THE MOUNTAIN

 

When some tourists grow tired of the architecture and get a little bored of museums, many opt to go to the beach or picnic in a park, but there is another way to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city center: Tibidabo.

The Serra de Collserola is a mountain range lying between the Besos and Llobregat rivers. It forms a part of the Catalan Coastal Range that snakes its way through Catalonia. Tibidabo is the tallest of the Serra de Collserola mountains, towering at 512m (1,680 ft) over the north-west of Barcelona and offering stunning views of both the cityscape and the coastline.

 

The name of the mountain comes from Latin Vulgate Bible verses. “Tibi dabo”, meaning “I will give to you” was said to the devil by Jesus as they looked down from a mountain upon all the kingdoms of the world. Of course, oral tradition suggests that this mountain was that same mountain in the Bible, which gives Barcelona’s mountain its name.

 

GETTING THERE

 

Tibidabo Funicular was the first funicular railway constructed in Spain, opened over a century ago in 1901. The last renovation of the railway occurred in 1958, giving the railway an quaint, antique vibe (perhaps it needs a touch-up, but it still runs just fine). The Funicular climbs 1102m up a hill with a gradient of over 25%, right to the top of Tibidabo in just a few short minutes.

 

The Tibidabo Funicular departs from the Plaça del Dr. Andreu (accessible via Bus 196 or the Tramvia Blau, though the tram is more expensive). You can also walk to the Plaça, which should take around half an hour.

 

As for prices, the Funicular is actually cheaper if you buy a combined ticket for the Theme Park at the top. It costs €4 for a combined ticket (this just being for the funicular, with the park admission fee on top), and €7.50 without buying a ticket for the Theme Park. The railway opens 15 minutes before the Camí del Cel ride opens in the Theme Park and closes 15 minutes after the ride shuts.

 

But once you’re up there, what is there to see and do?

 

BASÍLICA DEL SAGRAT COR DE JESÚS

 

Located above the top funicular station stands an incredible basilica. As you may be able to tell from the name, this was Barcelona’s answer to the Parisian Sacré-Coeur. However, this basilica is actually two churches built right on top of each other. The top church is presided over by a huge statue of Jesus Christ.

 

The interior of the ground floor is a neo-byzantine style crypt, but the upper level is where you can find the actual church. Architecture is a blend of Roman and Gothic style, with hints of Modernist influence.

 

There is a lift to take you to the top of the church for panoramic views even higher than the mountain, costing €3.50 for the ride up. Be cautioned though, because it can get very windy up there!

 

TORRE DE COLLSEROLA

 

This 288m-high telecommunications tower was completed in 1992. For €5.60 for adults and €3.30 for children, visitors can be whisked up to the observation area (at 115m) in an external glass lift for tremendous views. On a clear day,

views extend 70km, and tourists can sometimes spot Montserrat in the distance.

 

Barcelona’s TV and radio are transmitted from this very tower.

 

Getting to the tower is a little way away from all the other Tibidabo attractions but can be accessed via Bus 111 from the mountain funicular station.

 

PARC DE COLLSEROLA

 

Nearby the tower, the Parc the Collserola offers a green retreat in the hills. The 80-sq-km park has plenty of places to snack and grab a coffee, relax, or hike and bike. There are also a few country chapels dotted throughout the park, as well as the Castellciuro Castle ruins in the west, several lookout points and Can Coll, a grand farmhouse in the north.

 

Now, Can Coll is an environmental education centre. For another education experience, check out the Villa Joana to learn about a great writer from Barcelona’s 19^th Century.

 

Something to note, however, is that the park is closed from late June to early September.

 

TIBIDABO AMUSEMENT PARK

 

Closer to the funicular station is the Tibidabo Amusement Park. An entrance ticket to the park will set you back €28.50, or €12.50 if you just want access to the panoramic area. This is a very old-school theme park, featuring over 25 rides in a mixture of old-style classics and white-knuckle adventures. The park was opened in 1905, making it a real institution in Barcelona; it has been entertaining families for over 100 years.

 

The Ferris Wheel offers great views from the mountain, and children can enjoy the Choo-Choo Train or Log Flume rides. There is also a 1928 Avio propeller plane, somewhat of an iconic ride in the park as it soars skyward with its visitors tucked safely inside.

For bigger daredevils, there is the Muntanya Russa coaster that screams through the woods at more than 80kph, 500m above sea level.

 

FABRA OBSERVATORY

 

Designed by Joseph Domenech i Estapa, the Fabra Observatory was built in 1901. The observatory carries out research into meteorology, seismology and astronomy, just as it has done for over a century now. Located 413m above sea level and nestled amongst the pines, this is a great building to pay a visit to on your trip to Tibidabo.

