The 10 best parks and gardens in Barcelona

What is it? Up in the less-travelled district of Les Corts, conveniently metro-adjacent, stands this magnificent sprawling green space with slopes that add to its beauty. If you’re in the mood for some strolling, Cervantes is ideal for walkers and athletes for its wide paths and its sunny and shady spots.

Why go? You will definitely not want to miss the rose garden. That means you’re in luck if you’re in town from early spring through to the start of autumn, when some 10,000 roses are in bloom. If that’s what you’re into, make sure you’re in town in early May for Barcelona’s annual International New Rose Competition.

The port side of Montjuïc is protected from the cold north wind, creating a microclimate that is two degrees centigrade warmer than the rest of the city – allowing some 800 species of the world’s cacti to flourish here. This extraordinary collection was closed to the public for some time while funding for essential maintenance was sought, but now it's back in all its glory.

In Park Ciutadella you'll find an attraction that's not as crowded as the rest of the park can sometimes be. The Umbracle, a modernist building designed by Josep Fontserè and built by Josep Amargós between 1883 and 1887, features five arches built with steel beams and brick pillars covering it. The roof is made of wood and lets some light in, re-creating the lighting of a rainforest. These conditions allow for a type of greenhouse, where plant species originating from 20 different countries have been be planted and grow in rows under the arches. Take a moment to stroll round the lush nature.

What is it? A little further south, the Botanical Garden is divided into five landscapes from around the world, each with its own flora, but all with a Mediterranean climate.

Why go? You can observe the similarities and differences between the represented areas: California, South Africa, Australia, and the Mediterranean basin. Each season changes the mosaic of landscapes, from the summer aridity to the awakening of spring colors.

Don't miss: Nestled in former quarries behind the MNAC, there's also the Historical Botanical Garden, which presents a third and unique landscape. Thanks to the shade and humidity of this Montjuïc location, you’ll find some seriously nice Eurosiberian flora. 

What is it? Accessible to the public amidst the city, the Gardens of the Julio Muñoz Foundation are hidden away on Muntaner Street 282. If you head up a little above the Diagonal, you'll stumble upon this small corner secluded from the bustling city life.

Why go? For a little slice of history. The Julio Muñoz Ramonet Foundation was established in 1994 to fulfill the last wishes of the businessman who passed away in 1991. In his will, he bequeathed his estate on Muntaner Street along with all its contents to the city, with the aim of enabling its visitation and useful utilization by the citizens, for the promotion, dissemination and defense of culture.

What is it? These beautiful gardens surround an impressive architectural construction from the early 1900s. Full of decorative elements, Jardins de la Tamarita will tempt you to walk around and enjoy the fountains, small ponds and the many ideal spots for reading, writing in your travel journal or simply taking a break for a little while.

Why go? Not only will you be able to relax, you’ll also travel back in time to when the Catalan middle classes built homes out of mansions in this part of the city, and surrounded them with gardens created to impress.

What is it? Beautiful gardens created in the 1970s, which pay homage to Mallorcan poet Miquel Costa i Llobera.

Why go? These gardens are nothing like the rest of the city’s urban gardens. There's no kids’ play area, but it does boast other charms. The part of Montjuïc that gives way to the Port is protected from the northern wind, creating a microclimate with a temperature that’s two degrees cooler than the rest of the city, which allows for some 800 species of cactus and other succulent plants to thrive. 

What is it? The official residence of the king and queen of Spain when they visit Barcelona (ever since Juan Carlos I didn't take much to the Pedralbes Palace) and it was constructed for the 1929 Expo.

Why go? Located in the Joan Maragall gardens, the big green space between the Olympic Stadium and the National Palace, this building is one of Montjuïc’s secrets. It houses works by artists like Dalí and a great selection of sculptures in the gardens that you can visit in the mornings on weekends and publich holidays.