Nestled between the central Eixample neighborhood and the seaside, the laid-back Ciutadella district blends stunning scenery with bustling local color. The centerpiece of this area is the 70-acre Parc de la Ciutadella, a sprawling, historic green space in the heart of the city. Here, you’ll find the 18th-century seat of the Catalan Parliament, along with lakes, monuments, and even the exotic animals of the Barcelona Zoo. The monumental Arc de Triomf greets guests at the mouth of the park. Once you’ve finished sightseeing, browse the area’s many eclectic boutiques and bookshops, or nurse a beer in one of the sidewalk bars. Alternately, a brief stroll in the other direction takes you right to the seashore. Local students make this area their home, so the streets have a youthful vibe. El Prat Airport: 18 minutes by car without traffic or 45 minutes by public transit Sants Station: 30 minutes by public transit Plaça Catalunya: 11 minutes by public transit Sagrada Família: 18 minutes by public transit Barcelona Cathedral: 20 min by public transit