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27 Hidden Gems in Barcelona, According to a Local

Monasterio de Pedralbes, one of the most unique hidden gems in Barcelona

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If you are looking for some beautiful, hidden gems in Barcelona, I’ve got you covered with some unique spots.

The Ciudad Condal – one of the ways locals call it – is a charming, cosmopolitan and sunny city tourists and expats love.

Whether you’re here for a short trip or you just relocated, you might want to explore not only places like the Parc Guell and La Sagrada Familia, but also some beautiful places few people know about.

So, I’ve created a list of beautiful spots off the beaten path where you can relax and take pictures, without the overwhelming feeling of being in the middle of a large crowd.

The Best Hidden Gems in Barcelona, According to a Local

1. Parc Central de Nou Barris

Parc de Nou Barris, a Barcelona Hidden Gem
Parc de Nou Barris – Photo by Sira Mas

What I love about the Parc de Nou Barris is its autenticity.

In particular, this is a place where locals tend to hang out and where you usually don’t find tourists.

Also, it’s one of the biggest green areas in the city where you can unplug and recharge.

Another aspect I love about this hidden gem is that the park is surrounded by small cafés where you can chill while drinking coffee or while enjoying some tapas with your friends.

This park is located in the Nou Barris district, a nice residential area in Barcelona, and it’s well connected to the rest of the city.

You can easily get there with the metro L4 (yellow line). The stop is Llucmajor, which is located just 2 minutes away from the main entrance of the park.

You can also get here with the L5 (blue line). The metro stop is Virrei Amat, but you’ll have to walk 10 to 15 minutes to get to the parc.

If you prefer the bus, the lines that will get you here are the following:

  • D40 (good connection with Gracia, Sants and Plaza España)
  • D50 (good connection with La Sagrada Familia)
  • V29 (good connection with Diagonal Mar)
  • H2
  • H4
Entrance: Free
Neighborhood: Nou Barris
Bus: D40, V29, H2, H4, 47
Metro: L4, Stop: Llucmajor; L5, Stop: Virrei Amat
Opening Times: 24/7
Address: Plaça Major de Nou Barris, 1, 08042 Barcelona

2. Parc del Turó de la Peira

Photo of Parc del Turo de la Peira, another hidden gem in Barcelona
Parc del Turo de la Peira – Photo by Sira Mas, June 2023

This park is a bit smaller than the Parc de Nou Barris, but what I love about it is that it’s very quiet.

And it’s one of the best alternative places to see in Barcelona.

It’s the perfect spot to take a long walk and relax. You can even come here to meditate.

It’s also the place where locals walk their dog or come for a pic nic with their families on weekends.

Through out the park you will find many picnic benches and also ping-pong tables.

The park also has a beautiful mirador (which means viewpoint), where you can enjoy some of the best views of Barcelona.

Mirador Parc del Turo de la Peira Viewpoint
Viewpoint of Park del Turo de la Peira – I took this photo in June 2023

It’s pretty easy to get here with the metro L5 (blue line), which connects the park with places like:

  • La Sagrada Familia,
  • Passeig de Gracia (metro stop Diagonal)
  • Sants Railway Station.
Entrance: Free
Neighborhood: Nou Barris
Bus: H2
Metro: L5, Stop: Vilapicina
Opening Times: 10 am – Until dark
Address: Passeig Fabra i Puig, 396-408, Barcelona: 08031

3. Parc de la Creueta del Coll

Parc de la Creueta del Coll, Barcelona
Photo taken by me in June 2023

I recently discovered this place and I love it. It’s not touristy and it’s a great spot in Barcelona to escape the heat in the summer.

The best period to visit this park is June, as it’s not as full as the rest of the summer. Also, keep in mind that during this month the weather is similar to Lisbon in June – around 26°C – 28°C.

It’s pretty easy to get to this park by bus. You can either take the 22 from plaça Catalunya or the V19 from the Barceloneta neighborhood.

Another thing I love about this spot is the entrance to the pool is very cheap: just €2.49. You can also purchase a pack of 10 entrances for just €18.71.

Keep in mind that the pool is open only in the summer from mid June to the beginning of September.

