Dogs are generally welcomed in Barcelona and are well tolerated in most public spaces. They are just as much a part of café life here as cañas and bravas. The city has required leash laws and taking your canine friend on public transportation requires a carrier or muzzle, depending on the type of transport. With 111 official dog areas (pipicans), the city has tried to address the most pressing needs of its canine citizens. Yet, there’s nothing like a nice walk in a green park or romp with dog friends on a grassy hill. Here are a few Barcelona dog parks for your next paseo.
Parc de les Aigües
Bookish dogs that love history should head straight to this park. Located at the bottom end of the Hort/Guinardo neighborhood, Parc de les Aigües is a bit off the beaten [tourist] path and offers up lots for dogs and their people. The terraced park has fountains, a children’s playground, picnic and table tennis tables, and even a library. At the top edge of the park, near the library, are a series of 22 concrete slabs and a buried submarine sculpture. They are a memorial to the people killed by the atomic bomb in Hiroshima and you can find other dogs and their owners nearby. Parc de les Aigües is easily accessible via the L4 Metro line and the H6, V19, and 114 public buses. It’s open from 10am to sundown and entry is free.
Parc de Joan Miró
Dogs that love art need to take their paseo in the park with Joan Miró’s famous Dona i Ocell (Woman and Bird) sculpture. The park sits in the shadow of Arenas mall, a former bullfighting ring converted to a shopping mall. Parc de Joan Miro has two sections: the area immediately surrounding the sculpture includes a long, grassy expanse where people frequently picnic; the other section is below and includes trees, four playgrounds for children, and snack bars. Also nearby is the Parc de l’Espanya Industrial, which also has plenty of green space for canine and human friends. Access Parc de Joan Miró via the L1 and L3 Metro lines and any number of public buses. The grassy area is open access and the remainder of the park is open 10am to sundown. Free entry.
Parc de l’Espanya Industrial
The laid back pooch who gets on with everyone will love Parc de l’Espanya Industrial. This large public park is located next to Sants Estacio and has everything from a lake, sculptures, and basketball court, to a children’s playground with a metal dragon slide. The lake is clearly visible from the cab stand side of the train station. There are both open green spaces as well as walking paths. Parc de l’Espanya Industrial is popular with teens and houses a community center. It’s open late, although the lighting could be better. Combining a trip through this park and nearby Parc de Joan Miro is a perfect weekend “long walk” for your dog friend. Parc de l’Espanya Industrial is accessible via the L1, L3, and L5 Metro lines, plus any other train that comes into Sants Estacio. The park is open 10am to sundown. Free entry.
Parc de l’Estació del Nord
The social dog who loves meeting everyone will feel right at home at Parc de l’Estació del Nord. The Fort Pienc park sits in the shadow of the Arc de Triomf, right next to Estació del Nord bus station (which is worth a peek and photo of the iron facade). Ceramic art and nature come together in this sprawling and sunny greenspace and there are plenty of paths to wander through it all with your canine friend. Sculpturist Beverly Pepper’s works Cel Caigut, a large tiled pyramid, and Espiral Arbrada, among other pieces, may be found throughout the park. Closest access via public transportation is the Arc de Triomf train station or the Metro L1 line Marina stop. Free entry and open 10:00am-10:30pm.
Parc de Carles I
Ciutadella gets the attention (and tourists), but right next door is the unassuming little Parc de Carles I. Perfect for dogs that unapologetically sniff butts, the park includes the El Cul bronze sculpture by Eduardo Úrculo, plus a canal lined with cypress and banana trees. While not as large as some of the other parks in Barcelona, Carles I offers a nice little alternative to sprawling Ciutadella, especially for slower paced dogs that prefer a good sniff over a run. Public transportation access via Metro Line L4 or Tramvia T4 Vila Olímpica-Ciutadella stop. Open 24 hours, free entry.
Parc del Turó del Putxet
For dogs with unlimited energy (and owners seeking a good workout), head to Parc del Turó del Putxet. The park favors winding, tree-lined pathways to wide open lawns. The relentless uphill climb will have you and your dog wanting to take water breaks and check out the spectacular views of the city below. Tourists can have Parc Güell. Turó del Putxet has all the same great views without the crowds and lots of locals to meet with your pup. If you make it to the top, you’ll be rewarded with a nice, flat area to rest for a bit and chat up other dog owners. As with many other Barcelona dog parks, this one also has a small children’s play area. Open 8am-9pm, free entry.
Jardines de Piscinas y Deportes
Over near Sarria, in one of the most residential areas of Barcelona, sits shady and sedate Jardines de Piscinas y Deportes. More simply known as DiR Parc for its location next to one of the largest DiR gyms, the park draws plenty of locals throughout the day, especially since nearby Turó Parc decided to prohibit dogs. With both a large, sandy dedicated dog area, plus open grassy fields and a walking path that snakes through, DiR parc has something for both the rambunctious, playful dog and the quiet, little sniffer. There are regular dog groups of locals who meet up every morning and evening. The closest public transportation (aside from buses) are the L’Illa tramvia stop and La Bonanova FGC station. The park is open 10am to sundown. Free entry.
La Sagrada
For dogs that are a little extra, take them to the most extra place in Barcelona — La Sagrada Familia. Although entrance to La Sagrada Familia is limited to assistance dogs, there are two spectacular parks bookending the oversized Gaudí architectural masterpiece. Plaza de Gaudí is a small park with a large pond and front row vistas of the looming Sagrada Familia. The tranquil park is best for a quiet weekend stroll with a chill canine sidekick. On the other side of La Sagrada Familia is the Plaza de la Sagrada Familia. No water features here, but the park offers plenty of canine play friends, grand views of La Sagrada Familia, and is especially popular on weekend mornings and afternoons.
Both of these Barcelona dog parks are accessible via the Sagrada Familia stop for the L2 and L5 Metro lines. Plaza de Gaudí is open 24 hours. Plaza de la Sagrada Familia is open 9:00am-6:00pm. Free entry.
Parc del Poblenou
The rough-and-tumble dog who loves an unfettered run will love Parc del Poblenou. It’s an easy walk from nearby Bogatell Beach. This park is mostly is a wide swath of green lawn, with a small children’s play area in the middle. Bring a picnic lunch or pre-dinner snacks and a blanket. Most Barcelona dog parks draws lots of families and this one is no exception. Note though that, while leash laws are in effect, it’s common to find dogs running and playing off leash here. Accessible via the Bogatell Beach, Ciutadella Vila Olímpica, or Llacuna stops on Metro L4. Open 24 hours. Free entry.
Love to run and want a dog-friendly route? This one takes you past the beach and a couple of parks for some canine play time.
