Parc de la Ciutadella

Named after the despised Bourbon citadel (which was torn down to make way for it), the Parc de la Ciutadella is the largest green space in Barcelona's centre and one of the city's most popular attractions. The park was the stage of the 1888 Universal Exhibition which thrust Barcelona into the limelight in the 19th century. Ironically it is the buildings and not the flower and fauna which grab the headlines. There's the grand Arc de Triomf, which marks the approach, Montaner's Modernist marvel the Castell de Tres Dragons and Josep Fontsere's famous Cascada fountain (which was designed with the assistance of one Antoni Gaudi, a student at the time). Meanwhile kids will enjoy the chance to splash around on the boating lake, visit the zoological gardens and look the statue of the giant wooly mammoth in the eye.

Not as interesting as Park Guell but better for relaxing as there are some open spaces for playing games or having a picnic. Also there's a boating lake.

The Parc de la Ciutadella has a fascinating history. The citadel was a huge star-shaped fortress which kept watch over Barcelona, built by Philip of Spain. Also Casanova was held prisoner here.

I love coming here to relax. There are quite a few hippies and jugglers, as well as kids and parents. Just a nice space to take time out from Barcelona