Entrance to the park: Free
Entrance to the pool: €2.49
Neighborhood: El Coll
Bus: V19, 22
Address: Passeig de la Mare de Déu del Coll, 77, 08023 Barcelona

4. Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau

Photo by Sira Mas

The Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau is an amazing modernist complex located near the Sagrada Familia.

It was designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner as a garden city for nursing the sick, as explained on Barcelona Turisme. The complex was built between 1905 and 1930.

The entrance costs €16. If you’re a resident the price is €11.20. The complex often hosts events in the summer like Candlelight Open Air concerts.

General Entrance: €16
Entrance for Residents: €11.20
Opening Times: Monday to Sunday: 10 am – 6.30 pm (Apr-Oct) 10 am – 5 pm h (Nov-Mar)
Neighborhood: Sagrada Familia
Bus: V23, H8, D50, 92, 117, 192
Metro: L5: Sant Pau Dos de Maig; L4: Hospital Sant Pau
Address: C/ de St. Antoni Maria Claret, 167, 08025 Barcelona

5. Parc del Laberint d’ Horta

Horta Labyrinth - laberinto de Horta, shot taken on June 27, 2023 at 10 am
Photo by Sira Mas – June 2023

The Horta Labyrinth is one of the most charming hidden gems you can find in Barcelona. And it’s a great place to take a nice walk, unplugand recharge.

The park is becoming a pretty popular attraction and it’s not so hidden anymore. But I really wanted to include it in this list because it’s one of my favorite places in the city.

And it’s definitely worth a visit.

I recommend to visit the park during the week at 10 am – when it opens. You’ll probably be one of the few people in the park – or maybe the only person.

The entrance is very cheap: just €2.23 per person, €1.42 for kids under 14. Also, it’s free on Wednesday and Sunday.

Entrance: €2.23 – Free on Wednesday and Sunday
Neighborhood: Horta
Bus: V23, 27, H4, 76, M19, 60
Metro: L3, Stop: Mundet
Opening Times: 10 am – Until dark
Address: Passeig dels Castanyers, 1, 08035 Barcelona

6. The Horta Neighborhood

Barri d'Horta at night
I took this photo in April 2023

Horta is one of the most authentic neighborhoods in Barcelona – and in my opinion is underrated.

It’s a great area to live, and if you’re just in Barcelona for a visit, it’s the perfect place to take a walk and hangout with friends and.

There are many bars and cafés where you can just sit and enjoy a drink or some tapas.

You can get there with the metro L5, and the buses V25, V23, H2, V21, 86, 87, and 19.

How to get to Horta by bus: V25, V23, H2, V21, 86, 87, 19.
How to get to Horta with the metro: L5, Station: Horta

7. El Parc del Turó del Putxet

Photo by Sira Mas

Here’s another park few people know about.

The Parc del Turó del Putxet is a quiet place where locals take their dogs for a walk and it’s usually not crowded.

There’s even an area for those who love playing pétanque.

So, if you’re looking for a place to take a walk, relax, meditate and enjoy some beautiful views of the city, this spot is definitely a great choice.

Entrance: Free
Neighborhood: Vallcarca
Bus: V19, 22
Metro: L3, Stop: Vallcarca
Opening Times: 10 am – Until dark
Address: Carrer de Manacor, 9, 08023 Barcelona

8. El Parc del Turó (Sarriá)

Parc del turó, oval-shaped pond with water lilies
Photo I took in June 2023

El Parc del Turó is one of the most authentic and elegant hidden gems in Barcelona.

It’s located in the Sarrià district, and it’s very close to Plaça de Francesc Macià.

The park was initially built in 1912. However, the actual structure of the park was designed by the arquitect Nicolau Maria Rubió i Tudurí in the 30s.

The most beautiful spot in this park is the oval-shaped pond with water lilies that you can see in the photo above.

Entrance: Free
Neighborhood: Sarrià – Sant Gervasi
Bus: D40, 7, 33, 34, 6, H8, V13
Opening Times: 10 am – 7 pm
Address: Avenida Pau Casals, 19, 08021 Barcelona

9. El Palau Reial de Pedralbes

Parc de pedralbes and palau reial de pedralbes entrance
Photo taken in June 2023

The Palau Reial de Pedralbes, located in the Les Corts district in Barcelona, stands in the center of a spacious garden – Jardins del Palau de Pedralbes.

