Barcelona from Above: Best Viewpoints in Barcelona

Barcelona seen from above is a spectacle not to be missed because it has it all: the endless blue sea, a spectacular beachline, majestic mountains, breathtaking monuments, unique buildings, and even something as curious as the geometry of its streets, which will leave you speechless.

Here are some of the best viewpoints in Barcelona that are sure to captivate you.

Montjuic, One of Barcelona’s Best Viewpoints

The cable car is one of the top scenic activities in Montjuic

 

Montjuic is one of the must-visit spots in Barcelona. This natural elevation has played an essential role in the city’s structure, both defensively, like the Montjuic Castle, and recreationally, as it hosted the facilities for the Barcelona ’92 Olympics.

Views from the terrace of the National Art Museum of Catalonia MNAC

 

You’ll also find places like the National Art Museum of Catalonia, the Pueblo Español, the Joan Miró Foundation, the Botanical Garden, and the Migdia Viewpoint (with spectacular views of the port), among many others.

Montjuic offers multiple viewpoints, each with different views of the city. For instance, from the National Art Museum of Catalonia, you can admire the Magic Fountain of Montjuic and Plaza España. From the Castle, you can enjoy a complete panorama of Barcelona.

 

Views of Barcelona from Montjuïc Castle

 

How to Get to Montjuic

To get to Montjuic, several options are available, but our favorite is using the metro. Lines L2 and L3 lead to Paral-lel station, which connects to the funicular (you can use the same metro ticket) that will take you up to Parc Montjuic. From there, you can continue on foot toward the castle or take the Montjuic Cable Car.

If you want to explore Barcelona’s top tourist spots with a guide, don’t miss our tour of Barcelona’s highlights, including transport with visits to the Gothic Quarter, Passeig de Gracia, the Olympic Ring, the Montjuic Cable Car, and more.

Park Güell

 

Park Güell in Barcelona is one of the city’s top attractions because, in addition to being one of Gaudí’s best works, it’s a great spot for impressive views of Barcelona, especially from the Mosaic Terrace or the Turó de les Tres Creus Viewpoint.

The latter is a monument also built by Gaudí, inspired by prehistoric remains that represent Calvary. It is the highest point in the park and a great spot to watch the Barcelona sunset.

If, in addition to watching the sunset in Barcelona, you’d like to dive into the park’s history and the symbolism hidden in every detail, we recommend taking a guided tour of Park Güell with priority entry and a English-speaking guide.

How to get to Park Güell

The quickest and most convenient way to reach Park Güell is by bus. The V19 line stops at the park’s upper entrance. You can catch this bus from central locations in Barcelona, such as Passeig Sant Joan de Borbó in Barceloneta, Passeig de Picasso next to Ciutadella Park, or along Passeig de Sant Joan.

Tibidabo and Its Amusement Park

Views from the Tibidabo Amusement Park

 

The mountain of Tibidabo, at 512 meters high, is the highest point in Barcelona, part of the Collserola Natural Park, and one of the best spots to fully appreciate Barcelona.

At the summit, you’ll find the famous Tibidabo Amusement Park, the Fabra Observatory, and the Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, located at the mountain’s highest point.

 

Sunset at Tibidabo Amusement Park

 

If you want to enjoy the best views of Barcelona while riding a roller coaster or take a leisurely stroll watching the sunset, a trip to Tibidabo is an experience you shouldn’t miss.

Tibidabo at sunset is one of those secret spots in Barcelona to go with a partner and enjoy a romantic moment.

The Collserola Tower

 

The Collserola Tower is a telecommunications antenna visible from almost anywhere in Barcelona. Designed by British architect Sir Norman Foster for Barcelona ’92, it has since become a city icon.

From its observation deck on the tenth floor, at 560 meters above sea level, you’ll enjoy 360º views of the city and even the Vallés region on clear days.

 

 

The most convenient way to visit Tibidabo Park and the Collserola Tower is by taking the Tibibus, which departs from Plaza Catalunya (Line T2A). The Collserola Tower has very limited opening hours: from July to September - Wednesday to Sunday from 12 pm to 3 pm.

The Towers of the Sagrada Familia

 

The Sagrada Familia is one of the most spectacular sites to see in Barcelona. Gaudí’s still unfinished masterpiece is one of the city’s most iconic and representative buildings.

