Camp Nou is not the only thing to see in Les Corts neighborhood. Often forgotten by visitors, this district deserves to be seen. Take a look at our selection of the best things to see there!
Los Jardines del Palacio de Pedralbes
The Jardines del Palacio de Pedralbes as we know them today exist since a fire occurred on a 17th-century building in this location in 1875. Güell chose Gaudi to redesign the park and build a palace that he gave to the King of Spain. Between 1919 and 1931, el Palacio de Pedralbes was the residence of the Royal Family of Spain when they were in Barcelona. However, this Palace is not the only pearl of this park. The park itself is a beautiful place because of the luxuriant vegetation there. You will be able to see rare species because of the garden's age, numerous flowers, and various trees; some of them aged of hundred years. Located in the center of the park, the Royal Palace is not the only work from famous architects. Indeed, the park hosts two works of Antoni Gaudí: a parabolic pergola and a fountain with a wrought-iron dragon head in a little bamboo wood (the Font d’Hèrcules) that has been discovered in 1984 during the clean-up of the park. A more contemporary work is the Kolonihaven that is a little house for children’s game designed Enric Miralles and Benedetta Tagliabue.
During summer, the park is open from 10:00 to 21:00.
Entrance: free
El Real Monasterio de Santa Maria de Pedralbes
The Real Monasterio de Santa Maria de Pedralbes is a Gothic monastery that became a museum in 1983. Pedralbes means “white stones” and gave its name to the monastery and the neighborhood. Founded in 1326 by Queen Elisenda de Montcada and King James II of Aragon, this beautiful monument has been declared a national monument in 1991. The church of the site is home to the tomb of Queen Elisenda. As well as a particular architecture, you will be able to witness the “daily life” of the community of Clarissa nuns while walking through there dormitories, the refectory, and other rooms. Nowadays, few nuns still live there.
During summer holidays, the monastery is open from 10:00 to 14:00.
Price: 5€
Reduced admission: unemployed, students under 30, groups with a minimum of 10 people
Free admission: under 16yo, accredited teachers and journalists
Parque de Cervantes
The Parque de Cervantes is a green space inside the city. It used to host an international roses contest with the world finest specialists but in the 80s, the tradition has declined. The tradition reborn in 2001 and now it becomes again a world-famous showcase with new plants created from hybrids and synthetic species. The park has luxuriant vegetation, tall trees, and vigorous plants without forgetting the roses, 10000 rose bushes of 2000 species from all continents. Between May and September, there are around 150000 colorful roses in this park over 4 hectares and during your entire visit, you will be accompanied by their floral perfume.
Open from 10:00 to 21:00 from April to October and from 10:00 to 19:00 the other month.
Entrance: free
Centro Comercial L’Illa Diagonal
Even if it is not as big as La Maquinista in Sant Andreu district, the commercial center L’illa Diagonal still has everything you need to spend a good day shopping! Open since 1993, the mall has 170 shops that cover 35000m2. The numerous stores are quite big and offer a great variety of famous brand as Primark, Zara, Fnac… If you want to take a break in your shopping day, the ground floor is filled with restaurants and groceries with Spanish and Catalan specialties. Very modern, the mall offers an application that will inform you about the novelties and special offers of L’illa Diagonal. Located on one of the major roads of Barcelona, the mall is easy to access because of the transports network of the city. Therefore, you should try to get there early so there will not be a lot of people.
Open from 9:30 to 22:00.
El Mercado de Les Corts
The Mercado de Les Corts is a covered market built in 1961 on what used to be vegetable gardens and remodeled in 2007 to be what it is today. This place is not as famous as La Boqueria but the advantage is that is not overwhelmed with people! This market is full of locals that will be glad to give you advice and help you as the very friendly storekeepers. You will be able to find daily and fresh traditional products of good quality as vegetables, cheese, meat, or pastries. From its creation, the market knows an evolution of its products; the last addition is the selling of organic and gourmet products. If you buy a lot, do not worry because there is a home delivery service and a free parking lot for those who buy there.
Open from Monday to Saturday from 7 am.
Accommodation
If you still do not have a place to stay Barcelona city check the Habitat Apartments website and find yourself a quality apartment for the best price.
Cheap restaurants
If you want to find quality food that is on your budget check the list of Cheap eats in Barcelona.
