Barcelona’s Top 10 : Perfect Squares

Plaça Reial

The
arcaded Plaça Reial, in the heart of the Barri Gòtic, is unique among
Barcelona’s squares, with its old-world charm, gritty urbanization and
Neo-Classical flair. It is home to majestic, mid-19th-century buildings,
Gaudí lampposts, a slew of happening bars and clubs, and an
entertaining and colourful crowd of inner-city denizens. .

Plaça de Catalunya

Barcelona’s
nerve centre is the huge Plaça de Catalunya, a lively hub from which
all the city’s activity seems to radiate. This square is most visitors
first real glimpse of Barcelona. The airport bus stops here, as do RENFE
trains and countless metro and bus lines. The square’s commercial
swagger is evident all around, headed by Spain’s omnipresent department
store, El Corte Inglés .
Pigeons flutter chaotically in the square’s centre, lively Peruvian
bands play to booming sound systems and hordes of travellers – from
backpackers to tour groups – meander about. To add to the melting pot,
the square is allegedly home to 25 people (mostly homeless immigrants).

Plaça del Rei

One
of the city’s best preserved medieval squares, the Barri Gòtic’s Plaça
del Rei is ringed by grand buildings. Among them is the 14th-century
Palau Reial, which houses the Saló del Tinell, a spacious Catalan Gothic throne room and banqueting hall.

Plaça de Sant Jaume

Weighty with power and history, this is the administrative heart of modern-day Barcelona. The plaça
is flanked by the city’s two key government buildings, the stately
Palau de la Generalitat and the 15th-century Ajuntament. 

Plaça de Rius i Taulet

The
progressive, bohemian area of Gràcia, a former village annexed by
Barcelona in 1897, still exudes a small-town ambience, where socializing
with the neighbours means heading for the nearest plaça.
Topping the list is this atmospheric square, with an impressive clock
tower rising out of its centre. Bustling outdoor cafés draw buskers and a
sociable crowd.

Plaça de Sant Josep Oriol & Plaça del Pi

Old-world
charm meets café culture in the Barri Gòtic’s leafy Plaça de Sant Josep
Oriol and Plaça del Pi, named after the pine trees (pi, in Catalan) that shade its nooks and crannies. The lovely Gothic church of Santa Maria del Pi rises between the two squares.

Plaça Comercial

The
buzzy Passeig del Born culminates in Plaça Comercial, an inviting
square dotted with cafés and bars. It faces the 19th-century Born Market , which is being transformed into a cultural centre and exhibition space.

Plaça del Sol

Tucked
within the cosy grid of Gràcia, this square is surrounded by handsome
19th-century buildings. As evening descends, it becomes one of the most
lively spots to start your night-time festivities, along with all the Barcelonins who mingle on the outdoor terraces.

Plaça de Santa Maria

The magnificent Església de Santa Maria del Mar imbues its namesake plaça,
in the El Born district, with a certain spiritual calm. Bask in its
Gothic ambience, people watch, and soak up the sun at one of the outdoor
terrace cafés.

Plaça de la Vila de Madrid

Mere steps from La Rambla is this spacious plaça,
graced with the remains of a Roman necropolis. A remnant of Roman
Barcino, the square sat just beyond the boundaries of the walled Roman
city. A row of unadorned 2nd–4th-century AD tombs were discovered here
in 1957. The complete remains are open to the public.