Barcelona has some of the best viewpoints in Europe. We’ve been living there for over 10 years now. We still wonder at the sheer beauty of its landscape, skyline, and architectural gems.
The Spanish city is an architect’s dream. Since it has a long and lustrous past, you can see different historic layers, including contemporary masterpieces.
The best viewpoints in Barcelona are from high above. Hills tower above the city. We have prepared the following list with our favorite places. Hope you like them as much as we do!
Our Favorite 10 Barcelona Viewpoints
Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya
Montjuïc hill towers above Barcelona and offers the best views. The hill is in the center, next to the sea. You will see it as soon as you arrive.
The National Museum of Art of Catalonia is the building on the hill that faces city. It’s at the end of a long avenue with wonderful water fountains.
You can see the entire city from the museum. Not only that, but the views inside the museum are awesome too. Go in and admire its incredible dome.
Arenas de Barcelona
Plaça Espanya is the huge plaza-roundabout you will see when coming from the airport. You will instantly recognize it from the massive bull ring that presides over the plaza.
The outside remains the same but the inside of the bull ring is now a massive mall, Las Arenas. You can access the rooftop from inside the mall. No need to pay for the lift outside of the mall.
The views from the rooftop will take your breath away. There are a couple of restaurants and bars where you can sit and relax. Our gym is there, so we go all the time!
Jardins de Miramar
Our home was at the foot of Montjuïc hill. We would open the window and see the hill. A short walk up from Poble Sec takes you to the Miramar Gardens.
It’s a viewing platform with ancient trees, a fancy hotel, a coffee shop, and epic views over Barcelona and the sea. Go check the biggest cacti garden in Europe. It’s next to the gardens and has endless views of the sea and the port.
You can take the Port Cable Car from the Miramar gardens and go to the beach in Barceloneta! As you can imagine the views from the cable car are unforgettable.
Park Güell
Park Güell is one of the best examples of the art nouveau style in Barcelona. The city’s most celebrated artist Antoni Gaudí designed it. It’s up on the hills north of the city center.
You’ve probably seen tones of photos of the park. In particular of its wonderful mosaics and sculptures, including the world famous lizard. Enter the park and walk about searching for art and views.
You have several platforms to discover. Our favorite is Mirador Joan Sales, up on a slope next to the park. You will see some of Gaudi’s structures and the entire city all the way to the sea behind.
Tibidabo
Tibidabo is the highest hill around Barcelona. At 1680 feet (512 meters) it offers the best views in the city. It’s the peak to the northwest that you can see from the entire city.
The best way to reach the hill is with the funicular. Built in 1901, it offers incredible views along the way. It takes you to the church.
Enter the church and prepare to be dazzled. Not only that, but you can take the lift to the top of the temple and enjoy jaw dropping views.
Búnquers del Carmel
The Carmel bunkers were built in 1937 during the Spanish Civil War. They were used to protect the city from air raids. Today, they offer some of the best views in Barcelona.
The bunkers are on top of the Guinardó Park, a hill east of Tibidado. It provides 360 degrees views and its free. You can walk all the way to the top.
Get ready for the steps, bring a bottle of water, and enjoy. It’s a great place to catch the sunset. Locals and tourists love the place, so you’ll meet people from all over the world!
Sagrada Família Towers
The Sagrada Família Temple needs no introduction. Its Barcelona’s most iconic landmark and a sight to behold. Note that you need to pay extra to go up the towers with a lift.
You can only go up the towers of two facades: Passion or Nativity. You have to choose in advance. Both offer great views so don’t worry. That said, we like Nativity better.
Gaudí himself designed this tower. Thus you can see the artist’s original design. Besides, you can cross the bridge that connects the two towers of the Nativity Facade.
Noxe Bar at W
To be honest, we are not in love with the W Hotel. The massive glass structure is on the beach in Barceloneta. Too big, too flashy, and too out of place for us.
However, we do love the Noxe on the top of the hotel! Fully refurbished, you can eat, have cocktails, and listen to super cool music.
Granted, it is expensive, but so totally worth it. No other place in the city offers such views of the Mediterranean. In addition, the lighting inside makes everything look even better.
El Corte Inglés Rooftop
Plaça Catalunya in the center of the city, and is one of our favorite Barcelona squares. You will go pass it on your way to Passeig de Gràcia, Las Ramblas, and the Old Town.
We always have coffee at the Corte Inglés. The traditional Spanish department store is on the plaza and has a fantastic rooftop coffee shop. You can eat literally everything you want!
Grab a window seat and enjoy views over the square, hills, the L’Eixample district and the Old Town. To our surprise, most foreign tourists don’t know about it. Thus, you’ll be surrounded by locals.
Rooftop of Hotel Barceló Raval
Do not confuse this wide street with Las Ramblas that go from Plaça Catalunya to the sea. This one is incredible too, but it is in the center of El Raval.
Our favorite bars and discos are in El Raval, so we go to the Ramblas del Raval all the time. We love it because of its multicultural vibe and edgy atmosphere.
The Barceló Hotel is the highest structure in El Raval. You can go up to its rooftop bar and enjoy memorable views of the old quarters and beyond. The bar is fun and inexpensive.
How to Choose Your Viewpoint
Trust us and visit every single view point. You won’t be disappointed. However, if you have to choose we advise you to go to the ones in Montjuïc first.
The views from the hill will make you fall in love with Barcelona. Plus it’s easy to go up walking, by bus, or cable car. There are lookouts everywhere and the plants and buildings in the park are among the best in the city.
Go at least to one of the bars we recommend. Noxe is fancy and pricey. Corte Inglés is a sure bet and a great place to relax. A visit to Park Güell is mandatory!
Where to Stay in Barcelona
When our friends visit, we always recommend the hotels with the best views in Barcelona and in the coolest neighborhoods. Miramar in Poble Sec is on Montjuïc Hill. The posh property has balconies with awesome views.
Staying in L’Eixample is a great idea. Our favorite hotel there is the H10 Art Gallery, on Enric Granados. It’s a lovely pedestrian street near La Pedrera and Passeig de Gràcia. The hotel’s rooftop terrace has a pool and a garden.
Those of you who want to experience the real Barcelona should book a room at the Barceló Raval. It’s got comfy rooms and views galore!
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