On the northern side of Plaça d'Espanya you'll find the magnificent Moorish-style Arenas de Barcelona. Originally constructed in 1900 as a bullring, it underwent a remarkable transformation and reopened in 2011 as a stylish shopping and leisure center. One of its notable features is the horseshoe-shaped entrance adorned with exquisite tiles.

Interestingly, despite its initial purpose, bullfighting never gained significant popularity in Barcelona as anticipated, leading to the last bullfight taking place in 1977 and the arena remaining unused for an extended period. Presently, it not only houses a wide range of popular brands and specialty shops but also serves as a versatile venue for various events, including concerts. A particularly memorable concert was held in 1966, featuring the legendary performance of the Beatles.

On the upper level, visitors can enjoy a panoramic walk-around promenade encircling the dome, offering 360-degree views of the surroundings. Inside, the building boasts four floors filled with shopping options, entertainment facilities, including a cinema, gym, and an array of restaurants, with some located on the top-floor promenade.

Tip:
For direct access to the top, you can take the panoramic elevator for €1, which can be reimbursed by enjoying a meal or other offerings at the restaurants located on the upper deck.

At some point during their stay in Barcelona, almost everyone finds themselves in the bustling traffic circle known as Plaça d'Espanya ("Place of Spain"), instantly recognizable by the presence of two life-sized replicas of Venice's Saint Mark's bell tower, which served as a gateway to the 1929 International Exhibition. Flanking the circle are two grand buildings dedicated to Work and Communications.

In the heart of this bustling roundabout stands a monumental fountain with a Baroque appearance, widely recognized as an iconic symbol of Barcelona. Interestingly, this fountain was commissioned as a last-minute addition in 1928 by the fair committee. What many may not realize is that it was designed by Josep Maria Jujol, a brilliant collaborator of Antoni Gaudí renowned for his spectacular tile work at Park Güell. Jujol's goal was to create a fountain that harmonized with the style of the 1929 International Exhibition, and he achieved this so perfectly that for many years it went largely unnoticed. Now, after receiving a meticulous restoration, the fountain gleams with a newfound radiance and is enchantingly illuminated at night.

Why You Should Visit:
An icon of Barcelona and also a transportation hub with shopping, dining, views, hotels, and lots of people. A great place to cool off and restore your energy while touring the city.

Tip:
Nice over day and night – try both! As the sun sets, the fountains may be turned off, but the illuminations come to life, transforming the surroundings and creating a whole new atmosphere to be enjoyed.

One of Barcelona's most spectacular attractions, this engineering marvel was constructed by Carles Buïgas (1898–1979) for the 1929 International Exhibition. The Art Deco fountain, a feat that required the efforts of 3000 individuals, enchants spectators with its synchronized water jets that dance to the rhythm of music, creating a symphony of light and sound. While the themes of the shows may vary, they often culminate in a captivating rendition of the popular duet "Barcelona" by Montserrat Caballé and Freddie Mercury, famously performed during the 1992 Olympics.

Standing behind the Magic Fountain are four columns originally erected by the Modernista architect Puig i Cadafalch at the turn of the 20th century. These columns, designed to symbolize the stripes on the Catalan coat-of-arms, were tragically destroyed in 1928 as part of a prohibition on Catalan symbols. However, they have been painstakingly rebuilt and now serve as a potent symbol of Catalan pride, reclaiming their significance.

The optimal time to visit is just before nightfall, prior to the commencement of the magical display. Each day, thousands of people gather around, finding a seat on the numerous steps that lead up to the MNAC museum, and relishing in the opportunity to witness the sunset from the vantage point of Montjuic mountain, beneath which the fountain resides. The show lasts approximately 10-15 minutes and is entirely free to enjoy, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its ambiance.

Why You Should Visit:
Good (free) entertainment!

Tip:
Arrive at least 45 minutes in advance to secure a favorable spot, as the area tends to become quite congested. Feel free to bring along your favorite food and beverages to enjoy during the show.

