Parks and gardens
Jardí Botànic de Barcelona
Carrer del Doctor Font i Quer 2, 08038
932 564 160
€ (Free on the first Sunday of the month)
www.museuciencies.cat/en/visitans/jardi-botanic
Open October–March Monday–Sunday 10am–5pm; April–September Monday–Sunday 10am–7pm
Metro Plaça Espanya Bus 13, 150
The garden and cafe are wheelchair accessible
Located high on Montjuïc Hill, Barcelona’s botanical garden contains a diverse array of flora and fauna from various regions around the world with a climate similar to the Mediterranean. Visitors can walk through areas filled with plants from South Africa, Chile, California and Australia, including palm trees, eucalyptus, stone pines, cacti and fig trees. The wide paths are easily accessible and zigzag through the site; if you amble slowly, it can take hours to get around. It’s even worth coming here in inclement weather to visit the Cabinet of Curiosities at the top of the garden, which is full of unusual natural specimens, and which offers a glimpse into the history of plant gathering. If you book a trip in advance, you can also attend workshops in bonsai pruning and basket weaving.
Carretera de les Aigües
in Parc de Collserola, Carretera de l’Església 92, 08017
932 803 552
Open All day, every day
Bus 111, 118, 119, 124, 130
Most of the walk is flat so may be accessible for wheelchair users
If you want to explore the hills above Barcelona, there’s no better way to do so than by taking a leisurely walk or riding a bike along the Carretera de les Aigües. Local people walk this route often, not only for the mountain air but also for the incredible views all along the path from Sant Pere Màrtir to the Carretera de l’Arrabassada, and from the Collserola Ridge. The Carretera de les Aigües is named after the water pipes that used to run along its path, and most of the route is still relatively flat. At its highest point, you can look down on the city from 450 metres above sea level.
Parc de l’Oreneta
Carrer de Montevideo 45, 08034
Open December–February daily 10am–6pm; March and November daily 10am to 7pm; April and October daily 10am–8pm; May–September daily 10am–9pm
Bus 60, 66, 130, V3 Train Reina Elisenda
Wheelchair access is limited due to steep hills
This lovely park opened at the end of the 1970s and offers some magnificent views over the city. Part of the Collserola Ridge, it used to be two rural estates, one of which was Oreneta Castle, after which the park is named. Only a few walls of the ruined castle remain today, however. The park is full of evergreen and deciduous trees, including northern red oaks, eucalyptus, pine and carob, and fruiting cacti. There are lots of winding paths through woodland, so it’s easy to imagine you are far away from the city. There are a few designated children’s play areas, but away from these the park can be very peaceful.
Parc de la Creueta del Coll
Passeig de la Mare de Déu del Coll 77, 08023
Open December–February daily 10am–6pm;
March and November 10am–7pm; April and October daily 10am–8pm; May–September daily 10am–9pm
Metro El Coll La Teixonera Bus 87, 92, 119, 129
The area around the pond is wheelchair accessible but the hills may be difficult to climb
This park is ideal for a scenic wander through a wooded landscape. High above the city the Parc de la Crueta del Coll feels wild and full of rambling plants. In contrast to the more formal gardens in the city, this is a place where nature has the upper hand. In among the trees bloom mauve lobelias and vivid crimson bougainvillea. The swimming pool, ping-pong tables and other popular areas are best avoided, but there are plenty more forested areas to get lost in – be sure to bring stout shoes or walking boots. On your way down from the summit of the hill, look out for the dramatic, concrete claw-shaped sculpture by Eduardo Chillida, In Praise of Water, that hangs above the pool.
Jardins de Joan Brossa
Plaça de Dante 9999, 08038
Free www.barcelona.cat
Open Daily 10am–sunset
Bus 55, 150, Funicular de Montjuïc
The gardens are wheelchair accessible but the climb up the hill is very steep
Escape the crowds and noise on La Rambla and climb up the steep Avinguda Miramar for a little peace and quiet. At the top of the hill sits this pleasant garden – look out for the statue of the clown Charlie Rivel balancing a ladderback chair on his nose, as well as the sculpture of celebrated 20th-century entertainer Charlie Chaplin. The nearby hills are densely wooded and the paths often feel both close to yet concealed from the city. At dusk you can hear owls among the trees and see lithe bats swooping and diving in the darkening sky.
Jardins de la Vil-la Amèlia
Eduardo Conde 22, 08034
Open Daily 10am–10.30pm
Metro Maria Cristina Bus 130, V3 Train Reina Elisanda
The garden is wheelchair accessible
These pretty city gardens have numerous winding paths to stroll down and an enticing variety of trees and flowers in well-kept borders – in spring, locals flock here to catch a glimpse of the pale pink cherry blossom. Further inside the park is a small circular pond which has an island in the centre full of tall grasses, out of which emerges a copper sculpture of a voluptuous naked woman. Created by 19th-century property developer Ignasi Girona in honour of his wife Amelia, it is a quintessential Catalan garden, combining both Northern European and Mediterranean plant species. An outdoor coffee stand with a few chairs provides an unshaded spot to have a drink.
Plaça de l’Ictíneo
Carrer de L’Ictíneo, 08039
Free www.barcelona.callejero.net/placa-de-loctineo
Open All day, every day
Metro Barceloneta Bus 45, 59, D20, H14, V17
The gardens are wheelchair accessible
With their neat grassy lawns touched by a gentle sea breeze, these gardens come highly recommended by locals as a calm place to relax and recuperate. Ignore the Moll D’Espanya shopping centre and aquarium nearby and find a quiet spot here to recline on the grass and read your book, or take a nap after a long day of sightseeing or a hard day at work.
