The 12 Most Stunning Views in Barcelona

Barcelona is one of the best European cities where you can enjoy stunning views, from sunrise till sunset. Why? The reason is its strategic location between the coastline and hills and the fact that the sun doesn’t set or rise in the sea or behind the hills but between the two.

I’m a guide here for Barcelona tours but, long before that, I’ve been a Barcelona lover who is passionate about all its beautiful views. You can find many of them in several corners of the city, from Gothic churches to modernist houses and, of course, from the hills.

Let’s start our walk through all of them!

1. Joan Miró Foundation in Montjuïc hill

Montjuïc has so many views that I would need an entire post just to talk about them, but today we just have room for one: the Joan Miró Foundation.

This museum — named after the Catalan artist — is located in the hill of Montjuïc and, beside its interesting exhibitions, it also offers a beautiful view that you can enjoy while admiring the surrealist statues.

2. Barcelona Cathedral

In the heart of the Gothic Quarter, we come upon the Cathedral of Barcelona.

It is possible to visit this stunning neo-Gothic church, not only inside but also from its highest point, that is, its main and higher tower. From there you can admire the beauty of Barcelona, especially its mountain side.

3. Creueta del Coll Park

This little-known park is the perfect place for a walk in nature if you want to escape the city’s hustle. It’s a little complicated to reach but once there, you’re not going to regret it. 

Guide tip: There is even a public swimming pool that you can enjoy during hot summer days. 

4. Safestay Hostel

In the popular Passeig de Gràcia, there is a hostel that — once you reach the top floor — can offer you the best view of the most famous Barcelonian avenue. 

From this spot, you can admire both the sea and mountains from the same terrace, and it’s completely free of charge! However, if you want to enjoy this view while sipping a coffee or a beer, you can buy it at the second floor bar in the hostel. 

5. The Cathedral of the Sea

The Cathedral of the Sea — also called Santa Maria del Mar — gained its fame thanks to the book and the Netflix show that bear its name, but this church has been the star of the Ribera neighborhood since the 14th century when it was built.

If you decide to visit this stunning cathedral, you can also buy a ticket to go up on the towers where you can enjoy the view of Barceloneta neighborhood and the old harbor. 

Guide tip: Want to know more about this neighborhood and its church? Join our tour dedicated to the ancient markets and Barcelona old town.

6. Tibidabo Hill

Tibidabo Hill is the tallest peak of Collserola Mountain and the highest point of Barcelona, so you know the views here will be good!

It’s possible to reach it through a cable car that drops you off close to the Sagrat Cor church — another modernist work of art — and the Tibidabo Amusement Park.

After many months of closure — due to COVID — it is open again. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a ride on the rollercoaster while enjoying the most complete view of Barcelona.

7. Barceló Raval Hotel

In the not-at-all touristy neighborhood of Raval, on its Rambla, you’ll come upon a very modern building: the Barceló Raval. This huge hotel, completely different from the style of the neighborhood, offers you a 360-degree view of Barcelona from the terrace of the top floor.

But don’t worry — you don’t have to stay in the hotel to make the most of it. You just need to go up on the highest floor of the building and enjoy the view while having a drink.

8. Park Güell 

This place needs no introduction. We’re talking about the famous park that Gaudí designed for the entrepreneur Eusebi Güell at the beginning of the 20th century. It was the first modernist green space in an area that was recently added to Barcelona’s urban plan. 

Today, the Güell Park is one of the most touristy spots of Barcelona and the perfect place if you want to combine a cultural visit with a walk in the green, while enjoying the view of Barcelona from above.

9. Bellesguard Tower

Definitely the least known of Gaudí’s work, the Bellesguard Tower was designed in the foothills of Mount Collserola for the Figueras family in 1900, and it was inhabited by another family, the Guileras, as recently as 2018. 

But before the Figueras house was built — back in the 15th century — in the same spot there was a medieval castle that had been named Bellesguard by King Martin I. The reason? Translated from Catalan, Bellesguard means beautiful view and the king saw beauty in the view that everyone can enjoy from this spot even today!

10. Bunkers of Carmel

Here we come to the most Instagrammable view and the place that every Barcelonian knows and has visited at least once in their life, usually for a romantic date: the Bunkers of Carmel.  

This panoramic spot — located very close to Parc Güell — offers you a breathtaking view at any time of the day, from sunrise until nightfall when you can enjoy Barcelona city lights.

Guide tip: Wear comfortable shoes and be ready to take a climb in the Barcelonian hills!

11. Besòs Tower

Close to Besós river, in the southeast of Barcelona, there is a tower, pretty much unknown by most Barcelonians, that is possible to visit every Saturday with or without a glass of champagne included in the entrance. 

If you decide to take a visit, you’ll have to climb 311 steps to reach the panoramic spot. Not an easy walk, but you’re not going to regret it since you’ll have the opportunity to see a totally different perspective of Barcelona.

12. Doctor Pla i Armengol Gardens

At this point, you might know that Barcelona has many green spots that you can enjoy if you have the energy to climb its hills. But it’s not always like that! The Doctor Pla i Armengol Gardens are definitely one of the easiest places to reach if your legs are tired. 

It might not be the highest view of the city, but it’s worth a visit especially if you just got out of Sagrada Familia, you need to breathe green air and you still have time until your visit to Park Güell. In fact, these gardens are located in a very strategic position between those two iconic places.

Bonus: More panoramic views you can’t miss

If you’re not tired of walking and you would like to enjoy Barcelona from every single corner, here is a small list of other panoramic spots.

Horta viewpoint

After a long climb from Mundet metro station, you’ll reach the Mirador d’Horta, where you can enjoy the view from a swing hanging on a tree. 

Poble Espanyol

In the Montjuïc Hill, from some strategic points of the Poble Espanyol — translated as the Spanish village — you can spot many umbrella pines, the towers of Espanya Square and even the Sagrada Familia.

Palau Güell

A modernist house built by Gaudì with a beautifully designed terrace, from which you can admire the city.

Las Arenas shopping center

An old bullring became a shopping center in 2011 and today is also a beautiful spot to admire Espanya Square. 

Alaire Terrace Bar

From this bar you can enjoy a very privileged view on La Pedrera and the popular Passeig de Gràcia. Not the cheapest bar in Barcelona, but definitely worth a visit! 

Santa Maria del Pi

In the heart of the Gothic neighborhood, you come upon the Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi. This church offers you a visit to its bell tower, from which you can enjoy the view of the old town.