best parks barcelona guell

Best Parks in Barcelona

Parks. Every city dweller's chance to get a little more nature in their life. You can often gauge a city on the quality of its parks. They're the perfect escape from the surrounding hustle and bustle. Find your own little spot, sit back and unwind from the daily grind. And Barcelona is no different, with a range of parks dotted across the city. So, if you're planning a trip to the city, you might be wondering which park is for you? That's why we've put together this list of the best parks in Barcelona. So put on your best pair of reading glasses, or just use your eyes if they still work, and prepare to be informed. Right now.

Featuring:

  • Park Guell
  • Parc de la Ciutadella
  • Parc del Laberint d'Horta
  • Parc de Montjuïc
  • Jardins de Pedralbes
  • Jardins de Laribal
Image of Outdoors,

Park Guell

Barcelona is almost synonymous with the works of the late, great Antoni Gaudi. You can find the trail-blazing architect and artist's unique and inspiring works all over the city. However, you needn't visit a museum or walking tour to experience his greatness. Just head down to Park Guell, designed by the man himself at the turn of the 20th Century. There, you'll find strange mosaics, weird sculptures, and architectural monuments to Gaudi's style. Be on the lookout for El Drac, a multicolored lizard mosaic perched prominently between two sets of stairs. Keep in mind that there is a fee for tourists who want to see the best stuff up-close. Of course, you could avoid all that and get a more curated experience by taking a walking tour of the park. That way, you'll dive deeper into the history and meaning of the park's pieces.

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Parc de la Ciutadella (Ciutadella Park)

Situated in the heart of the city, Parc de la Ciutadella, or Citadel Park, was actually built atop the ashes of a 19th Century military fortress. Torn down in a public rebellion against the ruling regime, it now houses one of the best parks in Barcelona. Some of the citadel still stands, so you have the chance to study some beautiful 19th Century architecture. The rest of the park is a paradise of greens and blues, with vast amounts of open space to stretch out and relax. Visitors will also find places to eat, drink, and live music to enjoy. Be sure to check out the massive fountains and other delightful water features that reside inside. And, if all that wasn't enough, Barcelona Zoo is also part of the park. You'll find a reptile house full of strange and beautiful creatures, and the African Savannah area replete with elephants, giraffes, and cheetahs! Perfect for big and little kids alike.

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Parc del Laberint d'Horta (Horta Labyrinth Park)

Parc del Laberint d'Horta, or Horta Labyrinth Park, kind of speaks for itself. It's a huge maze, created at the end of the 18th Century. And, in fact, was part of a private estate until the 1970s. Since it's been open to the public, it has become a must-visit destination. It was even featured in the 2006 film Perfume: The Story of a Murderer. That surely makes it one of the best parks in Barcelona! Over nearly 2500sq feet, you'll get lost in this wonderful labyrinth, and explore the beautiful gardens and surrounding architecture, including the remains of the Torre Sobirana, a medieval palace. Epic.

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Parc de Montjuïc (Montjuïc Park)

Known as the 'park of parks' in Barcelona, Montjuic, or Jewish Mountain, Park is a veritable feast of gardens, forest trails, picnic spots, and beautiful landmarks. Perhaps the most impressive feature is the Jardi Botanic, a huge garden split into five zones representing the planet's different climates and landscapes. Named after the Jewish cemetery housed within, you can make your way up the mountain on foot or take a cable car from Barceloneta Beach, which also has a mountain of activities to enjoy. Your visit might even coincide with one of the many music festivals put on in the park. If all that exploring has your tummy rumbling, grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants and cafes the park welcomes.

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Jardins de Pedralbes (Pedralbes Gardens)

If you like a sprinkling of royalty with your park experience, check out the Pedralbes Gardens. Housed within the Palace of Pedralbes, which situated the Spanish Royal Family until the 1930s, the imperial gardens are quite the sight. The beautifully-colored flora is unmissable. Literally - the entire park is full of it, so you won't miss it! There's also the Gaudi-designed Hercules Fountain because, of course, Gaudi got his magnificent creations in here too. There are also music festivals, great places to relax, and cafes to get some sweet refreshments on those warm summer days.

