Tibidabo is Barcelona’s tallest mountain at 512 meters, and a wonderful spot to get some fresh air if you need a break from the busy city. It’s an excellent place to go for a walk and while you’re there you can also visit Spain’s oldest amusement park. The views are also something else, especially in the evening at sunset.
In this article you will find:
- Practical info on tickets for the amusement park
- Tips for walks and hikes in Tibidabo
- Information on how to get there
- Practical information: opening hours and prices
- Everything about the church Templo Expiatorio del Sagrado Corazón
- Tips for food and drinks
- Insider tips for activities on and near the Tibidabo
What is Tibidabo and why should you visit it?
If you want to change atmospheres a little and get out of the city, Tibidabo is the perfect place to go.
Tibidabo mountain is the highest spot in Barcelona.
It offers great views of the city and the surrounding areas, and it has many interesting places to visit, such as the Tibidabo amusement park, the Fabra Observatory, the church of the Sacred Heart (inspired by the famous Sacré Coeur of Paris), and the Parc de Collserola.
Plan your visit to Tibidabo
Tibidabo is at least a half day activity.
It takes some time to get to and from it from the city center, and there’s a lot to see and do on the mountain.
We recommend you dedicate a full morning or afternoon to your visit.
When to visit the Tibidabo?
If you’re planning on going to the amusement park, be aware that it’s not open year round, and that even when it is, some attractions may be closed.
The park is shut during the months of January and February, and throughout the rest of the year it opens on school holidays (Easter and the summer months), bank holidays, and weekends.
Since the schedule is somewhat irregular, we recommend you check the park’s official website before planning your visit to make sure it is open on the day of your choice.
If instead you’re going to take pictures, enjoy the views, and explore the rest of the mountain, the best time is in the morning or in the evening.
The hottest hours of the day in Barcelona are 1 pm to 4 pm, although this is only a concern in the summer.
Do keep in mind that if you’re not visiting in the summer, it can get windy and chilly on Tibidabo so make sure to bring a jacket.
In the amusement park you’ll find cafes, bars and kiosks where you can get food and drinks.
There are also many suitable picnic areas on the mountain where you can eat and enjoy the view if you brought your own food.
Insider tips:
- Between the stop of the Tibibus (see How to get there? further down) and the amusement park there are some picnic tables you can use freely.
- Would you like to surprise someone with a romantic diner? Between June and October you can have dinner under the stars on the Fabra Observatory’s viewing deck. After the meal you’ll be taken on a short tour of the observatory and you’ll be able to look through the telescope.
- Take the elevator at the church of the Sacred Heart (€3.50) and enjoy one of the most breathtaking views of Barcelona. Not recommended for people that are afraid of heights!
- The Gran Hotel La Florida is one of Barcelona’s highest rated luxury hotels. This five star boutique establishment houses a luxury spa and an elegant restaurant. Even if you’re not a guest, you can stop by for a cocktail on the terrace, this is especially recommended in the evening, when the entire city will light up at your feet.
- The science museum CosmoCaixa is located on one of the flanks of Tibidabo. If you want you can visit both on the same day.
What to see and do on the Tibidabo mountain?
Parc d’Atraccions Tibidabo
The Parc d’Atraccions del Tibidabo opened its doors in 1901. It is Spain’s first amusement park, and one of the oldest in the world.
Local pharmacist Salvador Andreu came up with the idea of a park that would consist of various levels, connected to each other by elevators, paths and stairways.
The 6th level of the park is known as “Camí del Cel”, which means “sky path”.
This is where the park’s ferris wheel is located and as you can imagine, a ferris wheel on a mountain makes for a pretty spectacular ride.
Entrance to this area is free, but you need to pay for the attractions separately.
You can also buy a ticket that gives you access to all the attractions on the level, but it doesn’t include the attractions on the others.
Templo Expiatorio del Sagrado Corazón
The Sacred Heart church sits at the top of Tibidabo, its name a reference to the famous Sacré Coeur of Paris.
At the end of the 19th century, a rumor began to circulate stating that a casino or a protestant church would be built at the top of the mountain.
Fearing both of these scenarios, a catholic organization purchased the land and built their own temple instead.
The construction started in 1901, led by the architect Enric Sagnier i Villavecchia, and was completed in 1961 by his son Josep Maria Sagnier i Vidal, who by that time had taken over the job from his father.