Parc Güell
Carrer d’Olot, 08024 902 200 302 Free (Fee for access to the Monumental Zone and the Gaudí House Museum) www.parkguell.cat Open Park all day, every day; Monumental Zone check website for details
Metro Valcarca, Lesseps Bus 24, 32, 92, H6
No access for wheelchair users
Despite its popularity, there remain a number of quiet corners in Antoni Gaudí’s famous park. Designed in 1900 for long term friend Eusebi Güell, a wealthy Catalan entrepreneur, it was used by Gaudí as an opportunity to make some of the most inventive, unusual sculptures ever seen in a public space.
Parc del Laberint d’Horta
Passeig dels Castanyers 1, 08035
Open November–February daily 10am–6pm; March and October daily 10am–7pm; April daily 10am–8pm; May–September daily 10am–9pm
Metro Mundet Bus 27, 60, 73, 76, B19
Wheelchair access is limited
Located north of the city close to the university, this park is well-loved by locals. It has a large cypress tree labyrinth in which you can easily lose yourself, or perhaps you’d prefer to be guided by friends as they look down from the handsome 18th-century terrace above. A peaceful location, the park is a mixture of neoclassical pavilions, stone walkways, elegant topiary and untamed woods.
Jardins de Laribal
Passeig de Santa Madrona 2, 08038
Free www.barcelona.cat
Open Daily 10am–sunset
Bus 55, 150, Funicular de Montjuïc
Wheelchair access is limited due to steps and steep hills
The Laribel Gardens used to be a stone quarry and this hilly terrain was turned into a magnificent park during the Barcelona International Exposition in 1929. A series of terraces are linked by narrow roads and short paths, crisscrossed by staircases hidden among the foliage. If you’re prepared to walk up the hill, you’ll find gazebo pergolas surrounded by waterfalls and a pretty fountain – the Font del Gat. At different times of day the panoramas of these historic gardens change dramatically. In the evenings, you’ll see the lights in the harbour lit up at dusk and if you go for a run in the morning, you’ll hear birdsong as well as the booming sound of ships making their way out to sea.
Jardins de Sant Pau del Camp
Sant Pau 99, 08001
Free www.barcelona.cat
Open April–October daily 10am–9pm; November–March daily 10am–7pm
Metro Para-lel Bus 21, 91, D20, H14, V11
The gardens are wheelchair accessible
A monastery dating from 911 ad used to stand on these grounds, but this modern park is a recent, quiet addition to the area. Named after the adjoining Sant Pau Del Camp church (Catalan for ‘Saint Paul of the Fields’), it is a peaceful place to sit for a while after a long walk down La Rambla. It is not worth making a special visit from afar to come here, but the gardens are ideal for an impromptu picnic or a stroll in the late afternoon. Pick a spot on one of the hills and you might catch someone tending one of the handful of allotments next door.
El Jardín de Olokuti Gràcia
Carrer d’Astúries 36-38, 08012 932 170 070
Free www.olokuti.com
Open Monday–Thursday 10am–9.30pm, Friday–Saturday 10am–10pm
Metro Fontana Bus 22, 24, 39, 114, V17
There is no wheelchair access to the shop or garden
The garden at the back of this fair-trade clothes store, selling organic and ethical products made in Catalunya, is a pleasant escape from Barcelona’s busy squares and thoroughfares. After browsing the range of delicate scarves and hand-crafted travelcard holders, retreat to the garden for a cup of herbal tea among the greenery.
Parc del Guinardó
Carrer Garriga i Roca 1-13, 08041
Free www.barcelona.cat
Open All day, every day
Metro Guinardó Hospital de Sant Pau Bus 39, 114, 117, 119
Wheelchair access is limited due to steep hills
The isolated, hilly terrain of this park make it an attractive area to go trail running (be sure to bring plenty of water, there are no cafes nearby). For those who prefer a slower pace, make your way here from the Sagrada Familia past Modernista buildings for an hour’s refreshing walk with a suitably just reward. Set off early to hear the dawn chorus or amble along later for a romantic stroll at dusk.
Jardins de Turó de Puxtet
Carrer de Manacor, 08023
Free www.barcelona.cat
Open Daily 10am–sunset
Metro Vallcarca Bus 22, 131, H4, V15 Train El Puxtet, Pàdua
There is an accessible asphalt path running through the park but limited wheelchair access on the roads surrounding the gardens
Find a bench among the lush green of these gardens and you might just spy the Sagrada Familia and the colourful Torre Agbar in the distance. A former stone quarry, the Sarrià-Sant Gervasi district garden sits 178 metres above the city, and you can now climb the hill to the very top. Alongside palms growing on vertiginous cliffs is an abundance of other plants, some of which are quite rare. Look out for the Aleppo and stone pines, acacias and chinaberry trees as well as fan palms and spineless yuccas. You won’t find many people walking here, so it is an exceptionally quiet spot; strolling among the blue jasmine and carob trees is a very calming experience.
Parc de les Aigües
Plaça Alfons el Savi 3, 08024
Free www.barcelona.cat
Open Park November–March 10am–7pm,
April–October 10am–9pm; library Monday–Saturday 10am–2pm and 4pm–8.30pm
Metro Alfons X Bus 55, 92, 114, H6, V21
The gardens are wheelchair accessible
The impressive, cloudlike topiary hedges are one of the main attractions in this pretty park in the Horta-Guinardó district. The verdant interior is quite hilly, and there are a number of different terraces leading up to the summit. It’s a bit like finding your way through a maze, as the different levels are separated by stone walls. If you get tired of walking, or if it begins to rain, you can always go and read a book in the modern Biblioteca Guinardó-Merce Rodoreda on the nearby Carrer de les Camèlies.
