The best views in Barcelona: viewpoints you just can't miss
Discover views of the city you'll never forget, from secret viewpoints to tourist favourites. The best views in Barcelona ready and waiting for you.
Barcelona is a magical city. Sure, it might be overcrowded with tourists at times, but those tourists flock here for a reason. It’s got it all. Whether it’s culture or total relaxation you’re after, it offers both in spades. Its location is spectacular too, where the mountains meet the sea, and that means there’s no shortage of spectacular views to be seen. Some of the best views in Barcelona are popular tourist spots, but others are a little less well known.
If you’re planning a trip here and don’t want to miss out on the best Barcelona viewpoints, then you’ve come to the right place. Read on for our tips for the best places to marvel at a glorious Barcelona city view, preferably at sunset with a glass of cava in hand.
Best views in Barcelona: Catalan National Art Museum
A strong contender for the best viewpoint in Barcelona is also one of the easiest to get to. Take a stroll up past the legendary Montjuic dancing fountains to reach the front of the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, one of the best museums in Barcelona housed in a strikingly beautiful building.
From here you can enjoy the view over Barcelona, with the Plaça de Espanya just below you and the rest of the city centre beyond.
Arenas de Barcelona rooftop viewpoint
Right next to the Plaça de Espanya, offering a different perspective to the art museum, is the Arenas de Barcelona shopping centre. This was once the city’s main bull ring but has been converted into a popular shopping centre with a 360-degree rooftop terrace.
This makes for a great photo opportunity, and there’s a wide selection of restaurants and bars for you to choose from for a bite to eat.
Barcelona view of city: Parc Güell
Barcelona and Gaudi are practically synonyms, and Parc Güell is one of his most impressive creations. Most of this park, which you’ll find just behind the Gracia neighbourhood, is open to the general public so you can overlook Barcelona without paying a penny.
But if you want to access the heart of the park and see more of Guadi’s handiwork then it’s best to book tickets online before you go.
Bunkers del Carmel viewpoint
The Barcelona bunker viewpoint is a secret that many visitors to the city don’t discover but is probably where you get the best Barcelona panoramic view. It’s a little way out of town and can be a little complicated to access depending on where you’re staying, but it’s worth it. Hop in a taxi or take a bus, which will drop you off closer than the metro will.
This might be the best sunset view in Barcelona. Lots of people take a long a bottle of something to pop as the sun goes down to make the occasion extra memorable.
Montjuic Castle sunset Barcelona
Montjuic Castle is another place that you can enjoy the best views in Barcelona, this time from a slightly different perspective as you’re closer to the coastline and the port. Once a watchtower that became a castle in the 17th century, this fortress played a key role in much of the city’s turbulent history.
Now, it’s an interesting place to visit with some educational exhibits. And, of course, the views are to die for.
Barcelona view from above: Tibidabo
We’re coming to the end of our list of the best views in Barcelona, but we couldn’t miss out Mount Tibidabo. It’s one of the defining features of Barcelona’s skyline, reaching 515 m above sea level.
A small chapel was first built up here at the end of the 19th century, but by the time the 20th century dawned visitors could come by road, funicular or tram to visit the legendary theme park that opened here.
No visit to Barcelona is complete without a trip up to the top of the mountain and some fun in the amusement park which is now over 100 years old. There are 25 rides here, all offering spectacular views, and some dating back nearly as long as the park itself, like the legendary aeroplane which was built way back in 1928. Soaring above the city in this classic ride is an experience you won’t forget in a hurry.
Bring a picnic and make the most of your day exploring this unique theme park by enjoying it in the sunshine, marvelling at the amazing view.
Barcelona night view: the best rooftop bars
Of course, in a city like Barcelona there was never going to be any shortage of rooftops bars with stunning views to enjoy, the perfect place to kick off a great night out.
If you’re looking for a Barcelona viewpoint where you can enjoy the sunset whilst sipping on a delicious cocktail, then you’re in luck. Take your pick from a wide range of rooftop bars.
Two of our favourites are the bars on the roofs of Gaudi’s creations, Casa Batlló and Casa Milà. These bars are totally unique and part of the quintessential Barcelona experience.