Parc de la Ciutadella

The lovely Parc de la Ciutadella occupies an area which was once known as La Ribera.

In the 18th century Felipe V conquered Barcelona and built a military fortress and the inhabitants of La Ribera were forced to move to Barceloneta.

In 1888 the area was home to Barcelona's Universal Exhibition and it's now the local city park.

This is the perfect place to come to recharge your batteries, chill out and relax in great surroundings.

It's next to El Born, Vila Olímpica (Olympic Village) and Barceloneta beach and the nearest metro this side of the park is at Barceloneta on the L4 (yellow line) and Trambesòs (tram route) T4.

Another entrance is on Passeig de Lluis Companys next to the Arc de Triomf where there's a metro of the same name.

On entering the park you'll see a very majestic building on the right.

This houses the Museu de Zoologia and nearby is the Hivernacle greenhouse overflowing with shrubs and tropical plants.

The park is full of people relaxing, cycling and enjoying boat rides.

Nearby are the beautiful Cascada Fountains which was co-designed by an apprentice by the name of Antoni Gaudi.

At the end of the park is Barcelona Zoo which has an entrance inside leading to Vila Olimpica and Barceloneta.

If you don't go to the zoo, a ten minute walk along Avinguda Icària brings you to Barceloneta and the famous waterfront and beaches.