Parc de la Ciutadella Barcelona | Things to Do, Restaurants & More

Parc de la Ciutadella is one of Barcelona's major green spaces today, providing a unique refuge to escape the city's bustle. The park was built at the end of the 19th century on territory that had previously been occupied by a military fortification built by order of Philip V. More than 100 plant species, including lime trees, poplars, Canary Island palm trees, and even centenary trees, may be found in the Ciutadella today. Many people believe the park to be an open-air museum because of the numerous statues. This place is a must-visit on your next trip to Barcelona.

Things to do at Parc de la Ciutadella Barcelona

Take a Leisurely Stroll

Barcelona, like most bustling metropolitan cities, is buzzing with urban energy around the clock. However, if you're looking for a place to peacefully stroll Parc de la Ciutadella is perfect with the tranquil greenery it offers.

Boat Ride in the Lake

The lake at the Parc de la Ciutadella Barcelona adds to the natural charm of the place and the city. In addition to that, the lake is also known for the boating activity that it provides.

Visit the Barcelona Zoo

The Barcelona Zoo first opened in the September of 1892 and it honors patron saint Mare de Déu de la Mercè. It is now one of the most significant parts of the Parc de la Ciutadella Barcelona experience. If you are heading to Barcelona with kids, this is the place that you must visit.

Book Tickets

Visit the Cascada

The Font de la Cascada is a well-known monument with a waterfall and fountain that was erected for the 1888 World's Fair. This monument is currently located inside Parc de la Ciutadella Barcelona and it is one of the popular destinations for the tourists who come to visit the park.

Have a Picnic

Being one of the largest parks in Barcelona, Parc de la Ciutadella Barcelona has a lot of empty space to entertain the guests that frequent it. One of the activities that you can enjoy at the park with your loved ones is having a picnic.

Playground for Kids

Barcelona is not well-known for being child-friendly. But in case you are planning to head to the city with your child, Parc de la Ciutadella Barcelona will be a godsend for you. With its playgrounds, open spaces, and the Barcelona Zoo, it is easily one of the best places for children in Barcelona.

Monuments & Attractions at Parc de la Ciutadella Barcelona

Monumental Waterfall

Without a doubt, the Monumental Waterfall is the most striking feature in the Parc de la Ciutadella. It was designed by Fontseré with the help of a young Antoni Gaud and opened in 1881.

Castle of the Three Dragons

The Three Dragons Castle was erected for the 1888 Universal Exposition. Domènech I Muntaner designed this building, which has served as the headquarters of the Barcelona Zoological Museum for decades.

Governor’s Palace

Separate from the Parliament building, the ruins of the medieval citadel and military chapel are still intact. Along with these structures, there is also the Governor's Palace, which is now a secondary school.

Greenhouse

Josep Amargós I Samaranch designed the Greenhouse of the Parc de la Ciutadella Barcelona, an iron-and-glass structure that was also erected for the Universal Expo. This is currently the main home of the park’s flora.

Umbraculum

The brick-built Umbraculum is where favorable weather conditions for the cultivation of tropical plants were established. This part of the Parc de la Ciutadella Barcelona was the main reason for the prosperity of the park’s flora diversity.

Museu Martorell

The city's first public museum is the Museu Martorell. It has housed the Geology and Palaeontology collections of the Barcelona Natural Science Museum since 1924. If natural history is what you are interested in, this is the best place for you in Barcelona.

Sculptures

Many statues adorn the Parc de la Ciutadella Barcelona’s avenues. The statue of General Prim on horseback by Frederic Marès, a bronze nude by Josep Clarà, a marble bust of Lleó Fontoba by Pau Gargallo, and the La cigonya I la guineu group, carved in marble by Eduard B. Alentorn, are among the most notable.