 

Although it is not actually in Tibidabo, it is very close by and definitely worth a visit. Barcelona has one of the clearest skies in the world (300 days of sunshine per year), making it an excellent place for stargazing. You will need to walk a way to get there, but the observatory is open to the public every Sunday from 11am to 2pm, at the price of just €2. The botanical gardens and outdoor gazebo viewpoint are also open on Sundays at this time and are free to explore.

Places to visit in Barcelona

This city has its own identity and Barcelona sightseeing always offers something special. Given that you might feel overwhelmed when you touch down the first time, we have a list of the different Barcelona tourist attractions to give you a clear indication of the worthwhile things to do in Barcelona.

 

Park Guell

There is no escaping Gaudí when you visit Barcelona, and this garden complex on Carmel Hill is certainly worth the trip. People plan entire Barcelona trips to see the mosaics and serpentine benches that can be found here. The architect’s distinctive style can be found in the sculptures, fountains, and colonnades. If you want to see how Gaudí lived from 1906 to 1926, be sure to enter the House-Museum. You will find decorative items and furniture designed by Gaudí himself.

 

Bunkers del Carmel

The Bunkers del Carmel offer you a great view of Barcelona city. The actual bunkers themselves date back from the Spanish Civil War and offer you a tremendous panoramic view of the city. Getting there is fairly simple too, take bus 24 that also passes through Passeig de Gràcia and Plaça de Catalunya, take the stop Ctra del Carmel-Gran Vista and walk up Carrer de Mühlberg.

 

Horta Laberinth

You can find Horta Laberinth on the northern edge of Barcelona. This once royal estate is surrounded by fountains and gardens. The water truly plays a fundamental part of the garden and is represented in canals, ponds, streams, and waterfalls. This is the oldest garden in Barcelona, dating back all the way to 1791. If you want to find one of the more relaxing places to visit in Barcelona, this is highly recommended.

 

Montjuic

If you have ever wondered about the name of the prominent hill that overlooks the harbor of Barcelona – wonder no more: Montjuic. While it once played a vital role in the defense of Barcelona, it is now one of the best things to do in Barcelona if you want to experience a great view. You can experience truly spectacular views from the harbor at Montjuic Castle. With a relatively low ticket price, this has to be atop your list of things to do in Barcelona.

 

Tibidabo

You might not want to venture to Barcelona today for an amusement park – but Tibidabo is certainly different. The mountain is home to an amazing amusement park that not only entertains, but also has tremendous views. If you go here, visit the amusement park and the church. There are also picnic tables if you are inclined to bring your own lunch.

 

 Sagrada Familia

When we talk about the different things to see in Barcelona, Sagrada Familia often stands atop the list. The development started in 1882, and it is still not done. The different construction styles found here are certainly amazing. The work of Gaudí is both inspirational and spiritual. Even though it is still under construction, it is absolutely a must-see location if you head to Barcelona.

 

Casa Batlló

Continuing with the theme of Gaudí architecture, Casa Batlló is another magical building that overwhelms the senses. Its façade is a mosaic of mauve, green and blue tiles that seem to oscillate in the Catalonian sun, the effect intensified further by the wavy design of the windows and balconies. The building appears like the deep sea even from the inside, making visitors feel like they are riding a calming wave. Another residential building of note is the Casa Vicens, blending Moorish architecture with Oriental details to create another stunning piece.

 

Mercat de la Boquería

La Rambla is Barcelona’s most famous street, buzzing with a blend of locals and tourists alike. And just off la Rambla is the Mercat de la Boquería, a wonderful local market for you to experience. Yes, the architecture of the market is also stunning, influenced by Barcelona’s modernisme movement, but the market itself is equally as enthralling. If you really want to throw yourself into the delicious Catalonian cuisine, markets like this are a must. This particular one is a high-quality market, offering everything from expensive cuts of butcher’s meat to fresh, juicy fruits. Make sure to propel yourself into gastronomical heaven by trying out Catalonian dishes, such as:

• Bacallà salat (dry salted cod), which usually comes in an esquiexada (a tomato, onion and black olive salad with frisée lettuce)
• Calçots (halfway between a leek and an onion), chargrilled and eaten messily
• Cargols (snails), best eaten as cargols a la llauna
• Peus de porc (pig’s trotters), which are often stewed with snails.

 

Camp Nou

Any fans of FC Barcelona should note this down as a necessary visitation whilst in the city. In fact, Camp Nou is a pilgrimage site for football fans of many teams around the world. You can take a self-guided tour around the stadium, beginning in the museum displaying trophies, historical displays and other exhibits, followed by a tour of the stadium itself. Discover how the club’s history relates to the Catalan identity and see the real boots of famed players including Maradona, Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi. This is one of the largest stadiums in the world, with a capacity of nearly 100,000. The tour will take around 2.5 hours overall, but the best way to really experience the stadium is to catch a game yourself (if you’re lucky enough to get tickets amongst the 173,000 fans with memberships).