An essential destination for visitors to Barcelona, offering a splendid setting that showcases a thousand years of Catalan art, the magnificent Palau Nacional, originally constructed for the 1929 International Exhibition, has been the home of the city's most significant art collection since 1934. For those unfamiliar with the museum, deciding where to begin can be challenging; however, if you have limited time, it is recommended to focus on the medieval collection, which is divided into two main sections: one dedicated to Romanesque art and the other to Gothic art. During these periods, Catalan artists were at the forefront of the art scene in Spain.

The museum takes great pride in its collection of Romanesque frescoes, which were carefully removed from churches in the Catalan Pyrenees and presented in a reconstructed version of their original settings. Additionally, the MNAC houses an unparalleled collection of 19th- and 20th-century Catalan art, with the exception of works from the 1950s onwards. The museum's collection excels in "modernista" and "noucentista" painting and sculpture, the two predominant artistic movements of that era. Moreover, visitors can explore intriguing exhibits on topics such as "modernista" interior design, avant-garde sculpture, and historical photography.

To fully appreciate the exhibits, it is advisable to plan for multiple visits as tickets are valid for 2 days. The museum's website offers a convenient "create your own itinerary" feature, helping you maximize your experience. Additionally, blockbuster exhibitions and special shows based on the MNAC's extensive archives are highly popular, although they may require separate ticket purchases.

Why You Should Visit:
An absolutely magnificent museum, newly updated and modernized for the contemporary tourist.
Reasonably priced; plenty of lifts/stair lifts/toilets, and comfortable leather sofas dotted here and there for when your feet ache.

Tip:
Not only does the on-site restaurant offer a breathtaking view of Montjuïc, but it also provides excellent value for the price.
Make sure not to miss the rooftop for an even more spectacular panorama.

At the Spanish Village, visitors are promised a glimpse of Spain in just one hour. This open-air park showcases reconstructed Spanish buildings, including replicas of the medieval walls of Ávila that serve as the entrance. The aim was to preserve and showcase the diverse culture, tradition, architecture, and style of Spain in a single place, and this ambitious endeavor was successfully accomplished in a remarkably short span of 13 months. Spanning an impressive area of 42,000 square meters, the village encompasses 117 buildings, along with charming squares and streets that faithfully recreate the atmosphere of a quaint Spanish town.

The central square, with its lively ambiance, is lined with inviting cafés. Exploring the surrounding streets and alleys, visitors will discover approximately forty workshops where traditional crafts like engraving, weaving, and pottery are practiced. It's an immersive experience that also offers ample shopping opportunities, although prices can be higher than usual. Children will find great joy in the village, as they can roam freely without the presence of traffic, and there are plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy.

For a more tranquil experience, it's recommended to arrive early and avoid the crowds that gather when tour groups arrive. Alternatively, visiting later in the day presents a different atmosphere, especially at venues like Tablao de Carmen (a Flamenco theater) or La Terrrazza, where the Spanish Village transforms into a vibrant hub of Barcelona's nightlife.

Tip:
Admission should be less than half the normal price in the evenings.

Situated just beneath the National Palace ("Palau Nacional"), you'll find the enchanting Maragall Gardens ("Jardins Maragall"), adorned with fountains and sculptures, which pay homage to the renowned Catalan poet. Adjacent to these gardens, you'll discover the elegant formal gardens of the Albéniz Palace, constructed in 1928 and named after the influential Catalan composer Isaac Albéniz (1860-1906).

This understated neoclassical royal palace, serving as the official residence for the King and Queen of Spain in Barcelona and hosting municipal banquets, is open to the public only on rare occasions, requiring prior written request and on special days. Fortunate visitors are greeted by a remarkable dome adorned with a painting by Salvador Dalí, representing his largest and one of the few existing works in Barcelona. A captivating fountain embellished with sculptures and two sculpted lions adorn the main entrance.

Come for the architecture the fountains, and the city views, accompanied by a diverse array of magnificent trees and plants, but be aware that visits are limited to weekends.

