Barcelona is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and there are lots of stunning views of its unique architecture, coastline, and surrounding landscapes. Here are some of the best views in Barcelona for you to take in the very best of the city. Some of them are free, others have entry fees, and others need a bit of effort to get to, but theses gorgeous views are worth it! Check out my top Barcelona viewpoints and see which ones to add to your itinerary.
The Best Views in Barcelona with a Fee
All of these beautiful views cost some money to see, from some of the most popular tourist attractions in Barcelona to cathedral rooftops and hotel bars, take a look at these!
Park Güell
This iconic park, designed by architect Antoni Gaudí, is set on the hill above Barcelona and offers panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean beyond. The colourful mosaic tile terrace has one of the most famous and beautiful views of Barcelona and is not to be missed!
Park Güell is one of the top Instagram spots in Barcelona, and one of the most popular things to do in Barcelona so you’ll need to book tickets in advance. As well as admiring the views, make sure you explore the rest of the park to make the most of your visit.
Once you have finished in the paid section, above Park Güell you’ll also find a public park with more incredible views you can enjoy for free – check out Mirador de Joan Sales or the Mirador de’ l’Adria while you are here!
How to get there: Take the metro to Lesseps station (L3), then walk uphill to the park – turn up Av. del Santuari de Sant Josep de la Muntanya to use the escalators. Alternatively, you can take buses that stop near the park entrance at Carretera del Carmel – Bus 24 from Placa de Catalunya or Bus V19 from Arc de Triomf and up Passeig de Sant Joan.
Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the soft sunlight – late afternoon is best in winter to avoid the glare from the sun directly onto the terrace.
Tibidabo
Located on the highest point of the Collserola Ridge, Tibidabo Mountain offers breathtaking views of the city and the coastline. You can reach the summit by a combination of funicular and tram, or hike if you’re feeling energetic!
You can get some great views of the city for free from the mountain, but there is a fee for entry to the amusement park and the Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The temple and its rooftop have some of the best views in Barcelona, and the statues make for some interesting models for photographs!
How to get there: Take the Tramvia Blau from Plaça John F. Kennedy to the Funicular del Tibidabo. From there, take the funicular to the summit.
Best time to visit: Sunset provides a magical atmosphere as the city lights start to come on. The amusement park has different opening hours depending on the season, in the summer from Wednesday to Sunday but less frequently in the winter. It’s great fun to enjoy the views from the rides!
➡️Buy Tickets for Tibidabo Amusement Park
Basilica de Sagrada Família Towers:
The Sagrada Família is an awe-inspiring masterpiece designed by architect Antoni Gaudí. Construction of the basilica began in 1882 and is still ongoing.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site blends Gothic and Art Nouveau styles, featuring intricate facades adorned with biblical scenes. The interior boasts towering columns resembling a forest, vibrant stained glass windows, and a harmonious play of light.
The downside of the view from the Sagrada Familia towers is that you don’t get the view of the Sagrada Familia itself in the Barcelona skyline, but the views are still impressive!
It is one of the most popular things to do in Barcelona so you’ll need to pre-book your entry tickets and tower access in advance.
How to get there: The Sagrada Família is easily accessible by metro (L2, L5) or bus. To access the towers, you’ll need to book a timed-entry ticket, and it’s recommended to purchase tickets in advance.
Best time to visit: Either first thing in the morning when it is quieter, or late afternoon when the sunlight showcases the intricate details of Gaudí’s masterpiece, and into sunset. Climbing the towers provides a unique perspective of the city and the ongoing construction.
➡️Buy Tickets for the Sagrada Familia with Tower Access
Sercotel Hotel Rosellón (Formerly the Ayre Hotel Rosellón)
The Sercotel Hotel Rosellón is one of the best hotels near La Sagrada Familia, with incredible views from the terrace and some of the bedrooms. If you stay at the hotel and book a superior room with a “Landmark View” you’ll get a view of the Sagrada Familia from your bed – I treated myself to one of these rooms, and the view really is incredible!
There is also a rooftop bar that is a perfect place to enjoy a drink with this iconic backdrop and some of the best views of the Sagrada Família. If you’re a guest at the hotel then there is free access to the rooftop, but non-guests will have to make a reservation, which is not easy to get!
Reservations open 14 days in advance and book up fast – the evening is best if you can get a space. There is fee to make the reservation, when I looked, this was €7 per person, plus a mandatory purchase of food or drink.
Location: Carrer de Mallorca, 401
Best time to visit: Any time you can get a reservation!