This is one of my favorite hidden spots in Barcelona.

In Spanish, it’s known as the Palacio Real de Pedralbes.

It’s not so close to the city center but it’s pretty well connected. You can get there by bus (7, 67, 33, H6, H4, 113) or with the metro L3 – green line, metro stop: Palau Reial.

Entrance to the park: Free
Neighborhood: Les Corts
Bus: 7, 113, H4, H6, 33, 67
Metro: L3; Stop: Palau Reial
Opening Times: 10 am – 7 pm (Nov – Mar); 10 am – 8 pm (Apr- Oct)
Address: Avenida Diagonal, 686, 08028 Barcelona

10. Monestir de Pedralbes

Monasterio de Pedralbes, one of the most unique hidden gems in Barcelona
Photo I took in June 2023

This is probably one of the most beautiful hidden gems to see in Barcelona.

The Monastery of Pedralbes was founded by King Jaime II for his wife Elisenda de Montcada in 1326.

In 1931, it was declared a national historic and artistic monument. Today it’s one of the most interesting museums in Barcelona.

You can easily get there with the buses 63 from Plaça Universitat and V5 from Plaça de Sants.

The entry is free on the first Sunday of each month. Otherwise it costs €5. Keep in mind the museum is closed on Mondays.

All the information below is updated as of June 2023. Opening hours and prices according to the official website.

October – March Opening Hours:

  • Tue – Fri: 10 am – 2 pm
  • Sat: 10 am – 5 pm
  • Sun: 10 am – 5 pm
  • Bank Holidays: 10 am – 2 pm

April – September Opening Hours:

  • Tue – Fri: 10 am – 5 pm
  • Sat: 10 am – 7 pm
  • Sun: 10 am – 8 pm
  • Bank Holidays: 10 am – 2 pm
Entrance: €5 – Free on 1st Sunday of each month – Free for people under 30 and for over 65
Neighborhood: Pedralbes
Bus: 63, V5, 113
Address: Baixada del Monestir 9, 08034, Barcelona

11. Editorial Planeta Building

editorial planeta building
Planeta Building

This is one of my favorite buildings in Barcelona. It’s nice to look at and I think it’s a unique instagrammable spot here in Barcelona.

The facade of the building, covered by the plants, has become an iconic symbol of the Avenida Diagonal. There are no apartments in the building, only offices.

Neighborhood: Maria Cristina
Bus: 7, 6, 33, 34, 63, 67
Metro: L3, Stop: Maria Cristina
Address: Avenida Diagonal 662 – 664, 08034 Barcelona

12. Parc de Diagonal Mar

Photo of the Diagonal Mar Park in the afternoon
Photo by Sira Mas

The Diagonal Mar Park (in Catalan Parc de Diagonal Mar), is one of my favorite hidden gems in Barcelona.

It’s very close to the Nova Marbella beach and is located in the modern Diagonal Mar neighborhood.

The park opened in 2002.

It’s very easy to get there. The closest metro stop is Selva de Mar (L4 – yellow line). You can also get to the park with the following bus lines: V29, V31, B20, 7, 136, H16.

Neighborhood: Diagonal Mar i el Front Marítim del Poblenou
Bus: V29, V31, B20, 7, 136, H16
Metro: L4, Stop: Selva de Mar
Address: Carrer de Llull, 356 – 360
Opening times: 10 am – 7 pm (Nov – Mar); 10 am – 9 pm (Apr – Oct)
barcelona parque diagonal mar
Photo by author

13. Parc de Cervantes

Photo of the Parc de Cervantes
Parc de Cervantes – Photo y Sira Mas

The Cervantes Park is located in the Pedralbes neighborhood. It has large grass areas, wide paths and beautiful trees.

In the park, there is also a beautiful collection of roses. According to Barcelona Turisme, you’ll see more than two thousands species and varieties. 

Not to mention, this green space hosts the International Rose Contest featuring new species every year in May.

Another important element to mention, is the roses you’ll see by the columns of the gallery in the upper part of the park.

That gallery is the memory space “Catorze Roses” – Fourteen Roses – which was built in memory of the thirteen women executed in 1939 in Madrid under the Franco regime.

