Tibidabo mountain in Barcelona

Tibidabo Attractions

Tibidabo is a famous landmark in Barcelona and the highest point in the city at the same time.

Like Montjuïc Hill, there is much to do and see on Tibidabo. But before, just over 120 years ago, this place was just a pasture for mountain goats and paths where locals liked to walk.

Mount Tibidabo was made popular by the pharmacist Salvador Andreu Grau, who bought a plot of land on the mountain in 1899 and began building houses on it with the dream of creating a garden city on Tibidabo, where residents and visitors to Barcelona would come to relax from the hustle and bustle of the city.

And he did it! Now Tibidabo is more than just a mountain. In addition to the magnificent views of the city, you'll find some of Barcelona's top attractions and interesting places to visit.

How to get to Mount Tibidabo?

It's very easy to get here:

The most convenient way to get to the theme park with a ticket is to take the T2A TiBiBus at Plaça Catalunya in front of the Desigual shop. The buses are usually small but regular, running every 20-30 minutes during the park's opening hours.

It's also safe to drive up the mountain by car, and there are several spacious car parks.

Public transport is also very convenient: by bus or metro (it is better to use google maps search, which will give you the nearest stops and bus numbers) you get to the foot of Mount Tibidabo, from where you can climb to the top of the mountain by cable car or on foot (but note that it is not easy).

So what to see on Mount Tibidabo?

If you have time, it is certainly better to devote half a day or more to exploring this mountain.

Temple of the Sacred Heart - Templo del Sagrado Corazón

The very name of this temple, its architecture and location bear a resemblance to the Sacre Coeur Church in Paris. This is explained by the fact that in those distant times it was a kind of tradition to build temples of the Sacred Heart of Jesus all over the world, the main examples of which are in Paris and Rome.

It took more than 50 years to build this church in Barcelona. The highest point in the city, this church is magnificent both inside and out, and it is beautiful, cosy and quiet. The colourful stained glass windows and the overall ambience creates a sense of peace and tranquillity.

The outline of the church can be seen from many streets in Barcelona. It rises majestically on Mount Tibidabo, and the statue of Jesus Christ, standing at the very top with outstretched arms, seems to embrace and protect the whole city from adversity. It is an impressive sight.

Be sure to take the lift to the observation deck (lift fee 4€), where you will enjoy excellent, panoramic views of Barcelona. It seems that all of Spain can be seen from this spot!

Tibidabo Amusement Park

A Barcelona landmark and one of the oldest amusement parks in Europe. Since 1901, Tibidabo Park has been delighting visitors with its rides and unusual location on the mountain.

It is not very big (the area of the park is about 70 000 m2), but it has everything you need to entertain visitors and residents of the city.

The park has 5 levels with over 25 rides for all ages, including a Ferris wheel and roller coaster. There are all the necessary facilities, picnic areas and restaurants, not to mention the magnificent views of Barcelona from all sides of the park.

The opening hours are a bit unusual considering that Barcelona is a tourist city, but it is what it is. See in advance if the park accepts visitors. Entrance costs 35€, tickets are of course better to buy on the official website and in advance.

Collserola TV Tower - Torre de Collserola

A large tower was built on top of Tibidabo in 1991 - the telecommunications centre of Catalonia. It was designed by English architect Norman Foster in the run-up to the 1992 Olympic Games. At first his project seemed to locals like a syringe, but over time people got used to seeing the tower as it was built.

On the 10th floor of the TV Tower is the Mirador, a viewing platform. With a height of 560 metres above sea level, it is considered to be the best vantage point in the whole of Barcelona and in good weather conditions visibility reaches 70 km!

The Mirador is reached by a glass lift - just 2.5 minutes and you have already travelled 135 metres, are on the 10th floor and enjoy panoramic views of Barcelona and its surroundings. The cost of the lift is 5.60€. Opening hours are Wednesday to Sunday from 12:00 to 15:00. But sometimes due to the weather deterioration - the visit can be cancelled. You should keep this in mind and check the official website for up-to-date information.

Fabra Observatory - Observatorio Fabra

The Fabra Observatory is located on Mount Tibidabo, 413 metres above sea level. It was built in 1904 among pine trees overlooking the endless horizon. The observatory studies three areas: astronomical, meteorological and seismic.

On Sundays, there are 1.5 hour guided tours (from 11:00-12:30). There are also occasional night tours, when you can look through a huge telescope at distant stars and planets.

The schedule is irregular, you have to look at the official website for the schedule.

For those who wish to savour or present a starlit dinner, the observatory also offers such an opportunity. Although the cost, in my opinion, is a bit expensive - from 80€ per person.