 

Museu Picasso

Featured in Lonely Planet’s Top 500 places to visit in the entire world, the museum designated to Picasso’s life works is a marvellous experience. The collection has over 3500 artworks, and apparently it was Picasso himself who proposed the museum’s creation. The collections span over 5 medieval mansions, making this a unique and fascinating experience.

 

 

 

Barcelona

Barcelona is one of those rare cities that manages to feel both ancient and vibrantly modern at the same time. Located between the Mediterranean Sea and the Collserola mountains, the city offers a unique mix of history, culture, architecture, food, and lifestyle that has made it one of the most beloved destinations in Europe.

But Barcelona is more than just famous landmarks and beaches. What truly makes the city special is its energy — the feeling that every street corner hides a story, every plaza invites conversation, and every evening brings people together.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or living here as an expat, Barcelona has a way of making people fall in love with it again and again.

The Magic of Barcelona’s Architecture

Barcelona’s skyline is unlike any other city in the world, largely thanks to the genius of architect Antoni Gaudí, whose works transformed the city into a living gallery of modernist art.

The most famous of all is the Sagrada Família, a breathtaking basilica that has been under construction since 1882. Its towering spires, intricate facades, and stained-glass interior create an almost surreal atmosphere that leaves visitors speechless.

But Gaudí’s influence doesn’t stop there. Walking through Barcelona, you will also discover:

• Casa Batlló, a colorful building inspired by the shapes of the sea.
• Park Güell, a whimsical park filled with mosaics and incredible views of the city.
• Casa Milà (La Pedrera), with its wave-like stone façade and sculptural rooftop chimneys.

Together, these masterpieces make Barcelona one of the most architecturally fascinating cities in the world.

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The Heart of the City: The Gothic Quarter

If Gaudí represents the creativity of modern Barcelona, the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) represents its soul.

This historic neighborhood is a maze of narrow medieval streets, hidden squares, and centuries-old buildings that date back to Roman times. Walking here feels like stepping into another era.

Among its highlights are:

• Barcelona Cathedral, a magnificent Gothic structure at the heart of the old city
• Plaça Reial, a lively square filled with palm trees, restaurants, and nightlife
• El Born, a trendy area blending history with modern cafés, art galleries, and boutiques

The Gothic Quarter is also one of the best places to simply get lost on purpose, discovering small tapas bars, street musicians, and local shops along the way.

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Life by the Mediterranean

One of Barcelona’s greatest advantages is its close relationship with the sea.

Just minutes from the historic center, you can find Barceloneta Beach, where locals and visitors gather to swim, sunbathe, play volleyball, or simply enjoy a drink by the water.

The waterfront area has been transformed into one of the city’s most vibrant spaces, offering:

• beach bars and seafood restaurants
• scenic walking and cycling paths
• stunning sunset views over the Mediterranean

Few cities in Europe offer such a perfect balance between urban life and beach culture.

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A City of Food, Culture, and Conversation

Food is at the center of social life in Barcelona. Meals are rarely rushed and often become long conversations shared with friends.

Some of the most iconic experiences include:

• Tapas hopping in neighborhoods like El Born or Gràcia
• Visiting La Boqueria Market, one of Europe’s most famous food markets
• Enjoying fresh seafood by the port
• Sitting on a terrace late into the evening with a glass of wine or vermouth

The city’s culinary scene blends traditional Catalan flavors with international influences, making it one of the most exciting places for food lovers.

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Why People Fall in Love with Barcelona

Barcelona attracts millions of visitors every year, but what’s interesting is how many people decide to stay longer than they planned.

Expats, digital nomads, and travelers often discover that Barcelona offers a lifestyle that is hard to match:

• a warm Mediterranean climate
• a vibrant international community
• beautiful architecture and culture
• beaches and mountains within easy reach
• an incredible social atmosphere

It’s a city where it’s easy to meet people, explore new places, and create unforgettable experiences.

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Discover Barcelona for Yourself

Barcelona is not just a destination you visit — it’s a city you experience.

From wandering through medieval streets to watching the sunset over the Mediterranean, from admiring Gaudí’s masterpieces to sharing tapas with new friends, the city constantly invites you to explore, connect, and enjoy life.

And perhaps that’s the real secret of Barcelona:

It’s a city that makes every day feel like an adventure.

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If you’re living in Barcelona or visiting the city and want to meet international people, explore new places, and share experiences, you can join our community events through New in Barcelona, where locals and expats regularly meet to discover the city together.