The quickest respite from the centre is the Parc de la Ciutadella, lying east, and within easy walking distance, of the Barri Gòtic. The Parc de la Ciutadella is Barcelona's most central park. The park includes a zoo, a lake, a large fountain and several museums. Also in this "Parc" you can find the Catalan Parliament. Besides museums, the 30ha / 74acre large park is home to the Parc Zoologic, the Barcelona Zoo. This Zoo has around 7000 animals and the most famous was the albino gorilla, 'Floret de Neu'. Unfortunately, he died in 2004. The park also features a small lake, a popular spot where you can hire a rowing boat.

Barceloneta beach is only a stroll away from the city centre. This neighborhood is a coastal district located within the city of Barcelona and sits in front of the beach, close to the harbor and the Rambla. The origin of Barceloneta dates back to 1447, when the construction of a seaboard was started as per the order of King Juan II to join this part of the land with the mythical Island of Mayans.

Further down, you will reach the Port de Barcelona, a picturesque from where you can enjoy the scenic beauty of the sea and the marina. Here the Port Vell is situated with a fabulous range of attractions which include the Museu d’Història de Catalunya (Catalonia’s History Museum), the Maritime Museum, the World Trade Centre, the L’Aquarium and the Beach of Sant Sebastia. If you walk through La Rambla, at the end you will reach the ‘Monument a Colom’, a memorial statue of Christopher Columbus. Also, in the avenue that faces the port, Av. Joan de Borbo, are some of the best sea food restaurants in Barcelona. If you want to have a 'paella' or a 'fideua', this is the place to go.

Around Barcelona

Ciutadella and Barceloneta

Eixample

Montjuïc

Ramblas and the Old Town

Suburbs

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