Sometimes it is not a good day at the beach.
Especially in spring and fall, there is no better urban escape to go to a Barcelona park, and believe me when I say that it is much more than Parc Guell.
Here is a list of the parks and gardens in Barcelona, how to get there and make the most of it.
Why go to the parks in Barcelona?
I always thought that a coastal city like Barcelona didn't needgreen areas.
I mean, the beach is a good substitute that gives everyone in the world the opportunity to walk, play sports, socialize and live. Also, the famous parks of Barcelona do not deserve everyone's attention, like London or Amsterdam.
But Barcelona's parks are excellent in themselves, not because of their size, but because of their originality.
So take an hour or two between the city's top attractions and delicious restaurants, and find some shade in one of the city's best parks.
Barcelona parks guide
For kids, adults, or both, here is my list.
Ciutadella park
This huge garden is the undisputed green lung from Barcelona. In fact, since it is the public park the most important and the most animated of the city, a complete article is dedicated to him.
Its name comes from the Catalan word for "citadel", because it was a military fortification built by King Felipe V after the historic battle of September 11, when Spain took control of Catalonia.
It was only in 1869 that the space was ceded to the city, part of which was occupied by the Catalan Parliament, and it became The first public park in Barcelona.
Today the Parque de la Ciutadella (“La Ciutadella” as the locals call it) offers something for everyone.
There is the zoo, the gigantic monumental waterfall, a lake full of goose with a Boat rental and tons of little shady hills where the locals go picnic. There is also the zoology museum and its three famous lizards.
Kids love the huge mammoth statue located a stone's throw from the fountain.
Even if you are not with children, I recommend that you come here with goodies from the supermarkets in the area for a snack. You'll find a ton of improvised shows to attend here on a summer day.
You will also find several Sale posts of food, drinks and ice cream.
Schedule and itinerary
Cituadella Park is open from 10:00 am to 22:30 pm
You can get to Parc de la Ciutadella with the Ciutadella metro (yellow line L4) or Arc de Triomf (red line L1). If you are staying in the bohemian Born district, you can walk there in 10 minutes.
It is also only 15 minutes from Barceloneta and its famous beaches.
Horta Labyrinth
If you know the movie Labyrinth or if you have ever had the strange desire to get lost in a labyrinth, this park is for you.
This is the park the most original of Barcelona and the oldest. The vegetation is spectacular and you will discover all kinds of hidden treasures.
In addition to its maze of cypress, you will discover majestic camellias, a neoclassical pavilion and even a small channel which is one of the most romantic places in Barcelona.
You will also find a Games area for children.
You cannot enter with pets.
Schedule and itinerary
- From November 1 to March 31 from 10 a.m. to midnight.
- From April 1 to October 31 from 10:00 a.m. to XNUMX:XNUMX a.m.
- Closed on December 25th.
The address is Pg Castanyers 1 and Laberint d'Horta can be reached with the Mundet metro (green line L3).
Horta labyrinth prices
Twice a week you have access to one of the best free things to do in Barcelona on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Every two days, a small fee is charged at the following rates:
- Adults: € 2,23.
- Reduced (children, students, senior, disabled): € 1,42.
- Groups of 15 people and more: 15% reduction.
- Children under 5 years: free.
For more information, see the Horta Labyrinth website.
Parc Güell
Does this name mean anything to you?
Probably yes. We are talking aboutone of the biggest symbols from the city and one of the biggest tourist attractions in Europe. Here is pure Catalan modernism and who is behind all this? Antoni Gaudi of course.
Park Güell is currently divided into two parts.
The first is the " Monumental area 'And its immense mosaic benches, its two great pavilions, its extravagant staircase, its salamander sculpture and the old porter's hotel who looks like Hanzel and Gretel. To visit these sites you will have to pay € 7,00 and I have more information about this in my article on Parc Güell.
However, this article refers free green spaces, what Parc Guell has to spare. The "Zona Franca" is the top of the natural attractions of Barcelona with its endless garden that climbs the mountain, with the strange mansion or its particular sculpture to welcome you on the way.
I suggest going to the three crosses for one Incredible views. If you don't eat at one of the best restaurants in Barcelona, here is another tip: buy here some fresh herbs for dinner that you will cook in your vacation apartment!
In the park you will find a bar offering expensive snacks. Bring your own food to save money.
Schedule and itinerary
Parc Güell is open from 8 a.m. to midnight (low season) or 00 p.m. (high season).
You can get to Park Guell with the Lesseps metro station (green line L3) or get off at the Park Guell stop of the Tourist Bus.
Parc Guell now offers its own shuttle service from the Alphons X metro to the park entrance.
Carretera de las Aguas / Collserola Park
If you are one of those who rent a bike or go for a run in nature, this park is for you.
