The second-largest city in Spain, Barcelona is an environment-friendly city. At the same time, it is one of Europe’s most densely populated cities. Although the city has a comprehensive transport system, which includes a bus network, a metro, tram networks, and some cable cars, around 50% of the trips in the city is done on foot or the bicycle, while only 20% of the trip to the town center is done through the use of cars and motorcycle.
Aside from these, there are many gardens and parks in Barcelona that anyone can visit if they are looking for a place for a peaceful stroll or outdoor activities.
Ciutadella Park
This is one of the most famous and vibrant parks in Barcelona. With more than 17 hectares of land, it is also the city’s largest. Originally a military fortification (thus its name, which means “citadel” in English), the Catalonian Parliament in 1869 transformed this former military location into a public park.
Right now, the park is open to everyone and can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike. In fact, there’s a zoo that you can visit inside the park, a massive waterfall created by famous Catalan architect, Antoni Gaudi. Sometimes, you can also catch some live performances of dancers or circus performers (especially during summer), and go on picnics with friends if you want a more relaxing type of activity.
You can also visit the famous mammoth statue in the park (or climb it if you want).
In case you get hungry and you didn’t bring any food, there are many concession stands you can visit to buy food and drinks.
You can easily get to the park by taking the metro.
Horta Labyrinth Park
If you’ve seen labyrinths in movies such as “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” and have a strange desire to explore one, then you should definitely go to this park. This is Barcelona’s oldest garden in the city, designed by an Italian architect, Domenico Bagutti in 1921. It was only in the 1960s when the park was made public. Since then, the park has become a famous place to visit for tourists and locals alike.
If you want a bit of a challenge, you can do so by going through the maze. If you can get to the center of the maze, you will find a statue of the Greek god of love, Eros. Aside from its maze, the park is also home to lovely ponds, streams, and a waterfall.
There’s a small entrance fee to enter this park. However, if you want to go there for free, you can do so on a Sunday or a Wednesday. You can go to the park via the Metro.
Park Guell
The famous Catalan architect, who has designed the waterfall at the Ciutadella park also has a hand in designing Park Güell. The park, which has over 17 hectares of land is also one of the biggest in Europe and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since the 80s.
The park is most famous for its “monumental zone,” which includes high mosaic benches, and so on. Although some parts of the park have an entrance fee (due to Gaudi’s works, to protect them and to manage the crowd), the park’s huge green space is open for everyone.
Thus, aside from marveling at Gaudi’s works, you can also take a walk, go on a picnic with friends, and so on.
You can go to the park via the metro.
The parks discussed above are just some of the biggest and most popular parks in Barcelona. Other parks worth noting are the following:
- Laberint D’Horta Prices
- Parc de Collserola
- Jardins del Palau Reial de Pedralbes
- Parc Joan Miro
Learn more about Spain and know the things you can enjoy while staying there, such as joining festivals by reading articles at MSM Unify. To know more about Spanish festivals, read our article on Spanish Festivals That International Students Must Experience.
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