Top Views over Barcelona

Hey guys!

This is my first post in my upcoming Barcelona series. In September, I've spent a week in this beautiful city which has become one of my favourite places that I have ever visited and ever since shares the top position in my personal ranking of favourite cities. To start off with, I wanted to share with you my four top places to enjoy breathtaking views over the whole of the city on the mediterranean sea. Without further rambling, I hope you'll enjoy the post!

1. Tibidabo

Montjuïc in the background
The top of the highest of the hills surrounding the urban area of Barcelona, which can be accessed via the furnicular and a bus, is one of my favourite spots for enjoying spectacular views over the whole city and the mediterranean coastline. Up there, you have multiple options for taking cityscape snaps. One of them would be the upper platform of Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor, the famous church with the Jesus statue on the top, similar to that which most people know from Rio de Janeiro. From there, it is possible to incorporate some of the attractions of the Parc d’atraccions Tibidabo into your snaps. Another possibility is to enter the amusement park (which is free to walk around in!) to reach the park's enclosure. If you are willing to pay around 3,50 €, you could additionally take the lift of the church tower and reach the highest view point.
Barcelona's hinterlands

2. Bunkers del Carmel

This one is an option for those who don't shy away from hiking. Although I was lucky not to fall in my sandals, I would definitely recommend wearing sturdy shoes, which ever way you decide to take to reach the bunkers. From the top, you can enjoy 360° views. It can be quite windy, and the place itself is not that spectacular, unless you are historically interested and willing to read all the signs describing scenes from the past. For the way back down, I would recommend walking through Parc del Guinardó which again offers very nice views.
Tibidabo in the background
Montjuïc in the background

3. Castell de Montjuïc

Right next to the container port of Barcelona you can find Montjuïc, another one of the hills surrounding the city. It can be accessed by foot, i.e. via Plaça Espanya and past the MNAC up to Estadi Olympíc Lluís Companys up to the Castell. The whole of the hill offers beautiful picture spots so a day of hiking is definitely worth it. Alternatively, there is the option of taking the bus to the Castell. Another place for 360° views, overlooking the coastline, the container port as well as the urban area right up to the hills defining the city boundaries. If you visit on Sundays after 5 pm, you can enter for free. Don't miss the opportunity of walking through the museum as well! For the way down, you could take the cable car or walk and stop at the Mirador for more fantastic views.

4. Rooftop Terrace of Las Arenas Shopping Centre

Plaça Espanya with the MNAC in the background
Not as spectacular but nonetheless a place to have a 360° views for free is the roof of a shopping centre called Las Arenas at Plaça Espanya. Having been a bull arena in the 20th century, the building was transformed into a shopping centre, including a cinema and a flamenco museum, with rooftop restaurants all around a terrace, which can be entered for free. Compared to the other viewpoints mentioned above, this one is not as tall, but if you're around the area, it's a nice additional spot to stop by.

Unfortunately, since I only stayed in this wonderful city on the mediterranean coast for five full days. I haven't had a chance to check out all the places and don't know all the secret spots for views over the metropolis, so if YOU have any recommendations or know of hidden places, please share them with us in the comments! I'd always love to learn about new places for my next visit!


Comments