Parc de la Font del Racó

Parc de la Font del Racó sits tucked into the bends of Avinguda Tibidabo, right where the Sant Gervasi – la Bonanova neighbourhood meets the first slopes of the Collserola hills in Barcelona. It's a quiet, mostly local park — the kind of green pocket that never makes the standard sightseeing list, but rewards anyone who wants a break from the crowds around Park Güell or the old town.

Where exactly is it?

The park runs along Avinguda Tibidabo, in the upper part of the Sarrià – Sant Gervasi district, in the area known as la Bonanova. Its coordinates sit at roughly 41.4159 N, 2.1308 E, on ground that noticeably slopes upward toward Collserola, the range of wooded hills bordering Barcelona to the north and west.

What does the park actually look like?

The layout follows the terrain rather than fighting it. Paths are gravelled, winding, and occasionally interrupted by short flights of steps as they climb the hillside, with wooden benches tucked under dense tree cover and thick undergrowth. The overall feel is closer to a woodland trail than a manicured city garden — there's no central fountain or formal flowerbeds, just shaded paths threading through greenery.

The park dates back to the 1920s, designed by Nicolau Maria Rubió i Tudurí, one of Catalonia's most influential landscape architects of the period, known for working with a site's natural contours rather than reshaping them. It was refurbished again in the 1990s, an update aimed at improving infrastructure while keeping the original rustic character intact.

Is the park currently in good shape?

Worth knowing before you go: in 2025 Barcelona's city council approved a major renovation project for the park, aimed at halting the deterioration of its paths and facilities, with a budget of around two million euros and a completion timeline of roughly a year. That means visitors in 2026 may run into fenced-off sections, ongoing works, or partial closures along some paths. It's worth factoring in if you're planning a visit with young children or anyone who needs level, easy walking — the slope and steps already make parts of it demanding.

Who is this park good for?

It suits travellers after a quiet interval away from the tourist trail — a shaded walk, a bench to sit on for a while, or a starting point for a longer stroll toward Collserola. Because of the incline and the stepped sections, it's less practical for a picnic with a pram, but works well for an early morning walk or run before the day heats up.

How do you get there?

The park borders Avinguda Tibidabo, the road that leads further up toward Tibidabo hill, home to its landmark church and amusement park. That makes Font del Racó a natural, low-key starting point for anyone heading in that direction — a calm stretch of green before the busier stretch of road and the crowds near Tibidabo itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is entry to the park free? Yes, it's an open public city park with no entry fee and no booking required.

Is the park accessible for visitors with limited mobility? The terrain slopes and some paths include steps, so accessibility is limited — worth considering before planning a visit.

Is the park under renovation in 2026? Barcelona approved a renovation plan in 2025 with a budget of around two million euros, so parts of the park may be temporarily closed or under works.

What's nearby the park? It sits along Avinguda Tibidabo, close to Tibidabo hill and the Collserola range, making it a convenient starting point for longer walks into the greener edges of the city.