Picnic time in Barcelona! Let’s head outside!
Barcelona offers the perfect weather and temperatures almost all year round, where you can enjoy getting out in the sun and making some fun outdoor plans. We recommend you take advantage of all the city’s great parks to enjoy a picnic in Barcelona where you can relax and enjoy the quieter, greener side of life.
Dining out in Barcelona is always an experience. But it can also be an adventure. The range of options throughout the city is so vast you’re sure to find a spot to your liking, but given the huge amount of choice on offer, it can sometimes feel a little overwhelming. That’s why enjoying a picnic in the city is such a great alternative to dining out in a restaurant: it’s infinitely cheaper, you can enjoy the great outdoors, prepare whatever you like and there are no space limitations, so you never have to worry about making a reservation!
Tips for enjoying a picnic in Barcelona (anywhere you like)
Here are some of our top tips for those of you who don’t eat outdoors too often but want to make the most of dining al fresco in this great city of ours.
Choose the right spot
Although the whole idea is to enjoy the weather, the sunshine and pleasant temperatures, you’re going to be spending a fair amount of time exposed to the elements. That’s why picking somewhere near to a fresh drinking water supply and plenty of shade is so important, both for eating and enjoying some down time after you’ve eaten without succumbing to heatstroke.
Pack simple food
The whole point of a picnic is to enjoy your surroundings without any stress. So make sure your food is nice and simple, nothing too complicated or unmanageable. Ideally, you’ll be able to eat with your hands, without making too much mess or needing cutlery or crockery. Sandwiches, wraps, empanadas, quiche, cheese, cold meats, nuts and prepared fruits are always sure-fire winners. In any event, don’t forget a handy stash of napkins, so you’re ready for any eventuality.
Stay hydrated
Whether you set up camp near a water fountain or not — and especially if there’s no source of fresh drinking water nearby — hydration is key. As the mercury soars during the hotter months, your risk of dehydration increases. Make sure to bring plenty of fluids with you and drink regularly, all throughout your time outdoors. And though a cold glass of wine or maybe a beer under the hot sun is often tempting, remember not to overindulge, as it will only dehydrate you further. If you’re planning on extending your picnic until after sunset and enjoying the temperatures as they start to drop, why not pack a hot drink like tea or coffee in a flask to keep you going into the small hours.
Respect your surroundings
A picnic is always a fun experience. But it still leaves a mark on the environment. Try to respect your surroundings, not damaging any plants or trees, flowers or shrubs. And, of course, always take all your rubbish, waste and packaging away with you. Leave everywhere as clean and tidy — if not more so — as you found it. The environment belongs to us all.
Best parks in Barcelona for having a picnic
The best spot for a picnic is Parque de la Ciutadella, a spot known to Barcelona locals and visitors alike. The grass space is enormous and perfect for a group of friends or family, no matter how big or small. Another alternative, especially if you have younger children, is Parque de la Oreneta. Considered an urban forest, more than just a park, it offers the complete range of outdoor fun and activities for the littlest members of your family. If you’re looking for the perfect mix of forest and park, Montjuic is your best bet. It’s the green lung of the city and offers a whole range of locations perfect for a nice picnic, like the Grec Gardens, Joan Brosa Gardens and the Castle Moats.
Categories: barcelona