Also, the fourteenth rose is an anonymous rose which has been added to represent all the women who were imprisoned and executed after the Spanish Civil War (1936 – 1939).

“Anonymous Rose: To all women who were persecuted, tortured, and executed during the post-war period.”

You can explore the Cervantes Park by either entering from Avenida Diagonal, or walking down from the Ronda de Dalt.

Also, the park is very close to the Palau Reial de Pedralbes – another hidden gem in Barcelona that we mentioned before.

Entrance: Free
Opening Hours: 10 am – 7 pm (Nov – Mar); 10 am – 9 pm (Apr – Oct)
Neighborhood: Pedralbes
Bus: H2, 7, 67, 33, 113, H6, V1
Metro: L3, L9S – Stop: Zona Universitaria
Address: Avenida Diagonal 716, 08034 Barcelona

14. Jardins de Portolá

Jardins de Portolá – Photo by Sira Mas

The Portolà Gardens are a small, charming green space in the Sant Gervasi district, which is very close to the Parc del Turó del Putxet.

It’s a quiet, hidden spot in Barcelona where you can relax, read a book or take some photos.

It opens at 10 am and it closes at 7 pm in the winter and at 9 pm in the summer.

Entrance: Free
Opening Hours: 10 am – 7 pm (Nov – Mar); 10 am – 9 pm (Apr – Oct)
Neighborhood: Sant Gervasi
Bus: 22, V19
Metro: L3 – Stop: Vallcarca
Address: Carrer de Portolà, 6, 08023 Barcelona

15. Mirador de Horta

Mirador d'Horta, Barcelona off the beaten path
Mirador d’ Horta – Photo by Sira Mas

If you’re like me, you probably like to travel off the beaten path and avoid hordes of tourists.

The Mirador de Horta is a one of the best viewpoints in Barcelona where you can enjoy the view of the city and relax.

To get here you’ll have to walk a bit, but it’s definitely worth the effort. You can get here with the bus V25 (take it until the last stop “Horta” and follow the path shown on Google Maps.

Another option to get here is with the bus 102.

Opening Hours: 24/7
Neighborhood: Horta
Bus: 102, V25
Address: Ctra. Horta a Cerdanyola, km 10, 5, 08035 Barcelona

16. Portal Miralles

portal miralles gaudi barcelona off the beaten path
Portal Miralles – Photo by Sira Mas

The Portal Miralles is definitely one of my favorite hidden gems in Barcelona.

It’s one of the least-known works of Antoni Gaudi and it’s located in the Sarrià district.

As explained on the blog The History of Art, this architecture masterpiece was commissioned by the designer Ermenegild Miralles in 1901 to Gaudì.

It was meant to become the entrance to the wealthy designer’s property – which today doesn’t exist. Instead, beyond the gateaway you will find a small pedestrian street.

If you decide to visit this unique place, remember that there is a nice cafe right behind Gaudì’s gateaway, on the left.

Also, they have a nice garden where you can enjoy a coffee or a fresh drink under the trees.

Opening Hours: 24/7
Neighborhood: Sant Gervasi
Bus: 67, 63, 7, 6, H6, 34
Metro: L3 – Stop: Maria Cristina; L6 – Stop: Les Tres Torres
Address: Passeig de Manuel Girona, 55, 08034, Barcelona

17. Castell de Torre Baró

Torre Barò
The Torre Baró Castle – Photo by Sira Mas

Here’s another hidden gem you will probably love.

The Torre Baró Castle is one of the best and most quiet viewpoints in Barcelona and it also has an enigmatic story.

The Baró de Pinos mansion, which was destroyed during the War of Succession in 1714, is the origin of the actual name of the Castle.

The actual structure dates back to 1905, and information about its origin are still subject to much debate. The city has stated that it was initially part of a construction project that was left unfinished.

The castle was eventually recognized as a historical site in 1989.

They organize guided tours inside, but you have to book in advance. If you’re interested in booking a tour you can either send an email to [email protected] or call the number +34 664 044 079.

