Barcelona Las Arenas Shopping Centre & Rooftop Viewpoint
Visit Las Arenas in Plaza d’España — a former bullring transformed into a shopping mall with rooftop restaurants and panoramic views of Barcelona.
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About Barcelona Arenas Shopping Centre
Las Arenas, Barcelona originally opened on June 29, 1900 at the junction of Plaza d’España and Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes. Initially used for boxing and free fights, it was purchased in 1927 by entrepreneur Pedro Balañá Forts, who remodeled it into a bullfighting ring and occasional concert venue.
During the Spanish Civil War, the building was occupied by anti-fascist militias. Bullfighting resumed during the Franco era but declined in popularity by the 1980s. In 2012, bullfighting was officially banned in Catalonia.
In 2009, a major renovation began to transform the arena into a shopping complex. The original heritage brick façade was preserved and carefully elevated five metres to allow the insertion of a new concrete and steel support structure underneath. Underground parking and multiple levels were excavated, and the building was topped with a striking cupola roof.
The redesign was led by architects Alonso y Balaguer and Richard Rogers, with a total cost of €70 million. The new Las Arenas Centro Comercial opened in March 2011, blending historic architecture with modern retail and leisure spaces.
Trivia: Bullfighting was officially banned in Catalonia in 2012, making it the first region in mainland Spain to outlaw the practice. The decision reflected growing public opposition and a shift toward animal welfare. Las Arenas, once a bustling bullring, now stands as a symbol of Barcelona’s evolving cultural identity — transformed from a site of spectacle into a modern shopping and leisure destination.
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Visiting Barcelona Arenas Shopping Centre
Las Arenas is now a vibrant shopping mall with 116 stores, including popular high street brands, a multi-screen cinema with Spanish-dubbed and original-language films, and a Metropolitan gym and spa on the top floor.
One of its most unique features is the 360-degree rooftop promenade, lined with restaurants offering views over Plaza d’España and the surrounding cityscape. The rooftop viewpoint is free to access via the interior escalators, while the exterior glass elevator charges a small fee of €4 for the ride.
From the rooftop, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Montjuïc, including the Magic Fountains and Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC), perched atop the hill. The Venetian Towers and the grand avenue leading to the fountains are especially striking at sunset or when the fountains are illuminated at night.
Looking in the opposite direction, you’ll also spot Parc Joan Miró, home to the colorful Woman and Bird sculpture by Joan Miró — a vibrant contrast to the surrounding urban landscape.
Also on the rooftop level is a large interior space that hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year, adding a cultural layer to your visit.
Las Arenas Cine Mooby
Las Arenas also features a multi-screen cinema that regularly shows some Hollywood and international films. Most screenings are dubbed in Spanish, but you’ll also find original-language options. To help you choose, here’s how the cinema codes work:
- DOBLADA ESP: The film is dubbed into Spanish — ideal if you prefer local audio.
- VOSE (Versión Original Subtitulada en Español): The film is shown in its original language with Spanish subtitles — perfect for language learners or purists.
Check the cinema’s website or listings in advance to find your preferred format. VOSE screenings are especially popular among expats and tourists.
Las Arenas Shopping mall Opening Hours
Monday to Saturday: 09:00h to 21:00h Monday to Saturday for the shops and supermarkets.
Monday to Sunday: Later opening hours closer to midnight for the cinema, rooftop viewpoint terrace, gym, temporary exhibitions and restaurants.
Accessibility & Facilities
Las Arenas Shopping Centre is fully accessible for visitors with reduced mobility, families with pushchairs, and anyone requiring step-free access. Entry from the street is step-free, and all levels — including the rooftop viewpoint — are connected by elevators.
There are no restrictions on bags or pushchairs, and the rooftop promenade is free to access via the interior escalators. The exterior glass elevator charges a small fee but is also wheelchair accessible.
Bicycle anchorage points are available outside Las Arenas on Carrer de la Diputació, near the junction with Carrer de Llança, making it convenient for cyclists visiting the area.
Barcelona Arenas Shopping Centre Summary of Prices
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Adult
Zone 1 T-casual
FREE
Child
€ 1.25
FREE
Notes
Monday to Saturday 10h - 21h. 4 Euro charge to ride the external glass elevator.
Getting to Barcelona Arenas Shopping Centre
Las Arenas is located at Plaza d’España, one of Barcelona’s major transport hubs.
- Metro: Plaza d’España station on L1 (Red Line) and L3 (Green Line)
- FGC: Llobregat–Anoia lines terminate at Plaza d’España
From the metro exit, Las Arenas is directly visible — just cross the plaza to reach the entrance.
For public transport, use a T-Casual ticket for 10 single journeys, or opt for the Hola Barcelona Travel Card for unlimited travel across metro, bus, tram, and train networks — ideal for multi-day sightseeing.
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