Experts' Choice Award Placa Reial
What the experts agree on
Plaça Reial's symmetrical 1840s neoclassical arcades and Gaudí lampposts make it Barcelona's most photogenic square, though it's touristy and rowdy at night—perfect for daytime drinks under the arches, less so after dark.
Fodor's "A chiaroscuro masterpiece in which neoclassical symmetry clashes with big-city street funk." Full review
Lonely Planet "One of the most photogenic squares in Barcelona, and certainly its liveliest." Full review
Travel + Leisure "The Plaça Reial, with its fading Neoclassical façades and Antoni Gaudí lampposts, is a lovely oasis, just a few steps from bustling La Rambla." Full review
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"Plaça Reial, an extremely well-composed square (1840-50) comprised of orderly buildings interspersed with arcades, has become one of the favourite haunts of Barcelona's night birds." Full review
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"This palace was the home of the Counts of Barcelona and the kings of Aragon."
Time Out "Plaça Reial is known for its bars, cheap backpacker hostels and sometimes-scuzzy atmosphere at night." Full review
Afar Magazine "Fresh produce, artisan cheeses, original art, and vintage books—all of these are best found in Barcelona’s markets." Full review
Frommer's "A residential square formed by buildings with two stories and a partial upper floor. it attracts many more tourists than locals, it is still a great place to sit beneath an arcade, drink beer" Full review
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