Tibidabo in Barcelona

The versatile Tibidabo Mountain, located in the heart of the Collserola hills, offers entertainment for everyone. From hiking trails in nature to beautiful viewpoints, romantic restaurants, unique buildings, and even a real amusement park. Those planning to visit Tibidabo Mountain should allocate half or a whole day for it. Since the amusement park and various attractions have their own opening hours, it’s advisable to plan your visit to Tibidabo in advance.

What to See and Do on Tibidabo Mountain

At 512 meters high, Tibidabo Mountain is the tallest point of the Collserola range, crowned by a large statue of Jesus on top of the Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor.

Locally known as the ‘magic mountain,’ Tibidabo is full of fun and surprising sights: from a real amusement park to an astronomical observatory and an ultra-modern communication tower.

Due to its location, Tibidabo Mountain is also a privileged viewpoint over Barcelona, and since it’s nestled in the nature of the Collserola hills, it’s a wonderful place for walking or sports. Below, I’ll introduce you to the highlights of Tibidabo Mountain and its surroundings.

Tibidabo Amusement Park

At the highest point of the Collserola hills is the Parc d’atraccions Tibidado, the first Spanish amusement park and the second oldest in Europe. It’s especially a major attraction for children with fairground rides, funhouse mirrors, and an automaton museum.

The Tibidabo Amusement Park was founded in 1899 by Salvador Andreu, with the goal of creating a recreational area for the residents of Barcelona. The official opening of the amusement park was on October 29, 1901. At that time, the Tramvia Blau and the Funicular del Tibidabo were also constructed. From the old amusement park, you can still see a number of attractions such as the automaton museum, the Aeromàgic (from 1935), and a 1928 airplane, which is a replica of the first aircraft model that flew between Barcelona and Madrid.

Esglèsia del Sagrat Cor

In honor of the Sacred Heart, the Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor was built on the top of Tibidabo Mountain in 1961. It is a monumental church in the neo-Gothic style, designed by architect Enric Sagnier. The church is beautiful both inside and out and features an elevator that takes you to the top of the church for a few euros, where there is a viewing platform at 575 meters above sea level. From this viewpoint, you obviously have a grandiose view of the city. The church is also always lit up in the evening, making it a beautiful sight from all corners of the city.

Tickets for the elevator to the top floor of the church and the viewing platform cost €3.50 per person. However, the rest of the church is free to visit.

Observatori Fabra

In the Planetarium of the Observatori Fabra, visitors can walk through the constellations thanks to special effects. This astronomical observatory was built by the modernist architect Josep Domènech i Estapà between 1902 and 1904 and is open both during the day and in the evening. Exclusive dinners under the stars are also organized here in the summer.

Torre de Collserola

The Collserola communication tower is 288 meters high and was opened during the Barcelona Olympics in 1992. The American architect Norman Foster designed this ultra-modern building, which also boasts a fantastic viewing platform at the top, at 560 meters above sea level. For €5.60, you can take the elevator to the top of the tower to enjoy panoramic views of the city, the hills, and the entire area around Barcelona.

Carretera de les Aigües

The Carretera de les Aigües trail is a must for runners, walkers, cyclists, or just nature lovers. Easily accessible by taxi, car, or bus 196, the views from the Carretera de les Aigües are also breathtaking.

Vallvidrera

Vallvidrera is the most remote neighborhood of Barcelona, located in the middle of the mountains, offering a different look and feel than the hustle and bustle of the city. A walk through this area, which was once the summer retreat for many Barcelona residents, is more than worthwhile if you love nature and want to see something different. The chic villas built by the wealthy here, along with the tranquility, beautiful nature, and stunning views of the city, make it a special place to visit.

Plaça Doctor Andreu

This square features several bars and restaurants offering excellent views of the city. It’s also a great place to explore the Collserola hills further if you love nature. Nearby, for instance, is the beautiful Carretera de les Aigües, perfect for a walk or an active afternoon. This is also the starting point for the Cuca de la Llum, the new cable railway towards Tibidabo amusement park.

