Barcelona has a lot of places where you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view over the city. From the stunning Montjuïc mountain to the colourful Park Güell, here is a list of locations that boast the most breathtaking vistas of Barcelona, with something for everyone’s budget!
1. Tibidabo
Tibidabo is part of the Serra de Collserola mountain range as well as the highest mountain in Barcelona; it rises above at 512 metres high. On the top there is a Tibidabo Amusement Park, restaurant Mirablau and the church Sagrat Cor, which you can also see from the city at night when it is all lit up. Tibidabo provides an astonishing view over the city during the day and evening.
Getting to the base of the mountain is easily accessible with public transportation. If you don’t want to hike all the way to the top of the mountain, you have the option of taking a funicular train.
For the easiest journey, we recommend taking the S2 train from Plaça Catalunya to Peu del Funicular, and from there, you can hop onto the Vallvidrera Inferior, which will take you to the halfway point. From here, you can decide whether to hike to the top or catch the 111 bus which will take you straight to Tibidabo’s Amusement Park! Although there are a few transfer changes, the journey is really easy and well sign-posted!
Tip: When you reach Tibidabo, you are officially 512 metres high! So, for those that are feeling brave, why not make it 527 metres high by going on the Ferris Wheel at the top of the mountain? A truly unique experience in one of Europe’s oldest amusement parks!
2. Montjuïc
Montjuïc hill provides more spots with beautiful views of Barcelona. From the Montjuïc Castle, on top of the hill, you can grasp a view of the city’s buildings, harbour and the sea. There is also a cable car that goes to the top from Barceloneta Beach during which you can enjoy taking in the cityscape. We recommend taking the cable car during sunset, as the sun glows beautifully behind the mountains! Also, the front balconies of the MNAC (Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya) face the Montjuïc Magic Fountains, Plaça Espanya and the Serra de Collserola mountain range, offering some truly incredible cityscape views.
Tips: For those that want to enjoy a beautiful sunset whilst surrounded by an incredible atmosphere, consider grabbing a seat on the stairs in front of MNAC for some incredible views!
3. Park Güell
Park Güell is of course famous for its architectural masterpieces by Gaudí, but it also provides a colourful view of Barcelona. Take a seat on the mosaic-patterned benches at Plaça de la Natura and take a moment to enjoy this lovely panoramic cityscape; in the foreground you have the beautiful structures by Gaudí and in the background you will catch a glimpse of Sagrada Familia and the sea.
Tip: Head early in the morning and enjoy the view when the atmosphere is more peaceful. Park Guëll is one of the most popular places for tourists, so every day there is a big chance that it is going to be crowded. You will enjoy the park more if you wander through it as opposed to sticking to one area.
4. Sagr
ada Familia
In terms of scenic views, we remain in the sphere of, who else, but Gaudí! Another masterpiece with a stunning view of the city is the church of La Sagrada Familia. You can take the stairs or the elevator to the bridge between the famous towers of the church and enjoy endless vistas of land and sea.
5. Bunker del Carmel
Probably the most unknown, but, in our opinion, the most breathtaking view: Bunker del Carmel (or Turó de la Rovira to give it its proper name). This site is an old military base that was originally built during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) to spot and fend off enemy aeroplanes during the Franco regime. After the Civil War, some people went to the old abandoned military base and occupied it as a residential community, also called the Cannonry.
It is one of very few places to have a 360-degree view over Barcelona. In short, this place is amazing. To get to the top you can get the metro, however this will require a long walk up to the top. There are many buses including lines 24, V17, 92 and 119 that will take you close to the top so that you don’t have to walk as far.
Tip: Arrive at Bunker del Carmel before sunset begins. You will see the most beautiful colours in the sky pass by and the awakening of the city lights. Plus, bring some food, drinks and especially some good friends with you to enjoy the spectacular evening.
6. Poble Espanyol
Poble Espanyol is a wonderfully artistic open-air museum/village that also offers a beautiful view of Barcelona. The village was built in 1929 and consists of many architectural features from different regions of Spain, such as Aragón and Andalucía. And the most important thing: the view contains the city and the Collserola Mountain chain in the distance.
Tip: Poble Espanyol is very loved among the tourists and can often get very crowded. We recommend you buy tickets in advance and bring some spending money for the neat little artisan shops inside.
7. Las Arenas Shopping Centre
You wouldn’t typically expect one of the best views of Barcelona to be from the top of a shopping centre, however, Las Arenas offers incredible vistas of the city! To access the viewpoint, you can either take the escalators inside the shopping centre to the top floor, or for just 1€, you can ride the outside glass elevator, adding an extra element of excitement to the experience!
At the top of the shopping centre, you will discover a range of incredible restaurants. Moreover, you are greeted with amazing 360-degree views of Barcelona, making it an extraordinary destination.
8. Rooftop Bars
One of the finest ways to immerse yourself in a beautiful cityscape is by complementing the experience with a delicious cocktail. Fortunately, Barcelona boasts an abundance of rooftop bars that provide breathtaking views of the city.
9. Mirador Torre Glòries
A remarkable vantage point is the Torre Glòries, an exquisite glass skyscraper designed by Jean Nouvel. For many years, the upper floor of this extraordinary structure remained inaccessible to the public, but in 2022, the viewing platform opened its doors, providing everyone with the opportunity to admire Barcelona from a completely different perspective.
The ground floor of this incredible building hosts an exhibition that presents Barcelona in a new light, incorporating music, art, and technology to deliver a truly captivating experience. Ascending to the 30th floor, soaring 120 metres above the ground, visitors can relish panoramic views of the remarkable city.
Additionally, on the observation deck, a floating sculpture named Cloud Cities Barcelona, crafted by the renowned contemporary artist Tomás Saraceno, adds to the truly incredible immersive experience.
Now that you’ve discovered the best viewpoints in Barcelona, the only decision left is to choose which one to visit first!
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