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Jardins de Laribal (Laribal Gardens)

Designed during the Barcelona World Fair in the 1920s, Laribal Gardens is another beautiful spot in the city, and easily one of Barcelona's best parks. Be sure to check out the Font del Gat, a fountain inspired by cats, which also doubles as a bustling picnic area. Feel free to stretch out with a towel, hamper full of food, and relax. Alternatively, you can pick up a bite to eat or a refreshing beverage at one of the nearby cafes. Alongside the Font del Gat, there are many other sculptures and water features to find and admire. And, if you want to get your step-count up, wander over to the Greek Theater. It also has its own gardens to explore.

And that's our list of the best parks in Barcelona! You're really spoiled for choice in the city, so be sure to explore as many of them as possible. Of course, parks are just one of Barcelona's many jewels. If you like a little sand with your walk, be sure to check out our picks of Barcelona's best beaches! If all the Gaudi pieces mentioned above tickle your culture bone, there are plenty more Gaudi-centric things to see and do. And, if you're looking to put together a weekend itinerary to make the most of your visit, check out our guide to your weekend in Barcelona. You will love it. Until next time!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Basílica de Santa María del Mar
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Best Churches in Barcelona - Guide

Heading to Barcelona this year and interested in the city's deep connection to the Catholic faith? Or just looking for somewhere to chat to the big man upstairs? Check out our guide to the best churches in Barcelona, and see which best suits you! Including: La Sagrada Familia Basílica de Santa María del Mar Basílica de Santa María del Pi La Catedral de Barcelona Templo Expiatorio del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús and more! La Sagrada Familia La Sagrada Familia isn't just one of the best churches in Barcelona - it's one of the most unique and eye-catching buildings on Earth. Designed by renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí and only nearing completion 120+ years after work began, it's one of the most prominent jewels in Barcelona's crown. Each element, from the spires to the interior façades, was meticulously designed around themes of Christianity. Every inch holds meaning. There's nothing quite like it in any other place on the planet, making it an absolute must-visit for anyone visiting the city, Christian or otherwise. To make the most of your visit, and to uncover all the church's secrets, take a guided tour and get the low down from a learned guide. This is the way. Basílica de Santa María del Pi A 14th-century gem, the Santa Maria del Pi is named after a large pine tree that faced the church during construction. Widely considered one of the best churches in Barcelona, it mimics the Catalan Gothic style of Basilica de Santa María del Mar, with its less extravagant design and large, beautiful windows. In fact, the Santa Maria del Pi contains one of the world's largest rose windows, which is a magnificent sight to behold! Beyond the church's undeniable beauty and calm praying space, you'll find a small museum and treasury, which claims to contain a piece from Christ's crown of thorns. Whether that is the case or not has yet to be determined, but why not go and see for yourself? Basílica de Santa María del Mar Built back in the 1300s, the Basilica de Santa María del Mar is a testament to the beauty of the Catalan Gothic style. And what a style it is, with simple symmetry accentuating harmony. Its massive, stunning windows bathe the interior with light, which perfectly contrasts the weighty and somewhat daunting exterior design. A calm, quiet space in comparison to the