Gothic Cathedral Rooftop
The Gothic Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia (Catedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulàlia), is a magnificent landmark in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter.
Constructed from the 13th to 15th centuries, its intricate Gothic architecture showcases stunning spires and detailed sculptures. The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Eulalia, the co-patron saint of Barcelona.
Inside, visitors can admire beautiful chapels, a Gothic choir, and the crypt where Saint Eulalia is entombed. The cathedral’s rooftop offers panoramic views of the Gothic Quarter and the rest of the city across to Montjuic and Tibidabo.
How to get there: The nearest metro station is Jaume I (L4), which is a short walk from the cathedral and several bus lines have stops near the Gothic Cathedral on Via Laietana.
Best time to visit: Early in the morning so you can to enjoy the relative tranquility before the crowds arrive. The morning light also enhances the beauty of the cathedral’s architecture. Before you go, check for any special events, religious ceremonies, or holidays that might affect the cathedral’s accessibility or draw larger crowds.
Lamaro Hotel Rooftop Bar (Formerly the Hotel Colon)
Location: Lamaro Hotel, Av. de la Catedral, 7, Ciutat Vella, 08002
Open: from 1pm to 11.30pm
The secret is definitely out with this one, it’s one of the most popular rooftop bars in Barcelona, thanks to the central location and the gorgeous view of the Gothic Cathedral.
They don’t take reservations so expect to wait – there is almost always a line of people outside the hotel waiting to go up, I saw reviews saying some people waited 3 hours to get a table!
If you’re lucky or staying at the hotel you may be able to snag a table at the edge of the terrace which has the best views, but usually you are assigned a table automatically so there’s no guarantee you’ll have a good spot – when someone left we snuck in to take a photo at their table, but you’re also not usually allowed to switch once you’re seated.
Service is quick, drinks are not cheap but similar to other rooftops in Barcelona (€7 for a glass of wine or a beer, €14 for an Aperol Spritz and €15+ for a mixed drink). The cocktail menu doesn’t stretch further than a gin and tonic unfortunately.
There is a tapas menu for food if you want something to nibble on, but there are better restaurants nearby (without the view though!). My recommendation would be to go early for a drink, take a photo and then move on – I certainly wouldn’t wait 3 hours for a drink here – even with that view!
Casa Milà (La Pedrera) Rooftop
Another Gaudí masterpiece, the rooftop of Casa Milà offers a unique perspective of Barcelona. To be honest, the view in itself isn’t that spectacular, but the chimney sculptures and undulating rooftop create a surreal landscape against the backdrop of the city.
I also love Casa Batlló and Palau Güell for the same reasons, so take your pick which one(s) to visit!
How to get there: Casa Milà is centrally located. Take the metro to Diagonal station (L3, L5) or walk from Plaça de Catalunya.
Best time to visit: Late afternoon to early evening. The rooftop is often less crowded during these times, and you can experience the changing colours of the sky.
Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar
While exploring the Gothic Quarter, consider climbing to the rooftop of Santa Maria del Mar for a picturesque view of the historic neighbourhood with the Sagrada Familia in the distance. I loved getting up close to the huge round stained-glass window of the church, and the views were lovely.
How to get there: Located in the Gothic Quarter, the basilica is easily accessible on foot from various points in the city.
Best time to visit: Late afternoon when the sunlight bathes the Gothic Quarter. Note that access to the rooftop might be restricted during religious services.
Mirador de Colom (Columbus Monument)
Located at the lower end of La Rambla, this monument provides a great view of both the city and the waterfront. You can take an elevator to the top for an even better vantage point.
How to get there: Located at the lower end of La Rambla, it’s easily accessible on foot or by public transport.
Best time to visit: Anytime during the day, but sunset offers a warm glow over the city. You can take an elevator to the top for a small fee.
Teleferic del Port (Port Cable Car)
The Port Cable Car runs from the Torre Sant Sebastià in Barceloneta to Miramar on Montjuïc hill. It’s a short but beautiful ride that has spectacular panoramic views over the harbour, the sea, and Barcelona’s skyline.
One of its most iconic features is the Torre Jaume I, the mid-point tower near the World Trade Center, which is one of the tallest aerial support towers in the world. The journey lasts around 7 to 10 minutes, and although brief and quite expensive for the journey, the views on clear days or at sunset are tough to beat.
Telefèric de Montjuïc (Montjuïc Cable Car)
The Montjuïc Cable Car is a separate service that runs from the Parc de Montjuïc, near the top of the Montjuïc Funicular, up to the Castell de Montjuïc at the summit of the hill. The cabins are modern and spacious, with large windows offering 360-degree views of Barcelona, the sea, and the surrounding green spaces.
