Quiet corners
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Parc del Centre del Poblenou
This park is a green retreat within the sprawling streets of Poblenou. Stretching out alongside Avinguda Diagonal, it’s a convenient respite from the sun and traffic. The five hectares were thoughtfully designed by architect Jean Nouvel in an effort to breathe life back into the industrial area. Metallic sculptures interact gracefully with the indigenous plant life to create imaginative areas such as the 'Tunnel of Flowers' and the 'Crater of the World'. A rich bougainvillea hedge invokes a feeling of secrecy, inviting passersby to peek in and explore the maze-like layout of the park for themselves.
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Jardins de Rubió i Lluch
The Jardins de Rubió i Lluch is a leafy sanctuary just a few steps from La Rambla, the city’s busiest pedestrian street. The semi-secret grounds tucked away in the heart of the Raval are kept hidden by the Biblioteca Nacional de Catalunya’s unassuming walls. Large Gothic archways leading to the steps of the historic building—once the Hospital de la Santa Creu i de Sant Pau, where Gaudí died—provide much-needed shade on a summer afternoon. Meanwhile, sun seekers can bask in the light of the lovely patio where locals pass the hours playing on a giant chessboard. Off to one side of the gardens, El Jardí offers refreshing cocktails and tasty dishes in a pocket of lush Mediterranean vegetation. The open-air bar hosts live music performances on certain nights, making it an ideal space to forget about everyday stress and fall under the city’s charm.
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Olokuti
Peace and quiet can be found within yourself as well. The idea behind Olokuti, which sells organic home products, is to help customers maintain a sustainable lifestyle without sacrificing comfort and fun, primarily by making informed decisions. Living in Barcelona can present a challenge if you’re searching for a way to enjoy the city without contributing to the noise, pollution and mass consumption. However, here you can relax with a clean conscience in the shop’s garden fit for contemplation.
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Pati Amagat Gòtic
This is the kind of place you might find yourself in after taking a wrong turn through the winding streets of the Gothic Quarter. Turn the corner where Carrer d’en Groc and Correu Vell meet, and you’ll come across Pati Amagat Gòtic, a hushed space as intimate as someone's private patio. Enclosed by high brick walls and simply decorated with terracotta pots overflowing with giant aloe vera, a handful of umbrellas shade tables and chairs, giving lucky wanderers a special feeling of solitude within the city.
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Santa Eulalia
As you window shop the elegant displays of haute couture from the family-run fashion house Santa Eulalia, you'd never guess that they conceal a luxurious bistro inside. With an award-winning store design, Santa Eulalia Bistro and Champagne Bar maintains the brand’s high standard of elegance. Take a break from shopping and treat yourself to a glass of champagne with chocolates, a cup of tea and macarons or recharge your batteries with a light lunch on the sleek interior terrace.