Barcelona · El Born and the waterfront
Parc de la Ciutadella
A large city park near the old town with a pond, a big fountain, shaded paths and a playground. The zoo and the Catalan parliament are inside it.
- 1 h 30
- Free
- Booking: not needed
- El Born and the waterfront
Data checked on October 4, 2026
The park was laid out for the Universal Exposition of 1888, on the site of a military citadel built after the siege of 1714. It holds a large cascade fountain, a lake with rowing boats, a greenhouse, the zoo and the Catalan parliament, which sits in the former arsenal. Paths run under plane trees and palms, and the lawns are used for picnics at weekends. It is the closest green space to the old town.
What to look for
- The Cascada monumental fountain
- The lake with rowing boats
- The Parliament of Catalonia in the old arsenal
- The shaded plane and palm tree paths
Opening hours
| Monday | 10:00 am–10:30 pm | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10:00 am–10:30 pm | |
| Wednesday | 10:00 am–10:30 pm | |
| Thursday | 10:00 am–10:30 pm | |
| Friday | 10:00 am–10:30 pm | |
| Saturday | 10:00 am–10:30 pm | |
| Sunday | 10:00 am–10:30 pm |
The city says the park opens between 7:30 and 10:00 depending on the day and closes at 22:30. Plan from 10:00 to be safe.
Source: Ajuntament de Barcelona, checked October 4, 2026
Tickets and booking
Free.
Getting there
Take metro L4 to Ciutadella | Vila Olímpica, next to the park, or metro L1 to Arc de Triomf and walk in from the west.
Tip
Good for a rest in the middle of the day, when the streets of El Born are hot.