Do you enjoy strolling among trees and plants, away from the hustle and bustle of the big city? Then this is the article you’ve been waiting for! At ShBarcelona, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to the best gardens in Barcelona. Enjoy!
Table of Contents
Gardens of Laberint d’Horta
Let’s start at the beginning: the Laberint d’Horta is the oldest preserved garden in Barcelona. Designed in 1791 by the nobleman Joan Antoni Desvalls in collaboration with Italian architect Domenico Bagutti, the park houses the Torre Soberana, a 14th-century country house that was restored and redecorated in an Arabesque style in the 19th century.
The garden, spanning a total of 9 hectares, is a labyrinth combining Neoclassical and Romantic styles, featuring cypress trees, sculptures, and reliefs depicting characters from Greco-Roman mythology, symbolizing different levels of love.
In fact, the garden’s design is inspired by the myth of Theseus, with the promise that whoever reaches the center will find love as a reward. Therefore, Laberint d’Horta is an ideal place for romantic outings, or, if you’re searching for love, perhaps reaching the heart of the labyrinth will lead you to that special someone you’ve always dreamed of.
Hurry if you want to visit the Laberint! Renovation works will begin in March this year to restore and revitalize this historic green space in the city. The park will remain closed to the public until February 2026.
Gardens of Palau de Pedralbes
From noble gardens to royal ones. The gardens of the Palau de Pedralbes are among the most stately in Barcelona, both for their location and because they once served as the official residence of the Spanish royal family.
In the 1920s, the Spanish monarchs used the royal palace within the park as their official residence when visiting Barcelona. Additionally, the space hosts a music festival packed with performances.
The park was created in 1921 when then-mayor of Barcelona, Joan Antoni Güell, a patron of Antoni Gaudí, donated a family estate with a palace that was later restored. The gardens were designed by Nicolau Maria Rubió i Tudurí, who also designed the famous Turó Park.
The gardens feature sculptures by local artists such as Eulàlia Fàbregas de Sentmenat, Enric Casanovas, and Joan Borrell i Nicolau. Highlights include the Hercules Fountain, from which water flows through a wrought iron dragon’s head, and a small greenhouse, both works by Gaudí. Another standout is the Kolonihaven, a piece by Enric Miralles and Benedetta Tagliabue.
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Gardens of the Julio Muñoz Foundation
These are some of the most spectacular gardens in Barcelona—not just for their design and history but also for their location on Carrer Muntaner, making them an oasis in the heart of the bustling city. A true gateway to silence and reflection in the Sarrià-Sant Gervasi district.
The original garden was commissioned by Ferran Fabra i Puig, the second Marquis of Alella and the estate’s first owner, to French landscape designer Jean-Claude-Nicolas Forestier (1861-1930), one of the most renowned landscape architects of the time. He designed the space with three terraces.
In the 1950s, Julio Muñoz Ramonet, the then-owner, hired Joan Mirambell i Ferran to renovate the garden, introducing significant structural changes and placing sculptures by Josep Dunyach i Sala, Josep Cañas i Cañas, and bronze pedestal sculptures by Josep Dunyach and Vicenç Navarro Romero (1888-1979).
Among the various plant species in the garden, you’ll find laurels, romantic white wisterias, Freeman maples, clivias, Aspidistras, African lilies (known as the “flower of love”), cocculus, avocado trees, acanthus, angel wings, magnolias, and Japanese cherry trees.
Gardens of L’Hivernacle – Parc de la Ciutadella
Among other official buildings, such as the Parliament of Catalonia, Parc de la Ciutadella is home to a unique structure: L’Hivernacle, an architectural gem that houses an impressive botanical collection.
Built 135 years ago by Josep Amargós i Samaranch, L’Hivernacle was part of the buildings constructed for the 1888 Universal Exhibition. Today, it is protected as a local cultural heritage site. After being closed to the public for 16 years, it underwent a complete restoration and reopened in 2023.
L’Hivernacle is a modernist-style greenhouse divided into three sections: the Central Nave, the Magnolia Nave, and the Picasso Nave. It is one of the most notable examples of iron architecture developed in Barcelona in the late 19th century and is known for its intricate decorations.
The greenhouse is home to over 100 plant species of significant botanical and agricultural interest. It serves as a space for the care and public exhibition of plant collections, hosting a variety of educational activities aimed at connecting people with nature and botanical knowledge.
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Montjuïc Gardens
Last but not least, we have perhaps the most remarkable collection of gardens in Barcelona: Montjuïc. With its breathtaking views of the city, this area is a perfect spot for a scenic stroll.
Due to the 1929 International Exhibition, Montjuïc underwent a major transformation, with the construction of iconic buildings such as the German Pavilion by Mies Van der Rohe, the Olympic Stadium by Pere Domènech i Roura, and Palacete Albéniz by Juan Moya.
Before these structures were built, the gardens were designed by Jean-Claude-Nicolas Forestier (1861-1930). Behind the MNAC (National Art Museum of Catalonia), you’ll find the Historic Botanical Garden of Barcelona and its counterpart, the Barcelona Botanical Garden, home to plant collections from all over the world.
For families, the Joan Brossa Gardens offer play areas and sculptures, while the Mossèn Cinto Verdaguer Gardens are filled with aquatic plants and bulbous species.
Related article: Why you should visit Montjuïc Castle
The Mossèn Costa i Llobera Gardens are home to over 800 species of cacti, and the Joan Maragall Gardens feature a diverse collection of sculptures, ponds, and fountains.
For stunning panoramic views, visit the Mirador del Migdia Park or the Mirador del Alcalde Gardens, offering breathtaking sights of Barcelona’s port, the Mediterranean Sea, and El Prat de Llobregat.
Don’t miss the Miramar Gardens, located on a terrace 60 meters above sea level, providing incredible panoramic views of the city and the harbor.
With all this variety, it’s no wonder that the Montjuïc gardens are a must-visit for tourists in Barcelona.
ShBarcelona, your trusted real estate agency
Now that you have ShBarcelona’s guide to the best gardens in Barcelona, all that’s left is to plan a route filled with nature, architecture, and history—but most importantly, relaxation, wellness, and tranquility.
We hope we’ve led you into the perfect garden!
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