There is a lot of beauty to see in Barcelona. It’s pretty easy to stumble upon things like Sagrada Familia or the Barcelona Cathedral but it might be a little harder to find the hidden gems of the city tucked away in quarters unknown to tourists. If you’re looking for a place that is not crawling with tourists and crowds there is a long list of places to go. A cool idea would be to check out some of the civic centers scattered around Barcelona. They are lively, immersive, fun, and beautiful.
Centre Cívic Sarrià
The first is Centre Cívic Sarrià. The center sits right in between two charming parks. There are spectacular flowers and trees growing all around. Fish swim in the pond nearby and fun little birds fly around in the sky. This park is much quieter than others because it is in a less populated area. Most people here are sitting on benches reading a book or walking their dogs. The combination of privacy and the sounds of nature make this place very relaxing. As for the kids, there is a playground perfect for them to play on while you relax at a nearby bench in the shade. There is a sand pit, castle, slide, swingset, and more. They will have a blast.
The civic center is right across from this park and sits amidst another garden area. Once you enter the area it is like a little maze. There are water features and plants all around. The center itself has about 5 floors. There is a cafe on the bottom which also includes an outdoor terrace for sipping coffee outside. Every day of the week there is a long list of activities at the center like painting, dancing, cooking, music and more. There are also classes you can take there too. Everything is primarily in Catalan or Spanish but language shouldn’t be a barrier when it comes to these types of activities. Come by and enjoy some traditional Catalan music in the park.
Address: Carrer d’Eduardo Conde, 22, 08034 Barcelona
Casa Orlandai
The next is Casa Orlandai which is another great civic center in another area not too far away. This one sits in the middle of a neighborhood instead. The cafe at the lower level has gorgeous mosaic windows that allow light to shine in from all angles. For purchase there are sandwiches, croissants, muffins, and more. There is an outdoor terrace here that has a view of Mount Tibidabo, one of two mountains in Barcelona. Atop the mountain you can see the amusement park and the breathtaking Sagrat Cor. Sit outside and enjoy the food while taking in a great view.
Like Centre Cívic Sarrià, there are a lot of activities here to enjoy. There is live music out on the terrace every week to watch. If you’re looking for a place to escape the crowds then this is the place to go. It is a very quiet and beautiful area. Be sure to walk around the neighborhood after your visit or maybe even head up to Tibidabo.
Address: Carrer de Jaume Piquet, 23, 08017 Barcelona
Centre Cívic Can Deu
Centre Cívic Can Deu is another great civic center in the heart of Barcelona. This spot is located in the Les Corts district, another tiny district around Barcelona with a lot of history and beauty. The area is located right outside the tourist filled La Rambla district. You’re close to the action but not quite overwhelmed by it. It’s a great break from the loud hustle and bustle of the city. Right outside the center is a huge open courtyard where kids can be found playing soccer or other games. There are terraces all over the courtyard so people watching out there is great.
Inside of the center is like walking into a museum. There is a huge open ceiling with an art piece draping down the bottom. There is a lot of art on display as well. All over the walls and setup on displays there is art depicting images of Barcelona and its people. All of the work reflects the best parts of Barcelona. After walking through the art there is a cafe that like Casa Orlandai has mosaic windows that look out onto the terrace. There are lots of seating options outside and a cute fountain too. The art, people, and food all make this place so great.
Address: Plaça de la Concòrdia, 13, 08014 Barcelona
Barcelona’s civic centers are great if you’re looking for an authentic experience outside of the busy city. After checking these out head over with the family to see some more touristy stuff like Sagrada Familia. We have an article that can give you much more information!
