Plaça d’Espanya

Walking Around Plaça d'Espanya - About Plaça d'Espanya

Plaça d’Espanya is one of the most famous squares in Barcelona, Spain. The square was built in 1929 for the Barcelona World’s Fair. The entrance to the square is marked by the Venetian Towers at the point where Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina and Plaça d’Espanya meet. The towers were modeled after the Campanile, which is found in Piazza San Marco in Venice, Italy.

In the center of the Plaza is the Monumental Fountain, which was designed by Josep Maria Jujol, who was an associate of famous architect Antoni Gaudí.

There are a few main attractions near Plaça d’Espanya, which include the former bullfighting arena Plaza de Toros de las Arenas, the Palau Nacional, and Montjuïc Hill.

The easiest way to get to Plaça d’Espanya is to take the Barcelona Metro (L1, L3, and L8) to Espanya Station.

Plaça d'Espanya​ Seen from the Observation Deck of Areanas de Barcelona
Plaça d'Espanya​ Seen from the Observation Deck of Areanas de Barcelona
Plaça d'Espanya​'s Monumental Fountain
Monumental Fountain
Close-Up of the Venetian Towers - Plaça d'Espanya, Barcelona, Spain
Close-Up of the Venetian Towers
Close-Up of the Venetian Towers - Plaça d'Espanya, Barcelona, Spain
Venetian Towers

Walking Around Plaça d'Espanya - Table of Contents

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Walking Around Plaça d'Espanya - Plaza de Toras de las Arenas

Plaza de Toras de las Arenas is a former bullfighting arena located right next to Plaça d’Espanya. The venue also has been used for boxing and concerts. Some of the most famous artists to perform at the arena include Carlos Santana and Bob Marley.

In 2010, Barcelona officially banned bullfighting. As a result, Plaza de Toras de las Arenas was remodeled and turned into a shopping mall. Its official name became Arenas de Barcelona in March of 2011.

On top of the arena is an observation deck that provides stunning views of Plaça d’Espanya. Admission to the observation deck is one of the best deals in all of Spain at €1. Be sure to take your time walking around the 360-degree observation deck as it provides beautiful views of Plaça d’Espanya and the surrounding area.

Plaza de Toras de las Arenas
Plaza de Toras de las Arenas
Palau Nacional from the Observation Deck of Plaza de Toras de las Arenas
Palau Nacional from the Observation Deck
Observation Deck of Plaza de Toras de las Arenas
The Observation Deck
Looking Towards Sagrada Familia from the Observation Deck of Plaza de Toras de las Arenas
Looking Towards Sagrada Familia
Looking Towards Tibidabo Hill from the Observation Deck of Plaza de Toras de las Arenas
Looking Towards Tibidabo Hill
Joan Miró Park from the Observation Deck of Plaza de Toras de las Arenas
Joan Miró Park from the Observation Deck

Walking Around Plaça d'Espanya - Montjuïc Hill

Montjuïc Hill is located directly behind Plaça d’Espanya and home to Barcelona’s Palau Nacional.  The hill gets its name from the remains of a Jewish cemetery that was found on the hill. “Montjuïc” translates to “Jewish Mountain” in Catalan.  I highly recommend walking up the hill to visit the Palau Nacional and to get a different perspective and view of Plaça d’Espanya.

Palau Nacional on Montjuïc Hill​ - Barcelona, Spain
Palau Nacional on Montjuïc Hill​
Magic Fountain of Montjuïc - Looking Towards Plaça d'Espanya
Magic Fountain of Montjuïc

Walking Around Plaça d'Espanya - Palau Nacional

The Palau Nacional was the principal location of the 1929 World’s Fair that was held in Barcelona. Today, it serves as the National Art Museum of Catalonia. Tickets to visit the art museum can be purchased for €12.
If you don’t plan on going into the museum, I still recommend walking around the area in front of the Palace.

Palau Nacional - Barcelona, Spain
Palau Nacional
Looking Towards Plaça d'Espanya from in Front of Palau Nacional
Looking Towards Plaça d'Espanya from in Front of Palau Nacional

Plaça d'Espanya Area Tours and Packages

I did not take a tour during my visit to Plaça d’Espanya. For me, it was more fun to explore on my own relying on public transportation and walking. If you are interested in taking a tour, I have linked four tours below. Please note, that as an affiliate of Viator, I will earn a small commission if you purchase a tour using one of my links. This commission is at no additional cost to you.

Prices are accurate as of May 2023.

Montjuic Tour Including Placa d'Espanya on an eScooter
Montjuic eScooter tour - $59.91

Explore Montjuic Hill, one of Barcelona’s most spectacular sights and landmarks. Here you will find beautiful gardens, art galleries, museums and amazing views of the city, the port and the Mediterranean Sea.

eScooters are fun, easy to ride and the best way to get to the top of Montjuic Hill.

You’ll see top attractions like Gothic Quarter; Port Vell; Columbus Monument; Plaça d’Espanya; Magic Fountain of Montjuic; National Palace of Montjuic; Olympic Park; Olympic Stadium; Montjuic Castle; Mirador D'Alcalde; Montjuic Cactus Park and more.

Montjuic Tour Including Placa d'Espanya on an EBike
3-hour Barcelona, Montjuic Hill, and Gothic Quarter E-Bike Tour - $46.67

Climb Montjuïc Mountain with the small-group (maximum 8 participants) in the city on this 3.5-hour private e-bike tour of Barcelona. Enjoy riding effortlessly to the top of Montjuic Hill to discover panoramic views of the city, take a stroll in one of the numerous green parks and be amazed by the National Palace and its surrounding areas. This tour is designed with your comfort and needs in mind. Your guide will ensure your e-bike experience is pleasant, and dynamic while also allowing you time to capture your best snapshots to take back home.

Montjuic Tour Including Placa d'Espanya on a Segway
Montjuïc Segway Tour Barcelona - $76.15

Delight with the breathtaking panoramic view of all Barcelona from the highest point of the Montjuïc mountain. A face of Barcelona like you has never seen it before. Go through your streets with our Segways in a relaxed and fun way. Immerse yourself in the history of this fascinating place located 173 meters above sea level and share this spectacular experience with your friends and family.

barcelona-national-art-museum-of-catalonia-entrance-ticket-in-barcelona-230393
Barcelona National Art Museum of Catalonia Entrance Ticket - $13.16

Make your way to the National Art Museum (Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya) in Barcelona and enjoy the magnificent art on show. Head inside to view a vast collection of European art from the 11th to the 20th centuries and explore one of the world’s finest collections of Romanesque art and frescoes; admire masterpieces by Titian, Canaletto and Goya; and ogle the Modern Art collection including modernist furniture by Antoni Gaudí.

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