Parc de la Ciutadella, Barcelona

Parc de la Ciutadella is Barcelona’s version of Central Park. It is impressive in size and mirrors the culture and vibe of the city that surrounds it. Like Central Park, it has a lake with boats for rent, a zoo, and a couple of museums.

Unlike Central Park, it is doused in all things Mediterranean. Here you will come across worn, speckled walls, parakeets and palm trees, not to mention an elaborate, show-stopping fountain.

The park is situated on the eastern part of the city near the sea.  There are various entrances to the park, each of which is as grand as the park itself.  This is the Passeig de Picasso on the south western side of the park.  Though if its your first time visiting, enter via Passeig Lluís Companys in order to get a glimpse of Barcelona's Arc de Triumph.

Towards the center of the park is a small lake where there are row boats available for rent.  Though, if you're not looking for the lake, you may miss the it entirely.  Like many parts of the park, it may take several (if not more) visits before you discover all that it has to offer.  Hint: if you visit, keep an eye out for a giant wooly mammoth, one large enough to be able to sit comfortably on its trunk.

The park's most notable feature is La Font de la Cascada, or the Waterfall Fountain.  It's on the same scale as the Trevi Fountain in Rome.  In fact, Josep Fontsére, who designed the fountain in 1882, wanted it to loosely resemble the Trevi Fountain. Though here, vegetation plays an intricate role in the design. The fountain is hugged by two grand staircases, providing visitors the opportunity to see varying angles of the fountain as well as a view of the city from the top.

THE RUNDOWN:

What: Parc de la Ciutadella

Where: Barcelona, Spain

Where to Enter: Passeig de Lluís Companys and the Arc de Triumph

What to Bring: A Picnic (Spanish jamón, some cheese, fruit, water and perhaps some wine)

What to See: La Font de la Cascada, the Wooly Mammouth, and the Lake. Also spend some time wandering around the different paths and making your own discoveries.

For How Long: An hour or two