The Top Picnic Spots in Barcelona


 

A picnic? In Barcelona? Don’t mind if I do.

As an avid outdoors(wo)man, I’ve spent enough time exploring this charming city to know exactly where to take a pre-packed lunch for a meal under the Spanish sky.

There really are not many regulations when it comes to picnicking in Barcelona; just pick up after yourself and try not to throw any foods that are lethal to dogs on the ground. These include grapes, onions and chocolate. Shall we?

Ciutadella Park in Barcelona

Right in the heart of Barcelona’s Old Town is the very luscious and green Ciutadella Park.

Despite being a major tourist attraction, you’ll still find many locals frequenting this spot, hanging out in groups and even coordinating craft & sporting activities.

The park itself is exquisite; in your research of Barcelona you’ve likely come across images of the main water feature a number of times.

Ciutadella Park in Barcelona – by Isiwal – Wikimedia Commons

Picnicking is permitted anywhere inside of the grounds, and on weekends this is popular past time. There is also a giant lake in the park where one can rent a boat for €6 per hours; suitable for small children, couples and families.

Food vendors are usually seen roaming the pathways, but they also like to hike their prices knowing desperate tourists have no choice; I recommend brining everything along with you from the outside.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 10am to 10:30pm
ADDRESS: Passeig de Picasso, 21, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
METRO STATION: Arc de Triomf

Turó de la Rovira in Barcelona

This next picnic spot is sometimes referred to as the Bunkers of Carmel. It’s the most unique picnic spot you’ll find in the city, and is usually completely free of tourists or other human beings in general.

The Turó de la Rovira is a hilltop in Carmel, north of Gracia. It boasts panoramic views over the entire city, right through to the ocean. Getting up here requires a bit of a hike, so I don’t suggest brining along children or the elderly.

Turó de la Rovira in Barcelona – by Jorge Franganillo – Wikimedia Commons

Once at the top you can settle in, feast and take in the breathtaking scenery of Barcelona as you’ve never seen it before.

Note: There is nothing available up here at all. All food and beverages must be brought from below. This spot by night is also magical!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: 24 Hours
ADDRESS: Carrer de Marià Labèrnia, s/n, 08032 Barcelona, Spain
METRO STATION: El Carmel

Sala Montjuic in Barcelona

Barcelona has no shortage of art house cinemas and they make for great entertainment on rainy days in the city. On the contrary, the Sala Montjuic makes for great entertainment, and a great picnic spot, on days when the sun is high.

This is Barcelona’s outdoor cinema. It’s a lengthy field ground with a giant inflatable movie screen at the forefront. In the summer, the Sala Montjuic puts on regular screenings of all kinds of movies, both art nouveau, classics and new releases.

Sala Montjuic – by Sala Montjuic – Uploaded by them

You only have to purchase a €6.50 ticket to enter, and can bring along whatever makes you comfortable once inside. Lovers, families and friends picnic out here in the droves hours before the actual films start. It’s a very festive place to be in Barcelona’s warmer months.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Seasonal
ADDRESS: Ctra. de Montjuïc, 52, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
METRO STATION: Poble Sec

Barceloneta Beach in Barcelona

It’s time we cut to the chase and talk about the only truly necessary picnic spot in Barcelona: the beach!

Why climb up hills and pay for cinema tickets when the beautiful beaches of Barceloneta are ready to welcome you any day, any time, any where.

Barcelona – by Seondol Son – Unsplash

Barcelona’s entire coast is mostly comprised of beach areas, with the main 4km stretch being that of Barceloneta; the manmade beaches that were constructed just twenty years ago. There are many things to do on the beach in Barcelona, and picnicking is high on the list.

Same rules apply when picnicking here: pick up your trash!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: 24 Hours
METRO STATION: Barceloneta

Serra de Collserola Natural Park in Barcelona

If you find Barcelona’s city parks and beaches a bit too public for your picnicking needs, then the Serra de Collserola Natural Park might be more up your alley.

This nature reserve is that expansive green space that takes up most of the land north of Gracia. There are many things to be explored here; many hikes to do, trails to run and plants to touch, and a picnic is well in order.

Serra de Collserola Natural Park in Barcelona – by Hishcheung – Wikimedia Commons

This natural park is made up of lush, green jungle with waterfalls and walking paths to keep you safe. It’s definitely a more intimate picnic experience as you are completely isolated from the city life.

For safety reasons, however, this park only opens for five and a half hours a day. You won’t be able to spend the entire day lazing about; a lunch picnic will have you packing up to leave by 2:45pm.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 9:30am to 3pm
ADDRESS: Ctra. de l’Església, 92, 08017 Barcelona, Spain
METRO STATION: Taxi Only

Park Güell in Barcelona

Of course we wouldn’t leave Gaudi off the picnic list.

The Park Güell is back in the city center, and despite being one of Barcelona’s most major tourist attractions, a peaceful picnic is still very possible here.

You’ll have to pay to enter Park Güell, but you can take whatever food and drink you need to inside. This is more of a romantic picnic spot, best suited to couples or small groups of friends who enjoy admiring this kind of architecture. For children, there isn’t much to do.

Park Güell in Barcelona – by Isiwal – Wikimedia Commons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 8am to 8:30pm
METRO STATION: Vallcarca

If you didn’t already know, Barcelona is one of Europe’s most historic and beautiful cities. There are free guided walking tours daily that will give you a closer look at everything significant that it has to offer, I do recommend looking into one!

Planning a trip to Paris ? Get ready !


These are Amazon’s best-selling travel products that you may need for coming to Paris.

Bookstore

  1. The best travel book : Rick Steves – Paris 2023 – Learn more here
  2. Fodor’s Paris 2024 – Learn more here

Travel Gear

  1. Venture Pal Lightweight Backpack – Learn more here
  2. Samsonite Winfield 2 28″ Luggage – Learn more here
  3. Swig Savvy’s Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle – Learn more here

Check Amazon’s best-seller list for the most popular travel accessories. We sometimes read this list just to find out what new travel products people are buying.