5 places to picnic

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As the days get shorter and the daily grind drags on, we start counting down the days until our next vacation. It’s easy to forget that there are little urban escapes right around the corner. Here's our list of five peaceful places to picnic in Barcelona to help you keep that summertime bliss alive.

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  • 1
    PalacioPedralbes1.jpg

    Av. Diagonal 686, 08034 Barcelona

    Lush, well-maintained gardens surround the Palau Reial—the royal family’s Barcelona residence during the early 20th century. The gardens boast multiple expansive lawns and impressive courtyards with fountains surrounded by bamboo, cypress and pine trees. Just behind the park, on the corner of Avinguda de Pedralbes, sits Finca Güell, one of Gaudí’s lesser-known but equally spectacular developments, open to the public every day from 10am-4pm. Open every day from 10am-dusk.

  • 2
    ParcCervantes1.jpg

    Carrer Fernando Primo de Rivera 7, 08034 Barcelona

    This gorgeous rose garden extends to the foot of the Pedralbes hills and provides quiet respite from the busy Avinguda Diagonal. Stone walkways take you between palm trees and below wooden arches adorned with twisting vines. There are 245 rose varieties and over 10,000 rose bushes on display throughout the park’s four hectares, and, while they are most spectacular in spring when in full bloom, you’ll find blossoms and greenery year round. Open every day from 10am-dusk.

  • 3
    l'oreneta.jpg

    Carrer de Montevideo 45, 08034 Barcelona

    Sprawling over 17 hilly hectares between Collserola and the city, pines, cedars and evergreen oaks tower over dirt paths that wind along the mountain in Parc de l’Oreneta. Families ride horses in the park and scoot along in the miniature steam train. In the upper area of the park, you’ll find the remnants of a castle built in 1910 that was destroyed in the Civil War. The centre of the park has been converted into a picnic area with dozens of tables and panoramic sea and city views. Open every day from 10am-dusk.

  • 4
    jardinsuniversitat.jpg

    Diputació 230, 08007 Barcelona

    Nestled in the heart of the Eixample, these gardens surround the university’s most iconic building. Ivy creeps up the metal and stone walls surrounding the garden, and ferns and thick grass cover the ground. Tall sycamores, oaks, pines, cypress and carob trees provide shade and infuse the air with rich fragrance. The historic building, dating back to 1871, has a beautiful interior courtyard with a still pond, a perfect place to take a break from the busy work day. Open weekdays from 8am-9pm; Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-dusk.

  • 5
    CintoVerdaguer1.jpg

    Miramar 30, Barcelona

    This park is a true gem of Montjuïc. The main entrance opens up onto a large floral emblem of the city’s coat of arms. Throughout the park, stone stairways guide you up the hill toward marvellous city and sea views. The stairway on the western edge is lined with fountains on either side—ascending square, stone ponds filled with water lilies and other aquatic plants. Tulip beds are scattered throughout, adding a splash of vibrant colour against a green backdrop of eucalyptus and cedar trees. Open every day from 10am-dusk.