Horta-Guinardo: The best views of Barcelona beneath the radar

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Compared to the twinkling lights of its neighboring cities, Horta lacked the glitz and glamour that always have a way into getting the attention of any visiting tourist.

Yet despite its incapability to make anyone do a double-take, Horta in all its steep glory, uneven grounds, and scruffy charm, will worm its way into anyone’s heart through its serene green spaces and urbanized yet laid back residence.

Location

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Horta-Guinardo, a place known for its green open spaces and steep neighborhood, is the 7th district of Barcelona in which its nearness to the city center can be measured through its capability of overlooking the city center.

With the district occupying up to Collserola Hills, its steep characteristic could be explained. Though mostly known as nothing more than the third biggest district in Barcelona, Horta-Guinardo bounded by Gracia and Nou Barris on its side has quite a few eye candies to brag for itself.

Climate

(3) Horta Guinardo on clear days

Located in Catalonian capital that attract tourists year-round, Horta-Guinardo, however, is where the crowd thins. Still with its growing popularity among visitors, you can never be safe from crowds.

For those who don’t find delight in shoulder-to-shoulder vacation, visiting Horta-Guinardo could take place during the fall or winter, in which, despite the rain, is still considerably warm (September-October).

On the other hand, you can still visit during spring or summer when the place is at its best. Usually, the crowds in the city center only trickle in dribs and drabs in Horta Guinardo, so you’d still be safe from getting swallowed by the mass of bodies. April to June is the best time of the year since July and August can get hot (average: 80 degrees Fahrenheit) and humid.

Transportation

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Going to Horta-Guinardo is easy as access to Barcelona, a major tourist spot, can be done in a variety of ways. The most convenient for visitors outside the country would be traveling by air and train.

Known as Barcelona-El Prat, the city’s airport is located only 16 kilometers south of the center, taxis, buses, or trams to transport you Horta-Guinardo are plenty. Another convenient way to travel to Barcelona is by train, which links the city to other major cities in Europe such as Paris, Zurich and Milan.

Apart from the two modes of transportation, cruise ships are also gaining popularity among visitors. 

Linking Balearic Islands and other major Mediterranean harbor, Barcelona has become a chief port itself.

ATTRACTION

Three major parks in Barcelona

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Horta-Guinardo, being a place for large green spaces, holds Barcelona’s three major parks. The first one is Parc de Collserola. While the beauty of nature is apparent in the park, especially once you climb the hill, this is not the only thing will make you want Parc de Collserola.

There are also plenty of activities here that will make your time fly-by with so much fun. Taking samples of their wines, bird watching, and walking tours are just some of the activities to enjoy here.

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The second one is Parc de la Labyrinth, which as stated in its name, has an intricate and winding maze of bushes as its main attraction.

Being the oldest park in Barcelona, it also has a museum for anyone who has an interest in arts or simply looking for some great architectures. Strolling, picnics, and photo ops are some of the favorite past time here.

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The third park is where you will find the scruffy charm of Barcelona. Parc Del Guinardo in its wooden foot paths, miniature waterfalls, and playground located every short distances are perfect for a family outing.

Despite the thriving city of Barcelona, you will still feel the palpable country charm of this park and the spectacular view of Barcelona seen in the park’s high points only adds into why you should visit this place.

Turo de la Rovira

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Turo de la Rovira, a natural lookout point, serves an important place in the city’s history. It defended the city against the fascist planes when they bombed the place from air during the Spanish Civil War.

Not only was its historical importance the reason why many visit Turo de la Rovira. At 262 meters above sea level with a 360-degree view of the city, those lectures fail in comparison when you visit the place just as the night blankets the city and lights blink into existence. Seeing the city at this time and hour is nothing short of spectacular.

http://laurenceourac.com/horta-guinardo-the-best-views-of-barcelona-beneath-the-radar/

Images:
(1.) https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2f/Vistes_a_Barcelona_des_del_Tur%C3%B3_de_la_Rovira.JPG
(2.) http://ajuntament.barcelona.cat/horta-guinardo/sites/default/files/styles/full/public/horta.jpg?itok=TW3CLO3X
(3.) http://meet.barcelona.cat/sites/default/files/facebook-og/el-parc-laberint-horta.jpg
(4.) http://www.takeoff.dk/wp-content/uploads/Barcelona-Port-Cruises.jpg
(5.) https://scifund.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/img_5527.jpg
(6.) https://castelldefelsadventure.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/photo3.jpg
(7.) http://runningxperience.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/r-la-foto9.jpg
(8.) http://api.ning.com/files/MOC7BqAcxPsHKFTDCVWwbTJikGkrTUav-Iq5zm9aJzYjTV*hqP4BguAe0Z2BA*K9tmAeKnITA6iolDIR–XrBQ7s9SRAIA0X/BARCELONADENOCHE.jpg