Barcelona is a city that can be enjoyed from any site, both at street level and from the heights. From their vantage points, you can enjoy the Mediterranean, the Holy Family, the Port or the mountain of Collserola in the background. And there you understand it because this city is so special to so many people. Each viewpoint has a different story of the city.
If you come to Barcelona and want to enjoy the viewpoints without carrying a backpack or suitcase, you can leave your bags in our lockers are spread throughout the city. So you can move with total freedom and climb comfortably to any viewpoint.
The 5 viewpoints you can't miss
Bunkers del Carmel: the best view free Barcelona
The Bunkers del Carmel are on the lookout favorite of both local and tourists. It is the typical site that you recommend to friends, and hundreds of locals choose to see a sunset in good company. These bunkers are former air-raid shelter of the Civil War. And, best of all is that you can visit for free.
You can walk uphill for about 15 minutes (depends on your pace) from the metro Carmel (Line 5). You sweat a bit, but when you come and see the views of all of Barcelona is going to forget the effort you have made.
The sunset from here is spectacular, so our advice is that you arrive at least an hour before to get a good site, as that tends to be a lot of people, especially in spring-summer. If you would rather take public transport and avoid the slopes, you can take the bus 24, 119 or V17.
What we like the most of the Bunkers is the atmosphere and the good vibes that you breathe. People sit on the ground with a few beers or a few sandwiches, some to put music and other simply sit to look at the view and enjoy the sunset in silence. It is the perfect vantage point if you’re looking for something different to end your day of sightseeing in Barcelona.
Park Güell: privileged views
If there is something that defines Barcelona is Gaudí. The Park Güell is one of those places where you can enjoy its architecture and spectacular views of the city. The viewpoint of the Plaça de la Natura is one of the lookouts most-photographed by their banks, rolling colors.
If you want to zoom in to see the views, you have to know that you’ll pull out entry, we recommend that you buy it online, so that entry is worth 10 €, if there will be 13 € at the box office (it Is a visit with limited capacity, so it is recommended to plan ahead). Areas with free access also have their charm, but the views from this vantage point are amazing, we believe that it’s worth. The hours are usually from 9:30 to 19:30, although it changes according to the time of the year, so check before you go.
To get to Park Güell you can get off at Lesseps or Vallcarca (Line 3) and walk for about 15 minutes. If you want to see the park quietly take you about 2 hours. The park is full of stairs and slopes that what you have in mind.
Montjuïc: History, nature and a view of the port
The mountain of Montjuïc is one of the most emblematic places and full of Barcelona. It is not just a viewpoint, is a mountain full of nooks special: museums, gardens, the Castle and several viewpoints scattered throughout the area.
The Viewpoint of the Mayor is the best to see the view of the sunset, when the sun sets over the Mediterranean. All viewpoints exteriors are free during the tour, minus the Castle, which costs 5 € and the visiting hours are from 10:00 to 20:00, depends on the time of year.
We recommend to spend 2-3 hours to walk around with peace of mind. You can also take advantage to know the MNAC or the Fundació Miró. To climb up the Hill, you have several options: the cable car from la Barceloneta (14€ round trip), the funicular from metro Paral·lel, or the tourist bus.
Tibidabo: the views highest Barcelona
The Tibidabo also offers breathtaking views. It is the highest mountain in Barcelona, 512 metres high. In addition to the viewpoint, you can enjoy the oldest amusement park in Spain and the church Sagrat Cor, that looks like something straight out of a fairy tale.
The entrance to the church is free, but for 5 € you can take the lift to the dome and the views from here are even better. If you are going with children or you like the attractions vintage, the entrance to the park costs around €30.
Estimated 1-2 hours if you are only to enjoy the views and 3-4 hours if you want to enter the park. If you are going with children, even some time more, because they will not want to leave here. The best option to get there is to catch the Tibibus from Plaza Cataluña. Or take the metro to Avinguda Tibidabo, then take the Tram Blau and after the funicular.
Towers of the Sagrada Familia: a unique vantage point for viewing of Barcelona
The Sagrada Familia is one of the most impressive of Gaudí, with thousands of architectural details throughout the tour. From its towers, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the center of Barcelona.
The entrance to the towers costs 33€ approximately, and it is mandatory to book in advance. You can choose between the tower of the Nativity or Passion. I would recommend the Nativity, as the views and the architecture impress more.
The hours are from 9:00 to 20:00 (depending on the season) and you need some 2-2.5 hours to see the basilica and climb up to the towers. Please note that the towers are not suitable for guests with reduced mobility or claustrophobia. If you arrive with luggage, we recommend that you leave it in a locker nearby, as they do not leave inputs with large backpacks.
Viewpoints secrets of Barcelona
If you prefer to escape the crowds and see a sunset over calm, Barcelona hidden viewpoints and lesser-known offering spectacular views without the crowds of the most famous places.
