Visiting the Parc de la Ciutadella in Barcelona: How to get there, prices and tips

The Citadel Park or Parc de la Ciutadella is one of Barcelona's most popular attractions. Its name comes from the great military citadel, which Philip V ordered to be built in 1715 and whose land was later donated by General Prim to the city, on condition that a green space was built there.

Where it is located and how to get there

• On foot from Plaça de Catalunya take Carrer de Fontanella, proceed for about 200 metres. Take Plaça d'Urquinaona and proceed for about 60 metres, then turn slightly right. Continue on Carrer de Trafalgar, after about 600 metres turn right towards Carrer Destillers and walk the whole way. After three hundred metres you will skirt the park. Distance: 1.6 km (about 18 minutes on foot). Get directions

• By bus: lines 39, 40, 41, 42, 51, 120, 141 and tourist bus

• By metro: the nearest metro stop is"Arc De Triomf" on the L1 red line (5 minutes from the park); or Barceloneta/Villa Olimpica on the L4 yellow line (13 minutes from the park)

Timetables and prices

• Hours: daily from 10am to 10.30pm

• Best time to avoid queues: there are no particular queues

• Ticket prices: Admission to the park is free. Ticket prices for access to the Zoo inside the park are as follows: €21.40 for Adults - €12.95 for children between 3 and 12 years old - €10.50 for over 65s - free for children under 3.

Tours, guided tours and online tickets

What to see and how to visit the Ciutadella Park

Photos by amaianos. Visiting the Parque de la Ciutadella means admiring a historical and cultural heritage in total relaxation. In fact, within its gardens, there are a series of attractions that can be reached thanks to the numerous maps present, which make the journey easier thanks to the classic "you are here" sign. Among the must-see attractions are:

1. The Monumental Waterfall: designed and planned by Josep Fontseré, who entrusted a young Gaudi with the realisation of some decorative details. The main motif of the sculpture is the Nacimiento de Venus by the Catalan sculptor Venanci Vallmitjana. Every day, in front of the waterfall, it is also possible to admire the 'Bollaio del Parco', who with his giant soap bubbles drives young and old crazy.

2. The Castle of the Three Dragons: a modernist building designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner who was commissioned to build a cafeteria and restaurant, which could accommodate the big merchants and visitors, during the Universal Exhibition in Barcelona. The building is currently closed to the public.

3. The Umbraculo: a huge shed of brick, iron and wooden slabs, housing a greenhouse of subtropical plants

4. Homenatge a Picasso by Antoni Tàpies: a work of art that Tàpies created to pay homage to Picasso, located outside the gates of the park, on Passeig de Picasso: it is a large glass cube, containing old furniture that has been smashed to pieces, steel beams and water, running down the walls.

5. Parliament of Catalunya: former arsenal of the Citadel. Closed during the period of Francoism, it was returned to its parliamentary functions in 1980. Designed by engineer Florido Prosper of Verboom. The entire Parliament building is surrounded by 28 busts representing sculptors. On the Parliament wall facing the Zoo is a marble medallion dedicated to the memory of the Nicaraguan poet Ruben Dar. On the other hand, a dedication to the Catalans who died for freedom can be found at the entrance to the Parliament that leads to the library (right-hand side entrance) while, on the wall, you can see the stele dedicated to Josep Maria Subirachs.

6. The Pond: is located in front of the Parliament, and has at its centre the sculpture of Desconsol, a symbol of Catalan Modernism. The pond is navigable by small boats, which allow you to observe the particular plants that surround it from a different point of view. In fact, it is surrounded by the 'cypress trees of the marshes', which can reach gigantic dimensions and grow exclusively inside the water. Following the road from the lake to the waterfall, all duly signposted, one comes across the giant stone reconstruction of a mammoth, placed there on the initiative of the scientist Norbert Font

7. The Lady with the Umbrella: or Dama del Paraguas is a small sculpture located in the small enclosed square of the zoo, and is a representative image of the city, the work of Joan Roig i Suolai (1884).

8. The Zoo: It opened its doors in 1892, following the donation of a private collection of animals, placed inside the Park: from then on it has never stopped growing. At present, the facility is home to animals of all kinds, including bison, kangaroos, zebras, elephants, bears, panthers, lions, lynxes, hippos, giraffes, vultures and ostriches, as well as the Aquarama section, where you can admire dolphins. More information about opening hours, prices and shows can be found on the official Barcelona Zoo website.

9. There is no shortage of events, both evening and otherwise, in the Parc de la Ciutadella, considered the city's main meeting point. The calendar is definitely full and, since it is an open-air venue, subject to change. Therefore, before visiting the park, it is a good idea to consult the official website where you can find information about it.

Useful tips for visiting the attraction

1. When to go: the park is multifaceted, adapting well to all times of the day, and especially to the needs of those who visit. If you are looking for relaxation after visiting the city, but do not want to waste 'precious time', a walk through the park could be the right choice. The same goes for special events.

2. Buy the city card: the Barcelona Pass includes a 20% discount on the zoo entrance fee.

3. Minimum visit time: this varies according to everyone's needs. The advice is to carve out as much time as possible, especially in good weather.

If you're planning to visit the park, make sure to take a look at the Monumental Waterfall, the Castle of the Three Dragons, the Umbraculo, Homenatge a Picasso by Antoni Tàpies, the Parliament of Catalunya, and the Pond, all of which are must-see attractions in the park. Additionally, if you're looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay near the park, consider the Bonavista Apartments Virreina. Located just a few minutes away from the park, these apartments offer modern and stylish accommodation with all the necessary amenities. Whether you're travelling with family or friends, the Bonavista Apartments Virreina is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day of exploring the park.

History, facts and practical information: what to know in brief

For years, the Citadel Park was the only park in Barcelona. It is located in the Old Town district, in the triangle between the Estació de França, the Arc de Triomphe and the Villa Olímpica, and was built in the image of the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris. It has ten entrances, the equivalent of ten walks, and covers an area of 17.42 hectares. Unfortunately, the park is also popular with muggers: always keep an eye out for bags, backpacks and other valuables.