Did you know that Barcelona boasts 89 different parks and gardens, seven hills, two city mountains, and an 8,000-hectare nature park hidden within the Collserola mountain range? Despite its urban image, Barcelona offers numerous green oases and beautiful natural areas. From the untouched nature in the Collserola Mountains to the Botanical Garden on Montjuïc or the specialized garden shops in the city, the most famous landmark in Barcelona is, of course, Park Güell.
Barcelona as a Green City
Barcelona is quite a green city. Most major streets are lined with trees (plane trees, palm trees, mandarin trees…) and you’ll find squares and city gardens everywhere, where elderly people enjoy walking and resting while children play. Barcelona is also surrounded by the Collserola hills, often referred to as the ‘lungs of the city‘.
Besides the Collserola hills, there are other small mountains in Barcelona that have been transformed into city parks.
The municipality is also striving to become greener by renewing all public transport with more environmentally friendly options and planting community gardens.
My 16 Favorite Parks in Barcelona
Below is my overview of the 16 most beautiful parks and gardens in Barcelona that are worth visiting!
1. Park Güell
Perhaps the most famous park in Barcelona is Park Güell, designed by Antoni Gaudí in the early 1900s and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1984. In this city garden, you can enjoy Gaudí’s magnificent architecture, nature, and one of the most photographed views of the city. You need to buy tickets to visit Park Güell.
2. Parc de la Ciutadella
Parc de la Ciutadella is a city park in Barcelona with diverse features. Here, you can relax by the lake and waterfall, rent a boat for a romantic ride, calmly observe various statues, or even visit the zoo. The park also houses several museums and government buildings, including the Parliament of Catalonia.
3. Parc del Laberint d’Horta
Parc del Laberint d’Horta is a true hidden gem and the oldest garden in Barcelona. This exceptional example of artistic gardening is renowned for its maze. Interestingly, a part of the film “Perfume: The Story Of A Murderer” was filmed here!
4. Parc de Montjuïc
Montjuïc is home to various museums, buildings, and sports facilities set in a green environment. The area includes several gardens worth visiting, such as Jardins Mossèn Costa i Llobera, Jardins del Mirador, Jardins de Joan Brossa, Jardins del Teatre Grec, Jardins Cinto Verdaguer, and Jardí Botànic.
5. Parc de l’Espanya Industrial
Where the La España Industrial textile factory once stood, now lies Parc de l’Espanya Industrial. The park features a beautiful rowing pond, a gigantic dragon sculpture, grass fields, Mediterranean trees, and sports fields. Nine tall towers atop white steps leading to the water give the park its distinctive character.
6. Parc de Joan Miró
Also known as Parc l’Escorxador, this park was once the site of the old municipal slaughterhouse, or ‘Escorxador’ in Catalan. It’s a place for visitors and locals to relax and is home to the famous sculpture ‘Dona i Ocell’ (‘Woman and Bird’) by Joan Miró.
7. Parc de Pedralbes
Located next to one of the main campuses of the University of Barcelona on Avinguda Diagonal, this green park is named after the 20th-century Palau Reial de Pedralbes located here. Currently, it houses two museums: the Museu de Ceràmica and the Museu de les Arts Decoratives i Museu Tèxtil i d’Indumentària.
8. Parc del Turó del Putxet
In the serene and picturesque Turó del Putxet park in Barcelona, you’ll find one of the city’s most unique viewpoints. Amidst abundant vegetation and cozy spots for resting and playing, the park also offers picnic tables and numerous walking paths. Mainly frequented by local residents, it serves as a peaceful oasis.
9. Turó Park
A small yet charming park in Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, it’s a perfect spot for relaxation. Interestingly, it was once an amusement park! The park’s chic ambiance complements the residents of this part of the city. A visit to café Pinhan, a kiosk with a terrace offering various treats, is highly recommended.
10. Parc del Turó de la Peira
The green pine forest of Turó de la Peira fills the park with a delightful scent. On this hill, you’ll find soccer fields, play areas for children, and many walking trails. At the top, enjoy a stunning view over the city. Turó de la Peira is primarily visited by locals, offering an authentic local experience.
11. Parc Central de Nou Barris
With a pleasant design in harmony with its residential neighborhood, this park blends seamlessly with the area’s undulating terrain. Strolling through the park, you’ll be surprised by various fountains and decorative elements. Children will enjoy multiple playgrounds, including a giant whale to play on.
12. Parc de la Pegaso
Where once stood a car factory, now lies a unique park inspired by Japanese gardens, featuring a small lake and a walkable water channel. For children, there’s an octopus to climb and slide on, and a traffic park. It’s both fun and educational!
13. Natuurpark Serra de Collserola
Serra de Collserola is the ultimate destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Spanning over 8,000 hectares, this natural park is a beautiful nature reserve with diverse flora and fauna. You might even encounter wild boars during a walk. Also noteworthy are the stunning viewpoints overlooking Barcelona and the Vallès Occidental valley on the other side.
14. Parc de la Creueta del Coll
Known primarily for its large swimming pool, Parc de la Creueta del Coll is a unique urban park. Opened in 1976, it offers relaxation spaces, a playground, and the distinct pool for summer refreshment. An Eduardo Chillida sculpture, ‘Elogi al aigua’, is another highlight of the park.
15. Parc del Clot
The remnants of various factories in Parc del Clot have become architectural elements blending with the surroundings. The stone arches, once part of the facade of an old railway, have been transformed into a 25-meter-high narrow aqueduct with cascading water.
16. Parc de l’Oreneta
Located in the northern part of Barcelona, Parc del Castell de l’Oreneta (also known as Parc de l’Oreneta) is especially popular among local families with children. A lovely natural spot, it offers city views, castle ruins, and a train ride for children every Sunday morning.
Tips & Tricks for Visiting Parks in Barcelona:
- Check park or city garden opening hours. Most open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, but some are unfenced and always open. It’s best not to visit parks after sunset unless you’re sure it’s safe.
- Most parks in Barcelona have kiosks offering snacks, ice cream, and drinks. Turó Parc features a modern kiosk, Pinhan Café, serving Turkish food and a popular weekend brunch.
- Barcelona’s parks are child-friendly, with large playgrounds, ping-pong tables, and sometimes sports fields. There are often petanque courts for adults.
- All seven hills in Barcelona are open as city parks and mostly preserved as nature reserves. They’re perfect for hiking, enjoying breathtaking views, relaxing, and getting close to nature. Learn more about Barcelona’s mountains and hills and their hidden viewpoints.
- The parks are popular with dog owners. Dogs can be off-leash unless dangerous, but dog waste must be cleaned up. Many places have a ‘pipican’, a designated sandy area for dogs.
- Picnicking is allowed in Barcelona’s parks, but barbecuing is not. For outdoor barbecues, visit specific areas like the Collserola mountains, which have tables and stone barbecues. Book in advance or arrive early, and bring charcoal and food. Some locations to barbecue near Barcelona include Torrent de Can Coll, Font de les Planes, Santa Creu d’Olorda, and La Salut de Sant Feliu.
