Tibidabo Mountain

This whimsical mountain offers stunning views of the Catalan capital, and a welcome respite from city life.

TravelCurious Tip

Visit in the evening for the magnificent sight of Barcelona glowing golden in the sunset.

A mountain of distinction

Tibidabo stands 1500 feet above Barcelona and is one of the city’s most beloved landmarks. Anywhere in Barcelona you need only look up to see the monumental Sagrat Cor Church, the looping rides of the Tibidabo amusement park and the surprisingly stylish Torre de Collserola Communications Tower which occupy the summit; climb up, and there are spectacular views of the sprawling city below and the sparkling Mediterranean coastline.

The Sagrat Cor (Church of the Sacred Heart) is a remarkably beautiful piece of 20th century neo-Gothic architecture, made all the more impressive by its imposing location. The first stone was laid in 1902 and the huge church we see today was completed in 1961. While the church itself looks like a medieval cathedral, the crypt on which it stands is a blend of classical Roman and Gothic design, and displays beautiful painted images of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ outside as well as stunning mosaics and alabaster sculpture in its interior. Atop the church is a huge stone statue of Christ with outstretched arms, whose open gesture embraces the city below.

Trains and planes

Amazingly the amusement park actually predates the church, having first opened in 1889 - it is one of the oldest in the world. Many of the original rides are still operating, such as the Red Aeroplane which takes you flying over the city. Newer rides include the Muntanya Russ rollercoaster, which whirls around the top of the mountain, the Hall of Mirrors (Miramiralls), and a 4D cinema. The fame of the park earned it a scene in the film Vicky Cristina Barcelona with Scarlett Johansson and Penélope Cruz.

Tibidabo is a charming destination, and well worth a journey: it is in fact relatively easy to access by public transport. To get there, take a train from Barcelona city centre to the Tramvia Blau station. In keeping with the quaint antiquity of the theme park, this electric tram, dating from 1901, brings visitors about halfway up the mountain, where you can pause at a café before taking a funicular cablecar the rest of the way to the summit.

Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in Barcelona
Park Güell
Barcelona’s stunning public park, filled with the fantastical forms of Gaudí.
Carmel Bunkers
Barcelona 360° viewpoint, known to be the place where anti-aircraft guns were installed during the Spanish Civil War.
Horta-Guinardó
A charming historic neighbourhood of steep streets and beautiful gardens.
Casa Vicens Gaudí
Considered one of the first buildings of Art Nouveau, this is the first house designed by Gaudí.
Barça Museum
The Barça Museum was inaugurated in 1984 within Camp Nou facilities to display the history and achievements of the Barcelona Football Club.
Barça trophy cabinet
The Barcelona Football Club is one of the most successful, in the Barça trophy cabinet we can appreciate those achievements over the past years.

Related Tours

Barcelona from Above: Private Driving Tour of the City’s Best Views

Discover several incredible panoramic views over the city of Barcelona on this half-day private driving tour around the city's most amazing viewpoints, including a visit to the amazing Glòries Tower skyscraper.

On your private tour, you will:

  • Enjoy hotel pick-up with a private driver and expert private guide throughout your 4-hour tour;
  • Relax and enjoy a scenic drive around Barcelona and to the best panoramic viewing points of the city;
  • Enjoy your guide's knowledgeable commentary about Barcelona en route; 
  • Arrive at Carmel Bunkers for an amazing 360° view of Barcelona - one of the best views in all of Europe;
  • Learn about the area, which was never a bunker, but the place where anti-aircraft guns were installed during the Spanish Civil War - locals have kept this incredible viewing point secret for years;
  • Gaze out to the horizon and the ocean beyond, and you'll see the vast architectural marvel of Gaudi’s famous La Sagrada Familia rising high above the rooftops of the city;
  • Continue the tour, driving to the top of Tibidabo, the highest peak of the capital, for more jaw-dropping views;
  • See Tibidabo Church (from the outside) - a spectacular mountaintop temple;
  • Enjoy the incredibly scenic drive down the mountain towards your last stop;
  • Your last stop is the magical Montjuïc Hill from where you can see Barcelona from every angle, including its Port;
  • Return to the city centre and finish your tour with tickets included to the Glòries Tower Observation Deck!
  • Visit Hyperview Barcelona and the interactive artwork 'Cloud Cities Barcelona', by artist Tomás Saraceno.


Discover some of the most astounding panoramic views high above Barcelona, kept secret by the locals, on this fabulous private driving tour to the best viewing points over this stunning city! Your private guide will meet you at your hotel, and whisk you off in search of some of the finest panoramic views, not just of Barcelona but all of Europe! 

Enjoy a relaxing and thoroughly scenic drive out of the city centre, while your guide will share lots of fascinating history and stories of Barcelona with you as you head up the hill, towards your first stop: the Carmel Bunkers. Rather than bunkers, this place was used during the Spanish Civil War to store firearms - specifically anti-aircraft weapons. 

Afterwards, the area became a shanty town; the residents were rehoused during the Olympic Games in 1992 and today the site is still a well-kept secret by the locals and provides a breathtaking view over Barcelona - with the city and her grand monuments stretched out beneath you.  

Next drive to Tibidabo, which at 512 meters it is the highest hill overlooking Barcelona. It rises sharply in the northwest and enjoys panoramic views of both the city and the coastline. Perched on the summit is the astonishingly beautiful Sagrat Cor Church (Sacred Heart), which was begun in 1902 and completed 60 years later. It is a vast neo-gothic church with a massive statue of the sacred heart of Jesus on top: a truly spectacular sight to behold. 

Then drive to beautiful Montjuic - the most famous hill in Barcelona, filled with pavillions, temples, palaces, parks, botanical gardens, and other monuments from when Barcelona hosted the World's Fair in 1920. It means Jewish Mountain, named for the medieval Jewish cemetery there, and has glorious views over the city. 

For years it was an important defence outpost of the city, with a wooded valley and fort. Today, there are many castles and museums to see and admire on Montjuic, including the Magic Fountain - and of course wonderful views over the city!

Then it's time to drive back into the city where you will be dropped off at the Glòries Tower, your guide will give you your tickets and guide you to the entrance. Then you have free time to head up to the Observation Deck of this grand glass skyscraper - with, yes, some of the greatest views over the city!  

 Please note:
- This tour runs rain or shine, and on a rainy day, the visibility of the city skyline might be affected. Your guide will be happy to change the stops to offer the best experience.
- Access to the Carmel Bunkers implies a walking part to get to the top of the hill from the parking area.
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