Granted, Barcelona is famous around the world for its architecture and beaches. Both deserve your full attention when visiting our city. However, Barcelona has some of the best parks in Europe.
The city is one of the densest in the world. That’s why we locals gravitate to its parks. To our amazement and delight, most tourists rush through them and continue their tour around the city.
The following our top 10 favorite parks in the city. We strongly recommend visiting each of them. Not only will you enjoy a lovely place, but you will get to know the entire city.
Montjuïc
Montjuïc is the biggest park in Barcelona. Our home is directly in front of it. It’s actually a hill. The hill of Jews, in Catalan. It’s huge, gorgeous, and full of history.
You can climb all the way to the top and admire Montjuic Castle. There are several museums. Our favorites are the Miró Museum and the National Museum of Catalan Art.
Another great spot with some of the best views of Barcelona is the cacti garden. The cable car that connects the hill to Barceloneta is nearby. Stop by the Olympic area and the botanical gardens.
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Miró Park
Miró Park is behind the iconic bull ring on Plaça Espanya. You will recognize it immediately from the Woman and Bird Sculpture by Miró that towers above the park.
Though centrally located, mostly locals visit. You will see children playing, seniors talking, and friends hanging out. Barcelona locals use the concrete squares to roller skate. We usually go to the Joan Miró library in the park.
There are tall palm trees and benches to rest under the shade. For the best views of the park and beyond, go up the bull ring, now a shopping mall.
Parc de l’Espanya Industrial
Parc del Espanya Industrial is pretty close to Sants Station, the city’s biggest train station. It connects it with the airport, the entire city, and the rest of the country.
Once again, most tourists overlook it. You will see locals playing basket, eating, exercising and dancing. There used to be a factory there. Thus, the name and the tall chimneys.
You have to go up the stairs to enjoy the views over the lagoon. Our favorite spot is the metal dragon sculpture that’s also a slide for adults and children.
Parc de Cervantes
Parc de Cervantes is a hidden gem in upper Barcelona. It’s next to several Universities and green areas. The University of Barcelona’s sports field is in front.
Thus, you will see students relaxing by the park. The park is on a slope. We love it because of its gorgeous rose garden. Look out for the sculpture of a woman called Serenity by local artist Eulalia Fábregas.
If you have the energy, you can climb to the hill behind the park. A 20 minute walk takes you to Finestrelles Viewpoint. The next one up is Xiprers Viewpoint.
Pedralbes Park
Pedralbes is the fancy neighborhood north of Barcelona. Its main park, Pedralbes Park, is just a short walk from Camp Nou, the world famous football stadium. However, its tourist free!
You can walk there from Cervantes Park. You will recognize it from the Royal Palace that presides over the park. It’s now an event venue close to the public.
The park is all about Mediterranean flora. Walk to the corner of the park to see Güell Pavillions. The collection of structures designed by Gaudi will take your breath away.
Parc del Turó
Parc del Turó is where anybody who’s somebody in Barcelona hangs. Though at 3 acres (1.2 hectares), it’s full of plants.
The park has a small theatre and a restaurant where you can grab a bite and coffee. There are other great restaurants and bars overlooking the park too.
You can exercise, chill under the shade, or play ping pong. From the park you can walk a couple of blocks through gardens to the Francesc Masià roundabout.
Park Güell
Park Güell is one of the main reasons to visit Barcelona. People from all over the world visit in such great numbers, that now you have to pay. Unbelievable for us locals!
However, the park is huge so you will always have space to admire its incredible architecture. It holds some of Barcelona’s most important art nouveau structures. Gaudi designed it in 1904.
Look out for the lizard sculpture and the colorful mosaics that lead up to Frias House. Gaudi’s original show house and residence is now a museum inside the park.
Ciutadella Park
We believe Ciutadella is the best park in Barcelona. It combines superb architecture with splendid nature. Access the park through the Arc de Triomf, the brick archway built as entrance to the 1888 World Fair.
Walk along Lluís Companys walkway to the park’s main entrance. Neptune’s fountain is on your right. Rumor has it that a young Gaudi assisted its creator, Josep Fontserè.
The 1884 pergola where people dance is dedicated to transsexual Sonia, murdered 30 years ago. The massive mammoth is nearby. Barcelona’s most popular events are held in the park, next to the Catalan Congress.
Poblenou Central Park
Jean Nouvell designed Poblenou’s Central Park in the heart of the district. Poblenou used to be an industrial neighborhood. He kept some of the old structures and designed new ones.
Look for the massive old industrial chimney. Our favorite spot is the Crater of the World path with its incredible bougainvilleas. There’s also a section for aromatic plants.
The Barcelona History Museum has an exhibit inside old factories next to the park. A short walk south takes you to Ramblas de Poblenou, the district main drag. It leads to the beach.
Parc Diagonal Mar
Parc Diagonal Mar is a contemporary masterpiece that connects Diagonal Avenue to the beach. You will recognize it from the huge metal tubular sculptures that dot the park.
The park has exuberant plants of all types and modern hanging pots. If you visit in spring you will see them in full bloom.
Try out the metal slides and check out the ducks on the pond. We usually go to read and chill before hitting the beach. Levante beach is one of our favorites and next to the park.
How to Choose Which Park to Visit
You can walk or bike to every park. There are metro stations next to each park too. You will for sure visit Park Güell, Montjuïc Hill and Ciutadella Park, some of the city’s biggest attractions.
If you are a beach bunny, visit the parks in Poble Nou. These outstanding green areas are pretty close to the beach. However, they are both worth your time.
You most likely go past or to Sants Station, so check out Miró Park and Park de Espanya Industrial. These parks are perfect for a late afternoon stop.
Where to Stay in Barcelona
The best places to stay in Barcelona are in the old town and L’Eixample. For incredible views over the city and the sea stay in Hotel Miramar on Montjuïc Hill.
In L’Eixample we recommend the H10 Art Gallery. It’s on pedestrian Enric Granados Street, super close to Passeig de Gracia and La Pedrera. You’ll love its rooftop pool and garden.
If you want to stay near the beach stay at Vincci Maritimo, next to Diagonal Mar Park. There’s a metro stop connecting you to the rest of the city a block away.
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