Plaça d’Espanya is one of Barcelona’s most monumental squares and the gateway to Montjuïc, in the Sants-Montjuïc district. It was built for the 1929 International Exhibition. Its must-sees are the Venetian Towers, the monumental fountain by Jujol, the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, the MNAC, the Arenas shopping centre (a former bullring) and the Poble Espanyol. Exploring the area is largely free; allow 2-4 hours. You can get there by metro (L1, L3, Espanya station).
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Plaça d’Espanya is one of Barcelona’s most monumental squares and the gateway to Montjuïc, in the Sants-Montjuïc district. It was built for the 1929 International Exhibition. Its must-sees are the Venetian Towers, the monumental fountain by Jujol, the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, the MNAC, the Arenas shopping centre (a former bullring) and the Poble Espanyol. Exploring the area is largely free; allow 2-4 hours. You can get there by metro (L1, L3, Espanya station).
What is Plaça d’Espanya?
Plaça d’Espanya is one of the most important places in Barcelona and one of the main gateways to the Montjuïc hill. Built for the 1929 International Exhibition, its strategic location and the wealth of attractions around it have made it an essential stop for discovering some of the city’s most outstanding cultural and monumental spaces. From here you can visit museums, viewpoints, shopping centres and historic monuments while enjoying one of the most dynamic areas of Barcelona.
Plaça d’Espanya at a glance
| Feature | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Sants-Montjuïc district |
| Built | 1929 International Exhibition |
| Main draw | Gateway to Montjuïc |
| Recommended time | 2-4 hours |
| Ideal for | Culture, photography and panoramic views |
| Access | Metro (L1, L3), FGC, bus and train |
1. Admire the Venetian Towers
One of the most recognisable features of Plaça d’Espanya are the Venetian Towers, two twin towers about 47 metres tall designed by the architect Ramon Reventós between 1927 and 1929. Inspired by the bell tower of St Mark’s in Venice, they mark the entrance to the Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina and the Montjuïc grounds, and offer one of the most iconic images of the city.
2. See the square’s monumental fountain
In the centre of the roundabout stands a large monumental fountain designed by Josep Maria Jujol, a close collaborator of Antoni Gaudí. Decorated with allegorical sculptures representing the rivers and seas of the Iberian Peninsula, along with motifs of religion, culture and abundance, it’s one of the great sculptural works of the 1929 Exhibition and a popular photo spot.
3. Visit the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC)
Presiding over the Montjuïc avenue, in the Palau Nacional, stands the impressive MNAC, one of the most important museums in Spain. As well as housing one of the world’s finest collections of Romanesque art, the museum and its grand staircase offer some of the best panoramic views of Barcelona.
4. Enjoy the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc
Between the square and the MNAC is the famous Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, conceived by the engineer and lighting designer Carles Buïgas for the 1929 Exhibition. It stars in a free evening show of water, light, colour and music that’s one of the most popular in Barcelona. The schedule is seasonal and can change, so it’s worth checking before you go.
5. Stroll down the Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina
This wide avenue connects Plaça d’Espanya with the MNAC and is one of the most impressive monumental promenades in Barcelona. On either side are the pavilions of the Fira de Barcelona, the city’s main trade-fair and congress centre (host to events such as the Mobile World Congress). During exhibitions and celebrations, it becomes one of the liveliest spots in the city.
6. Go up to the Arenas de Barcelona terrace
The former Las Arenas bullring, a spectacular neo-Mudéjar building, was transformed into a modern shopping centre combining shops, restaurants and leisure. Its biggest draw is the panoramic rooftop terrace (free to reach via the outdoor escalators), with excellent views over Plaça d’Espanya and Montjuïc.
7. Visit the Poble Espanyol
A few minutes away, up on Montjuïc, is the Poble Espanyol, an open-air complex that recreates the traditional architecture of different regions of Spain with full-size streets, squares and buildings. It’s an ideal place to discover crafts, gastronomy and culture in a unique setting.
8. Enjoy the views of Barcelona
Thanks to the elevation of Montjuïc, this area offers some of the best viewpoints in the city. From the MNAC and various points on the hill you can enjoy spectacular views over Barcelona, the harbour and the Mediterranean.
Main places to visit near Plaça d’Espanya
| Place | Recommended time |
|---|---|
| Venetian Towers | 15 min |
| Jujol fountain | 10 min |
| Magic Fountain of Montjuïc | 30 min (evening show) |
| MNAC | 1-2 hours |
| Arenas de Barcelona | 30-60 min |
| Poble Espanyol | 1-2 hours |
| Montjuïc and viewpoints | 2-3 hours |
Checklist for your visit
- Photograph the Venetian Towers and the Jujol fountain.
- Watch the evening show at the Magic Fountain.
- Visit the MNAC and its viewpoint.
- Go up to the Arenas terrace.
- Walk the Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina.
- Discover the Poble Espanyol.
- Enjoy the panoramic views of Barcelona from Montjuïc.
Hotel Arc La Rambla, easy connections to Plaça d’Espanya
Thanks to its central location, Hotel Arc La Rambla (La Rambla 19-21, next to Drassanes metro, L3) gives you easy access to Plaça d’Espanya and Montjuïc: from Drassanes you can connect to the Espanya station (L3) in just a few minutes. From the hotel you can combine your visit to Plaça d’Espanya with other emblematic spots such as Las Ramblas, the Gothic Quarter, Plaça Reial and Port Vell. After a day among monuments and viewpoints, it’s the perfect place to rest and keep exploring the city.
💡 Book on our website with the code ARCBLOG and enjoy a special perk as a blog reader.
Plaça d’Espanya — frequently asked questions
Where is Plaça d’Espanya?
It’s in the Sants-Montjuïc district, at the end of Gran Via, and is one of the main gateways to the Montjuïc hill. You can get there easily by metro (L1 and L3, Espanya station), FGC, train and bus.
What can you see near Plaça d’Espanya?
The Venetian Towers, the Jujol fountain, the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, the MNAC, the Arenas shopping centre (a former bullring), the Poble Espanyol and several Montjuïc viewpoints.
How long do you need to visit the area?
Two to four hours is recommended to enjoy the main points of interest; if you also go inside the MNAC and the Poble Espanyol, it can take half a day.
What is the best time to visit?
Morning or late afternoon for the views and photos. To see the Magic Fountain, go in the evening on show days (seasonal schedule).
Is Plaça d’Espanya worth visiting?
Yes. It’s one of Barcelona’s most monumental squares and the best gateway to Montjuïc, one of the most important cultural and scenic areas of the city.
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