The Glòries Area Just Got Way More Interesting
I’ve been completely obsessed with the new Glòries Park in Barcelona lately. This park has literally been in the works since I moved here nine years ago, and who knows how long before that. So the day I discovered it was fully finished? Glorious. It was like a new, fresh breath of Barcelona air. Just what I needed! For years, my go-to route has been up and down Passeig de Sant Joan, either with the dogs or as my path to get down to the beach to go running. But lately, I’ve been heading out and going straight toward Glòries, and I have to say, it’s a really nice change of scenery!
One of the best parts is the new stretch of Avinguda Diagonal, which has been totally redesigned. Half of it is now a newly wide, palm tree–lined, pedestrians-only section. It’s calm, open, and has fewer traffic lights and cars than Sant Joan, and even fewer people are on it in the morning and I just love seeing all the morning bike commuters zipping through the area. There’s something really beautiful about it, especially with the Sagrada Família peeking at you through all the buildings. This whole scene captures the true laid-back lifestyle of Barcelona; everyone is in their lane, and it all just flows naturally.
Although it’s not completely car-free—there are still lanes on either side, but because of the thoughtful design, you barely notice them. It’s just a wonderful little stretch leading you straight to the new Glòries Park.
Another huge upgrade? The brand-new T4 Barcelona tram line that runs alongside it, which runs from the Eixample (Verdeguar) out to the Parc del Fòrum – where Primavera Sound takes place each year, as well as other large music festivals.
Inside Glòries Park: What’s Actually There
Glòries Park is one of the best urban parks in Barcelona. The main park is a huge green circular space that even comes with lounge chairs for people to use. On the outside, around the park is a little games and books shed, tables for playing games, and a large dog play area. There is also a wonderful kids’ playground with gigantic slides, basketball courts, ping pong tables, and a small splash pad. I also love the beautiful cactus garden that wraps around the metro entrance like a little amphitheater.
However, I do need to point out that the large circular grass area is not for dogs, unfortunately. And while that makes me a little sad, because of course I’d love to throw a blanket down and hang with my pup, I totally get it. This space is clearly meant for people to gather, relax, let their kids run around, and just enjoy being outside. Not everyone’s a dog lover, and honestly, no one wants to sit in grass that’s been peed on. Luckily, there are plenty of other dog-friendly parks in Barcelona, and there are designated dog areas within Glòries Park itself, so they can still have fun too!
The whole area around Glòries was built to be enjoyed, not just a pass-through. New cafés, restaurants, and little shops are popping up, and even the neighborhood around the Sagrada Família feels like it’s getting some of that energy. I’ll be scouting out spots around here over the next few weeks, so expect a list soon of what’s worth checking out.
Getting into Poblenou Just Got Easier
The Glòries area has the Design Museum of Barcelona, the Hoxton hotel (check out the rooftop), and of course, the Glòries shopping mall. But truth be told, it never really felt like a destination until now. Now it feels complete. And best of all, it connects you to Poblenou in a completely new and more interesting way.
Poblenou is a neighborhood I’ve always liked visiting occasionally, but I don’t know it super well. I’m usually just running on the beach side. But with this new tram route and the wide Diagonal path, getting there is now part of the experience.
I’ve been heading over that way more often since my yoga studio, Lemontree, moved there. I love my teacher, Artemi, and I’ve been trying to make it to her class at least once a week. So, between running this path to the beach, getting to yoga, and morning dog walks to the park, this part of the city is now on my regular rotation.
It’s exciting to see how Barcelona’s outdoor spaces keep evolving, especially as they’re intentionally designed with people in mind. If you haven’t checked out Glòries Park yet, go! Walk it, bike it, tram it. However you get there, it’s worth it.
