Barcelona is renowned for its stunning vistas, offering a plethora of viewpoints that capture the city’s unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time resident, discovering these panoramic spots can provide a fresh perspective on the Catalonian capital. From the historic Mirador de Colom, standing tall at the end of La Rambla, to the serene heights of Mirador d’Horta, each location offers its own unique view of the cityscape. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best viewpoints in Barcelona, including the impressive Mirador Torre de Collserola and many more hidden gems that promise breathtaking sights and unforgettable experiences.
1. Mirador d’Horta
On the road from Cerdanyola to Horta, you will find this little observation deck with a sweeping view of the city to the left, and the district of Horta right in front spreading all the way to the Mediterranean Sea. One of the quirkiest features of this dazzling spot, and one of the best viewpoints in Barcelona, is a little wooden swing – if you get the angle just right you can take an original looking picture where it looks like you’re swinging out over the whole city.
2. Mirador de Colom
You may have seen the giant Columbus Monument that stands proudly at the end of La Rambla, but did you know you can actually go up it? Built in 1888 in tribute to Christopher Columbus, the column houses a lift that will take you up 51 metres to the top for just €5.40. Based on the column’s positioning, you will get a unique view of the city, with the mountain of Montjuïc to one side, the Olympic Marina to the other, and the bustling craziness of La Rambla and the Gothic quarter behind you.
3. Mirador de Sarrià
Collserolla park, the natural beautiful hilly park that surrounds Barcelona is an area you should visit if you want to get away from the city for a breath of fresh air. It is at the gateway to this park that you will find Mirador de Sarrià, for a spectacular view of the sprawling metropolis framed by nature. About 250 metres high, this viewpoint takes a little walking but there is also the option to take a cable car up to enjoy the view. Once you are up there it’s worth exploring the rest of the natural park as well for a nice day trip without leaving the city.
4. Mirador Torre de Collserola
If you’ve ever looked up toward the magical site of the Cathedral that sits at the top of Tibidabo, there is no doubt you have also seen the telecommunications tower that stands just to the side of it. The tower stands at 288 metres tall, making it the highest structure in the city. That combined with the fact that it’s high up on a hill above Barcelona, you can just imagine the kind of views it provides. Climb to the tenth floor to reach the observation deck where you can enjoy these spectacular views for just €5.60.
5. Mirador Turó de la Rovira
More commonly known as Bunkers del Carmel and known to be one of the best viewpoints in Barcelona, this is a fantastic viewpoint of the city to go and relax with some drinks and snacks. A beautiful vista of the city laid out in front of you, the relaxed atmosphere here, where you may find yourself surrounded by locals, is the perfect spot for a date – as long as they’re not put off by the short climb. Mirador Turó de la Rovira is also not a place short of history as it contains the remains of an anti-aircraft bunker that was used to defend Barcelona from air attacks during the Spanish Civil War, as well as the remains of a shantytown that was closed in 1990.
6. Mirador from the Castle of Montjuïc
An old military fortress that stands atop Montjuïc mountain, with roots dating as far back as 1640, the view from the top is almost as spectacular as the location itself. Some 173 metres above sea level, from here you can see the city and sea stretching in front of you in all its glory. If you don’t fancy the climb up the hill, don’t worry as there are fun cable cars you can get to the top.
7. Mirador at Las Arenas
Located in Plaça Espanya, you will find Las Arenas shopping mall, its unique round structure because of its former incarnation as a bull fighting arena. Rather than just shopping here, the mall also has an option to take a lift up to the roof for an interesting 360-degree view of Barcelona. If you want a more relaxed visit you can head to the first floor of the viewpoint which hosts a number of bars and restaurants which allow you to enjoy the view while having a drink or even dinner.
8. Mirador at Jardins de Miramar
Another viewpoint that stands atop Montjuïc is the Jardins de Miramar. From here you can see all of the city sights starting with the neighborhood of Poble Sec located just below the mountain and then spreading all the way to the outer edges of the city. This spot can be especially nice at sunset on a clear day when the setting sun casts a golden hue over the city. If you’re looking for something a little more relaxed, why not stop off at Terraza Martínez, a trendy Mediterranean restaurant that’s the perfect location for lunch or a drink with a view.
Whether you’re admiring the historic sights from Mirador de Colom or the sweeping cityscapes from Mirador Torre de Collserola, each spot provides a distinct and memorable perspective. From the tranquil Mirador d’Horta to the culturally rich Mirador Turó de la Rovira, these locations highlight the diverse beauty of Barcelona. So, next time you’re in the city, make sure to visit these incredible viewpoints for an unforgettable experience.