Once completed, the Sagrada Familia will feature 18 towers: twelve representing each of the Apostles, with the remaining towers dedicated to the four Evangelists, the Virgin Mary, and the tallest tower (reaching 172.5 meters) dedicated to Jesus Christ.

Views of the Eixample district from the Sagrada Familia

 

Access to the towers is quite limited, so to secure entry, it’s best to book the Sagrada Familia tour with tower access, which includes a guided visit inside with a guide and a ticket for the elevator to one of the towers.

Once at the top, you’ll enjoy incredible views of Barcelona from 65 meters up.

This tour is not recommended for people with reduced mobility, as the descent requires navigating narrow spiral stairs, with a total of 300 steps. For this case, you may prefer the traditional Sagrada Familia tour with a guide and priority entry.

The Carmel Bunkers, a Free Viewpoint in Barcelona

 

The Bunkers del Carmel is one of the free places to visit in Barcelona. It’s a 360º viewpoint located at the top of Turó de la Rovira, at 262 meters above sea level.

The site was once an anti-aircraft battery with its respective barracks, active during the Spanish Civil War.

Getting there requires a bit of a walk uphill, so it’s not suitable for people with mobility issues. Although it’s no longer a well-kept secret, the Bunkers del Carmel remain one of the coolest spots in Barcelona.

Arenas de Barcelona Terrace

 

Next to Plaza Espanya, you’ll find the Arenas de Barcelona Shopping Center, a former bullring with a large circular terrace on its top floor, free of charge.

Here, you can enjoy beautiful views of Barcelona and grab a bite at one of the many bars and restaurants.

The best views of Barcelona from the sea

 

Everyone has at some point gazed at the vastness of the sea from land, but how about flipping the perspective and admiring the city of Barcelona from the Mediterranean?

Trust us when we say that seeing a catamaran from Montjuic isn’t quite the same as seeing Montjuic from a catamaran. To experience this, we recommend this catamaran tour in Barcelona, where you’ll have such a great time you’ll want to do it again. The tour lasts an hour and a half and includes live music.

Montserrat, the Best Viewpoint Near Barcelona

 

Among the best excursions near Barcelona is Montserrat, a place where you’ll find unforgettable views in a stunning natural setting.

Montserrat is a unique mountain and natural formation home to the Basilica and monastery of the same name, dedicated to the Virgin of Montserrat, also known as “La Moreneta”, the patron saint of Catalonia.

The Creu de Sant Miquel viewpoint is the most popular in the area due to its spectacular views and proximity to the monastery. If you’re up for even more breathtaking views, you can opt for a hike to the summit of Sant Jeroni, a major hiking route in Montserrat that passes by several hermitages along the way and offers views stretching from the Pyrenees to the Mediterranean.

 

Vistas del Monasterio de Montserrat desde el Mirador de la Creu de Sant Miquel

 

Riding the Sant Joan Funicular also offers stunning views of the entire Montserrat complex.

A fun way to visit Barcelona’s magical mountain is with our half-day tour to Montserrat. It’s a 5.5-hour experience that includes bus transportation from Barcelona, a bilingual guide, and a tasting of four typical liqueurs.

Torre Glòries

 

The Torre Glòries viewpoint may be one of the newest in Barcelona, but the skyscraper that houses it has been a part of the city’s urban landscape for quite some time.

Formerly known as the Torre Agbar, this building designed by French architect Jean Nouvel has opened an amazing observation platform offering 360-degree views at a height of 125 meters.

During your visit, you can enjoy a multimedia exhibition on “Big Data” about Barcelona, as well as artistic installations and “Cloud Cities,” an interactive art piece.

Other viewpoints in Barcelona

Barcelona has many other viewpoints that are definitely worth visiting and we recommend.

Some of them include the Mirador del Mediterráneo (with the best views of the port and beaches of Barcelona), the terrace of the Sercotel Rosellón—offering stunning views of the Sagrada Familia—or the Sky Bar (the terrace of the Iberostar Hotel with great views and a pool).

 

Views of the Sagrada Familia from the terrace of the Sercotel Rosellón

 

In the Gothic Quarter, you can also head up to the terrace of the Barcelona Cathedral, and if you’re on the Rambla del Raval, don’t miss one of the best terraces in Barcelona for views: the one at the Hotel Barceló Raval, where you can enjoy beautiful sunsets while having a drink.