Mount Tibidabo in Barcelona: The Complete Guide

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Tibidabo

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Tibidabo, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, 08035 Barcelona, Spain

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Between its acclaimed architecture, bustling tourist attractions, beaches, and surrounding natural beauty, Barcelona is the perfect metropolis for sightseeing. To get an amazing panoramic view of the whole seaside sprawl, go to the top of Mount Tibidabo.

History

Mount Tibidabo is the highest peak of the Serra de Collserola range, but don't let that fool you: the highest point is only 1,680 feet (512 meters) high. Tibidabo got its name from a Latin Bible verse, likely Luke 4:6. In that verse the devil says to Jesus "All this power will I give you, and the glory of them: for that is delivered to me; and to whomsoever I will I give it." The two were standing on top of a very tall mountain, looking down upon the world. Naming the hill in Barcelona Tibidabo, which means "I will give to you" in Latin, was meant to imply that it was the high mountain Jesus and the devil stood upon.

Naming aside, Mount Tibidabo does offer sweeping panoramic views of the city and coastline below. The views are a big draw, as is the hilltop Sagrat Cor church and amusement park.

Things to Do on Mount Tibidabo

You can see the church spire atop Barcelona's tallest peak from anywhere in the city. Mount Tibidabo (a 10-minute train ride from the city center) has some of the city's best views. It also has its own amusement park, church, restaurants, and resorts.

Amusement Rides and City Views

Mount Tibidabo is home to one of the oldest still-functioning amusement parks in the world. Built in 1899, this funfair combines spectacular views of Barcelona with adrenaline rushes. The park's six different zones offer exciting rides such as the Russian Mountain, the Pirate Ship, and the Hurricane, all fun for thrill-seekers of any age. The park is open on Saturdays, Sundays, and long holiday weekends.

Templo Expiatorio del Sagrado Corazon

There is a church fit for a fairytale right at the site where Catalan legend claims Jesus was tempted by the Devil. The Temple of the Sacred Heart was designed by Enric Sagnier i Villavecchia and built between 1902 and 1961. The interior features spectacular murals, colorful mosaics, and a neo-byzantine crypt.

Torre de Collserola

Separated from the Tibidabo summit by a kilometer is Sir Norman Foster's award-winning Communications Tower (or Torre de Collserola), which has an observation deck on the 10th floor. On a clear day, you can see up to 45 miles away—including Collserola Park, Montserrat, and even the Cadí-Moixeró mountain range.

Tours of Tibidado

Viator offers a walking tour of Tibidado, if you wish to get the low-down from a local guide and explore every nook and cranny the area has to offer. This particular tour is perfect for outdoorsy types, as it includes an excursion in the Collserola Nature Park. 

Getting There

Getting to the top of Mount Tibidabo is part of the fun. You could endure the lengthy hike or take a combination route involving both the tram and funicular.

At Avinguda Tibidabo FGC (Ferrocarriles de la Generalitat) Station—which connects by rail via Line 7 to Plaça Catalunya—you can hop on a Tramvia Blau (Barcelona's old-style tram), which winds its way up past some of the city's most amazing mansions.

Halfway up the side of the mountain at Plaza Doctor Andreu, the tram stops. Here, the funicular train goes straight up to the top of Tibidabo, emerging beside the church and amusement park. This part of the journey covers just over a kilometer. The train has been in service since 1901, making it one of Spain's oldest funiculars.

Alternatively, you can take the Tibibus (Barcelona's public bus) from Plaça Catalunya, at the corner with Rambla Catalunya, or from the FGC from Catalunya to Avinguda Tibidabo. The Barcelona Metro is super easy to navigate and has plenty of signs in both English and Spanish.