Pedralbes Walking Tour (Self Guided), Barcelona

Beautiful buildings, flowers and an abundance of greenery mark out the Pedralbes neighborhood as somewhere very special indeed. The quiet, upscale and expensive residential area is one of the most favored in the city and features grand old mansions as well as luxury modern and classic villas with swimming pools and well-tended private gardens.

Not surprisingly, the area is home to some of the rich and famous, including global singing sensation Shakira, footballers and the Spanish musician and singer-songwriter Joan Manuel Serrat. This is also where the King of Spain used to keep a residence, the Palau Reial de Pedralbes. Today, this early 20th-century building is home to a ceramic museum and an interior design museum. The palace sits in the north end of the Parc de Pedralbes, a beautiful park with bougainvillea, eucalyptus trees, sculptures and fountains.

Nearby is the Parc de Cervantes, another lovely spot for a walk. Come here to soak up the delicious aromas of roses and more than 200 varieties of flower. There are plants from all continents and typically something is in bloom no matter what time of year you visit. Stroll along the botanical trail and jog, cycle or walk by the expansive grassy areas.