Top 5: Best Outdoor Urban Spaces in Barcelona

European cities stand apart from other urban locations mostly due to their abundance of outdoor space, and Barcelona is no exception. The capital of Catalonia that sits on the Mediterranean Sea has plenty of places where visitors and residents alike can get a taste of nature amid the bustle of the city. Here are Barcelona’s best outdoor spots.

Parc de la Ciutadella

Named for a fortress that once stood on these grounds, the area has been converted into a maze of walking trails with grassy patches for picnics, a large golden fountain, a central lake with paddleboats, the home of Catalonia’s Parliament and even the Barcelona Zoo.

Parc de l’Estació del Nord

Less than 300 yards from Ciutadella Park is this smaller park most tourists don’t know about. Therefore, it’s more peaceful, full of locals and their dogs, and adjacent to the train station.

Parc Güell

Although located a decent bus or cab ride from the historic center, Park Güell welcomes both nature lovers and art lovers to its expansive space where visitors will find sculptures and other art by Gaudi, plus stunning views of the city and the sea.

The Beach

In a beach town like Barcelona, it’s no secret the urban beaches are a part of the city’s appeal. Barceloneta tends to be a bit packed with tourists, so for slightly more solace, head north along the coast to beaches like Nova Icaria, Bogatell or Marbella.

Montjuic

If you want to get farther from the noise but still want to stay in Barcelona proper, head to Montjuic, the hill that leads up to an old castle and overlooks the sea. There are heaps of walking trails, a few restaurants, gardens with both local and exotic plant life, the old Olympic stadium and swimming pool, and even a Greek amphitheater.