Poble Espanyol — Attraction in Barcelona

The buildings are very impressively built and it's easy to mistake many of them as genuine from a distance. The overall area is basically a form of theme park whereby each section represents a different part of Spain and the blending between these areas is done very well. It's not like the fake facades of buildings you get at rollercoaster parks, many of these are solid buildings with interiors. The main square is particularly nice and definitely feels like a standard Plaza Mayor. I visited on a Mexican market day which had a great atmosphere. The views from some parts of the park over the city of Barcelona are fantastic too. What's particularly good from a city perspective is that the 'village' looks so genuine from a distance that it doesn't look ugly on the skyline and just looks like an extension of the old town or an old hilltop village.

However, I'm giving three stars because the shops and restaurants on offer inside just don't cut it. It's disappointing how they've allowed practically every shop to be a tacky collection of random ornaments. Some shops have genuine artisan wares and the clay workshop looked like great fun, but there's just too many shops and restaurants that look like tourist and money traps. I didn't eat at the restaurant as they looked more like rollercoaster park cafes than anywhere you'd want to sit down for a nice meal when you have the whole of Barcelona outside with plenty of decent restaurants.

There are, however, a few impressive modern art galleries with works by famous artists such as Piccasso, Dalí and Miró.

Overall I think do go for somewhat of a unique experience but don't expect too much. Good for all ages I'd say. Plenty of plaques explaining the history of famous buildings which have been recreated.

CLAUSTROPHOBIC RATING:

Park is open air and you can freely roam without any funneling of visitors through or into particular points (at the time of writing). Shops and restaurants are in standard units like any normal establishment and shouldn't present issues out of the norm. However, to introduce you to certain regions of Spain there are some rooms that you can go into which are often dark spaces where films representing the region are shown. You are not obligated to go into these.

Art galleries seem airy and with natural light.

Entire route of the park is walkable with minimal hills and no elevators are required to access one part of the park of another. This doesn't account for buildings. While I did not see any areas of buildings that were elevator only, I cannot guarantee there aren't any as I did not visit all of the buildings. Most of the park is surrounded by a fake city wall but passing through this just requires going through an archway or you can go around the back through the herb garden via the children's play park and...

I visited Poble Espanyol last month, and unfortunately, my experience was spoiled very quickly. When I entered, I noticed a small shop on the right side of the candy store near the entrance, decorated with umbrellas. A cat walked into the shop behind me, and a couple who were already there started petting it. Since I love cats, I waited patiently until they finished, then spent a few moments playing with the cat and took some pictures. After that, I looked around the shop and took pictures of a few cute items because I’m not a regular visitor and wanted some memories. I was also genuinely interested in buying a small mirror and a pair of earrings. But then, the shopkeeper — a woman wearing spectacles — spoke to me very rudely. In front of the same couple who had also petted the cat, she said, “First you were playing with the cat, now you’re taking pictures of everything. If you don’t stop, you need to leave the shop.” I was shocked. I wasn’t doing anything wrong, and the couple had done the exact same things but she said nothing to them and was even laughing with them. I felt humiliated and unfairly treated, especially since I had paid for entry and was about to make a purchase. If photography isn’t allowed, it should be clearly stated at the entrance. I wasn’t taking pictures of people or anything private, just some items that caught my eye. This experience really ruined my mood for the day. I came excited to explore and enjoy the place, but the rude behavior of the staff made it unpleasant. I hope this feedback helps improve how visitors are treated in the future because everyone deserves to feel welcome...

A Hidden Gem in Barcelona – Poble Espanyol

Visiting Poble Espanyol was truly one of the highlights of my trip to Barcelona! We booked a guided tour, which was a great way to start, and then we had the freedom to explore the area on our own. The place is absolutely stunning — a large, beautifully designed architectural space that feels like you’re walking through history.

At the heart of Poble Espanyol is a central stage where concerts and festivals are held, giving the whole place a lively and cultural atmosphere. Surrounding this stage are charming local restaurants, traditional caves, and artisan shops that showcase the very best of Spanish craftsmanship.

The shops are filled with high-quality, handmade products — from locally designed home items to beautiful jewelry. I especially loved the handmade jewelry shops; their designs were unique and felt very authentic. Shopping here was such a pleasure because you can really feel the love and creativity behind each item.

While it’s not specifically designed for kids, and there aren’t a lot of entertainment options for little ones, my children still enjoyed walking around and seeing the different shops and spaces. It’s more of a cultural and artistic experience, which we all appreciated.

One helpful note: some shops only accept cash, so it’s good to have some on hand just in case.

Overall, Poble Espanyol is a must-visit if you’re in Barcelona. Whether you’re into architecture, local crafts, culture, or just want a peaceful place to stroll and enjoy good food, this spot has something special. I will definitely...