Parc de la Ciutadella

All Ages / All Types / Anything goes / Dancing / Free / Hippies / Live Music / Outdoor Activity / Park / Picnic / Sandwiches / Snack Food / Sporty
Parc de la Ciutadella For a peaceful escape from the city streets, Barcelona denizens step into the Parc de la Ciutadella where picnicking, jogging, or paddling rowboats on the lake are the order of the day. Barcelona Spain 41.3872817 2.1836119
4.6 8
Parc de la Ciutadella - Outdoor Activity | Park in Barcelona.
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4 User Reviews
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Ratings:
Lucas
Adriana
Jonah
Emma

Party Earth Review For a peaceful escape from the city streets, Barcelona denizens step into the Parc de la Ciutadella where picnicking, jogging, or paddling rowboats on the lake are the order of the day. Acres of beautiful landscaped lawns... ... read full review

  • Metro:

    Arc de Triomf, Barceloneta, Ciutadella-Vila Olímpica

  • Hours:

    Daily 9am–dusk

  • Recommended as:

    • Day Spot

Party Earth Parc de la Ciutadella Review

The Scene

For a peaceful escape from the city streets, Barcelona denizens step into the Parc de la Ciutadella where picnicking, jogging, or paddling rowboats on the lake are the order of the day.

La Ribera / El Born, Barcelona –

For a peaceful escape from the city streets, Barcelona denizens step into the Parc de la Ciutadella where picnicking, jogging, or paddling rowboats on the lake are the order of the day.

Acres of beautiful landscaped lawns and gardens are interspersed with architectural delights designed by the likes of Gaudí and Montaner, and together they make for a soothing and even educational stroll along the meandering pathways.

Important landmarks include the Castle of the Three Dragons by modernist architect Montaner, and Josep Fontsere’s splendid Cascada Fountain, designed with a little help from Antoni Gaudí.

There’s also an impressive statue of a giant woolly mammoth, although to see his descendants in the flesh requires a trip to Barcelona’s wonderful zoological gardens – which are also conveniently located within the ample grounds.

The park attracts an eclectic mix of people on the weekends – especially on Sunday evenings when hippies assemble en masse – and becomes the site of an impromptu music festival as hundreds of people play bongos, sing, juggle, or otherwise entertain the passersby.

Thankfully, for those who find bongo drums the instrumental version of the apocalypse, there are plenty of quiet nooks throughout Parc de la Ciutadella to simply relax and enjoy the Barcelona sun in peace.

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Tip from Jonah:

Whether you walk or take the train, it’s best to approach the park from the direction of the Arc de Triomf. The arch is one of the city’s coolest monuments – walking through it, and then down the wide pedestrian boulevard of Passeig Lluís Companys, is an awesome way to arrive at your destination.

  • Crowd

    A mix of all ages, including a contingent of young hippies.

  • Entertainment / Music

    People often gather on the weekends to play music and dance.

  • Food / Miscellaneous

    Concession stands sell sandwiches, snacks, ice cream, and beverages.

  • Prices

    Snacks and drinks €2+. Rowboat rental €7/hour. Zoo entrance €16.

  • What to Wear / Dress Code

    Anything goes.

  • Hot Nights / When to Go

    Any day, but the park is liveliest on warm Saturday and Sunday evenings.

Tags:
All AgesAll TypesAnything goesDancingFreeHippiesLive MusicPicnicSandwichesSnack FoodSporty

Parc de la Ciutadella User Reviews

Average rating:
The park of the mammoth!
Sol B.
Sol B. Jul 8, 2013
I love this park! It's like the Central Park of Barcelona. It's huge. It has a cascade, a lake where you can feed the ducks, a gazebo, a zoo, museums, a kid's area, and a giant mammoth statue which is a super famous spot in the park (to me at least, since i took an epic photo there!). It's great to go running, have a picnic or take your kids. Since it has a Zoo, you can spend a hole day there. Don't forget to bring a camera, you'll find great spots for beautiful pictures!
Tranquility in the midst of a bustling city
Madeline C.
Madeline C. Mar 14, 2013
Parc de la Ciutadella is one of my favorite places in Barcelona. It is the perfect place to spend the day laying on the grass with a good book and a tasty bocadillo. At one end, there is a beautiful monumental fountain called the Cascada. Often times, there are events being held here and it is a great place to take a seat and observe the surroundings. There is also a small pond in the middle of the park where you can rent a row boat for 10 Euros or less (depending on how many people you have). Bring some vino and your significant other for a 30 minute romantic row-boat rendezvous! It's easy to get lost wandering through this enchanting park, but allow yourself to let it happen! Every time I am there I discover something new and beautiful!
The grass is definitely greener at park de la ciutadella.
Ernst B.
Ernst B. Dec 13, 2012
A mere minutes away from the Arc de Triomf Metro station is this wondrous, lush green magic garden. Beautifully scaped and perfectly pitched, Ciutadella caters for all from a leisurely jog to a scenic cycle, walking the dogs, a picnic with friends, or just chilling by yourself on the grass (something of a commodity in Barcelona) with a nice thick book. Filled with iconic masterpieces by Gaudi among others, Ciutadella also enlightens those interested in art and history - don't miss the famous Cascada Fountain! Grab an ice cream and stroll through the park on a Sunday or your lunch break - it will feel like a holiday!
Stunning natural and architectural beauty!
Kendrick K.
Kendrick K. Aug 30, 2012
Parc de la Ciutadella is definitely a great place to step away from the crowded city-life. Walking through the park, you will definitely be surprised at how large of a place it is. The Arc de Triomf is magnificent sight to see as you make your way down to the greens of the park. Parc de la Ciutadella offers so much from a gazebo, a pond, and, of course, a wooly mammoth statue. With so many different places to relax, you’ll find people in every nook and cranny of the park. It’s definitely a place to explore and discover different areas that have yet to be occupied. But, before anything else, a definite must-see at the park is the Cascada Fountain, an astounding piece of architecture and beauty.
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