Barcelona is a city known for its beaches and iconic architecture, but what about its parks, gardens, and green spaces? With low rainfall throughout most of the year, Barcelona isn’t known for being the greenest city, with public areas typically consisting of stone plazas and playgrounds, a few trees, and little or no grass. But as always, if you know where to look, you can always find something special. In this article, we've listed the top green spaces in the city, from big parks to smaller gardens and leafy squares perfect for quiet reflection or meeting with friends.
Parks in Barcelona
Parc de la Ciutadella
Photo: New Day to Explore
Parc de la Ciutadella is one of the city’s most accessible green spaces, a huge park in the centre of Barcelona that’s perfect for meeting with friends, going for a walk, sightseeing, or taking some time for yourself. Originally a military fortress, the park is now home to many attractions like the famous Cascada Monumental, an impressive gold fountain designed by Josep Fontserè, and a lake where you can rent rowboats and float on the water. This iconic Barcelona park also houses the Barcelona Zoo, the Catalan Parliament, and several playgrounds, making it the perfect destination for families.
Make sure to also check out the Umbracle, a modernist building also designed by Josep Fontserè and built by Josep Amargós between 1883 and 1887, a steel and brick structure that creates a kind of greenhouse, where plant species from 20 different countries have been planted and grow in rows under its arches.
Parc de Cervantes
Photo: New Day to Explore
Parc de Cervantes is a little further from the centre, located near the University of Barcelona in Les Corts. Wander through its winding paths that weave through an extensive rose garden, featuring over 10,000 roses of various species and colours—make sure to visit in spring, when all of the flowers are in bloom. Conveniently located near the Zona Universitaria metro station, this park in Barcelona is the perfect relaxed weekend destination.
Av. Diagonal, 706, Les Corts, 08034 Barcelona
Jardins del Palau de Pedralbes
Photos: New Day to Explore
Next to the Palau de Pedralbes, these gardens tucked away from the city centre are definitely worth the detour. Wander through tidy lawns, vibrant flower beds, fountains, and sculptures. With the historic Palau de Pedralbes as a backdrop, each garden has its own features, the main ones including the Fountain of Hercules, where water flows from a wrought iron dragon’s head, and a small pergola, both designed by Gaudí. If you’re looking for a peaceful park in Barcelona to spend a quiet afternoon, these gardens are the perfect retreat.
Av. Diagonal, 686, Les Corts, 08034 Barcelona
Horta Labyrinth
One of Barcelona’s oldest gardens, Horta Labyrinth is known for its stunning hedge maze, picturesque ponds, and sculptures. Its construction first started in 1798 for Catalan landowner and scientist Joan Antoni Desvalls Marquès de Llupià i d’Alfarràs, a neoclassical garden built across three terraces, featuring neo-Arabic and neo-Gothic elements. Over time, descendants of the marquis expanded the complex, adding a romantic garden with flower beds, squares, large trees, and a waterfall, as well as a water channel between the terraces of the neoclassical garden. The garden has been open to the public since 1971.
Located in the Horta-Guinardó district, this park is a favourite among families and couples, a beautiful leafy green space away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Get lost in the labyrinth or explore the beautiful surrounding gardens with their fountains and flowers.
Passeig dels Castanyers, 1, Horta-Guinardó, 08035 Barcelona
Parc Güell
Parc Güell might be the most famous of Barcelona’s parks, a UNESCO World Heritage site designed by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí. Admire its sculptures and stunning architectural features, and its views of the city and the Mediterranean. Key features include the serpentine bench that wraps around the main terrace and the colourful mosaic-covered dragon at the entrance, which has become a symbol of the park.
While Parc Güell does charge an entrance fee, you can enter the park for free with the city's Gaudir Mes pass, which is available for residents and tourists alike. The pass is intended to enable any enthusiasts of art and culture to experience many of the city's attractions either for free or with a discount. Simply make an appointment for a video call with the council to have your request processed, and enjoy attractions like Parc Güell, Montjuic castle, and more.
Gràcia, 08024 Barcelona
Parks of Montjuïc
Montjuïc mountain borders Barcelona to the west, and is home to some of the nicest parks and gardens in Barcelona, as well as plenty of leafy trails that wind uphill to stunning viewpoints of the city. Some of our favourite gardens here include the Botanical Garden, which are divided into several themed sections, highlighting flora from regions like California, Chile, South Africa, and Australia. The botanical gardens are also free with the Gaudir mes pass, which makes visiting this garden even more accessible.
Another standout on Montjuïc is the Jardins Mossèn Costa i Llobera created in the 1970s to pay homage to Mallorcan poet Miquel Costa i Llobera. These unique gardens are situated in a part of Montjuïc that is protected from the northern wind, creating a microclimate with a temperature that’s two degrees cooler than the rest of the city, which allows for some 800 species of cactus and other succulent plants to thrive.
Parc del Turó
Photo: New Day to Explore
Located in the Sant Gervasi neighbourhood, Parc del Turó is a peaceful park with green, winding pathways, picturesque ponds, a playground and recreation area with a table tennis table, and a small cafe that's perfect for enjoying an afternoon drink in the shade. This park in Barcelona is also nearby some of the best specialty coffee spots in the Sant Gervasi neighbourhood. Get a flat white to-go and enjoy it at this serene spot.
Av. de Pau Casals, 19, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, 08021 Barcelona
Gardens in Barcelona
Jardí de la Fundació Julio Muñoz Ramonet
Photo: New Day to Explore
A stone's throw from the busy Avinguda Diagonal, this idyllic garden in Barcelona is a true oasis in the heart of the city. Located in the Sant-Gervasi neighbourhood, this once-private garden was commissioned in 1916 by Fernando Fabra y Puig, and built by renowned landscape architect Jean-Claude Nicolas Forestier, who is credited for introducing the concept of the 'Mediterranean garden' to Spain. The garden, which features several terraces, rose-covered pergolas, and a central rectangular pond, surrounds the main house, a Novecentist-style palace designed by Enric Sagnier in 1917. In 1945, the property was purchased by businessman Julio Muñoz Ramonet, who later had the garden remodelled by Joan Mirambell i Ferran, introducing new levels and rearranging the layout. Following a lengthy legal battle after Muñoz Ramonet's death, the estate was eventually gifted to the city and opened to the public in 2016.
C/ de Muntaner, 282, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, 08021 Barcelona
Jardins de Rubio i Lluch
These gardens are located near the historic Hospital de Sant Pau, which between 1401 and 1926 was the general hospital of the city of Barcelona. Named after poet Manuel Rubio i Lluch, these gardens are a hidden treasure providing a peaceful space to rest and relax.
Hospital, 56, Ciutat Vella, 08001 Barcelona
Barcelona’s parks and green spaces are an important part of the city’s landscape, offering a natural escape for rest, relaxation, and recreation. From larger parks like Parc de la Ciutadella and ones with great cultural significance like Parc Güell to smaller gardens like Jardins de Rubio i Lluch, there are many places to enjoy a bit of greenery. So, next time you’re on your lunch break, why not seek out one of these spots to explore something new?
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