Arc de Triomf Tours

Arc de Triomf which includes heritage elements, a sunset and street scenes
Arc de Triomf showing heritage elements and night scenes
Arc de Triomf which includes heritage elements, a sunset and street scenes
Arc de Triomf featuring night scenes
Arc de Triomf featuring a sunset, street scenes and heritage elements


Work out the symbolism behind the various friezes and carvings on this large monumental arch that dwarfs its surroundings.

The Arc de Triomf is an enormous monument initially built for the 1888 Barcelona Universal Exposition. Today, the arch is one of the city’s most iconic attractions and marks the entrance to the scenic Parc de la Ciutadella. Visit the Arc de Triomf to admire the neo-mudéjar design of the dark red triumphal arch.

Get a closer look and study the intricate carvings and sculptures adorning the walls. Giant pillars merge with the arch’s sides, presenting imposing stone sculptures of bats. These winged creatures were considered the emblem of King Jaume I in the 13th century.

Pass through the arch and gaze up at its curved ceiling. Each side of the arch’s interior has three light blue doors.

At the top of the arch, notice the horizontal stone tapestry that depicts various historic figures beneath a large emblem. The friezes represent themes including agriculture, industry and art. Stand back and consider the sheer size of the structure, which is 98 feet (30 meters) tall.

The arch stands in the Passeig de Lluís Companys, a long pedestrian boulevard flanked by palm trees and elaborate lanterns. Find the best spot on the lengthy approach to the monument to capture a photo of your group, with the arch making up an impressive background.

Consider the history of this Catalan symbol, which was designed by architect Josep Vilaseca i Casanovas and built as the gateway to the 1888 Barcelona Universal Exposition. The arch’s various symbols welcomed other nations to the exhibition and depict the awarding of medals.

Find the Arc de Triomf on the edge of the Old Town quarter in central Barcelona. Take the train or metro to its namesake station right beside the monument, which is in the northwestern corner of the Parc de la Ciutadella. See some of the nearby sights, such as the Plaça de Tetuan, the Plaça de Catalunya and the Museu de la Xocolata.

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Best Lodging Options Near Arc de Triomf

Lamaro Hotel

Lamaro Hotel

5 out of 5
Avenida Catedral, 7, Barcelona
Lamaro Hotel
INNSiDE by Melia Barcelona Apolo

INNSiDE by Melia Barcelona Apolo

4 out of 5
Avinguda del Paral.lel, 57-59, Barcelona, Barcelona
INNSiDE by Melia Barcelona Apolo
Hotel Rec Barcelona - Adults only

Hotel Rec Barcelona - Adults only

3 out of 5
Carrer del Rec Comtal, 19, Barcelona
Hotel Rec Barcelona - Adults only
Royal Ramblas

Royal Ramblas

4 out of 5
La Rambla, 117, Barcelona
Royal Ramblas
Rialto

Rialto

3 out of 5
Carrer de Ferran, 40-42, Barcelona, Barcelona
Rialto
Ohla Barcelona

Ohla Barcelona

5 out of 5
Via Laietana, 49, Barcelona
Ohla Barcelona
Hotel HCC MontBlanc

Hotel HCC MontBlanc

3 out of 5
Via Laietana, 61, Barcelona
Hotel HCC MontBlanc
Barceló Raval

Barceló Raval

4.5 out of 5
Rambla del Raval, 17-21, Barcelona
Barceló Raval
Kimpton Vividora Hotel by IHG

Kimpton Vividora Hotel by IHG

5 out of 5
Carrer del Duc 15, Barcelona
Kimpton Vividora Hotel by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Arc de Triomf

Near the Arc de Triomf in Barcelona, visitors can enjoy trendy bars and an array of shopping options, alongside vibrant theater performances. This area offers a lively atmosphere, perfect for those looking to experience the local culture and nightlife. Whether you're sipping drinks at a stylish bar or exploring unique shops, there’s plenty to keep you entertained during your visit.

Shopping

For shopping near Arc de Triomf, visit Santa Caterina Market, only 0.3 miles away, offering local delights. El Corte Ingles is 0.6 miles away, perfect for family shopping. Boqueria Market, located 0.8 miles away, has a vibrant city atmosphere for unique souvenirs.

Recreation

Experience the enchanting Palau de la Música Catalana for a captivating concert, just 0.4 miles from Arc de Triomf. For sports enthusiasts, Palau Sant Jordi offers exciting events 2 miles away, while the Montjuïc Municipal Pool, also 2 miles from the Arc, is perfect for family fun and outdoor activities.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, located 13 miles from Arc de Triomf. For climbing enthusiasts, Climbat Foixarda, 2 miles away, offers exhilarating outdoor adventures. Families can enjoy water rides and attractions at Illa Fantasia, situated 12 miles from the city center.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Arc de Triomf is vibrant and diverse. Tivoli Theatre and El Rei de la Magia offer cultural and romantic performances, while Lock Clocks provides an exciting arcade experience perfect for families and adventurers alike. Enjoy a night filled with entertainment and fun!

Find the best attractions near Arc de Triomf

When visiting Arc de Triomf in Barcelona, you'll find a blend of cultural experiences and family-friendly activities. Key attractions include historic churches, lively piazzas, and grand palaces, perfect for immersing yourself in the city's rich heritage. Don't miss the iconic Arc de Triomf itself, a stunning monument that serves as a gateway to exploring the vibrant surroundings.

  • Plaça de Catalunya: This vibrant square is the heart of Barcelona, offering a lively atmosphere with fountains, sculptures, and access to major shopping streets. It's a perfect spot to relax and soak in the city's energy.
  • Barcelona Cathedral: An architectural masterpiece, this Gothic cathedral features stunning spires and intricate details. Visitors can explore its beautiful cloisters and enjoy breathtaking views from the rooftop.
  • Casa Batlló: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this iconic building showcases Antoni Gaudí's unique style with its colorful façade and organic shapes. Inside, experience the whimsical design that reflects nature and creativity.

Best time to go to Arc de Triomf

Visitor numbers around Arc de Triomf is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Arc de Triomf is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January48.9°F (9.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February49.8°F (9.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
March53.4°F (11.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May63.7°F (17.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June71.8°F (22.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
July77.0°F (25.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
August77.4°F (25.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
September72.1°F (22.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October65.8°F (18.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November56.8°F (13.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December51.1°F (10.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Arc de Triomf

Visiting the Arc de Triomf in Barcelona can be budget-friendly with several smart strategies. Enjoy free access to the monument, and consider visiting from November to January for lower accommodation rates. Book your hotel a month in advance or check Expedia for last-minute deals, ideally staying on a Monday to save more. Use Expedia's search tools to compare prices and find eco-friendly options. Consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings, and join the One Key membership for exclusive discounts and future cash back offers.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Arc de Triomf are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Arc de Triomf is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Arc de Triomf is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Arc de Triomf is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool makes it easy for you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can organize your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, checking the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near the Arc de Triomphe with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.