Ciutadella Park (Parc de la Ciutadella)

Barcelona’s version of Central Park in New York ranks among the most frequented attractions in the old city. Located just northeast of the city center, not far from Barceloneta beach, the park is included in just about every small-group and private city tour. Options for tours that stop at Ciutadella Park include walking, Segway, and cycling tours through the park and other points of interest, such as Las Ramblas, La Sagrada Familia, the Gothic Quarter, and Port Olímpic.

• The park is a must-see for first-time visitors.

• Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on a variety of surfaces.

• Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as many areas of the park lack shade.

• See the park on a walking, cycling, or Segway tour.

Ciutadella Park is accessible on foot from just about anywhere in the old city or Barceloneta. You can also take the metro (Line 1) to Arc de Triomf station and head toward the park along the car-free Passeig de Lluís Companys.

The park bustles with visitors and locals throughout the day, so there’s never a bad time to visit. Weekends offer the best people-watching, as Barcelona residents often come here for picnics and recreation.

When architect Josep Fontserè i Mestre was commissioned to update the park in advance of the 1888 International Exhibition, a young Antoni Gaudí (an architecture student at the time) caught his eye. Gaudí, whose work you can admire on many tours of Barcelona, is said to have designed some of the pipework and decorative medallions of the park’s monumental fountain.