The ride makes a couple of stops along the way, including at Mirador, and is ideal if you’re planning to explore Montjuïc’s many attractions, such as the Joan Miró Foundation, the Olympic sites, and the Botanical Gardens.
It’s a convenient and scenic way to reach the castle without a steep uphill walk, and if you buy the tickets online here, you can free entry to the Castle!
The Best Views in Barcelona for Free
Don’t worry, if you’re travelling to Barcelona on a budget or just love to enjoy the views in Barcelona without paying a penny, all of these spots are 100% free to enjoy.
Salts – Terrassa Bar Montjuic
This is a bonus bar, as it isn’t technically on a rooftop, but it has incredible views of Barcelona that you won’t want to miss! Salts is the bar in the Montjuic Municipal Swimming Pool, which has two outdoor swimming pools and a large viewing area which was used during the 1992 Olympic Games.
Now the swimming pool is only open from June to September, but the bar is open all year round, Monday to Friday from 11am to midnight, and on weekends from 10.30am to midnight. The views are stunning, and it’s a popular place to watch the sunset.
There is a good selection of food available, including some snacks, tapas, pizzas and burgers. It’s excellent value, and you don’t even have to buy a drink here if you don’t want to, you can just sit in the viewing area and soak up the sunshine – and those views!
There is also a toilet that you can use, which is very handy if you’ve been exploring Montjuic all day and need a bathroom break.
A word of warning though – the steps in the viewing area are very steep, and only the steps to the far right (down to the bathrooms) have a handrail, so watch your step and your kids carefully!
La Plaça Gourmet Cafeteria – El Corte Inglés in Plaça de Catalunya
Location: Pl. de Catalunya, 14, Top Floor of El Corte Inglés
Again, this isn’t technically a rooftop bar, but the food court in El Corte Inglés is on the 9th floor of the department store and has incredible views of Plaça de Catalunya.
It’s open every day until 9pm (7.30pm on Sunday) so it’s a great place to have lunch, a coffee or a spritz in the afternoon and early evening. You could even go for breakfast! It is more of a restaurant than a bar, so don’t expect a huge range of drinks, but it’s free to enter, and you don’t even need to make a purchase to have a look at the view.
It can get very busy around lunch and dinner time, and although there is plenty of seating you have to be luck to get one of the coveted tables by the window. The food and drinks are reasonable both in terms of quality and price, and compared to hotel rooftops that often charge a fee just to access them, this is a gem!
Bunkers del Carmel
For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, head to the Bunkers del Carmel. It’s a former anti-aircraft defence point with 360-degree views of the city. While a few years ago it was a hidden gem, it’s now a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike.
How to get there: Take the metro to Alfons X (L4) and then a bus to the bunkers, or walk up the hill.
Best time to visit: Sunset used to be the best time to visit but now it closes before dark. Early in the morning or late afternoon would give you the best views without the glare of the sun overhead.
Palau Nacional / MNAC (National Art Museum of Catalonia):
Perched on Montjuïc Hill, the Palau Nacional houses the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC) in Barcelona. This monumental building, constructed for the 1929 International Exposition, showcases an extensive collection of Catalan art spanning from the Romanesque period to the mid-20th century.
The impressive facade features a grand staircase leading to the museum’s entrance. Inside, visitors can explore rich displays of paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and photography.
The MNAC’s commanding position overlooking Plaça d’Espanya with Tibidabo Mountain in the background, makes it one of the best viewpoints in Barcelona, and not to be missed!
How to get there: Located on Montjuïc, you can take the metro to Espanya station (L1, L3) and walk up to the museum.
Best time to visit: In the evening for soft light, or any time of day for sunny skies.
Las Arenas Shopping Centre
If you prefer to see a view of the MNAC and Montjuic instead of seeing the views from it, Las Arenas is a great option. This former bullring is now a shopping centre including a cinema complex and has several restaurants on the rooftop, which has lovely views of Plaça d’Espanya, Montjuic, and Tibidabo on the other side.
There is a panoramic lift that goes up from the basement to the rooftop for €1.50 per person, or just go inside the shopping centre and take the lift or the escalator to the top floor for free.
When I visited there was work going on around Plaça d’Espanya which meant the view wasn’t quite as pretty as I’d hoped, but it was still worth a visit while I was in the area.
Do you have any more incredible viewpoints in Barcelona to add to this list? Comment below or join our Facebook group to share your tips! I always love finding new spots, so let me know your favourite Barcelona views!