General Information

Plaça de Sant Jaume is the ruling center of the Catalonia region and the center of the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona‘s Old Town. The square that holds the name of King Jouma (the mythical king of Catalonia) is named after a church that stood there until 1823, when it was destroyed in favor of the construction of the Ferran Street and the current square. In the middle ages the square was the center of two main streets. In the past, the Augustus Palace (from which four columns were preserved) stood at the junction of the streets.

Tips and Recommendations for Visiting Plaça de Sant Jaume

• Plaça de Sant Jaume is an important point in the tour of the Gothic Quarter – it allows you to get around the alleys of the Quarter (many alleys just lead to it). It is relatively close to the metro and public transport stations and is therefore often used as a starting point or end of a tour in the Gothic Quarter.
• The square is very safe, because there are always policemen and guards around it. In the summer there are always many visitors who pass through it (for additional information – Summer Vacation in Barcelona).

• It is highly recommended to visit The Gaudí Exhibition Center which is located close by.

Tips for Attractions near Plaça de Sant Jaume:

• It is recommended to combine your visit to Plaça de Sant Jaume with all the other attractions of the Gothic Quarter, at the top of which are La Seu Cathedral and the Jewish Quarter (Barrio Judio). You can also combine your visit with the Santa Maria del Mar Church and the sites of the El Born quarter since the square is close to this area as well.

• You can also enjoy a flamenco show at Los Tarantos or Tablao Cordobes, which are in the vicinity.

Tips for Transportation near Plaça de Sant Jaume:

• The square is inaccessible with a private car, like many other parts in the old city of Barcelona (for additional information – Car Rental in Barcelona and Car Rental in Spain).

• Nearby there is a station of the Hop-on Hop-off bus red line (for additional information – Hop-on Hop-off Bus Map).

Tips for Hotels near Plaça de Sant Jaume:

• Accommodation near the square is very desirable – the area is beautiful, central and unique. On the other hand, there are not many hotels, so the prices are fairly high especially during the summer season. Among the recommended hotels right next to the square are the Colón, the Colonial Hotel and the Hotel Neri (for additional information – Hotels near Plaça de Sant Jaume and Hotels in Barcelona).