the Arenas de Barcelona. This was originally built as a bull fighting arena and is now a major shopping centre. The top floor has a restaurant with impressive views of the city. There are also movie theatres if for some reason you’ve run out of things to do and see in Barcelona.
As I said this is a major transport hub to help one get where they’re going, but it’s also worth it to take the stairs up and have a look around.
Written October 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PaulB27August
The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, UK6,292 contributions
Jun 2020 • Solo
Bullfighting isn't for everyone, however, it is a part of Spanish history and culture.
This development which overlooks the impressive Placa de Espana, Montjuic and plenty of other important sites due to the wonderful 360° view.
There are numerous shops, restaurants and leisure facilities here, including the world famous Human Bodies exhibition.
I will return and try one of the many eateries. Keep an eye out for forthcoming reviews
This development which overlooks the impressive Placa de Espana, Montjuic and plenty of other important sites due to the wonderful 360° view.
There are numerous shops, restaurants and leisure facilities here, including the world famous Human Bodies exhibition.
I will return and try one of the many eateries. Keep an eye out for forthcoming reviews
Written June 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BrakiWorldTraveler
Belgrade, Serbia17,664 contributions
Aug 2022
Placa de Espana is Barcelona's biggest square. It's set just beneath the Monjuic hill and Museum of Catalonian art (MNAC) on a huge roundabout. Driving around it is pretty hectic and stressful with several traffic lights around it.
The middle of the square is adorned by a nice monumental fountain representing the Guadalquivir, Ebro and Tagus rivers as the biggest on the Iberian Peninsula.
The huge circular edifice, now the Arenas shopping mall, used to be Barcelona's first bullring, until it was moved to another location and then finally banned. Great views of the square and MNAC from the mall's top floor.
The twin Venetian towers are replicas of Venezia San Marco's bell tower. They were put here in 1929 for the World expo marking the entrance to fair grounds, Palace museum, and today for the highly popular magic fountain.
The middle of the square is adorned by a nice monumental fountain representing the Guadalquivir, Ebro and Tagus rivers as the biggest on the Iberian Peninsula.
The huge circular edifice, now the Arenas shopping mall, used to be Barcelona's first bullring, until it was moved to another location and then finally banned. Great views of the square and MNAC from the mall's top floor.
The twin Venetian towers are replicas of Venezia San Marco's bell tower. They were put here in 1929 for the World expo marking the entrance to fair grounds, Palace museum, and today for the highly popular magic fountain.
Written September 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JennyTull
8 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
Top notch show, managed to get in without paying which was neat. Only down side it’s a bit of a bun fight to get a good view. Quite honestly they should think twice about letting anyone in if they are going to put someone on their shoulders. If I had paid I’d be mighty peeved to have had my view obstructed. Mainly by young un’s who probably also got in free and didn’t care anyway. I’ll pay for a seat next year.
Written January 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OZS_ATW
Budapest, Hungary3,141 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
Place d'Espagnya is surrounded by iconic buildings like the two Venetian towers, the old Arenas bullring, and the Fira de Barcelona. In the middle of the square there is a monumental fountain called the Font dels Tres Mars which symbolizes the three seas surrounding the Iberian peninsula.
A must to see!
A must to see!
Written July 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steviefull
Kidderminster, UK1,663 contributions
Feb 2020
Not really a destination but somewhere you are bound to pass by going elsewhere.
Not a lot to say other than the two pillars leading into the statue in the middle of the roundabout are quite impressive and dominate the area long with the shopping centre nearby. A good area to see at night.
Don't go out of your way to go here but theres plenty nearby that you will probably go and see anyway.
Not a lot to say other than the two pillars leading into the statue in the middle of the roundabout are quite impressive and dominate the area long with the shopping centre nearby. A good area to see at night.
Don't go out of your way to go here but theres plenty nearby that you will probably go and see anyway.
Written March 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cme1234
Singapore, Singapore442 contributions
May 2022 • Solo
You can’t go there close up. You can only see it from opposite the road or from the Arenas of Barcelona. Definitely not worth going there just to view it. But it is just 300 meters from the Magic Fountain so this is worth a look if you are going to the magic fountain.
Written May 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA16,412 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
It's a big traffic circle with a huge statue in the center. Very hard to get around on foot. One arrives at a big Metro station and exits by the old arena, which is now a shopping center. To get over to the other side and the museum off in the distance, it take a lot of effort and time. Noise and pollution.
Written October 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
28Love2Travel
Los Angeles, CA23 contributions
Is there usually a long line to pick up Trans Montserrat tickets purchased online at the Montserrat Reception Point in the FGC station in Plaça d’Espanya?