Opening Hours (Viewpoint): 24/7
Opening Hours (Castle): You need to book in advance
District: Nou Barris
Bus: 182, 27
Metro: L3 – Stop: Roquetes
Address: Ctra Alta de les Roquetes, 309

18. Casa Amatller

Casa Amatller, Passeig de Gracia, Barcelona
Photo by Sira Mas

This beautiful and unique building is located in Passeig de Gracia, right next to the famous Casa Batllò, and it’s one of the most important examples of the Catalan Modernism.

And if you’re wondering who is behind the creation of this masterpiece, Josep Puig i Cadafalch was the renowned Catalan architect who designed Casa Amatller. I consider this a hidden gem because tourists tend to pay much more attention to attractions La Pedrera and Casa Batllò, and hardly notice this building.

The building, which was originally built in 1875, was redesigned at the end of the XIX century to become the residence of Antoni Amatller, a wealthy chocolatier and archaeological enthusiast. Today it hosts the Casa Amatller Museum and the Institut of Hispanic Art.

The place is very well connected with the rest of the city and it’s easy to reach both walking or by public transport.

If you want to visit the buidling you can choose between the guided tour or the self-guided visit. The guided tour is offered in English, Spanish and Catalan. The audio guide is available in English, French, Spanish and Catalan.

Opening Hours: Mon – Sun; 10 am – 8 pm
Opening Days of the Museum: Wed – Sun
Guided Visit Fee: 20€; 12€ for people under 30 years old; 17€ for over 65, residents and people with disabilities
Visit With Audio Guide Fee: 17€; 10€ for people under 30 years old; 15€ for over 65, residents and people with disabilities
Neighborhood: Eixample
Bus: 22, 24, 7, H10, 33, 34
Metro: L3, L5 – Stop: Diagonal
Address: Pg. de Gràcia, 41, 08007 Barcelona
Style: Catalan Modernism

19. Carrer de Verdi (Verdi Street)

Photo: Fred Romero, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Carrer de Verdi is a charming street located in the heart of the Gracia neighborhood. I love it because it’s a typical Catalan street.

I decided to include Carrer de Verdi in this list because it’s an authentic Catalan spot where you can walk, take a coffee, and, in case you’re hungry, choose between many different foods.

In the street you will find different types of restaurants and cafes. For example, my favorite places are:

  • La Trini,
  • Wok Verdi,
  • Askadinya,
  • Crepes Barcelona
  • La Bicicleta
  • Kibuka
Neighborhood: Gràcia
Bus: 22, 24, V17, 87, D40, H6
Metro: L3 – Stop: Fontana; L4 – Stop: Joanic
Address: Carrer de Verdi, 08012 Barcelona

20. Casa Vicens

Casa Vicens entrance
Photo by Sira Mas

Casa Vicens was the first signficant project of Antoni Gaudí. It’s less known than his other masterpieces like the Parc Guell, Casa Batllò and La Pedrera, but it’s definitely worth a visit.

It’s a modernist building in the Gràcia neighboorhood – not too far from Carrer de Verdi, approximately 5 minutes walking from there.

Gaudí designed the first Casa Vicens plan between 1878 and 1880; however, it was built between 1883 and 1885.

This building belongs to the orientalist style, similar to Neo-Mudéjar architecture, according to its official Wikipedia page.

In 1969, Casa Vicens was declared a Historic-Artistic Monument. In 1993, it was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest, and in 2005 a World Heritage Site.

Opening Hours: – November – March: Monday 10 am to 3 pm; Tuesday to Sunday 10 am to 7 pm;
– April – October: Every day – 10 am to 8 pm.
Entrance: – 18€;
– 16€ for adults over 65, students, and members of the Barcelona Library Network;
– Free entrance for kids under 11.
Neighborhood: Grácia
Bus: 22, 24, 27, V17, 87, D40
Metro: L3, Stop: Fontana
Address: Carrer de les Carolines, 20-26, 08012 Barcelona
Style: Catalan Modernism

21. El Mirador de Joan Sales (Joan Sales Viewpoint)

Joan Sales Viewpoint
Photo by Sira Mas

My mum discovered this beautiful spot, the Joan Sales viewpoint, last year when she came to visit me in Spain. And I fell in love with this place. So, while 90% of people go to the Bunkers of Carmel – probably the most popular viewpoint in Barcelona – I go to the Joan Sales viewpoint.

It’s much less crowded and the city views from there are stunning as well. And it’s much easier to get there.

