Mount Tibidabo in Barcelona is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore Spain’s stunning landscape, and you’ll easily understand why as soon as you get here.
This beautiful mountain is home to a variety of attractions such as the historic church and amusement park, spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea, and even a bar where you can get refreshments with a view.
Whether you’re visiting for a day or planning an extended visit, this ultimate guide provides everything you need to know about visiting Mount Tibidabo, Barcelona, in 2023.
We’ll take you through the best places to stay, things to do, and fantastic food spots around the area. Plus, we’ll cover all the great activities available on and around the mountain that will make your visit truly unforgettable.
Ready? Let’s go!
Mount Tibidabo – Overview
Before getting into the main topic, let’s discuss the essentials, like where Tibidabo is, if it’s worth visiting, and much more you should know before coming.
Where is Mount Tibidabo?
The Tibidabo mountain is a hill located in Barcelona, Catalonia. It is the highest peak of the Serra de Collserola mountain range, standing at 512 meters (1,680 ft).
Located on the outskirts of Barcelona, it is easily accessible by public transport and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
Is It Worth Visiting Mount Tibidabo?
Mount Tibidabo is a must-see destination for any traveler and you should definitely include it in your Barcelona itinerary. You can play at the amusement park, take great photos, or simply roam around. All in all, Mount Tibidabo is definitely worth a visit.
It’s worth noting that Tibidabo was constructed in 1899 and is the second-oldest amusement park in Europe and one of the oldest in the world.
When to Visit the Tibidabo?
The best time to get to the Tibidabo is either in the morning or in the afternoon so that you avoid the hot Spanish sun.
That being said, I recommend coming in the morning, roaming around, visiting the church for 30 minutes or so, and have a break at the Gran Hotel La Florida, which offers some of the best views of Barcelona.
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How to Get to Mount Tibidabo?
Despite being high up on the hill, there are different ways to get to the Tibidabo, and I’ll go through each of them here:
Hop On Hop Off Bus
If you’re looking to maximize time while seeing the most of a city without breaking the bank, there’s no better way to do it than with a hop-on-hop-off bus.
Timing is key when sightseeing and these buses in Barcelona provide some of the best options for quickly and efficiently seeing the sights in a limited period of time. The route is designed perfectly, with stops close to all of Barcelona’s monuments and attractions that you don’t want to miss.
Jump on at your closest stop with your ticket and you’re set – you can explore until you’re ready to board another bus moments later, with as many stops as you like.
To get to Tibidabo mountain, get on the blue line and stop at the Tramvia Blau-Tibidabo Barcelona stop.
Best-Rated Tour
Hop On Hop Off Barcelona
- Visit Tibidabo easily
- Explore Barcelona conveniently
- Discover hidden gems and famous spots
Includes
- Comfortable bus
- Audio guide in 15 languages
- City map and discounts at attractions
By Bus + Tibidabo Funicular Train
To get to Mount Tibidabo by shuttle bus, you can take the TibiBus T2C line from Plaça Kennedy and it’ll take you to the Funicular Lower Station.
Once you reach the funicular station, you must take the funicular train which leaves every 10 minutes.
Both the TibiBus T2C and the funicular run from 10.15 AM until the theme park closes, which is very convenient.
The TibiBus T2C bus ticket is included with each Tibidabo ticket, while the funicular train costs 12 euros, unless you purchased the entrance to the Amusement Park, Panoramic Area, or TibiClub. These include the funicular ticket so you’ll be able to save money.
By Car
Coming to Tibidabo by car is convenient and easy as it’s located only 11km from La Rambla Street.
However, if you decide to come by car, it’s worth noting there’s actually no parking lot nearby. The nearest parking spots are at Tibidabo-Vall d’Hebron car park, which is about 2km away.
If you plan to visit the amusement park, the parking ticket and the shuttle to Mount Tibidabo and back are included, which is convenient.
But, if you won’t visit the amusement park and, therefore, have no ticket, you’ll have to pay 10.95 euros for the day and head to the hill by yourself.
