If you’ve been wandering around Barcelona enough, sipping on a tinto de verano, and eating way too many tapas – as you should… – at some point, I’m pretty sure you’ll look up and notice this big hill a bit further with what looks like a mini Sacré-Cœur on top.
That’s Tibidabo.
… And yep, you can actually go up there.
Spoiler: totally worth it.

How to get to Tibidabo

There are a few ways to make your way up to Tibidabo, but here’s – I think… – the smoothest:

• From Plaça Catalunya, take the FGC’s L7 line to Av. Tibidabo station.
• Then catch bus 196 from Av. Tibidabo up to Plaça Doctor Andreu, where the lower station of the funicular.
• Catch the Tibidabo Funicular (Cuca de Llum) up to the top.

… yes, all those dots are the restaurants I visited in Barcelona – …yes, a restaurant post is coming soon…

The old Tramvia Blau used to run from Av. Tibidabo to Doctor Andreu, but it’s temporarily closed for refurbishment. If it’s operating again when you go, it’s a lovely scenic route that makes you feel like you’ve accidentally stepped back into 1901.

Or… well… you can hike up actually, if you reeeaaally want to. It’s quite nice if you enjoy nature and don’t mind a bit of a workout – the elevation of 512 meters makes Tibidabo the highest point in Barcelona.

• 10 km+ from Plaza Catalunya
• 7 km from Carretera de les Aigües
• 4.5 km from Baixador de Vallvidrera

Tibidabo is inside the Collserola Natural Park, which is basically Barcelona’s giant green backyard. There are a lot of marked trails through the forest to the top – nothing too technical, but it’s a steady uphill – it depends where you start, but usually 300 – 400 meters of climb on mostly dirt and forest paths

Things to Do in Tibidabo

Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor

The original idea came in 1886, when a small chapel dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus was built on the hilltop. It was meant as a place for prayer and devotion, especially since Tibidabo was already a spot that people saw as “close to the heavens.” As Barcelona grew, the small chapel wasn’t enough anymore. So in 1902, construction of the grand church we see today began. It took almost 60 years to build, and the result is this stunning mix of neo-Gothic architecture with modern touches crowned by a bronze statue of Jesus.

You can take the elevator up inside the church to a viewing platform, then a spiral staircase leads to the base of the Jesus sculpture, giving you a 360° panoramic view of the city, the mountains, and the sea. It’s easily one of the best viewpoints in Barcelona, and honestly, even if you’re not a church person, it’s worth climbing for the views alone.

Tibidabo Amusement Park

Right next to the church is Europe’s oldest amusement park, and it’s really a total throwback. Old-school rides, a ferris wheel, and spinning planes – nothing fancy, but honestly, that’s the fun. You can book your tickets to all the rides in the amusement park HERE – or buy them in person.
IMPORTANT: you DO NOT need the general admission ticket to enter the panoramic viewpoints, the restaurants, and the church. Also, the ferris wheel, the spinning plane, and the vintage horse carousel can be visited separately without buying a full general admission – you can just pay per ride if you only want to try one or two of the classic attractions.

The views

The views from Tibidabo are wild.
You’ve got all of Barcelona below you – the streets, Sagrada Família, the coastline… and if the day’s clear, you can even spot Montserrat, the Pyrenees, and even Andorra.

Food Spots

There aren’t any fancy restaurants up top, but there are a few cafés and snack stands for a quick bite or coffee. You can also bring a picnic and chill… – just don’t be that person who leaves their trash behind, or I will personally go and break your hand – okay, maybe not literally, but.. well, actually yes. Okay, no… but seriously, just take your rubbish with you!

_____________

Tibidabo is not just fun – … It’s a little adventure, a bit of history, and some of the best views you’ll ever get in Barcelona!
You can wander around in nature, climb the stairs up to the church tower to watch the city stretch out at your feet – or well… just projectile vomit on a rollercoaster if you wish, but… either way, just take it all in.

Oh, and wait – … cuz it just keeps getting better

Aaaanyways,

See you at the next one,

Noémi

______________

Ps.: If you enjoyed this post, please let me know and hit the ★Like button, don’t forget to Subscribe – leave a comment, and share the love on your socials!
… Aaand if you want to hang out with me between uploads, follow me on Instagram and Facebook for daily and more personal updates!