Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at Mount Tibidabo, Barcelona, Spain.

@Time Beast/iStock

Tibidabo

Barcelona


Framing the north end of the city, the pine-forested mountain of Tibidabo, which tops out at 512m, is the highest peak in Serra de Collserola. Much of its surrounding gorgeous green expanses are protected within the 80-sq-km Parc Natural de Collserola, which is a delight to hike, run and cycle through. Highlights of a trip up to Tibidabo include superb views from the top; an old-fashioned amusement park; a telecommunications tower with viewing platform; and a looming church that's visible from many parts of the city.

At the time of writing, the long-running tramvia blau and the Tibidabo funicular railway – which combined linked the FGC Avinguda Tibidabo train station with the top of Tibidabo via Plaça del Doctor Andreu – were out of action for restoration works. A shiny, new modern funicular is due to launch in late 2020; check online for updates. In the meantime, a replacement shuttle, the T2C 'Funibús', runs from Plaça Kennedy (outside Avinguda Tibidabo station) to Plaça de Tibidabo atop the hill (€12.70 including amusement park admission; 20 minutes; every 15 to 30 minutes from 10.30am during park and/or viewing platform opening hours). Alternatively, the T2A 'Tibibús' runs from Plaça de Catalunya to Plaça de Tibidabo (€3, 30 minutes, every 20 to 30 minutes from 10am until 30 minutes after park closure on Saturday, Sunday and other park opening days).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Barcelona attractions

1. Parc d’Atraccions Tibidabo

0.08 MILES

The reason most barcelonins travel up to Tibidabo's summit is for some thrills at this old-school funfair. Here you'll find whirling high-speed rides and…

2. Basílica del Sagrat Cor de Jesús

0.13 MILES

At the very top of 512m-tall Tibidabo hill, overlooking the Parc d'Atraccions, this landmark basilica is meant to be Barcelona’s answer to Paris’ Sacré…

3. Observatori Fabra

0.36 MILES

Inaugurated in 1904, this Modernista observatory 415m above sea level on Tibidabo is still a functioning scientific foundation. On certain evenings…

4. Torre de Collserola

0.52 MILES

Sir Norman Foster designed the 288m-high, 1992-completed Torre de Collserola telecommunications tower on the slopes of Tibidabo. An external glass lift…

5. CosmoCaixa

0.85 MILES

One of the city’s most popular family-friendly attractions, this science museum is a favourite with kids (and kids at heart). The single greatest…

6. Bellesguard

1 MILES

An entrancing work that combines Gothic and Modernista elements, this lesser-known Gaudí masterpiece was rescued from obscurity and opened to visitors in…

7. Parc Natural de Collserola

1.07 MILES

Barcelonins needing an easy escape from the city seek out this protected pine-scented 80-sq-km park. It's a great place to hike, run and bike, and has a…

8. Vil·la Joana

1.12 MILES

Opposite the main information office of the Parc Natural de Collserola lies the historic 19th-century villawhere Catalonia’s revered writer Jacint…