Parks in Barcelona
Park Guëll
Park Guëll bears the mark of one of Barcelona’s most renowned architects of all times, Antoni Gaudí. Interestingly though, the ‘park’ was in fact originally destined to be a Modernist housing development located away from the smoke and noise of the factories and city center. However, the project never got off the ground and only two model houses were built, along with the market hall on which sits the main terrace with its curved edges and benches. Today, the area is open to the public and a popular tourist attraction. Most of this park you don’t need to pay to get into, there is an entrance fee where everyone wants to take pictures so if you want to pay 7 euros for a photograph.
Park Guëll, Carrer d’Olot, Barcelona, Spain
Parc de la Ciutadella
This is by far the most popular park in Barcelona. Throughout the summer days there are so many who come here to chill out, practice juggling and slack lining, have a picnic or visit one of the attractions like the sports centre or Barcelona zoo.
The Parc de la Ciutadella is located in the heart of the city, by the side of the popular Born neighborhood. There are many beautiful areas to relax in in the park. If you use the entrance from the Arc de Triumph there are big areas of grass to lie in. Exploring further in you will find plenty of entertainers such jugglers and slack liners who are not there busking but just practicing for fun. There are many beers seller who walk around there as well offering you cans of Estrella if you are too lazy/hungover to get them from the shops. The park does have a very nice vibe to it, especially in the late afternoon it can be a very social place with groups mingling and chatting about plans for the evening.
In addition to being home to the Parliament of Catalonia, one of the central features is the beautifully ornate fountain. This spectacular fountain is a must see while you in the city centre. It is called Cascada which means waterfall and was designed by Joseph Fontesere and it was unveiled in 1881. Unfortunately Mr Fontesere had no imagination what so ever and all there was was an archway it was very boring and it was really slated in the press. So from 1882 til 1888 they revamped the whole thing and added all the statues and water features. The fountain itself is wonderful but the sculptures done in white, and stone and gold are simply stunning. It really is the most beautiful fountain I highly recommend you go and have a look at it when you are in the city. This is the perfect place for escaping the buzz of the city without having to venture too far afield.
Parc de la Ciutadella, Passeig de Picasso 21, Barcelona, Spain
Laribal Gardens
Located on the flanks of Montjuïc, the Laribal Gardens are designed by Jean Claude Nicolas Forestier and Nicolau M. Rubió Tudurí. Highlights include the ‘Escaleras del Generalife‘, a staircase bordered by trickling waterfalls inspired by the Moorish palace known as the Generalife in Granada. The staircase leads down to the gardens of the Greek Theatre, an amphitheater built in 1929 and fashioned in the style of the Ancient Greek theaters.
Jardins de Laribal, Paseo Santa Madroma 2, Barcelona, Spain
Garden of Ferran Soldevila (University of Barcelona)
Located in the heart of the historic building of the University of Barcelona, this charming garden, which dates back to 1871, was named after the historian Ferran Soldevila in 1995. Small in size but not in beauty, the garden’s appeal is increased by its surroundings: the university building itself is one of the city’s landmarks and was declared a national monument of historic and artistic interest in 1970.
University of Barcelona, Gran Via de Les Corts Catalanes 585, Barcelona, Spain
The Gardens of Mossèn Cinto Verdaguer
These gardens are renowned for their lush flower beds, which burst into full bloom at various stages of the year, meaning that whether you’re visiting in spring, summer or autumn, you can expect to enjoy a colorful display like few others you will find in the city. Expect to see a variety of tulips, crocuses, hyacinths, dahlias as well as aquatic plants such as water lilies in the ponds.
Jardins de Mossèn Cinto Verdaguer, C/ dels Tarrongers, Barcelona, Spain
Parc del Laberint d’Horta
The Parc del Laberint d’Horta, meaning the Labyrinth Park of Horta, is one of Barcelona’s historic parks and the oldest of its kind in the city. The central feature of this park, as its name indicates, is the labyrinth, which is made of a hedged maze of cypress trees. However, other notable features include the numerous sculptures that adorn the surrounding terraces and depict figures from Greek mythology, including Dyonysos, the god of wine and exuberance, and Danaë, who gave birth to Zeus’ son Perseus.
Parc del Laberint d’Horta, Pg. Castanyers 1, Barcelona, Spain
Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobera
Not one for those in search of lush green spaces and delicate flowers, the Gardens of Mossèn Costa i Llobera are a tribute to some of the hardiest plants that grow in the area: cacti and succulents. Home to over 800 different varieties of cactus and other plants from desert and sub-tropical climates, this is one of the lesser-known gardens of Barcelona and a great place to escape the crowds and discover a different side to Montjuïc. The location of the garden, close to the seafront and on the south side of the hill, means average temperatures are slightly higher than in the rest of the area.
Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobera, Barcelona, Spain
Parks are a very different atmosphere from the beach so if you are looking for a slightly different, more chilled afternoon in some beautiful settings then pick a park for the afternoon. Whether you are a horticulturist or not there is something for everyone in these beautiful areas of the city.