loud, awe-inspiring Sagrada Familia, it's the perfect place to visit if you're not one for crowds. Templo Expiatorio del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús Sitting atop Barcelona's Tibidabo Mountain, the tallest hill in the city, you'll find the Templo Expiatorio del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús. One of the more recent creations on this list, having been built between 1902 and 1961 by father and son Enric and Josep Sagnier, it's no less beautiful and deserving of a visit. With elements of Neo-Byzantine, Neo-Romanesque, and Neo-Gothic elements, it's a wonderful and unique mix you won't find anywhere else. On the outside, you'll admire its intricate spires and the statue of Jesus that looks out over the city. On the inside, gaze up at its massive dome. La Catedral de Barcelona Arguably Barcelona's second most recognizable church, the Catedral de Barcelona is one of the city's largest tourist attractions. Standing tall in the city's delightful Gothic Quarter, only something as unique and alien as the Sagrada Familia can overshadow its beauty. You can even ascend to the top of the cathedral and look over the district from up on high. Built over the course of 150 years, you can see the different eras and styles within its design. Make sure to visit the crypt of Saint Eulalia, a prominent Christian martyr and the namesake for the church's alternative name, the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia. Reial Monestir de Santa Maria de Pedralbes Tucked away from Barcelona's tourist-heavy center, you'll find the Reial Monestir de Santa Maria de Pedralbes. Another of the city's 14-century creations, its simple design was ordained by the king at the time, Jaume II. Its Catalan Gothic trappings mimic the other churches on this list built during the same period. However, what Reial Monestir de Santa Maria de Pedralbes does boast is beautiful gardens surrounding the entire building. So, if you want to add a nice, green stroll to your visit, it's worth checking out. Sant Pau del Camp In the free-spirited district of El Raval, you'll find the oldest church in the entire city. Built over 1200 years ago, the Sant Pau del Camp started life as a Benedictine monastery, but has since become a place of worship for many in Barcelona. Given its age, it's the only church of its kind in the city, and has been restored multiple times. Having witnessed civil war, conflicts, and invasions, it's no wonder the church has needed some TLC over the years. It might not top this list for its fancy design or prominence, but it's absolutely one to visit for its history. Santa Maria de Montserrat This final entry might be a bit of a cheat as it's not technically in Barcelona, but just a short trip away, the Santa Maria de Montserrat absolutely deserves to be seen. You can make your own way there on public transport, but we'd recommend taking a stress-free guided tour up the mountain. Santa Maria de Montserrat is a monastery founded in the 11th century and rebuilt between the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, it still functions with over 70 monks and is notable for enshrining the image of the Virgin of Montserrat. You can head inside and look around, though, given its popularity, you may be waiting some time unless you get there early. There's also a nearby museum, where you can learn about the church's history. Easily one of the best churches in Barcelona, if you allow a little wiggle room on the subject. And that's our list of the best churches in Barcelona! Looking for more things to do and see on your vacation to the Catalan capital? Check out Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can experience all of Barcelona's best bits when and how you want.
Dom Bewley
day trip from barcelona
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Day Trips from Barcelona

