Plaça Reial

Plaça Reial is known for its bars, cheap backpacker hostels and sometimes-scuzzy atmosphere at night. It's still a popular spot for a drink or an outdoor meal (provided you don't mind the odd drunk and are prepared to keep an eye on your bags). An addition from the 1840s, the square has the Tres Gràcies fountain in the centre, parrot-filled palm trees dotted around, and lamp-posts designed by a young Antoni Gaudí. It's the only work he ever did for the city council.