Turó de les Tres Creus (Parc del Carmel)
If the Bunkers del Carmel’t seem too crowded, the Turó de les Tres Creus is your perfect alternative. It offers similar views of Barcelona, as they are quite close, but with much less people. It is completely free and you can access from the Park Güell, which allows you to combine both visits on the same evening.
Terrat del Convent de Sant Agustí: the secret of The Raval
This terrace hidden in the heart of the neighborhood of el Raval is one of the viewpoints’s best-kept Barcelona. It is free and very little known even among the locals. From here you have a close-up view and intimate on the rooftops historical center of the city, perfect to feel the pulse authentic neighborhood.
Torre Glòries (formerly torre Agbar (Agbar Tower)
Formerly known as torre Agbar (Agbar Tower, the Torre Glòries offers a completely different experience with its observatory, Cloud Cities. For € 15 you can enjoy a view of technology and modern Barcelona from one of their buildings more iconic. It is ideal for night photography, when the city lights under your feet.
Columbus Monument (Mirador de Colón)
The Ganbara it has been nearly 40 years in the city and is one of my favorite sites. My pintxos favorites are the tart crab, puff pastry txistorra and the asparagus is battered. In the fall, and also I recommend you to test your mushrooms.
Refugi 307 and Viewpoint of Poble Sec
This plan combines history with a view at one of the most authentic Barcelona. The Refugi 307 is a bomb shelter from the Civil War that you can visit, and then you can climb to the mirador del Poble Sec neighbourhood. It is an area less desk where you can breath the local atmosphere while enjoying great views of the city.
Rooftops and terraces in Barcelona
If you prefer to enjoy the views with a drink in hand and a sophisticated atmosphere, the rooftops in Barcelona are a must-have experience.
Rooftops premium: Luxury and exclusivity
The Eclipse Bar at the W Hotel, offers a view of 360°. It has a more exclusive and dress code mandatory. It is the perfect place if you want to celebrate any special occasion. The rooftop La Dolce Vitae at the Majestic Hotel on the Passeig de Gràcia combines elegance with one of the best locations of the city.
Rooftops of mid-range: Accessible and charming
The Skybar of the Hotel Pulitzer is in full Plaza Catalunya and is very accessible. The Hotel Ohla Barcelona also offers views of the cathedral. If you’re looking for a peaceful spot where you can enjoy a cup, La Isabela at Hotel 1898 on The Ramblas is the perfect place.
Rooftops economic: Good views without breaking the budget
The B-Lounge of the Hotel Barceló Raval offers views of 360°, a modern style and cups between 8 and 15€. The Terrace of the Hotel Colón, in front of the cathedral, and The Rooftop at The One Barcelona the Eixample also has a more affordable price.
Tips for visiting rooftops
If you come during the weekend, we will recommend you book in advance, as they tend to be filled easily. Also during the Christmas season, as many business lunches and dinners end up there. The rooftops premium have a dress code, so forget about flip flops or sports shirts.
Typically, in this type of sites usually have drink minimum, so check before you order anything. The best time to visit the rooftops it is in the evening. Some stores are only open in high season, from April to October, so check if their hours before you go.
Natural viewpoints: hiking and panoramic views
If you come to Barcelona in search of nature, these natural viewpoints are a perfect option whether you come with your family as with friends or a partner.
Parc de Collserola: The green lung of Barcelona
The Parc de Collserola has several trails with different viewpoints in natural. There you can find the Collserola Tower, an observatory in the middle of the park. Its price is 6€, and you can upload to your platform to see the sights. This route has a medium-high difficulty, so we recommend bring appropriate footwear. Booking a full morning to enjoy the area.
Carretera de les Aigües: perfect for cyclists and runners
If you like running or riding a bike this route is perfect. Almost all of the route is flat and you can access it from different points of the city of Barcelona. In addition, you can enjoy the views during the tour and stop in the areas that you like. It is a broken very simple to do with children.
Alternative routes in Montjuïc: beyond the Castle
If you’re at the area of Montjuïc, you can visit the Laribal Gardens, the Mirador del Migdia, and the trails that take you to the main viewpoints. It is a very quiet and uncrowded. If you’re looking for a little peace and quiet is the ideal site.
Recommended equipment for natural routes
Many of these viewpoints have routes that are simple, but you should always wear sports shoes comfortable. Always take a bottle of water, since many areas have no sources or establishments where to buy. If you come in summer, take sunscreen and bring water, which tends to make a lot of heat in Barcelona.
Plan your perfect route of viewpoints to enjoy the best views of the city
Most viewpoints in Barcelona are free and offer experiences for all tastes and budgets. If you want to live a different experience or special you can always enjoy the rooftops in the different hotels of the city.
If you only have a day, from Lock Here Now we recommend you to visit a classic like Bunkers or the Tibidabo and if you want you can finish off the day with a rooftop to end the day with a night view of the city. If you’re going to be more days in Barcelona, you can also visit one of their natural viewpoints.
Whatever your choice, Barcelona from the heights never disappoints.
