5 Places to Study Outdoors in Barcelona

Summer in Barcelona means endless trips to the beach, visits to nearby towns and long afternoons spent sipping cocktails on rooftop terraces. However, for the city’s students summer can also mean being stuck indoors with a pile of books. But this doesn’t have to be the case!

Barcelona is full of outdoor spaces perfect for studying. It’s been proven that changing your environment during study sessions can help to optimize learning and maintain motivation, so why not take advantage of the glorious weather and head to one of these outdoor study spots?

Parc de la  Ciutadella

One of Barcelona’s most popular parks, Parc de la Ciutadella, has everything you need for an afternoon of studying in the sunshine. With lots of green space to set up camp, plenty of trees offering shade from the heat, free WiFi and a café for when you need that afternoon caffeine fix.

Passeig de Picasso 21. Open 9am-sunset daily. Free admission.

The Mossèn Cinto Verdaguer Gardens, Montjuïc Park

The Mossèn Cinto Verdaguer gardens at Montjuïc offer a slice of tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle of the city. On clear days, enjoy panoramic views across the whole city and out to sea. Take the funicular up from Paral·lel station, bring a blanket, a few snacks and get to work. The gardens are dedicated to the memory of some of the most important poets in Catalan literature, so you’re sure to feel inspired.

Av Miramar 30. Open 24 hours. Free admission.

Jardins del Palau Robert

Built between 1898 and 1903, Palau Robert, which was once the home of Catalan aristocrat Robert Robert I Surís, has now become a popular exhibition space. It also boasts a tropical garden complete with palm trees and plenty of benches. Though located in the heart of the city, at the intersection of Passeig de Gràcia and Avinguda Diagonal, the gardens are surprisingly quiet. Pack your laptop, grab a spot under a tree and get to work. When you need a break, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby to enjoy a well-deserved treat.

Passeig de Gràcia 107. Open 10am-8pm, Monday-Saturday; 10am-2.30pm Sundays. Free admission.

Beaches

With almost five kilometers of golden sandy beaches, why not gather a group of friends and head to the coast for a study session? Afterwards, cool down with a dip in the sea or reward yourself with a drink in one of the many chiringuitos bars dotted along the beachfront.

Centre Cívic Can Deu

If you need a strong WiFi connection, easy access to coffee and snacks and a table to work from but you would also like to soak up the sunshine, this terrace ticks all the boxes. The courtyard of the iconic Centre Cívic Can Deu in the Les Corts district is a hidden gem and popular study spot among students. From looking at the stunning neo-Gothic facade, you’d have no idea that it’s home to such a large, student-friendly outdoor terrace.