One of the things that’s remarkable about the building is the difference in style between the crypt, built in sand colored stone and aesthetically resembling a medieval fortification, and the church itself, which is a bright white color and richly ornamented, mixing gothic, neoclassical and modernist elements.
The stone for the construction was drawn from Barcelona’s other famous hill, the Montjuic.
The most interesting part of the church is the viewing platform right below the Christ statue at the top. You’ll have to pay to go up (€3.50), but the rest of the church and the crypt is free.
Dress and code of conduct
As with many Catholic temples, visitors are required to wear appropriate clothing to enter the church.
Shorts and short skirts are not allowed, and hats and other items that cover the head must be removed.
Visitors can take pictures inside but you can’t use the flash. Food and drink are not allowed.
Torre de Collserola
For one of the most spectacular views over the city you go to the Torre de Collserola.
The radio tower, that is on the list of the World Federation of Great Towers, was designed by the British architect Norman Foster for the Barcelona Olympics of 1992.
The tower is twelve floors and 268 meters high and serves as a television and radio mast.
The lookout platform sits 115 meters up in the air (and 560 meters above sea level) and will give you a rush of vertigo when you look down.
On clear days you can up to 70 kilometers away, over the city and the suburbs, the Parc de Collserola and the characteristic shape of Montserrat.
On certain days when the weather is just right, you can even make out the outline of Mallorca on the horizon.
Observatori Fabra
The Fabra Observatory is the only building of its type in Barcelona. It was designed by Josep Domenech i Estepà and built in the early twentieth century.
The observatory is owned and run by the Reial Acadèmia de Ciències i Arts de Barcelona (Royal Academy for Science and the Arts), and it is one of the oldest still-functioning observatories in the world.
The observatory was built thanks to a generous donation by the Marquis of Alella, Camilo Fabra i Fontanills.
Originally the building was to be named Observatori del Tibidabo, but it was changed to incorporate the name of its illustrious patron.
The building was officially inaugurated in 1904, in the presence of king Alfonso XIII.
Since its inauguration, twelve small planets and a comet have been discovered.
Guided tours of the building are offered, including the very special “sopar amb estrelles” (dinner under the stars) in the summer months.
If you’re looking for something unique and romantic to do during your stay in Barcelona this should be on your list.
Walk or bike the Carretera de les Aïgues
There are several walking and biking routes through Collserola park.
The most well known is La Carretera de les Aigües (the road of the waters), a ten kilometer path that runs along the side of the hills that encircle Barcelona, in parallel to the coastline, offering spectacular panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean.
Years ago, there were canals running through this area to distribute water, hence the name.
Tramvía Blau
Absolutely the nicest way (but not the cheapest) to reach Tibidabo: the old fashioned blue tram. Scroll down to ‘how to get to Tibidabo’ for more information.
Practical information
Opening hours
Tibidabo doesn’t follow a simple daily schedule, it operates seasonally, and the hours depend on whether the full Amusement Park is open or just the Panoramic Area.
Here’s a quick breakdown so you know what to expect.
Tibidabo Amusement Park
The full amusement park (with all the rides) is open on select days throughout the year:
| Month | Open days |
|---|---|
| January | 2, 3, 4 and 5 |
| March, April & May | Weekends, bank holidays and Holy Week (1–6 April) |
| June | Weekends and holidays; from the 24th, Wednesday to Sunday |
| July & August | Wednesday to Sunday |
| September, October & November | Weekends, bank holidays and 2, 3, 4 and 25 September |
| December | Weekends and 7, 8, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 29 and 30 December |
Rides open from 11:00. Ticket offices open between 10:00 and 11:00 depending on location.
Panoramic Area
On days when the full park is closed, you can still visit the Panoramic Area with its viewpoints, restaurants and a handful of attractions:
| Month | Open days |
|---|---|
| January | 2, 3, 4 and 5 |
| February | Weekends |
| March to December | Every day (except 25 and 26 December) |
The Panoramic Area ticket office at Plaça Tibidabo opens at 11:00.
Cuca de Llum
The Cuca de Llum (a play area for younger kids) has its own schedule:
| Month | Open days |
|---|---|
| January | 2, 3, 4 and 5 |
| February | Weekends |
| March to December | Every day |
On 25 December, 26 December and 1 January, Cuca de Llum is open from 10:00 to 14:00.
