Are you looking for a city that combines history, beautiful architecture, and sustainability with business? Then Barcelona is for you! With more than a century of meeting and event experience, dozens of monuments declared World Heritage Sites, 422 hotels, and an international airport eight miles from the city center, no wonder why meeting and event planners are choosing Barcelona to host their next meetings and events. Explore our planner’s guide to the top venues in Barcelona for meetings and events.
Top 10 Venues Planners Should Consider
1. Barcelona Convention Center (CCIB)
Designed specifically for sustainable meetings and events, and located on the water, the Barcelona Convention Center is an ideal venue. The CCIB features 39 rooms, which total over 1,076,391 sq. ft of meeting and event space. The most popular spaces include the 122,063 sq. ft Multipurpose Room and the Banquet Hall with views of the Mediterranean. If you’re looking to host a convention, tradeshow, or other large meeting or event, the CCIB is an ideal venue for you!
Photo Credit: CCIB
2. Llotja de Mar
Located in the historical center of Barcelona, Llotja de Mar is regarded as one of the most significant historical monuments and unique venue space in Barcelona. The 18th-century neoclassical building features eight venues. The most distinguished space in terms of architecture and history is the Contracts Hall. The Hall features 46-foot-high ceilings, was home to Barcelona’s first opera and poetry contest and can accommodate up to 710 guests. Whether you want to hold a large event in the Contracts Hall or the Courtyard, or a smaller meeting in the Lions room, Llotja de Mar will ensure your event is unique and elegant.
Photo Credit: Llotja de Mar
3. Hesperia Tower Hotel
Known as one of the tallest landmarks in Barcelona, the Hesperia Tower Hotel is conveniently located between the airport and Barcelona’s city center. In addition to 20 meeting rooms holding up to 5,000 guests, a 500-person auditorium, and a 1,800-person Great Hall, the hotel also features 280 guest rooms. The hotel also has two onsite restaurants, an indoor pool, spa, and more.
Photo Credit: Hesperia Tower Hotel & Convention Centre
4. World Trade Center Barcelona (WTC)
Looking for a venue that has it all? Then WTC is for you! The circular structured building designed by Henry N. Cobb features 20 meeting and conference rooms, a 430-seat Auditorium, and rental offices. In-between your meeting or event, your guests can dine at one of the five in house restaurants, workout at the fitness center, or shop. WTC also features the 5-star hotel, the Grand Luxe Marina Hotel with 291 guest rooms. Host your next meeting or event in this venue that is more like a little city.
Photo Credit: WTC Barcelona
5. Casa Batllo
Located in the heart of Barcelona, Casa Batllo is not only a World Heritage site for its architecture but also a meeting and event space. Choose from three spaces: the Noble Floor, the Attic, and the Dragon Roof Terrace. Casa Batllo’s main floor, the Noble Floor features beautiful wood and glass work, and a courtyard. Designed by Antoni Gaudi specifically for events, the Noble Floor, the largest of the spaces, can accommodate up to 250 guests. No matter what space you choose, your meeting or event at the Casa Batllo will sure be one your guests won’t forget.
Photo Credit: Casa Batllo
6. Palau de la Musica Catalana
One of Barcelona’s most distinctive Art Nouveau buildings, the Palau De La Musica Orfeo Catala features unique meeting and event spaces. The most notable spaces include the Concert Hall (2,049 guests), Petit Palau (538 guests), Foyer (400 guests), Rehearsal Hall of the Orfeo Catala (120 guests), Lluis Millet Hall (100 guests), and the Palau Square (200 guests). In addition to these, the Palau De La Musica Orfeo Catala also offers a Second Floor Bar (100 guests) and the Basement Rehearsal Hall (80 guests). Surround your guests with fantastical colors, patterns, sculptures and more, by hosting your next meeting or event at the Palau De La Musica Orfeo Catala.
