Barcelona, the vibrant capital of Catalonia, is an enigmatic city that attracts travelers from all over the world with its architectural wonders, high-octane festivals, and dreamy golden beaches. Beyond its ancient streets and lively squares, the city boasts a skyline adorned with iconic landmarks, with rolling hills on one side and the dazzling Mediterranean Sea on the other.
These special spots in Barcelona invite you to escape from the city’s almost constant crowds and snap stunning photos you’ll want to show everyone you ever meet. From panoramic vistas of the blond coastline to the awe-inspiring silhouettes of Gaudi’s masterpieces, the views in Barcelona deliver a canvas of unparalleled beauty.
Whether you’ve been to the city countless times and think you’ve seen it all or you’ve never been before and you’re currently planning your first trip, the best viewpoints in Barcelona are guaranteed to take your breath away. So get ready to see the city from a whole new perspective and join me as we discover where to get the best views in Barcelona!
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The 9 Best Spots For Amazing Views in Barcelona
1. Tibidabo
There are two excellent reasons to visit Tibidabo. First, for the nostalgia-inducing retro theme park, and second, for some of the best views in Barcelona!
At 1,640 feet above sea level, Tibidabo is the highest peak in the Serra de Collserola Natural Park and rewards you with sweeping views across the entire city and out to sea. The spectacular view is definitely one you’ll want to enjoy for a while, so pack a picnic and stick around.
The ride up to Tibidabo is fun, too. You can catch the funicular from Plaça Doctor Andreu and watch the views unveil as you climb up the lush, green hillside. The panoramic area is completely free to visit – after you’ve paid for your funicular ride. But if you want to enjoy the theme park, you’ll need to buy a ticket.
2. Catalan National Art Museum Rooftop
The Catalan National Art Museum (Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya) isn’t just one of the top art galleries in the city. It’s also where you’ll find some of the best views of Barcelona. After checking out the masterpieces created by Gaudí, Velázquez, and Reubens, head to the rooftop and prepare to be blown away.
From up here, you can see the Plaça de Espanya directly below you and the rest of the city center laid out before you. You can see all the way from the Montjuïc Fountain to La Sagrada Familia. If you’re not planning on visiting the museum, you can still enjoy the view from the rooftop. You can buy a ticket for €2 at the entrance to the museum.
3. Montjuic Castle Viewpoint
Visit the Montjuic Castle Viewpoint and you’ll be treated to a Barcelona view like no other. While many of the city’s viewpoints are located up in the hills, this spot is closer to the port and the coastline, providing you with a completely different perspective. The castle was originally used as a watchtower to monitor potential attacks from the coast, so you can imagine how great the views are from here!
Take a walk around the towering castle walls for 360° views of the city. After you’ve enjoyed the sprawling panoramas, head inside the castle and take a look at the latest temporary exhibitions. If you’re visiting during the warmer months, the gardens are a wonderful place to explore, too.
4. Hotel Barceló Raval
You wouldn’t expect to find the best view in Barcelona in the city’s Gothic Quarter, but the 360º terrace at the top of the Hotel Barceló Raval is certainly a contender for the lofty title. This ultra-cool hotel boasts an open-air bar with devastatingly beautiful views throughout the day and night.
There are free lookout binoculars you can use to spot Barcelona’s iconic landmarks dotted around the terrace. And although the drinks are a little pricey, it’s worth it for the chance to sip a glass of local wine and see the city from every angle possible.
You don’t have to be a hotel guest to visit the terrace – you don’t even have to pay! Just head inside the hotel, ride the elevator to the top floor, and enjoy the view.
5. Bunkers del Carmel
Ask a local where to find the best views of Barcelona and many will tell you to head to the Bunkers del Carmel. These genuine unused bunkers are found at the top of the Turó de la Rovira, almost 900 feet above sea level. They’re a little tricky to get to (you’re best off using a taxi, rideshare, or the bus), but your effort will be worth it for the staggering panorama you’ll see before you.
I definitely suggest you plan to arrive here just before sunset. It’s my favorite spot in the entire city to sit with a bottle of wine, some charcuterie from La Boqueria, and watch the sun dip into the sea on the horizon. The photos you’ll get from this point are beyond stunning.
6. Parc Güell
Whether or not you’re seeking out the best Barcelona views, Parc Güell should definitely be on your must-visit list. This stunning park is one of Gaudí’s most impressive creations and you can visit almost all of it for free.
The Three Cross Hill is the highest point in the park and you’ve got to climb a fair number of steps to get to the top. But when you have, you’ll be stunned by the beautiful views that stretch out in front of you. From this spot, you can see the greenest parts of the city, as well as La Rambla, which leads to the sea.
If you’re a fan of art or architecture, I suggest you grab a ticket for the paid Monumental Zone. The mosaics and sculptures are even better here than the rest of the park and make for great pictures. It’s definitely worth the extra money.
7. Port Cable Car
Riding the Port Cable Car (Telefèric del Port) is something I always recommend to people visiting the city. It’s an excellent way to see some of the most beautiful spots and take in some of the best views in Barcelona.
At its highest point, the cable car reaches 330 feet above sea level, whizzing you from Barceloneta Beach up to the top of Montjuïc. The ride takes just 10 minutes, so no matter how pressed for time you are, you can always squeeze it in.
The cable car stops at three places – the Parc Montjuïc, the Montjuïc Castle, and the Mirador. Your ticket allows you to get off at each stop and I recommend you do. Just keep in mind that you can’t ride the cable car route more than once. So if you miss your stop, you can’t return to it.
8. Arenas de Barcelona
Arenas de Barcelona is a shopping mall that’s easily missed. While the inside features standard stores and boutiques that you can find anywhere in the world, the rooftop terrace is home to what could be the best Barcelona city view.
The rooftop terrace is lined with fancy bars and restaurants, but because they’re covered and located in the center, you can’t actually enjoy the view from any of them. Instead, save your money and walk to the edge to snap fabulous panoramic photos of the city.
If you’re looking for a unique photo op, I suggest buying tickets for IKONO Barcelona within the shopping mall. Part art gallery and part photoshoot, this one-of-a-kind hotspot is full of amazing places to take pictures and selfies!
9. El Palace Rooftop Garden
Looking for somewhere with amazing views in Barcelona for your final night in the city? You can’t beat El Palace Rooftop Garden. This magical hidden gem invites you to escape from the hectic city streets and relax in a calming oasis.
Take a look around and you’ll discover a swimming pool, rippling ponds, bubbling fountains, shading pergolas, and almost 50 different kinds of plants. If you can take your eyes off your immediate surroundings, you’ll be left speechless by the incredible Barcelona city view that surrounds you.
All kinds of exciting events and activities take place here, from sunrise yoga classes to open-air movie showings. It’s the perfect place to end your vacation and capture some incredible cityscape pictures at the same time. You don’t need to be a guest of the hotel to enjoy the rooftop garden, but making a reservation online is recommended.
