Ilse from Barcelona

About me After getting a degree in communication and working in television for a few years in Holland, I was up for a little adventure. I decided to move to one of my favourite cities; Barcelona. I arrived with no plan and no expectations, but got stuck on the sunny city life here. I love design, photography, going out for dinner or drinks with friends and of course traveling! M...
Aug 30, 2025

Parc de la Ciutadella Barcelona

Sunny picnic afternoons

""Parc de la Ciutadella" Barcelona is my favourite place in Barcelona. The park is like my back yard, so I go there often. There is never a dull moment here!"

I often get the question what my favourite place in Barcelona is. It's a tough one, there are so many great places. But often the first thing that comes to mind is Park Ciutadella. 

The park is like my back yard, so I go there often. Especially in the weekends it is a great place to spend some hours in the fresh air. There are several playgrounds for kids, a big fountain and a little boat lake. At the bottom of the park there's the zoo entrance, a good option if you are visiting with young kids!

But the thing I absolutely love about it is that there is never a dull moment. The park is packed with colourful people and the result is it looks like a true circus. Acro-yoga, ropemanship, African drummers, Spanish guitar players or bubble makers to entertain the kids; every corner of the park has a view and an 'artist' to enjoy. I can spend hours just looking or listening if I've found a good spot.

Located right next to the Born neighbourhood, I would advise you to pick up some picnic take-out food, bring some drinks and find yourself a nice spot on the grass. If not for the many things to see there, you will probably love it for simply relaxing in the sun in the less hot seasons or the welcome shade during a hot summer.

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