This is why I consider it one of the best hidden gems in Barcelona.

Neighborhood: El Carmel
Bus: 22, 24, V19, 87, 86
Metro: L5 – Stop: El Coll i La Teixonera
Address: Carrer de Pau Ferran, 44, 08023 Barcelona

22. Parc del Guinardò

Parc del Guinardò - photo taken from a beautiful viewpoint with pine trees and views over the see and the Barcelona skyline
Photo by Sira Mas

The Guinardó park is one of my favorite secret spots in Barcelona. This green area is not so secret for locals, but it’s definitely a place most tourists don’t know about.

What I love about this park is that it’s not only very quiet, but it’s also the perfect place to go if you want to walk in nature and avoid crowds.

The park has several entrances. My favorite ones are two. The first one is in front of carrer Garriga i Roca 1-13. Another entrance is right in front of carrer Montserrat de Casanova 2.

If you walk to the top of the hill – there are many directions in green that you can easily follow – you can get to the Bunkers of Carmel, from which you can see the whole city.

Neighborhood: Guinardò
Bus: V23, D40
Metro: L4 – Stop: Guinardò – Hospital de Sant Pau
Address: Carrer de Garriga i Roca 1-13, 08041 Barcelona

23. Jardins del Doctor Pla i Armengol

Doctor Pla i Armengol gardens
Photo by Sira Mas

Here’s another beautiful hidden gem in the Ciudad Condal. The Doctor Pla i Armengol gardens are a nice place in the Guinardò neighborhood where locals take their kids, walk their dogs, relax, read a book or simply take a walk.

It’s not a huge park, but it’s a nice green area few tourists know about. Not to mention, it has a pretty interesting story.

In the XX century, the gardens were a private estate that housed the Ravetllat-Pla Institute, a tuberculosis research center. Also, the center was founded in 1919 by Doctor Ramon Pla i Armengol and veterinarian Joaquim Ravetllat i Estech.

Adolf Florensa, a well-known architect, designed the house and the gardens in 1930. The gardens were opened to the public in 2019.

Entrance: Free
Opening hours: 10 am – Until dark
Neighborhood: Guinardò
Bus: V23, D40
Metro: L4 – Stop: Guinardò – Hospital de Sant Pau
Address: Carrer Mare de Deu de Montserrat – Carrer Cartagena, 08041 Barcelona

24. Jardins Mossen Costa i Llobrera

Jardins Mossen Costa i Llobrera, Montjuic
Jorge Franganillo, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Jardins Mossen Costa i Llobrera in Barcelona are another beautiful spot I love and always recommend to tourists and expats. This green area takes its name from the poet Miquel Costa i Llobera.

These gardens are a true botanical paradise, as they host a beautiful collection of plants, including cacti, succulents, and a diverse range of Mediterranean species. From the park you can also enjoy the views of the city, the port and the Montjuïc hill.

The easiest way to get here is walking from the metro station Parallel. It takes between 15 and 20 minutes. Also, the entrance to the park is free.

Entrance: Free
Opening hours: 10 am – Until dark
Neighborhood: Montjuïc
Bus: D20, H14
Metro: L3, L2 – Stop: Parallel
Address: Ctra Miramar, 38, 08038, Barcelona

25. Jardins de la Tamarita

Jardins de la Tamarita
Photo by Sira Mas

The Jardins de la Tamarita are a small, charming park located in the Sant Gervasi neighborhood, close to the Avenida Tibidabo train station.

This park was designed by architect Nicolau Maria Rubió i Tudurí in 1918. Before then, the gardens were part of a private estate that belonged to the Craywinckel family, an aristocratic Belgian family that settled in Barcelona in the 18th century.

The first owner of the estate was Manuel de Craywinckel. Upon his death in 1772, his son Manuel Felipe inerited the estate. At the beginning of the 20th century, the cotton industrialist Llorenç Mata acquired the property.

In the park there are two zones: the gardens of the house and a hollow that has become a children’s play area. The most remarkable part of this park is the one Rubió created as a recreational garden, which combines various areas with flowerbeds, hedges, fountains, and statues.