Drinks with a View

For many Barcelona residents, the bars and restaurants on Tibidabo Mountain are the go-to spots for a romantic evening. If you want to surprise your loved one, visit one of the following places:

• Merbeyé (Plaça Doctor Andreu, 2)
• Mirablau (Plaça Doctor Andreu)
• Mirabé (Carrer de Manuel Arnús, 2)
• The TB Bar (Carretera Vallvidrera al Tibidabo, 83-93)

Most restaurants transform into trendy cocktail bars after dinner, where an adult crowd enjoys the atmosphere, drinks, and views of each other.

Gran Hotel La Florida

Gran Hotel La Florida is one of the most exclusive hotels in Barcelona, not only for its luxury but also for its privileged location atop Tibidabo Mountain. The view from these rooms provides a significant wow factor. Perfect for a romantic getaway or honeymoon hotel. You don’t have to stay overnight to enjoy the view. The terrace, restaurant, and spa are also open to the public.

CosmoCaixa Museu de la Ciència

CosmoCaixa Museu de la Ciència is one of the most visited museums in Barcelona. It is Barcelona’s principal science museum and one of the largest in Europe. The museum hosts a fun and educational exhibition that focuses on interaction with visitors. You can participate in various scientific experiments here. Children, in particular, love this place and can spend hours entertained and learning. The building housing the museum is also a gem of Modernisme, built between 1904 and 1909 by architect Josep Domènech i Estapà.

Getting to Tibidabo Mountain

Tibidabo Mountain, located in the Collserola hills, is easily distinguishable from the city due to the church and communication tower on its peak. There are several ways to get there.

By Private Vehicle (Car)

If you have a car, it takes only about half an hour from the city center to reach the top of Tibidabo Mountain. The amusement park has a parking lot with 500 spaces, costing €13 for a whole day.

Alternatively, you can park near the amusement park, like near the communication tower. There is also parking space at the restaurants at Plaça Doctor Andreu, and for those who wish to enjoy a beautiful walk through the Collserola hills, parking is available at Carretera de les Aigües, 311.

By Bus + Cuca de la Llum Funicular Railway

The most classic way to reach Tibidabo Mountain and the amusement park is via the Funicular del Tibidabo, known as Cuca de la Llum. This is also the most fun way to go to the amusement park with children.

If you’re starting from the city center, you first need to take the FGC (Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya) trains to Avinguda Tibidabo (L7). Once at Plaça John Fitzgerald Kennedy, transfer to the Tibibus T2C or bus line 196, which will take you to Plaça Doctor Andreu.

Those who want to reach the top of Tibidabo Mountain (where the Tibidabo Amusement Park, the Esglèsia del Sagrat Cor church, and the communication tower are located) must take the Tibidabo Funicular Railway, Cuca de la Llum, upwards.

The operation times of the funicular are the same as the opening hours of the Tibidabo Amusement Park, and you need to get separate tickets at the ticket office (or have admission tickets to the amusement park).

By Train + Vallvidrera Funicular Railway

The most economical way to visit Tibidabo Mountain is via Vallvidriera. You can reach this area with the FGC trains and the Vallvidrera Funicular Railway.

Although this takes more time, it is much cheaper: you can use your regular public transport card for the entire journey (including the Barcelona Card and the Hola Barcelona Travel Card). This route is always available and is not dependent on the opening hours of the amusement park.

If you’re coming from the city center, first take the FGC trains (S1 or S2) to Peu del Funicular, then transfer to the Funicular de Vallvidrera. Travel from Vallvidrera inferior to Vallvidrera Superior with the funicular, enjoying a beautiful uphill ride with breathtaking views of Barcelona.

Once at Vallvidrera Superior, you can transfer to bus 111, which stops at the Tibidabo Amusement Park, Esglèsia del Sagrat Cor church, Gran Hotel la Florida, Observatori Fabra, and the communication tower.