Places by water
Banys del Fòrum
Carrer de la Pau 12, 08930 
932 210 348
Open July-September daily 11am–2pm
Metro or Tram El Maresme/Forum Bus 7, 143, H16
The bathing area has adapted toilet and changing room facilities and a hydraulic chair for people with disabilities to access the water
If you fancy a dip in the sea without getting sand in your shoes and sandwiches, make a beeline for the bathing area in the Parc del Fòrum. It’s halfway between a beach and an indoor pool; shallow steps lead from a paved sundeck down into the Mediterranean sea. Sit on the edge of the concrete ledge and dangle your legs in the cooling seawater, or immerse yourself completely via one of the stepladders. The swimming area is shallow and trained volunteers are on hand to assist bathers with reduced mobility. A green flag will also indicate whether or not it is safe to swim.
Jardins del Príncep de Girona
Carrer de Taxdirt, 08025
Free www.barcelona.cat
Open Daily 10am–dusk
Metro Alfons X, Sant Paul Dos de Maig Bus 92, V21
The park is wheelchair accessible
Close to the port, these gardens are a good place to rest after a walking tour of the city. Seek some shade from the midday sun under the leafy trees or rest on one of the stone benches next to the large pond; it’s a charming spot to simply sit and do nothing. However, if you feel a bit more energetic there are also ping-pong tables in one corner – bring your own bats and balls. Sometimes live music is played here and the cafe can get lively in the evenings but otherwise it is a tranquil spot.
Pont Elevat
Port Fòrum, Carrer de la Pau 12, 08930
933 562 720
Free www.barcelona.cat
Open All day, every day
Metro Sant Martí, Poble Nou Bus 7, 36, H14, H16 Tram Forùm
The bridge is wheelchair accessible
Not least due to its impressive architecture, Barcelona’s harbour is an interesting place to wander around. Stroll along the jetty past large luxurious yachts and shiny white boats and cross the Pont Elevat (pictured above) towards the Mediterranean Sea. There are some stunning vistas from here: in one direction sit dignified 18th-century houses, the Diagonal Mar shopping mall and the many factories that line the River Besòs, and in the other stretches the deep blue sea. There are also a few cafes dotted along the water’s edge – ideal for a jug of chilled sangria on a hot summer’s day.
Piscina Municipal de Montjuïc
Avinguda de Miramar 31, 08038
934 430 046
Open End of June–early September 11am–6.30pm (days and times vary so call ahead before visiting)
Metro Para-lel Bus 55, 150, Funicular de Montjuïc
The pools are not wheelchair accessible
On hot summer days when the beach gets a little too crowded, come up to this collection of outdoor swimming pools on Montjuïc Hill. The complex was built in 1929 for the Olympic Games and professional swimmers often come here to practise their strokes. Open to people of any age and ability, it is a very reasonably priced way to cool off - take a look over your shoulder while on the diving board and you’ll also be treated to a unique view of the city below.
Grand Hotel Central SkyBar
Via Laietana 30, 08003
932 957 900
Open April-October daily 9pm–1am, exclusive access to guests prior to 9pm
Metro Jaume I Bus 45, 120, V15, V17
There is good wheelchair access to the rooftop pool
For a truly memorable evening among the roofs of Barcelona, book a table at the Grand Hotel Central’s SkyBar. Reserved for guests during the day, the roof terrace of this prestigious establishment incorporates a crystal-clear infinity pool and a classy restaurant that opens to the public from 9pm. Take a quick dip before dinner or simply sip on a cocktail while admiring the view – undoubtedly the best you’ll find in this part of town.
Confraria de Pescadors de Barcelona
Lugar Moll del Rellotge 54, 08039
932 217 745
Free www.confrariapescadorsbarcelona.com
Open Daily auctions at 7am and 4.45pm
Bus 88
The fish market is wheelchair accessible, but the floor can get very wet and slippery
For freshly caught fish straight off the boat, arrive at this fish market bright and early. Restaurant chefs from all over the city come here to pick up mackerel, hake, whiting and more to make up their dish of the day. The market is also a great place to pick up boquerones, squid, red shrimp, octopus and the ever-popular sardines. On the website for the Fishermen’s Association is a calendar showing which species of fish are caught each month: a handy tool to help you plan your meals for the week in advance.
Parc de la Ciutadella
Passeig de Picasso 21, 08003 638 237 115
Open December–February daily 10am–6pm; March and November daily 10am–7pm; April–October daily 10am–8pm
Metro or Tram Ciutadella/Villa Olímpica Bus 120
The park is wheelchair accessible
This varied, leafy inner-city park is well loved by locals. Families come here to push babies in prams, play with toddlers and amble along the paths. It can get busy by the Three Dragon Castle but there are a few quiet spots. On sunny days you will find at least one person sitting in the shade of a tree reading a book, undisturbed by the families emerging from the zoo. The most peaceful pastime here is rowing on the lake – rent a small boat and enjoy the calm of a summer afternoon on the water.