Jardins de la Tamarita, a hidden gem in Barcelona
Photo by Sira Mas
Entrance: Free
Opening hours: 10 am – Until dark
Neighborhood: Sant Gervasi
Bus: V19, V17, V13, H4
Train: L7 – Stop: Avenida Tibidabo
Address: Pg. de Sta. Gervasi, 47, 08022 Barcelona

26. Torre Bellesguard

Torre Bellesguard

The Torre Bellesguard, also known as Casa Figueres, is one of my favorite masterpieces of Gaudí. And it’s without any doubt, one of the best places to visit in Barcelona.

It was built between 1900 and 1909, although various secondary adjustments continued until 1916. In 1900 Jaume Figueres and his wife, María Sagues Molíns, were the ones who hired Gaudí to build Casa Figueres. You can find this architectural masterpiece at the base of the Collserola mountains in Barcelona.

Something that surprised me when I visited this place was to learn that the before this house, the Bellesguard area hosted a medieval castle. The castle was the residence of Martin I, king of Aragon.

Inside the House
Torre Bellesguard Terrace
View of Barcelona from the Torre Bellesguard’s terrace

I recommend to visit the Torre Bellesguard in the morning since there are less people and it’s easier to take photos. Also, if you can, visit it on a sunny day, since you can enjoy the views of the entire city from the top terrace. In fact, I consider this one of the best viewpoints in Barcelona.

Insider tip: Once you’re on the terrace, stand in one of the corners and look at the building. You’ll be able to see the face of a dragon. The green windows are the eyes and the rest of the architecture will probably remind you of a dragon – at least, that was Gaudì’s intention. You can do that in every corner.

Dragon's face, Gaudì Torre Bellesguard
Dragon’s Face – Torre Bellesguard Terrace

Tip: You can easily get here from the bus stop La Rambla – Plaza Catalunya with the bus V13. Then you’ll have to get off the bus at Plaça de la Bonanova and walk 10 minutes.

Entrance: €9
Opening hours: 10 am – 3 pm | From Tuesday to Sunday
Neighborhood: Sarrià
Bus: V13, H2, 123
Train: L7 – Stop: Avenida Tibidabo
Address: Carrer de Bellesguard 20, 08022 Barcelona

27. Casa Pàdua

Photo by Sira Mas

Casa Pàdua is a beautiful modernist building I discovered recently. It’s very close to the Gracia neighborhood, close to the Lesseps metro station, and not too far from Parc Guell.

This unique modernist gem was designed and built by the Catalan architect Jeroni Granell i Manresa in 1903. The building was restructured in 1989. Thanks to this restructuring project, in 1992, Casa Pàdua won the national rehabilitation prize Rehabitec.

National Rehabitec Prize 1992
Photo by Sira Mas

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to enter the building since it’s privately owned. However, you can take pictures from the outside. In my opinion, this is one of the most instagrammable places in Barcelona, also thanks to its colors.

Tip: To take pictures, stand on the other side of the street and make sure to avoid rush hour traffic. The street is narrow and it can be challenging to take pictures with the traffic. I recommend going there early in the morning during weekends – if you can. A good time during the week is between 1 pm and 3 pm.

Neighborhood: El Putxet i El Farró
Bus: H6, 24, 22, 27, 87, D40, V17
Metro: L3 – Stop: Lesseps
Address: Carrer de Pàdua 75, 08006 Barcelona

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2 Comments

  1. Si deseas rejuvenecer y deshacerte de las canas de forma natural, ahora hay descuentos de hasta el 56% en *Sereni Capelli*. https://serenicapelli.com
    Esta es tu oportunidad de eliminar las canas, la caspa y el exceso de sebo a un precio muy bajo.
    Estos tratamientos también detienen la caída del cabello y lo regeneran.

    He investigado y he visto que millones de europeos usan estos productos.
    Creo que también te vendrían muy bien.

  2. Si deseas rejuvenecer y deshacerte de las canas de forma natural, ahora hay descuentos de hasta el 56% en *Sereni Capelli*. https://serenicapelli.com
    Esta es tu oportunidad de eliminar las canas, la caspa y el exceso de sebo a un precio muy bajo.
    Estos tratamientos también detienen la caída del cabello y lo regeneran.

    He investigado y he visto que millones de europeos usan estos productos.
    Creo que también te vendrían muy bien.