Arenas de Barcelona is a shopping and leisure centre in a former bullring on Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, beside Plaça d’Espanya. Its circular brick exterior gives the building a distinctive profile, but the rooftop is the main reason to come: the open terrace has 360-degree views across Barcelona, including Montjuïc and the Sagrada Família. You can also browse shops, stop for coffee or a meal, or see a film. For a quick visit, head straight upstairs; the shopping selection is not the main draw.
From bullring to shopping centre
Arenas de Barcelona occupies a former bullring built in 1900. The circular brick façade still gives the building a different character from a purpose-built mall. Bullfighting at the arena ended in 1977, and the structure later underwent a major renovation. It reopened as a shopping and leisure centre in 2011, with the historic exterior preserved around its modern interior.
Inside, the building works as a conventional mall, with shops, cafés, restaurants, a cinema, and everyday services. The range includes fashion, accessories, electronics, and other retail. The building’s former use is more apparent from the outside than from its interior, so give the façade a look before heading in.
The rooftop viewpoint
The rooftop terrace is the most distinctive part of a stop here. Its circular layout gives you a broad view around Barcelona, with Montjuïc, the Sagrada Família, and the city’s rooftops among the landmarks visible from above. Viewing telescopes are also available. The terrace has restaurants and places to eat, so you can stay for a meal or coffee after looking around.
You can reach the upper level by escalator inside the centre; this route has been reported as free. A separate lift ride to the rooftop has been reported to cost about €1.50. If the view is your priority, follow the escalators and check any lift charge before choosing that option.
Planning a stop
Arenas is beside Plaça d’Espanya, making it straightforward to pair with time in the area. You can make a short stop for the rooftop or stay longer to eat, browse, or see a film. The centre also has restrooms and parking.
The shops are a secondary reason to visit: the selection is not as extensive as at some other Barcelona malls. For a quieter browse, avoid the busiest shopping periods. If you are mainly after the city view, head directly to the rooftop rather than setting aside time for a full shopping trip.
Häufige Fragen
Is the rooftop viewpoint free?
You can reach the rooftop viewpoint for free by taking the escalators inside the shopping centre. The lift has been reported to cost about €1.50.
What can you see from the rooftop?
The terrace has 360-degree views across Barcelona, including Montjuïc and the Sagrada Família. Viewing telescopes are available.
How long should you spend at Arenas de Barcelona?
Allow around 20 minutes for a quick rooftop stop, or up to a couple of hours if you also want to eat, browse, or see a film.
Where is Arenas de Barcelona?
It is on Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, beside Plaça d’Espanya in Barcelona.