It can be easy to stay in our comfort zone - it's warm, reassuring, and predictable. But sometimes, it's great to break out of that bubble and explore the world outside. For instance, you book a vacation to an amazing and exotic new place. You go exploring and discover new foods and culture. But after a few days, you might feel like you've seen the things you want to see. You may have checked every box on the itinerary. What do you do then? Well, you break out of that bubble and take your explorations further afield! Even a city as beautiful as Barcelona has some must-see places outside its walls. So hop on a train, slide into your slickest automobile, or put your hiking boots on for a serious jog. Here are some of the best day trips you can take from Barcelona! Featuring: Girona Ruins of Empuries Montserrat Costa Brava Andorra Girona Just an hour outside of Barcelona, you'll find Girona. In fact, you might already recognize parts of it, as it was the location of 'King's Landing' in the Game of Thrones TV show! Appropriately, it's an interesting mix of medieval and modern architecture. One unmissable highlight is Girona's old town, where you can explore cobbled streets and ancient surroundings frozen in time. Beyond it is Girona's Cathedral, which was built back in the 11th Century, though not much of the original stonework remains. Since it towers over the city, it will be tough to miss! Inside, you'll be treated to stunning baroque facades, ancient artifacts, and timeless artwork. When you're done, make sure to see the Banys Arabs, or Arab Baths, for another slice of medieval life. And if that isn't enough history for one day, there are a few museums that chronicle the town's history, both good and bad. Then, once you've thoroughly explored, you'll find plenty of lovely restaurants to eat and drink, including the world-famous and rather pricey El Celler de Can Roca. How to get to Girona From Station Barcelona, in the heart of the city, rains run throughout the day and take between 70-80 minutes. Alternatively, it's a 30-minute drive. Ruins of Empuries Just a little further than Girona you'll find something amazing. Empuries was an ancient city founded by Greek travelers over 2000 years ago! Later the Romans set up shop, but by the Middle Ages, it was a ghost town. This is likely because it was a difficult place to defend and, as such, was a constant target of pirates. For the next 1700-odd years, nature swallowed it up. But in 1908, it was rediscovered by archeologists. In fact, they haven't finished uncovering the city's secrets yet, over a century later! Don't let that stop you. The Ruins of Empuries is still a fascinating place to visit. A literal trip back through time, you'll see mosaics and architecture from millennia ago, before entering the ancient amphitheatre. Imagine the plays and talks that would have taken place back then. Then, visit the site's museum for some sweet spoon-fed knowledge. Definitely one of the most fascinating day trips you can make from Barcelona! How to get to the Ruins of Empuries Hop in your favorite four-wheeled machine, ideally a car, and you'll make it in an hour. Alternatively, you can get a bus or train to Girona, and a connecting bus will get you straight there. Montserrat North of Barcelona is stunning Montserrat, or Serrated Mountain, a beautiful mountain range near the Catalan capital. And believe us, its jagged peaks are quite a sight! Its tallest peak, Sant Jeroni, stands tall at over 4000ft. But really, the reason you'll want to go there is the Santa Marie de Monserrat, a Benedictine Abbey nestled atop one of the peaks. It dates all the way back to medieval times, but is still in use to this day. While trying not to bother the monks, you'll be able to explore the abbey's church in all its splendor. Gaze up at the Dome of the Altar and you'll see stunning restored artwork depicting angels and other Christian iconography. Everywhere you look, you'll see beauty. Then, if you want to do a deep dive into the abbey's history, head to the on-site museum and fill your brain with delicious information. If you'd like to fill your stomach too, there's also a restaurant, cafe, and even a hotel if you're feeling sleepy! How to get to Montserrat Montserrat is about an hour's drive from the city center. Or, at just over two hours, trains are another option. If you want to travel up to the peaks in style, you can take the Aeri de Montserrat, a cable car that'll take you from the foot of the mountains all the way up! At 4000ft, the views are one of a kind. And best of all, it will also take you to the Abbey! Costa Brava Want to get out of the city to chill out and stretch out? Then Costa Brava might be the most perfect of all the day trips from Barcelona! Featuring three beaches that stretch out over 4000ft of beautiful golden sand, it's the perfect excuse to get out of the city! Each of the three beaches has its own unique vibe, so choose wisely. Llevant is the busiest, so expect plenty of sunbathers and party people similar to Barceloneta. If you're looking for a quieter time to max out your relaxing, check out Caldetes. Fewer people, fewer problems. Or, if you want to get your blood pumping with some sweet watersports, check out Dunes, where you can try your hand at scuba diving and windsurfing, among others. Once you're done lounging, you can head into Santa Susanna. It's a historic seaside town with a plethora of seafood restaurants, bars, and cafes. It was built back in the 1400s, so expect a good mix of old and new architecture to explore! How to get to Costa Brava You can make the journey to Costa Brava by car, which will take you just under 2 hours. Or, if you prefer to travel by train, you're looking at just over 3.5 hours. It's a bit further away than some of the others on this list, but it's definitely one of the best day trips from Barcelona that you won't want to miss! Andorra And finally, we end this list with another state entirely. And that state is the Principality of Andorra! Replete with its own flag and coat of arms, this microstate is situated northwest of Girona. There, you'll find Europe's highest capital city, Andorra La Vella, sitting at a mighty 4000ft! Nestled in the picturesque Pyrenees, you'll find churches, chapels, and medieval architecture. There's also duty-free shopping, something most cities can't boast about! It becomes a popular skiing destination in winter. That's, presumably, because it's so high up. Or, if you prefer using your feet, there's hiking trails, and UNESCO protected spaces to explore. How to get to Andorra Andorra is a solid 3.5-hour drive from Barcelona. Surprisingly, the train takes the exact same time. So, pick your poison! And that's our list of the best day trips from Barcelona!
Dom Bewley

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