The best viewpoints in Barcelona
Is there anything better than contemplating Barcelona from the heights of its viewpoints? In this blog we tell you everything you need to know about the best viewpoints in Barcelona.
If there is one place where viewpoints take on special significance, it is Barcelona. With its unique blend of sea, mountains and modernist architecture, it offers some of the most photogenic cityscapes in Europe. Whether at sunrise, sunset or lit up at night, seeing Barcelona from a viewpoint is an experience not to be missed if you visit the city.
We’ll show you the best viewpoints in Barcelona, from the most iconic to the most alternative ones that few people know about. Enjoy the city from a different perspective. Take note, get ready to enjoy breathtaking views from these viewpoints… and don’t forget your camera.
Why visit Barcelona’s viewpoints?
Visiting a Barcelona viewpoint is not just an excursion to take good photos, it is a way of connecting with the city, of seeing how the sea and the mountains merge, how the avenues are drawn from above and how the modern and the historical coexist in its urban layout.
From the top of Barcelona’s viewpoints, you can see the city’s jewels in all their splendour, such as the Sagrada Familia, the Montjuïc skyline, the port and beaches, the green of Parc Güell and the grid layout of the Eixample. Each viewpoint in Barcelona offers a different and unique view, and many of them have become mythical places in the city.
They are also ideal places to relax, watch the sunset or simply disconnect from the daily hustle and bustle of Barcelona. The best thing is that many of them are free or accessible by public transport, which makes them a perfect option.
Whether you’re just passing through for a few days or you live in the city, Barcelona’s viewpoints offer a visual, cultural and emotional experience that’s hard to forget.
The 5 best viewpoints in Barcelona
Barcelona is a city full of contrasts, and there’s no better way to appreciate them than from above. If you’re wondering which is the best viewpoint in Barcelona, we’ll tell you that we can’t choose just one viewpoint… so we bring you five viewpoint options for you to choose your favourite!
1. Bunkers of Carmel (Turó de la Rovira)
📍 Carrer de Marià Labèrnia, s/n
This is one of Barcelona’s most famous and most photographed viewpoints. The former Civil War bunkers offer a 360º view over the city, especially impressive at sunset. It’s free and has become a meeting place for locals and tourists alike. It’s a great place to bring a snack, sit at the top and watch the city lights come on.
2. Montjuïc viewpoint
📍 Avinguda Miramar, Montjuïc
This classic Barcelona viewpoint is located in one of the city’s greenest and most cultural areas. From the Mirador Gardens or the Montjuïc Castle area, you can enjoy spectacular views of the port, the Mediterranean Sea and much of the Barcelona skyline. It is ideal to combine with a visit to the MNAC, the Fundació Joan Miró or a cable car ride.
3. Turó de la Peira lookout point
📍 Carrer de Góngora, Nou Barris
This is one of Barcelona’s most unknown and peaceful viewpoints. Located in the Nou Barris district, Turó de la Peira is a little-visited hill with a park at the top that offers open views of the sea and mountains. If you’re looking for somewhere more local and relaxed, this is a great choice.
4. Park Güell viewpoint
📍 Carrer d’Olot, Gràcia
Although it is most famous for its modernista architecture, the Parque Güell viewpoint also deserves a special mention. From the staircase area or the Plaça de la Natura you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Eixample with the sea in the background. It is one of the best ways to combine art and views in the same place.
5. Tibidabo viewpoint
📍 Plaça del Tibidabo, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi
At the highest point of the city is the Tibidabo viewpoint, right next to the Sagrat Cor church and the amusement park. The views are wide and unobstructed, stretching from the sea to the Collserola mountain range. Riding the Tramvia Blau and the funicular is an experience in itself, culminating in one of the most spectacular views of the city.
What is the best time of day to go to a viewpoint in Barcelona?
Now that you know our ranking of the 5 best viewpoints in Barcelona, you may be wondering when is the best time to visit them. Don’t worry, we’ll let you in on that secret too.
The best time of day to visit one of these Barcelona viewpoints is at sunrise or sunset. These two times of day are notable for their soft, golden light, which creates a magical atmosphere and highlights the beauty of the city. If you’re looking for a quieter visit, we recommend visiting these viewpoints during the early hours of the day, as you’re less likely to encounter crowds at these times.
We advise you to avoid the middle of the day in summer, as the heat can be intense and the light too bright to take good photos. Also, the most popular viewpoints tend to be crowded at this time of day.
Another visit to our recommended viewpoints that can’t go unnoticed is at night. The city of Barcelona offers spectacular views at night, at the viewpoints you can enjoy a unique perspective of the illuminated city. You can enjoy a unique romantic moment. Of course, check timetables and means of transport to access these viewpoints at night, some of them are closed or during the night hours can only be accessed by private vehicles.
We close this tour of Barcelona’s best viewpoints with one thing clear: discovering Barcelona from above is a unique and special way to connect with the city. Exploring its viewpoints will allow you to discover unique spots, take unforgettable photos and experience moments of calm in the midst of the city’s hustle and bustle.