The Bunkers del Carmel are an essential place to visit on your journey to Barcelona. This 360 degree viewpoint has the most incredible view of the city unlike any other. With views of just about everywhere in Barcelona from the mountains to the sea, this location is not one to miss.
In this Guide to the Bunkers del Carmel, we shall introduce you to this amazing location, showing you why the Bunkers are worth a visit, how to reach them and when the best time is to go.
What are the Bunkers?
Due to their amazing vantage point, the Bunkers del Carmel historically have been (and still are) the perfect spot to keep lookout on the city below. For this reason, during the Civil War, the Bunkers were equipped with cannons and guns, shooting at threatening aircrafts. Since then, following the end of the Civil War, the Bunkers became home to many of Barcelona’s poorer citizens.
When it was decided that the 1992 Olympic games would be held in Barcelona, the government introduced huge city-wide clean-up efforts to make Barcelona that much more attractive to international visitors. As a result, many of the Bunkers’ residents were rehoused, leaving the Bunkers deserted.
Some reasons to visit the Bunkers of Carmel
Until recently, the Bunkers del Carmel have not been at the top of people’s lists to visit. However, with views to die for, it was only a matter of time until one of Barcelona’s best kept secrets was revealed to the world!
Other famous viewpoints in Barcelona such as at Parc Güell or at the top of Mount Tibidabo, have costs attached to them, whilst the Bunkers are completely free!
Mount Tibidabo, for example, requires the purchase of a specific (and more expensive) Tibidabo metro ticket, as well as the purchase of a funicular railway ticket to reach a good vantage point. Entrance to Park Güell also comes at a price, with general admission costing 10 euros. Whilst both these attractions are certainly worth a visit in their own right, the Bunkers are accessible to everyone, free of charge and year round!
For this reason, the Bunkers are many locals’ spot of choice: the perfect place to gaze at the twinkling city lights of Barcelona below. Thanks to a string of popular TikTok videos showcasing their beauty, the Bunkers are now a popular destination for tourists too. The vibes are always perfect at the Bunkers del Carmel (except perhaps on a rainy day!) with visitors playing music, chatting, and dancing as the evening goes by. What’s not to love?
How to get to the Bunkers
The Bunkers del Carmel are located in the Carmel neighbourhood (not far from Gràcia) at the very top of the Turó de la Rovira. Though a bit out of your way as the crow flies, the Bunkers del Carmel are relatively easy to get to.
From the super-central Plaça Catalunya, walk just 4 minutes to Passeig de Gracia and hop on line 4 to Alfons X, just 4 stops away.
From Alfons X, the walk to the Bunkers is only 19 minutes long.The pathway is well marked and easy to find however, make sure to bring suitable shoes, as the walk is all uphill and feels a lot longer than you expect. Don’t worry though….the incredible views at the top of the hill will be well worth it!
What can you see from the Bunkers?
From the top of the hill, the views are unparalleled. From here you can see for miles and miles: from Barceloneta and the stunning Montjuic, to Camp Nou on your right-hand side.
The stand out view from here, however, is of the magnificent Sagrada Familia which towers above the city skyline. Where better to view this iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site in all its glory, than from above?
When to visit the Bunkers
The Bunkers del Carmel are completely outdoors with no cover from the pouring rain. Therefore, on days like this, when the weather is poor, maybe give the Bunkers a miss. Instead, visit on a clear day, with little or ideally no rain forecasted
Our recommendation would be to visit the Bunkers at around 6 o’clock; to be there with plenty of time to find a good spot to watch the sun go down. Why not take a picnic and a bottle of wine up there with you and let the hours pass by?
So, there you have it! Your Guide to the Bunkers del Carmel. If you enjoyed this, check out our blog on Outdoor spaces in Barcelona | Top 12 Parks and Gardens for more information on how to explore Barcelona whilst enjoying nature!
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