Or Is it better just to go to the machine and purchase?
렝이나
Busan, South Korea
hola.
Is there a luggage storage near España station?
'm going to take a train and go to Montserrat.
Martina S
Island of Malta, Malta
Hi. I need to use the Placa Espanya train station in order to catch the R5 train to Montserrat. Most probably I shall be arriving to Placa Espanya via metro on L3.
Are both the L3 and R5 platforms in the same building or would I need to exit the station when I arrive with L3 and then re-enter from another entrance for the R5 train please? Thanks!
christine s
Stourbridge, UK678 contributions
Hello,we got to the station,placa espania,it is located under a huge traffic island,or round about,with several entrances,all leading through walkways,we asked at the first kiosk,where ticket office was,bought tickets to Monseratt,and were directed to the platform some distance away.so go early,trains ran every hour.
Time tables on internet.
Martina S
Island of Malta, Malta
Hi. I need to use the Placa Espanya train station in order to catch the R5 train to Montserrat. Most probably I shall be arriving to Placa Espanya via metro on L3.
Are both the L3 and R5 platforms in the same building or would I need to exit the station when I arrive with L3 and then re-enter from another entrance for the R5 train please? Thanks!
Basav_Roychoudhury
Shillong, India204 contributions
Same building. Once you get down from metro, just follow the signs, it is easy.
IlaB76
Mantua, Italy181 contributions
what time are the fountain light shows?
thank you.
Massimo Alberto
Milan, Italy101 contributions
22:00
Valentina S
Laives, Italy55 contributions
passeró il capodanno 2017 a Barcellona, cosa mi consigli da vedere e dove mi consigli di passare il cenone ? grazie
Ugo R
Messina, Italy764 contributions
Ti consiglio di affittare una vespa con gps incorporato .vai da VIA VESPA prenoti via internet e giri la città senza problemi , spendendo poco .per il cenone vedi se il ristorante El Patron e ' aperto .la paella è' squisita .
What days are the fountain light/water shows on?
Eagle A
Italy179 contributions
The schedule for the Summer season is as follows:
1 June - 31 August:
Thursday - Sunday: 21:00 - 23:30
Musical displays: 21:00, 21:30, 22:00, 22:30 and 23:00
Looking for apartment near placa espana Barcelona Spain
Bfly327
London, Canada26 contributions
We used Airbnb and stayed near Saint Antoni Market. Great location , accessible to everything and our apartment was two bedroom and a large rooftop terrace, amazing views of the city and half the price of a hotel! Super easy access to Placa Espana by Metro--right across the road from the apartment! We love Barcelona and hope you do too!! Cheers!
gailm1882015
Edinburgh, UK
Can you walk to the port of barcelona from museum of national art catalunya, noticed there was a road behind museum and wondered if this led to port
Ivan S
Houston, TX72 contributions
Yes you can, It takes about 45 min. Also, you can take the Funicular directly to the beach front station (Port Vell)
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Claim your listingPlaça d'Espanya - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Plaça d'Espanya
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Plaça d'Espanya:
- Best of Barcelona and Montserrat - Pickup & Skip-the-Line tickets (From $148.06)
- Barcelona Best Views: Old Town, Cable Car, Montjuic Castle & Magic Fountain Show (From $82.60)
- City Sightseeing Barcelona Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour (From $36.19)
- Sagrada Familia & Montserrat Small Group Tour with Hotel pick-up (From $120.09)
- Half Day Barcelona Tour by Sidecar Motorcycle (From $191.93)
- Hotels near Plaça d'Espanya:
- (0.02 mi) Blackandwhitehome Montjuïc-Fira
- (0.03 mi) AB Montjuic
- (0.04 mi) Occidental Barcelona 1929
- (0.04 mi) Catalonia Barcelona Plaza
- (0.09 mi) Vivobarcelona Apartments
- Restaurants near Plaça d'Espanya:
- (0.02 mi) Empanada Club Hostafrancs
- (0.03 mi) The Clock Terrace
- (0.03 mi) Cafe Cafe
- (0.03 mi) Cafe Cafe
- (0.03 mi) L 'a Piazzetta
- Attractions near Plaça d'Espanya:
- (0.00 mi) Font dels Tres Mars
- (0.00 mi) Roomboescape
- (0.11 mi) ComeOn! Barcelona
- (0.09 mi) Centro Comercial Arenas De Barcelona
- (0.04 mi) Font De La Plaça D'espanya
Plaça d'Espanya Information
Excellent Reviews | 2,784 |
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Very Good Reviews | 2,194 |
Plaça d'Espanya Photos | 3,524 |