Arenas de Barcelona

The Arenas de Barcelona was right next to our hotel (Catalonia de Barcelona) and the Plaza de Espana (roundabout). From what I understand, it used to be an arena for bullfights. So, that's really cool, for them to preserve their heritage and turn it into an indoor mall for all to enjoy..

It's also very Convenient because there's a subway stop underneath but we didn't take the train anywhere. There's also a grocery store in the lower level..This area is very busy with turistas and locals alike..

The roof top is complete with panoramic views in all directions of Barcelona and hence, this is a must do, both during the day and at dusk and at night..and perhaps, dawn..

There are also a number of restaurants on the ground level and on the roof top. FYI, the restaurants were adequate but could not compare to the restaurants by Las Ramblas. I must blame Cuitat Comtal for my high standards.

So, come here and enjoy this repurposed bullfighting arena. No, no bulls are being killed here any longer but you can get oxtail dishes at many of the establishments. Ole, Ole, Ole!!

On my way to see the Magic Fountain, I noticed this really nice round looking building, with lots of lights...I decided to check it out. It was a shopping center, inside an old bullring.

The original bullring called Las Arenas de Barcelona was inaugurated in 1900 and was the second of 3 bullfighting rings built in Barcelona. The plaza had a capacity for nearly 15,000 spectators.

During the 1970s, as bullfighting became less popular, the arena faced declining attendance and finally closed in 1977. In 1999 the structure was converted it into a shopping centre and entertainments complex. The project took 8 years to complete and opened it's doors to the public in 2011.

Lots of stores, restaurants, event space, place for kids. Just a cool place to spend a few hours.

I walked by this building and couldn't help but walk inside! I came in early January, so it was still decorated for the holidays. There were lights everywhere and cheery music playing, I loved the vibes!

As for stores, this place has EVERYTHING. From supermarkets to makeup stores and everything in between, the item you want can likely be found here.

My favorite part is actually the rooftop. The rooftop gives a gorgeous, panoramic view of Barcelona and includes a few restaurants. I love walking around here!

A nice mall with many floors filled with either food court vendors, grocery store, and different shops. There's escalators and elevators and it's connected to the Metro. The very top has a viewing area with full service restaurants that have indoor and outdoor seating.

You can take an elevator directly to the top from the ground but it will cost you extra, you need to buy a ticket.

Great place to enjoy an afternoon of shopping and view of the city, especially the view of water fountain of Montjuic.
Take the escalator inside the mall to the top and enjoy the restaurants at the top or just enjoy the view of the city (for free!).
The mall has typical stores you might find in the states such as Claire's, Nike, etc. We liked Natura which is a natural store offering personal products and gift items.
It's not a must-see in Barcelona, but if you have spare time and want to see another side of the city and Plaça de Espanya then it's a good choice.

An impressive piece of architecture designed and used as a bullfighting arena during the 20th century, and converted into a commercial shopping center by 2011, this place is a tourist's paradise.

While in Barcelona, I stayed at a hotel across the street from Las Arenas.
I was immediately attracted to the building's design and its history; while the outside retains the original turn of the century charm design, the interior has been updated to accommodate today's commercial center.

The basement has a grocery store, a food court and a few other businesses.
There are a couple of floors with retail stores, followed by a 14 screen movie theater, but the main attraction, in my opinion, is the rooftop: a 360 degree promenade offering spectacular views of Barcelona.

In the center of the circle, is a row of 7 sit down restaurants with bars; featuring their take on the delicious Catalan cuisine.
These are solid restaurants. I will  not hesitate to bring friends and family to any of the restaurants on the roof, or have a quick bite in the basement food court.

Las Arenas de Barcelona is located on Plaza Espana; one of the most important and beautiful of Barcelona. From the rooftop, visitors have a bird's eye view of the plaza, The Magic Fountain of Montjuic and the Catalan National Art Museum; I dare a first time visitor not to take a picture with this background.

An interesting feature was the outside elevator; there is a charge to use, unless you're handicapped, but the indoor elevators and escalators are free for everyone to use.

Speaking of Spain, a simple me who imagines a bullring.
It's quite interesting to see a mall that uses the bullring.

It was closed in 1977, but in 1999 the local real estate agent even revived.
The circular building can be enjoyed both from outside and inside.

This shop is on the "-1" floor.
I think that there are many seats and it is easy to use.

Hot tip: instead of riding the outside elevator up for 1€. Take the escalator or elevator up from the inside of Las Arenas for free!

Coming from Los Angeles, I have The Grove, Glendale Americana, the West fields like Century City Mall and the Arcadia mall in mind when comparing with Las Arenas. And honestly, I was not impressed. The chain stores are quite the run of the mill. Another Zara. Another
I didn't go into the movie theater so I can't comment on it.
The 360 degree rooftop view was spectacular. I was a bit disappointed by the big outside elevator that charges people for taking it to the top. By taking a few more steps to walk into the actual mall, you can take the inside escalators up to the top for free... so is this not a classic tourist trap for those who are unfamiliar with the area? It was very disappointing.

I read from other reviews about how this was a bullfighting arena that was renovated into a mall. The history might be interesting, but as a mall, the decoration and store availability just didn't quite interest a foreign tourist like myself.

I would definitely recommend going to the top to take in the 360 degree view on a clear day. You'll get a great view of Barcelona, especially the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya. Beyond that, this is not a mall I would go out of my way to visit.

Las Arenas is situated at the very popular Plaza Espana and so can attract a lot of attention due to its unique structure but not really interesting as a mall.

Located next to Plaça d'Espanya, the Arenas is easily accessible by the underground Metro.

The Arenas offers excellent city views from the rooftop of this old Bullfighting arena, which has been converted to a multi-story shopping mall. It's a great place to take some photos of the city.

Remember to check out some of the restaurants at the top of the Arenas. Many offer great specials.

The architecture is to die for. Lots of stores to look at and places to get a beer or tapas from. The prices are fair and the people are very nice :3)