The splendid Carretera de les Aigues is one of Barcelona's natural parks: Collserola. Is a 10 km long trail in the upper part of town.
The field is more or less flat, but 450 meters above the city, you will have a incredible view of barcelona. A great place to exercise with the reward of a picnic, an escape from the chaos of the city, or a respite from a hangover.
And it is easily accessible from the city by bus.
Schedule and itinerary
As this is a "wild" park, there are no opening hours.
You can get to Collserola by many different means from the Barcelona transport network, but I recommend you take the mythical Blue Tram - This old wooden tram located at the Plaça Kennedy train station (L7) will take you to the Plaza del Doctor Andreu.
From here it is a few steps.
Make surebring lots of water and a snack, as there are no services on site.
Montjuic
Well it's not really a park, it's a huge urban hill.
Explore this magnificent rocky mound by bike or on foot. This is another great city break that offers wild forest, well-kept gardens, panoramic views, a castle, a stadium and even some of the trendiest bars in town.
One of the places to explore is the imposing exhibition of outdoor sculptures right next to the museum dedicated to the great Catalan artist Joan Miró: Fundación Miró (Avenida Miramar 1, from 8 a.m. to midnight every day).
The Greek Theater Gardens ("Greek Gardens") and its famous greek amphitheater in Passeig de Santa Madrona are another place to explore. Although this is just a replica of a Greek theater, nobody cares that much in the summer when it is full of Concerts and events of all kinds.
The garden and surroundings also offer a increible panoramic view - another tip for couples.
If you are heading towards Montjuic and want a little break, I suggest La Caseta del Migdia, a small bar in the woods that overlooks the port of Barcelona. On Wednesday nights they organize a sardine barbecue with reggae music.
Schedule and itinerary
The easiest way to get to Montjuic is to take the funicular to the Paral-lel metro station. You can also take bus 150 from Plaza de España.
As there are many attractions in the park, hours may vary, for more information be sure to read my article on Montjuic.
Gardens of the Royal Palace of Pedralbes
Are the royal palace gardens and without a doubt the most regal on my list of the best parks in Barcelona. This park was built around the former residence of Alfonso XIII that now houses the Museum of Decorative Arts.
It is a beautiful place full of bougainvilleas and a great place to dream and be. transport to another time. If you pay attention to detail, keep an eye out for of Gaudi's works: a pergola and a fountain with the bust of Hercules.
Schedule and itinerary
The park is open every day from 10:00 am and closing times vary:
- From April 1 to October 31 from 10:00 a.m. to XNUMX:XNUMX a.m.
- From November 1 to March 31 from 10 a.m. to midnight.
You can check the schedules here.
You can get to the Jardins del Palau Reial de Pedralbes by metro to Palau Reial station (green line L3).
Joan Miró Park
lacurious art of Joan Miró comes to life when you see the central statues why park.
"Dona i Ocell" (woman and bird) rises 33 meters above the two vast meadows and labyrinthine alleys with the picnic benches shaded areas full of older people chatting.
It is just behind one of the best shops in Barcelona and the only one located in an old bullring: Las Arenas.
One of the best parks to visit in Barcelona to rest after a visit. There are beautiful pistas ciclables, a basketball court and even a petanque court. In good weather, you will also find a little library with books for children and adults.
You will also see the locals using the park to walk and run their dogs.
Schedule and itinerary
The park is open every day from 10:00 am to 23:00 pm
You can get to Parc Joan Miro from the Tarragona (red line L1) or Espanya (red line L1 or L3) metro stations.
Cervantes Park
Of all the parks and gardens in Barcelona, this is the one that has surprised me the most, and the fact that it had a labyrinth does not mean that it was designed by a renowned architect or that it left me speechless with a magnificent view of the sunset.
Thanks to 245 varieties of roses.
You will find a crowd of roses about all shapes and colors imaginable. It is a real treat for the eyes and the nose. If you visit the city in May, you will see more than Roses 150.000 flowering. You can also participate in the International competition which will award prizes for the best new "variety" of roses.
Go for a walk or bike ride, put on a blanket and snuggle up with a book ... if you want to relax, you won't want to leave.
Schedule and itinerary
Parque Cervantes is open from 10:00 a.m. to 21:00 p.m. (summer) and until 20:00 p.m. (winter).
You can get to Parque Cervantes by taking the Zona Universitaria metro station (green line L3).
Learn more in the comments below.
Voila, you have the main list of parks to visit in Barcelona, but maybe I forgot something? If you have any comments or questions about something related to your Barcelona vacation, don't be shy!
Also, don't be afraid to join the discussion on my new Facebook group called "For City Lovers." Here you can ask questions, voice your complaints, chat with other travelers and more - anything goes!