Plan Your Visit to Parc de la Ciutadella Barcelona

Parc de la Ciutadella Barcelona is open from 10 AM to 10:30 PM every day of the week.
The boat rides are open from 23 March to 22 September daily from 10 AM to 8 PM and 23 September to 22 March daily from 10 AM to 6 PM.

Parc de la Ciutadella Barcelona is located at Passeig de Picasso, 21, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.

By Car: Take C-31 and B-10 to Passeig Josep Carner and then exit to Passeig de Picasso to reach Parc de la Ciutadella Barcelona
By Bus: Take a bus to Pg Lluís Companys - Parc de la Ciutadella bus stop and walk to Parc de la Ciutadella.
By Metro: Get down at Estación de Francia or Arc de Triomf station and take a short stroll to Parc de la Ciutadella Barcelona.

Here are some of the best restaurants in and around Parc de la Ciutadella for you to have a delicious meal!

Once you take in the sights at Parc de la Ciutadella, head to some of these nearby attractions to experience the best of Barcelona!

Visitor Tips

If you are planning to go for a picnic at Parc de la Ciutadella Barcelona, go in early as entry to the park is free and the best places fill up very dast.

Boating on the lake requires tickets so don’t forget to secure your tickets early if you plan to boat.

Avoid going to the park during the peak hours of the weekends as it gets quite busy there at Parc de la Ciutadella Barcelona.

Get done with visiting the zoo as soon as possible as the zoo is the most popular attraction at the park.

The park is pet-friendly, so you can bring your pets there as long as you can clean up after them.

Frequently Asked Questions About Parc de la Ciutadella Barcelona

What is Parc de la Ciutadella?

Parc de la Ciutadella is one of Barcelona's major green spaces today, providing a unique refuge to escape the city's bustle.

What can I see inside Parc de la Ciutadella?

You can see the Monumental Waterfall, Castle of the Three Dragons, Governor’s Palace, and Museu Martorell to name a few places.

What are the best things to do in Parc de la Ciutadella?

The best things to do at Parc de la Ciutadella Barcelona include taking a stroll, boating on the lake, visiting the zoo, and enjoying a lovely picnic.

What are the main monuments and attractions in Parc de la Ciutadella?

The main monuments and attractions at Parc de la Ciutadella Barcelona are the sculptures, the parliament, the greenhouse, the umbraculum, and the Cascada del Parc de la Ciutadella.

What are the opening hours of Parc de la Ciutadella?

Parc de la Ciutadella Barcelona is open from 10 AM to 10:30 PM every day of the week. The boat rides are open from 23 March to 22 September daily from 10 AM to 8 PM and 23 September to 22 March daily from 10 AM to 6 PM.

Where is Parc de la Ciutadella?

Parc de la Ciutadella Barcelona is located at Passeig de Picasso, 21, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.

Are there restaurants inside Parc de la Ciutadella?

Parc de la Ciutadella Barcelona has a bar called El Terrari and a family-friendly restaurant called La Dama inside the compound.

How can I reach Parc de la Ciutadella?

You can take C-31 and B-10 to Passeig Josep Carner and then exit to Passeig de Picasso to reach Parc de la Ciutadella Barcelona by a car. By Bus, you will have to get down at Pg Lluís Companys - Parc de la Ciutadella bus stop and walk to Parc de la Ciutadella. If you are taking the metro, get down at Estación de Francia or Arc de Triomf station and take a short stroll to Parc de la Ciutadella Barcelona.

Is Parc de la Ciutadella safe to visit?

Yes, Parc de la Ciutadella Barcelona is safe to visit.

Is Parc de la Ciutadella worth visiting?

Yes, Parc de la Ciutadella Barcelona is worth visiting.

Is Parc de la Ciutadella free?

Yes, entry to Parc de la Ciutadella Barcelona is free.

When was the Parc de la Ciutadella built?

Parc de la Ciutadella Barcelona was built in the mid-19th century.

What is the biggest park in Barcelona?

The biggest park in Barcelona is Parc de la Ciutadella Barcelona.