Nestled at the base of lush Montjuïc, the Mercat de Les Flors blooms as a vibrant transformation of an old flower market into a modern performance space, theater, and dance school. Within its hallowed halls, this enchanting space houses a renowned theater and dance school, the Institut de Teatre, where the graceful art of modern dance takes center stage. Since its inception in 1983, it has been dedicated exclusively to contemporary dance, making it one of the few theaters in Spain with a sole focus on this art form.

As you immerse yourself in this wondrous realm, take a moment to savor the ambiance at the on-site café, where a terrace beckons you to indulge in pre- or post-performance libations, basking in the energy of the square.

Tucked away amidst verdant surroundings at the foot of Montjuïc, this enchanting outdoor amphitheatre, originally a quarry, underwent a remarkable transformation in 1929 for the International Exhibition, when it became an atmospheric open-air theatre. Set amid expansive gardens adorned with orange groves, charming pavilions, and a series of terraces and viewpoints, it offers picturesque panoramas of the gardens themselves and the cityscape beyond. Drawing inspiration from the ancient Greek theatre at Epidaurus, it has become the vibrant focal point of Barcelona's premier performing arts festival.

Once a year, from late June to July (and sometimes into early August), the amphitheatre takes center stage for the renowned Greek Festival (“Festival Grec”), showcasing a rich array of performances, from Shakespearean dramas to cutting-edge shows by avant-garde artists. During the festival, which typically offers a diverse program of theater, music and dance since 1976, the gardens come alive with a buzzing open-air bar and restaurant, adding to the festive atmosphere of this cultural celebration.

Among the many gardens found in Montjuïc, the city's notable 14-hectare (35-acre) Botanical Garden stands out. Established in 1999 and situated on terraced slopes, it offers magnificent vistas of the city. Positioned between the Olympic Stadium and Montjuïc Castle, this meticulously maintained modern garden features distinct landscaped sections that showcase the diverse flora of the Mediterranean, Canary Islands, California, Chile, South Africa, and Australia.

In a city renowned for its innovative architectural designs, the layout of this botanical garden is no exception. Departing from the traditional square-shaped botanical gardens commonly seen elsewhere, it takes on an unconventional form with a series of triangular areas designated for different botanical divisions. An additional fantastic aspect is that the garden offers various path options of different lengths, allowing visitors to customize their visit according to their preferred duration, whether they wish to stay for an extended period or just a short while. Just be mindful to avoid visiting during the peak heat of a summer day, as shade is quite limited.

Perched at the very summit of Montjuïc, an 18th-century castle commands breathtaking views of the entire city and an expansive stretch of coastline. The initial fortress was constructed in 1640 and witnessed numerous battles during the War of the Spanish Succession in the early 1700s. Following the triumph of Felipe V, the Montjuïc fortress was reconstructed by the Bourbon rulers to maintain control over the local population. Infamous for its role as a prison and torture center, it continued to serve this purpose until after the Civil War, where notable Catalan leaders, including Lluís Companys, were imprisoned and executed.

While the castle once housed a military museum, the formal restoration of the castle to the Catalan authorities by the Spanish government in 2008 led to the transformation of the museum into a center dedicated to peace. Exhibits now chronicle the evolution of Montjuïc and the castle's tumultuous history. The castle's cable car ride and its dramatic location alone make it worth a visit. The views from the ramparts are truly magnificent, and below the castle walls, the panoramic Camí del Mar pathway stretches for one kilometer, leading to the Mirador del Migdia viewpoint. At this viewpoint, visitors can enjoy the pleasant outdoor bar named La Caseta, offering a great escape from the city and the added bonus of cool harbor views during the summer months.

Why You Should Visit:
Ideal for a lazy afternoon and quite fun to get to, taking the funicular railway first, then either the cable car (quite expensive but great views) or the bus (not so scenic but free on a T10 ticket).

Tip:
If you prefer to climb by foot, be prepared for a considerable amount of stair climbing, so please wear sturdy and comfortable shoes.