12 Things to Do at Parc de Ciutadella

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Ciutadella Park Barcelona
The reptile welcomes you. Castell dels Tres Dragons.

The Parc de Ciutadella is the city’s biggest park, and there’s always something to do in this 70-acre lung of Barcelona. While the park often holds cultural events with concerts, workshops, and performances, there’s still so much space to enjoy it. What are some fun things to do on a normal day at Parc de Ciutadella? Here they are!

1. Take a casual stroll.

The park isn’t just for Sunday strollers. It’s honesty for everybody — grandparents, toddlers, hippies and your mama. And while there’s plenty of green, lush grass, the park is also lined with many graveled paths for some walkin’ and talkin’.

Ciutadella Park Barcelona

Be sure to pass by the building of the Catalan Parliament, where many a-heated political debates happen. It’s near a lily pond and a peaceful statue in a small plaza.

Ciutadella Park Barcelona Parliament

2. Row boats in the lake.

Grab some wine and cheese and you’ve got a romantic date here. You can rent a small rowboat for half-hour increments in this green lake. Prices vary on the number of passengers. Last I checked, it was 2 people for 6 euro, 3 people for 9 euro, 4-5 people for 10 euro.

Ciutadella Park Barcelona lakeCiutadella Park Barcelona Lake boats

3. Feed the ducks.

While you’re at the lake, why not feed the ducks and seagulls? Careful with the geese. I tried feeding one once, and he wasn’t too nice…

Ciutadella Park Barcelona Lake

4. Go to the Barcelona Zoo.

The Barcelona Zoo covers the basics — lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes, zebras, monkeys. But perhaps my favorites are the komodo dragons, dolphins, orangutans, and crocodiles. It’s also got two playgrounds (one with two zip lines for the older kids), a petting zoo, dolphin shows, and more.

Entrance fee is reasonable. As of today, the adult price is 19.90 euro. For an annual family membership of 4, you’ll just have to go at least three times in one year, and you’ll have well gotten your money’s worth.

And please don’t bother the peacocks running around freely!

5. Chase oversized bubbles.

Bubble maker people are everywhere, enticing little children to pop these ginormous bubbles as they run into each other. Adults love them too, they just don’t wanna admit it.
Ciutadella Park Barcelona bubbles

6. Admire the many sculptures. 

Fountains, statues, and sculptures add to the romantic ambiance of Ciutadella Park. The most popular is the huge mammoth, where people wait in line to snap a selfie with this curly-horned beast.

7. Rent some wheels.

I’ve seen so many different wheel rental places. Try Tour Segway Barcelona, Bikes: Bike Care, Ride or Die, Barcelona Biking, Rollerblades: Cooltra

Ciutadella Park Barcelona wheels

8. Visit the Cascada.

The Cascada is a waterfall with a stunning fountain. It was built between 1875 and 1888. There’s nothing really to “do” here, it’s merely a large piece of art — adorned with a golden chariot at the top and shooting water jets below. You can walk all the way up the steps and take a photo. Then come back down and make the background your Facebook profile photo 😉

9. Have a picnic and people-watch.

As I mentioned, a large variety of people spend time here. They camp out on the grass for hours, especially on the weekends. And what are they doing? Everything. You’ll see small kids running around, drummers, guitarists, people juggling, and people balancing on a line? Yes.

Ciutadella Park Barcelona Balance

10. Take the kids to the playground.

There are two fantastic playgrounds at Ciutadella. One popular place is the ludoteca, a special space for young kids which is inside one of the enclosed playgrounds. It’s open from 11am to 1:30pm.

Ciutadella Park Barcelona Playground

The ludoteca a goldmine of exploration for little ones. They have recycled pots and pans for instruments, water tubs in the summer, mazes, construction toys and so much more.

11. Play some ping pong. 

Don’t say this park doesn’t have any real sports areas. (Okay, this is the only sports area.)

But if you fancy some small ball action, here you go.

Ciutadella Park Barcelona ping pong

12. Be a weirdo and bury your head in your smartphone.

Go ahead, it’s not like you don’t do it already. Public Wi-fi is available. So it’s free!

Ciutadella Park Barcelona wi-fi

More information:

Parc de Ciutadella

Passeig de Picasso, 21, 08003 Barcelona

How to get there: TMB Public Transportation Website

Have you ever been to Ciutadella Park? What did you do here? Can you suggest anything else?

By Justine Ancheta

California native, churro aficionado, and mom of 3, Justine Ancheta writes fervently about Barcelona and Spain. Since 2008, she's been eating burnt onions (calçots) and tripping on cobblestones in the Gothic Quarter. She shares tips on popular attractions, exposes offbeat non-touristy spots, and gives insight on exploring Barcelona with kids. Her next Catalan culture challenge: top level of a human castle (castellers).

2 comments

  1. Hello (Fellow California Girl) Justine,
    Luckily, I just found your page. I’m so glad that I did! I really appreciate your photos, descriptions and sense of humor. I will be in Barcelona in early August with my WHOLE FAMILY (1 husband, 2 adult daughters + 1 boyfriend) to celebrate my 59th birthday. Yipeeee! I just wanted to say THANK YOU for this page. Sooo informative.
    Have a wonderful weekend,
    Michele
    Hollywood, CA
    P.S. The 1 boyfriend is my daughter’s NOT mine. 🤣🤣🤣

    1. Helllooo Michele! Thank you for kind words from a fellow SoCal native! I also find it so comforting that your husband, adult daughters and boyfriend (NOT yours! LOL) are coming with you. It will be hot and humid, so be ready. Enjoy your trip, and I’m here if you have any questions 🙂 – Justine

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