Photo Credit: Palau De la Musica Orfeo Catala
7. Palau de Congressos de Catalunya
Part of the 395-guest room hotel Rey Juan Carlos I, which has 24 meeting rooms of its own, the Palau de Congressos de Catalunya is a meeting and event planners dream. The venue offers 38-multifunctional meeting and event rooms, two auditoriums, 42,000 sq. ft of exhibition space, and 25,000 sq. ft of gardens. In addition to all the spaces, Palau de Congressos de Catalunya is located on the main financial and business street of Barcelona and within walking distance from some of the city’s best dining and attractions.
Photo Credit: Fairmont
8. MNAC – Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya
One of the most symbolic spaces in Barcelona, the Palau Nacional offers meeting and event planners seven unique venue spaces: Sala Oval, the Dome, the Foyer, the Terrace of the Museu Nacional, Sala Sert, Oleum restaurant, and the Rooftop. One of the most sought-after venues in Europe because of its size, the Sala Oval is the museum’s most highlighted space. Ideal for large events like award ceremonies presentations, galas, and more, the Sala Oval can hold up to 1,400 guests.
Photo Credit: Museu Nacional
9. Gran Teatre del Liceu
Founded in 1847, Barcelona’s opera house, the Gran Teatre del Liceu is regarded as the cultural and art center of the city. Not only does this neo-classical building host operas, ballets, concerts and more, it also acts as a unique meeting and event space. The Gran Teatre del Liceu features four spaces: the Auditorium (2,286 guests), Mirror Hall (280), the Main Entrance (200 guests), and the Foyer (511 guests). A favorite among planners, the recently renovated Mirror Hall features allegorical paintings and mirrors, giving off a feeling of relaxation. No matter what space you choose, your guests are sure to remember a meeting or event held in such an elegant space.
Photo Credit: Liceu Barcelona
10. Mandarin Oriental
Within walking distance from the business district and some of Barcelona’s greatest attractions like Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter, Mandarin Oriental is an ideal venue for your next meeting or event. In addition to the 120-guest rooms, dining, and a spa, Mandarin Oriental features five rooms accommodating 9-350 guests. Perhaps the most notable space is either the Mimosa Garden (300 guests) or the Terrat (100 guests), the rooftop terrace. With five-star amenities, and modern, stylish venue space, no wonder Mandarin Oriental is one of Barcelona’s most loved hotels and venue spaces.
Photo Credit: Mandarin Oriental
Top 3 Things to Do in Barcelona
1. Parc Güell
Rated the number one thing to doin Barcelona, Parc Güell is one of Barcelona’s most iconic locations. Originally built as a 42-acre housing community for the wealthy, the whimsical houses now act as a park where visitors can admire the beautiful architecture, mosaic work, Gaudi museum, and shops. Tickets cost 8 euros for adults, 4.60 euros for children 7-12 and free for children 6 and younger.
Pro Tip: Parc Güell is a popular tourist spot, so to ensure entrance you can purchase your ticket in advance online.
Photo Credit: Parc Güell
2. Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria
Are you a foodie? Then the Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, also known as the Boqueria Market, is a must-do for you. Opened from 8 am to 8:30 pm, the Market features hundreds of food stands featuring fruit, vegetables, seafood, butchers, poultry, olive stands and more. No matter what type of food you like, the Market will have it!
Photo Credit: Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria
3. La Sagrada Familia
Regarded as infamous architect Antoni Gaudi’s best work, La Sagrada Familia (the Sacred Family Church) is an architectural marvel. In addition to its architecture, the Church is renowned for being unfinished after 137 years. Visitors can explore the Gaudi House Museum, attend a mass at the church, or discover the symbolism hidden in the building’s architecture. Tickets cost 15 euros for adults, 13 euros for students, and is free for children 11 and younger.
Photo Credit: La Sagrada Familia
Have you ever hosted an event in one of these Barcelona venues? How did it go? What was your favorite thing to do inside and outside of Barcelona? Let us know by commenting below!
