Barcelona is a city that provides numerous stunning viewpoints, offering panoramic views of the sprawling urban landscape and the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea. From historic monuments to hidden terraces, Barcelona’s viewpoints provide the perfect opportunity to take in the city from above.
Barcelona’s viewpoints offer a unique perspective of the city, and each provides a different experience. From historic landmarks to hidden terraces, there’s something for everyone in this iconic city. With so many opportunities to take in the city from above, the only challenge is deciding which viewpoint to visit first!
Here are 10 of the best viewpoints in Barcelona.
1 Park Guell
One of Barcelona’s most famous landmarks, Park Guell sits atop a hill and provides breathtaking views of the city. The park is home to several sculptures and mosaics by Gaudi, which are unique in their design and add to the stunning surroundings. The paths and staircases throughout the park lead visitors to unexpected views and perspectives of the city.
2 Montjuic Castle
Montjuic Castle is nestled atop the Montjuic Mountain and provides panoramic views of Barcelona, the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding hills. The castle has over 360 years of history, having survived many wars and conflicts. It is now a museum offering visitors insight into Spain’s military history.
3 Sagrada Familia
The iconic Sagrada Familia is one of the top sights in Barcelona, but it’s also one of the best viewpoints in the city. Visitors can take an elevator up to the tower to experience a breathtaking view of the city. With its unique architecture and incredible views, the Sagrada Familia is a must-visit attraction in Barcelona.
4 The Gothic Cathedral
The Gothic Cathedral is Barcelona’s most famous cathedral, with its spires reaching high into the sky. Visitors can climb to the roof and enjoy the spectacular views of the Gothic Quarter and the city beyond. The climb is not for the faint-hearted, but the views are worth the effort.
5 Tibidabo Panoramic Platform
Tibidabo is the name of a hill on the edge of the city of Barcelona. And the cathedral and amusement park on top of the hill also bear its name. And there’s also a panoramic platform that’s a great observation deck over the city. The platform is free to visit, so also if you don’t have tickets to the amusement park you can enjoy one of the best views over Barcelona from here.
6 Teleferic Del Port
From the Teleferic del Port cable cars you’ve got an amazing view over the city from the harbour onwards. The cablecar goes from Montjuic to La Barceloneta. You can enter at either station.
7 Bunkers del Carmel
The Bunkers del Carmel used to be my favorite viewpoint in Barcelona, but unfortunately they’re closed in the evenings nowadays due to protest from the neighborhood. You can still visit them during the day, but you can’t watch the romantic sunset from there anymore alas.
8 Arenas Mall
In the former Arena, opposite Montjuic, you can now find a shopping mall. And on the top floor of the mall you’ve got a nice 360° view over the city. The observation deck is free to visit and from it you’ve got a perfect view over Montjuic and its palace that now houses the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya.
9 La Pedrera (Casa Mila)
Many of the houses that Gaudi designed have a nice rooftop. Casa Batllo, Casa Vicens, Palau Guell, all great rooftops with views over the city. If I had to choose one of Gaudi’s houses for the best viewpoint in Barcelona, I would say La Pedrera. La Pedrera, or sometimes called Casa Mila, is a yellow-ish building on a corner at the well-known Passeig de Gracia. The rooftop is beautiful for several reasons; the chimneys look like art sculptures for example, or the fact that it’s round and you can look down the middle. But what amazes me most about this rooftop is that you can see the Sagrada Familia through an archway.
10 Mirador torre Glòries
Mirador torre Glòries just opened up in 2022 and it’s a glass skyscraper with beautiful 360 views over Barcelona. You might have seen this egg-shaped building from several points in the city. But it’s also really worth it to go inside. On the ground floor there’s a real-time exhibition about the city. With for example a soundscape that uses real-time data about several factors like the current temperature and even the amount of traffic of that time. You take the elevator up to the 30th floor for the observation deck with beautiful views over Barcelona. It’s smart to buy your tickets in advance.
Another great way to enjoy beautiful views over the city, is to visit the best Rooftop bars in Barcelona.
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