Parks And Gardens In Barcelona You Need To See
The city of Barcelona may be famous for its Modernist architecture and the charmingly narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter, but the natural beauty of its parks and gardens are without a doubt also worth a mention. The perfect place to relax and enjoy a greener side to the city, discover our guide to some of the most stunning natural spaces in Barcelona.
Park Guëll
Market
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.
Park Guëll, Carrer d’Olot, Barcelona, Spain
Parc de la Ciutadella
Parc de la Ciutadella
The Parc de la Ciutadella is located in the heart of the city, by the side of the popular Born neighborhood. In addition to being home to Barcelona’s zoo and the Parliament of Catalonia, one of the central features is the beautifully ornate fountain designed by architect Josep Fontser. 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
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)
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
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
Gardens of Mossèn Cinto Verdaguer | © Jordi Ferrer/WikiCommons
Parc del Laberint d'Horta
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
_-_1.jpg){kind=link}
Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobera
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
Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobera| © Jorge Franganillo/Flickr
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
