Walking around Barcelona for a while, you’ll see that the city resembles a kaleidoscopic. While narrow and winding streets run through the Old Town, the Eixample district is where you walk in straight lines, parallel and perpendicular, through the grid designed by architect Ildefons Cerdà. And don’t forget, these neighbourhoods are nothing like the areas surrounding Barcelona’s hills, such as Turó de la Rovira or Turó de la Creueta del Coll, or other areas near the sea.
One of the best ways to contemplate this beautiful mosaic is to move away from the crowds and look for a vantage point. There are different places around the city with spectacular views where you can take in different perspectives. In this post PicnicBCN lays out some of the best viewpoints in Barcelona, including the most famous ones (not to be overlooked) and some less crowded spots you probably haven’t heard of.
Since its restoration in 2010 and, above all, since a torrid love scene for a hit movie was filmed here, the popularity of this place has skyrocketed. Until this point it had been a hidden gem only enjoyed by locals. The low number of tourists in the area and the fact that the most straightforward way to get here is by bus (the V17) followed by a 5-10 minute uphill walk (you can also go by underground—line 4—to Alfons X, but the walk is longer) has contributed to its relative disregard. The spot is home to the remnants of an anti-aircraft, anti-Franco battery from the Spanish Civil War and a subsequent hiding place of the Republican resistance. Here you can enjoy a 360º panorama of the city. It’s no wonder that it is increasingly crowded yet still the perfect place for a romantic date. Let PicnicBCN make it unforgettable by bringing the wine and a tasting of local products.
Antes o después de visitar el mundo de cuento de hadas que el arquitecto Antoni Gaudí proyectó en este espacio, merece la pena disfrutar de las vistas del barrio de Gràcia y de la Sagrada Familia que ofrece uno de los mejores miradores de Barcelona, en el mismo Park Güell. El acceso es fácil con escaleras mecánicas desde la estación de metro Vallcarca de la línea 3. La zona de picnic permite saborear un tentempié al aire libre, sin pagar la entrada del parque, con esta espléndida instantánea de la ciudad como telón de fondo. Before or after visiting the fairy-tale world that architect Antoni Gaudí designed in this space, it is worthwhile to enjoy some of the best views of Barcelona offered by the lookout point in the Park Güell. Access is easy with escalators from Vallcarca metro station on line 3. The picnic area allows you to enjoy an outdoor snack, without paying the park entrance, and offers this splendid snapshot of the city as a backdrop. PicnicBCN delivers every day, upon request, a delicious tasting of local products with the best wine pairing to this location.
Enjoy an unforgettable experience at the Park Güell with a tasting of local gourmet products and a good wine while contemplating the best views of Barcelona. At PicnicBCN we’ll deliver it free of charge
The Migdia viewpoint offers some of the best views of Barcelona, giving visitors excellent 360º panoramic views of the city. You can get there by public transport with bus 150 (Plaça Espanya) getting off at stop "Castell de Montjuic", or you can take the Telefèric (cable car with breath-taking views) and get off at "Castell de Montjuic". This visit is usually part of a highly recommended route up to Montjuïc castle, which runs along paths that allow cycling, running, resting or simply enjoying nature and includes an area with tables and benches next to a bar. Stop here to see beautiful sunsets while enjoying a drink and a good picnic.
Directions from the nearest metro station
The Tibidabo is of two-fold interest: the viewpoint located at the top of the Collserola mountain range, more than 500 meters high, and the Tibidabo amusement park for the more adventurous, where visitors can discover a panoramic view of the city from the legendary plane, wander with the train, enjoy an adrenaline rush on the roller coaster, climb the Ferris wheel (with views of the city from above) and then savour a delicious tasting of local products as a family.
The Collserola Tower, opened to improve communications during the Olympic Games in Barcelona in 1992, has the highest view of the city at 560 meters above sea level. The building has a glazed panoramic viewpoint that is accessed by elevator and offers 360º views of the city. You can reach the foot of the tower from the railway station "Peu del Funicular".
In the old residential district of Horta at the edge of the city, there is a small treasure that goes unnoticed by many—get there by a car or a short 20-minute walk from the nearest metro station (Valldaura, line 3). Here you’ll find the Horta overlook, a place with beautiful views where someone has hung a swing from a tree. It is an ideal setting for a romantic date away from the hustle or for enjoying the sunset with a delicious snack.
The Collserola Park is an inexhaustible source of the best views of Barcelona. Visitors can enjoy one such view from the Mirador dels Xiprers, a spot that is less well-known than the famous Carmel Bunkers yet offers equally —if not more —beautiful views. Although it is true that it requires an uphill walk along the Carretera de les Aigües, once you get to the top you’ll see it was worth the effort. On clear days the interplay of lights is beautiful, especially at sunrise. It is ideal for a romantic date or a family outing. The nearest metro station is Zona Universitària, line 3.
Are you thinking of organising an unconventional plan in Barcelona? Choose one of the viewpoints away from the hustle and bustle that we’ve recommended and one of our gourmet tasting menus paired with a good local wine. We will bring it to you at the end of the visit so you can enjoy it in good company while you get the best views of the city.
If you want to discover the best Barcelona has to offer and at the same time enjoy some delightful views from one of the city’s most splendid viewpoints, don’t skip a nice walk from the modest Roquetes neighbourhood (Roquetes metro station, line 3) to the Torre Baró. It is located near a castle built in the early twentieth century that was meant to be a hotel but was never completed. If you want to forgo the incline, you can also get there by bus 82, which goes from Plaça Virrei Amat to the Torre Baró neighbourhood, on the other side of the mountain, and stops at the same castle. In addition, if you head into the Collserola park from here, on one of the many routes (walking, running or cycling), you’ll enjoy endless views on either side of the range.
Very close to the famous Carmel Bunkers in the Guinardó Park, you’ll find views that are almost as beautiful but with much smaller crowds. Both from the paths and at some of the park’s corners, you can marvel at the city sights (including the Sagrada Familia, Torre Agbar, etc.) from Mitja Lluna or Sant Joan. You’ll also find playgrounds for the little ones to have fun, areas with tables and wooden benches and a fountain to cool off where you can enjoy a quiet snack. Get there by public transport to Guinardó - Hospital de Sant Pau station, on line 4, and take the elevators on Carrer Telègraf to avoid the steep walk.
Directions from the nearest metro station.
At 140 meters high, Turó de la Peira in the northeast of the city is away from the tourist bustle and offers privileged views of both Barcelona and the Collserola mountain. It can be easily reached by subway, getting off at the Vilapicina station on line 5. This space is ideal for the whole family, as it houses playgrounds, a football field, picnic areas and a maze of paths to entertain yourself as you hike to the top where the viewpoint is.