Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona Cats
A Mediterranean city where a giant Botero cat statue anchors El Raval, and street cats appear in old-town lanes and parks.
Before you go
- Early morning and late afternoon are often cooler and less crowded for walking.
- The Botero Cat is a popular photo spot — be mindful of people living and working nearby.
- Montjuïc Cemetery is a place of remembrance — keep voices low and observe cats quietly.
- Cats may not always be in the same place — keep expectations flexible.
About Barcelona Cats
Barcelona is better known for Gaudí and the sea than as a classic “cat city,” but cats are still part of everyday street life — resting in shaded doorways, park paths, and quieter corners of the old city around El Raval. The clearest landmark for cat lovers is El Gat de Botero, Fernando Botero’s oversized bronze cat on Rambla del Raval. From there, a slow walk through El Raval’s lanes often brings chance encounters with street cats. Parc de la Ciutadella is another easy stop: wide paths, shade, and a calmer pace than the Ramblas crowds.
Barcelona Walking Map
Open in Google MapsThis map covers the Botero Cat, Parc de la Ciutadella, and Montjuïc Cemetery. The cemetery is a separate area from the old city. Respect daily life downtown and the cemetery as a place of remembrance — observe quietly and do not chase cats for photos. Locations are approximate.
Barcelona Spot Guide
How to get to Barcelona Cats
Fly into Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN), then continue by Aerobús, metro (L9S + transfer), train, or taxi into the city center (Plaça de Catalunya area is a clear hub).
For a cat-focused walk, start at Rambla del Raval for the Botero Cat, then continue on foot through El Raval. Parc de la Ciutadella is a short metro or walk from the old city. Observe quietly and avoid feeding where local rules or residents ask you not to.
- Fly into Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN).
- Continue to Plaça de Catalunya by Aerobús, metro, train, or taxi.
- Walk or take the metro toward El Raval / Liceu area and find El Gat de Botero on Rambla del Raval.
- Wander El Raval on foot — quieter lanes are better for spotting street cats.
- If you have more time, continue to Parc de la Ciutadella for a shaded park walk.
More Colony spots
Cape Town Cats
Cape Town, South Africa
Nardstar’s bold cat murals on Long Street and at the V&A Waterfront, street cats in the colourful Bo-Kaap, and a calm CBD pause at Company’s Garden — Cape Town’s feline side is a city walk, not a single colony.
De Poezenboot (The Catboat)
Amsterdam, Netherlands
A floating cat sanctuary on a canal boat in Amsterdam, Netherlands — rescued cats live aboard De Poezenboot (The Catboat).
Dubrovnik Cats
Dubrovnik, Croatia
A UNESCO-walled Adriatic city where community cats — locals’ “oldest citizens” — nap on warm stone, ATM ledges, and harbour edges throughout the Old Town.
Gotanjoji Cat Temple
Echizen, Japan
A Soto Zen training temple in Echizen, Fukui, where rescued cats live alongside monks — known as “Neko-dera.”
