Plaça Reial is a famous public square and popular gathering place in Barcelona. Located in the Barri Gòtic, or Gothic Quarter, the plaza sits in Barcelona's historic old city centre. The plaza is known for its impressive period architecture and has been a meeting place and public event space since the 19th-century. Plaça Reial can be easily reached by metro, bus and automobile, with parking available nearby.
Locals and visitors alike are drawn to the Plaça Reial in Barcelona to enjoy its unique Mediterranean ambience and central fountain, cafes and restaurants, and vibrant nightlife atmosphere. Visitors typically spend anywhere from 15 minutes to 1 hour in the plaza, often staying longer if they plan on dining or visiting one of the popular discos off the square. Events, festivals and concerts are also held on a regular basis throughout the year at Plaça Reial in Barcelona.
Plaça Reial in Barcelona - one of the highlights of 15 Best Things to Do in Barcelona and 10 Relaxing Things to Do in Barcelona (Read all about Barcelona here)
What are the highlights of Plaça Reial in Barcelona?
Plaça Reial, meaning “Royal Plaza,” contains a large central fountain called the Three Graces. This artistic water feature is flanked by street lights designed by the famed Antoni Gaudí, which depict a dragon and a winged helmet. The plaza is surrounded by swaying palm trees, rounded porticoes and period terracotta decorations. Locals suggest visiting the Plaça Reial during the day and in the evening, as the plaza's beauty is particularly striking in its differences by night and by day.
Plaça Reial in Barcelona is particularly famous for its vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re looking for a delectable dinner spot, a casual cafe to enjoy a drink, live music or a high-energy nightclub, you’ll find it all beneath the porticoes of Plaça Reial. Famous nightclubs on the plaza include Karma, Jamboree, Sidecar, and the speakeasy bar Nou Pipa Club. Open-air concerts and live music are often hosted in the plaza on summer evenings.
What other attractions are near Plaça Reial in Barcelona?
Plaça Reial’s central location in the city of Barcelona makes it easy to incorporate into a full day of sightseeing. Locals highly recommend taking a guided walking tour of the Gothic Quarter, to appreciate the full wealth of history in the old city centre’s buildings and homes. You can explore the famous public food market, Mercado de La Boqueria, or check out some of the striking Gaudi-designed architecture at Casa Batlló.
Historic places of worship near the Plaça Reial include the 13th-century Cathedral of Barcelona and the Gaudi-designed La Sagrada Familia church. Music and art lovers can head to nearby locations like the Picasso Museum, the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art, or the Palau de la Música Catalana.
Good to know when visiting Barcelona’s Plaça Reial
Plaça Reial in Barcelona has 3 portico entrances, the largest of which, the Carrer de Columbia, can be accessed on the Rambla. Locals suggest trying some of the bars and restaurants off the plaza, as the area is particularly well-known for good food and beverages. Though you may have to wait for a little while to be seated at a restaurant, there are buskers and people-watching opportunities around the plaza to pass the time easily.
Multiple bus lines in Barcelona service Plaça Reial via the Gran Teatre del Liceu stop, as well as the metro via the Liceu stop. The plaza is also within easy walking distance of many other popular tourist destinations in the heart of Barcelona. If you’re only able to make a quick stop at Plaça Reial, it’s recommended to time your visit in the evening hours to appreciate the historic square lit up at night.
Plaça Reial in Barcelona
Location: Pl. Reial, 1, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
Start planning your trip
Where to stay in Barcelona
Grand Hyatt Barcelona
Leonardo Royal Hotel Barcelona Fira
The Social Hub Barcelona Poblenou
Rialto
Hotel Barcelona Princess
INNSiDE by Melia Barcelona Apolo
Nobu Hotel Barcelona
Casa Lit Barcelona by Ona
Ohla Barcelona