Taxi
Of course, the most convenient way to get to Mount Tibidabo is by calling a taxi. The cost will be around €20 to €25, which is reasonable for the ride. However, when possible, I recommend going with the funicular for a more authentic experience.
Things to Do at Mount Tibidabo
While there are countless things to do in Barcelona, you’ll definitely want to keep a few hours for Mount Tibidabo, the views from above, and all the attractions – Here’s what to do while at the Tibidabo.
Tibidabo Amusement Park
The Tibidabo theme park (Parc d’Atraccions in Catalan) has something for everyone, from traditional amusement park rides to interactive activities like mini-golf and laser tag. For those looking for a thrill, there are roller coasters such as La Talaia and El Avió, which offer spectacular views of Barcelona from high up in the sky.
There are also gentler rides, such as carousels and Ferris wheels, for younger visitors.
Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Located at the top of the mountain, the Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (in Spanish: Templo Expiatorio del Sagrado Corazón) is one of the most iconic landmarks in Barcelona.
Completed in 1961, this breathtaking structure stands as a symbol of faith and devotion to Jesus Christ.
The temple itself is an impressive sight to behold, with its intricate architecture and grandiose design. Inside, you can explore the various chapels and altars dedicated to different saints. There are also several statues that depict scenes from the Bible, which adds a layer of authenticity.
Tibidabo Panoramic Area
If you’re looking for a spectacular view of Barcelona, then a visit to Tibidabo and its panoramic area is the place to be. Located at the highest point in the city, this mountain offers stunning panoramic views of the city and its surrounding areas.
Note that the panoramic area isn’t open every day, so check out the schedule with dates and times here.
Parc de Collserola
Collserola Park is a mountain located in Mount Tibidabo and is the perfect place to roam around for an hour or more. It is one of the most popular attractions in Barcelona and offers visitors stunning views of the city.
To get here, you can take the metro to Baixador de Vallvidrera and stop by before visiting the Tibidabo or after that!
Here, you can also go bird-watching or play with the horses and donkeys you’ll see on the way.
Torre de Collserola
At Torre de Collserola, you’ll be treated to panoramic views from the observation deck, which are some of the most impressive in Barcelona.
On a clear day, you can have a panoramic 360° view of the city and sea. Needless to say, that’s definitely a must-have stop in Tibidabo. The ticket to get inside and see the view is €5.60 per person.
Mount Tibidabo History
Perched on top of the mountain Tibidabo in Barcelona, the Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus stands tall.
This church was the vision of pious widow Dorothea de Chopitea who set out to build it, and later became reality through the Council of Catholic Knights.
Enrico Sanier was chosen as their architect for this ambitious project – however, he passed away before concluding it. Josep-María Sanier then inherited his father’s work; he spent 59 years building the chapel until it was consecrated as a minor basilica in October 1961.
It is believed that Tibidabo owes its name to the gospel story of Jesus being tempted by the devil, which translates to “I will give you” or “tibi dabo” in Latin. Quite fitting when considering all this power can be found today atop this mountain!
The original chapel from which construction started has been preserved and is right beside the crypt entrance.
In 1961, the Mount Tibidabo amusement park opened and was then expanded in 1970 to what it is today with games, acrobatic shows, and, of course, other interesting sights.
Tips for Visiting Mount Tibidabo
Before visiting Mount Tibidabo, don’t forget the essentials; bring sunscreen so you don’t get sunburned while taking in the views, a camera to capture some beautiful memories, and if you’re feeling adventurous, take the funicular to get up on the authentic way.
Once there, you won’t regret having taken the time to climb this iconic gem in Catalonia.
Also, you will want to check the opening times of the panoramic area before going, as it’s one of the nicest activities in Mount Tibidabo.
As Tibidabo’s sunset brings on twinkling night-time views of Barcelona, you won’t regret taking this trip up the mountain.
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Final Thoughts
Tibidabo is one of the most unique and beautiful places in all of Spain, and you’ll understand why as soon as you get here.
From its stunning views, to its rich history and abundance of things to do, you should visit Tibidabo when traveling to Barcelona.
And now that you know how to get there and what to expect, there’s no excuse to add it to your itinerary!