Funicular
The Tibidabo Funicular runs from 10:30 on amusement park days and from 11:00 on panoramic area days, with departures every 15 minutes.
Good to know:
Exact opening and closing times change depending on the date. Check the calendar on the official Tibidabo website before your visit to confirm the schedule for your specific day.
Tibidabo Tickets and Prices
Tibidabo amusement park
- A basic ticket costs €39. Children shorter than 1,20 meter pay €15,50 and children under 90 centimeter enter for free.
- If you only want to visit the Sky Walk, with attractions for small children, you pay €21.50 for a basic ticket. Tickets for children shorter than 1,20 meters costs €11,80 and tickets for the very smallest (under 90 cm) are free of charge.
Torre de Collserola
In order to enjoy the view over Barcelona from the tenth floor of the tv tower, you need to buy a ticket.
Adults pay €7.00 while children under than 14 and those over 60 pay €3.90. Tickets can be bought on the spot.
Templo Expiatorio del Sagrado Corazón
Visiting the temple is free of charge. If you want to go up to the viewing platform and be amazed by the views, you pay €4.00.
How to Get to Tibidabo
Tibidabo sits on top of a mountain, so getting there is part of the adventure. You won’t just hop off a metro and walk in. But don’t worry, there are a few easy ways to reach the top.
The main gateway to the park is the Cuca de Llum, Tibidabo’s modern funicular. It whisks you to the summit in just 4 minutes and is included with all admission tickets. You’ll board it at Plaça Doctor Andreu.
The question is: how do you get to Plaça Doctor Andreu? Here are your best options.
By TibiBus (easiest option)
Tibidabo runs two free shuttle buses (included with your ticket) that take you directly to the Cuca de Llum funicular station:
- TibiBus T2B departs from the BSM Sant Genis-Vall d’Hebron car park, right next to the Vall d’Hebron metro stop (L3 and L5). This is the most convenient option if you’re coming by metro. Pick up your wristbands at the car park ticket office before boarding.
- TibiBus T2C departs from Avinguda Tibidabo, near Plaça Kennedy. You can pick up your wristbands at the Tibidabo Store nearby. To reach this stop, take the L7 FGC line to Avinguda Tibidabo station.
Both TibiBus services only run on days the Amusement Park is open.
Just the Funicular (without a park ticket)
If you only want to ride the Cuca de Llum without visiting the park, you can buy a standalone funicular ticket. A standard return ticket costs €13.50, with reduced rates for children aged 4 to 12, seniors over 60 and large families (€6.75). Kids under 4 ride free.
The funicular runs on both Amusement Park days and Panoramic Area days.
By Car
If you’re driving, head to the Top of Tibidabo car park (Cami de Vallvidrera al Tibidabo, 49). It’s located right in front of the ticket offices. Booking in advance is recommended, at least 24 hours ahead.
You can also park at the BSM Sant Genis-Vall d’Hebron car park near the Vall d’Hebron metro and take the TibiBus T2B up to the park. This option is only available on Amusement Park days.
Tip: On Panoramic Area days (when the full park is closed), the TibiBus services don’t run. You can still reach the Cuca de Llum funicular at Plaça Doctor Andreu on your own, or drive up to the top car park.
Food and drinks on the Tibidabo
These are our favourite spots when you get hungry and/or thirsty:
- Merbeyé (Plaça Doctor Andreu 2, at the Funicular station) Tapas and cocktails. Opening hours from early morning till very late at night.
- Mirablau (Plaça Doctor Andreu, near the Funicular and the end station of the Tramblau) Open every day until at least 3am.
- Mirabé (Carrer de Manuel Arnús), on weekdays only open for dinner. Ask for a table on the terrace!
- The TB Bar (Carretera Vallvidrera al Tibidabo, 83-93), the bar of Gran Hotel La Florida. Enjoy your drink with Barcelona at your feet.
Attractions near Tibidabo
There is one other major attraction near Tibidabo:
- CosmoCaixa, Barcelona’s science museum
Map & Address (Location)
Tibidabo Amusement Park
Tibidabo, Pl. del Tibidabo, 3, 4, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, 08035 Barcelona, Spain · Google Maps
