From mountains to ocean and everything in between, Barcelona has it all. Watch the sunset from above and take in the beauty of the city from one of Barcelona’s many incredible lookout spots. Whether you prefer earning your view with a hike to the top of a mountain or would rather enjoy the Barcelona skyline while sipping on sangria, there is something for everyone. Get a bird’s eye view of the entire Barcelona’s cityscape at one of these best Barcelona lookout spots.
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6 top lookout spots to watch the sunset in Barcelona
Take in the colourful glow of the sky as the sun sets in Barcelona. There is always something to admire about the Barcelona views, from the sweeping Mediterranean to the iconic architecture to the mountainous landscape. Check out these top 6 lookout spots to experience the best sights Barcelona has to offer.
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1. Ride the ferris wheel at Tibidabo
While it is not the easiest viewpoint to reach, it is well worth the trek to see the sights from Tibidabo. Located at 515 meters above sea level on a mountain, Tibidabo is one of the tallest lookout points, providing some of the best views in all of Barcelona. There are lots of transport options to get to the top either by hiking the mountain, taking the tram or funicular or driving a car. As if the views are not enough, there is also a 100-year-old theme park located at the top with 25 rides and a ferris wheel to see the sites of the city. There is so much to explore from the heights of Tibidabo.
2. Spot 360-degree views at Las Arenas de Barcelona
Formerly a bullring built in 1900, Las Arenas de Barcelona is now a shopping centre with 360-degree views of the city. The best part is it is free for everyone to enjoy the spectacular views right off of Plaça Espanya. The rooftop viewing deck is lined with bars and restaurants in case you are looking for a bite to eat or a drink to sip on while admiring the Barcelona landscape. What better way to witness the beautiful Barcelona views and get all of your shopping done in one visit?
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3. Immerse in Catalan history and views at the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya
Built in 1929 for the Barcelona International Exhibition, the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, or the National Museum of Catalan Art, is a place full of history and incredible views. The museum does not only have one of the best lookout points in the entire city, but it is also home to the oldest and biggest collections of Medieval Romanesque art from the 11th to 13th centuries. The Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya also has two terraces located on the roof of the building, providing 360-degree views free to anyone with museum tickets. There is nothing better than learning Catalan history while also experiencing the sunset from the rooftop of the National Palace of Montjuïc.
4. Explore the architectural wonder of Park Güell
Of course, there had to be a Gaudí creation in this list of lookout spots. While Antoni Gaudí designed rooftop terraces in many of his famous buildings, the best lookout spot for an expansive view through the buildings of Gràcia to the sea is at Park Güell. Aside from serving spectacular views of the city, the park itself is a wonder to explore. Full of curated green spaces and unique mosaic and rock structures, you can get lost in Park Güell for hours. While there is an entrance fee of 10 euros for general admission, the amazing views and impressive architecture are invaluable.
5. Drink as the sun sets at the Barcelona rooftop bars
Keeping it simple and sweet, rooftop bars are always a fantastic option to see the Barcelona skyline. Barcelona is well-equipped with many options from the rooftop of Hotel Colón, directly across from the Barcelona Cathedral, or The Rooftop at the Sir Victor Hotel for views of Casa Milà and Sagrada Família. Some rooftops even include live music to make the rooftop experience even more magical. If you are wanting a more relaxed Barcelona lookout experience, that maybe also includes a glass of wine or a cocktail, the rooftop bars are perfect for you!
6. And what about the Carmel Bunkers?
In the last few years, one of the most popular lookout spots to see Barcelona in its entirety, especially thanks to social media, have been the Carmel Bunkers. The so-called "Bunkers", on top of a hill known as Turó de la Rovira, are actually the location of anti-aircraft gun emplacements from the Spanish Civil War. A location full of history, which has become a common place of pilgrimage among young visitors for romantic (although not very intimate!) dates to climb the many steps and watch the sunset, or a great place to chill with friends. In fact, such a great place that it has become a victim of its own success. As of May 2nd 2023, the city council has limited the hours of access to prevent the volume and behaviour of visitors from overrunning the neighbourhood. Fences and gates have been erected and the Bunquers area is now closed from 7:30pm until 9am in summer, and in winter closing time will be at 5:30pm.
Other options for getting high in the Catalan capital
If you want to get high in Barcelona and would also like to get away from the crowds, there are in fact dozens of 'miradors' or lookout points around the city. For example, there are many spots along the high inland perimeter of the city, the Collserola range. Montjuïc mountain also offers a series of delightful viewpoints, some busy, others solitary. And within the city itself, there are some skyscrapers which offer public access to viewing platforms. The sky is literally the limit for those who want to look down on Barcelona from the heights and are ready to do a little Googling or put their hiking boots on!