Tibidabo

Tibidabo, standing at 512 meters, is the highest hill in Barcelona and a perfect spot to escape the city’s hustle and bustle for some fresh air. It offers excellent hiking opportunities, as well as the chance to visit Spain’s oldest amusement park or climb the communications tower for the most spectacular views over Barcelona. The peak of the Tibidabo is visible from many locations throughout the city center.

Tibidabo	Tickets, opening hours& public transport
Tickets	Tibidabo amusement park Entrance ticket: €39 Children under 1.20 meters: €15,50 Children under 90 centimeters can enter for free Tickets for Tibidabo Amusement Park can be purchased via this link. Panoramic Area Entrance ticket: €21,50 Children under 1.20 meters: €11,80 Children under 90 centimeters can enter for free Templo Expiatorio del Sagrado Corazón Visiting both the Sacred Heart Church and the crypt is free of charge. If you want to go up in the church, it costs €5. An audio guide is available for an additional €1.
Adress	Tibidabo Square, 3-4 08035 Barcelona
Public transport/ metro	Bus: Tibibus (T2B or T2C) or the regular bus line 196, both combined with the funicular.
Opening hours	Tibidabo amusement park In January, the amusement park is open on January 2, 3, 4, and 5. In February, the amusement park is completely closed. In March, the gates open again, but outside the high season, only on weekends. The park is also open during school holidays and on public holidays. Check the website for the latest opening hours. Torre de Collserola Unfortunately, the tower is currently closed. Please check the tower's website for the most up-to-date information. Templo Expiatorio del Sagrado Corazón The crypt (lower church) is open from 9:00 to 20:00 in January, February, March, October, November, and December. In April, May, and September, the church is open from 9:00 to 21:00. During June, July, and August, the church is open from 9:00 to 21:30. Adoration Chapel: 9:00 to 13:00 and 16:00 to 20:00. Elevator and interior of the basilica (upper church): January, February, November, December: 10:30 to 18:00. March, October: 10:30 to 19:00. April, May, September: 10:30 to 20:00. June, July, August: 10:30 to 21:00.

Click here to navigate directly to

• What is the Tibidabo?
• Practical information
• How do you get to the Tibidabo?
• Plan your visit to the Tibidabo
• My personal tips
• What can you see on the Tibidabo mountain?
• Architecture and Design
• Torre de Collserola
• Hike the Carretera de les Aïgues
• The history of the Tibidabo

Buy your ticket for the amusementpark at the Tibidabo online in advance and skip the lines—so you can spend more time enjoying the 25+ attractions!

What is the Tibidabo?

A Perfect Destination for All Travelers Whether you’re visiting Barcelona with your family, seeking a romantic getaway, or simply looking for breathtaking views, The Tibidabo is an ideal destination. This hill is located in the heart of Parc de Collserola, one of the largest urban parks in the world, covering over 8,000 hectares—larger than Central Park in New York.

Locals often visit the Tibidabo to enjoy the fresh air or engage in outdoor activities like running and cycling. A trip to the Tibidabo pairs well with a scenic walk through Collserola Park. Many visitors also come to experience Parc d’Atraccions de the Tibidabo, the renowned amusement park that has been entertaining guests for over a century.

Practical information

Opening hours

Tibidabo Amusement Park
The park is open on January 2, 3, 4, and 5 but remains closed throughout February. It reopens in March but operates only on weekends outside the peak season. During school holidays and public holidays, the park is open. Please note that the smaller attractions in the Panoramic Area (Camí del Cel) have different operating hours than the rest of the park. For the most up-to-date information on opening hours, it is recommended to check the official Tibidabo website.

Torre de Collserola
Unfortunately, the tower is currently closed to visitors. For the most up-to-date information on opening hours and accessibility, please check the official website of the tower.

Templo Expiatorio del Sagrado Corazón
Crypt (lower church): The Crypt is open from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM in January, February, March, October, November, and December. In April, May, and September, it is open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. During June, July, and August, it is open from 9:00 AM to 9:30 PM.

Adoration Chapel: The Adoration Chapel is open from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM daily.

Elevator and Basilica Interior (upper church): The Elevator and Basilica Interior are open from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM in January, February, November, and December. In March and October, they are open from 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM. From April, May, and September, they are open from 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM, and in June, July, and August, the opening hours extend from 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM.

Visitors are encouraged to check the official websites for any changes before planning their trip.

Prices

Tibidabo amusement park
-A regular entrance ticket costs €39. Children shorter than 1.20 meters pay €15,50, and children under 90 centimeters can enter for free.
-If you only want to visit the Panoramic area, this is free, but access to the attractions costs €21,50. Tickets for children shorter than 1.20 meters cost €11,80, and tickets for the youngest visitors (<90 cm) are free.

Torre de Collserola
The Torre de Collserola is currently closed to visitors. We recommend checking the official website for the most up-to-date information on reopening and opening hours.

Templo Expiatorio del Sagrado Corazón
A visit to both the ‘Sacred Heart Church’ and the crypt is free, but those who want to experience the spectacular view pay €5 to take the elevator up and an additional €1 for the audio guide.

How do you get to the Tibidabo?

First things first: walking or cycling is not an option unless you are in exceptionally good physical shape.

Driving is possible, but most city visitors won’t have access to a car. If you do, parking is available near the amusement park or at Torre de Collserola (€18 per day). Another option is the Aparcamiento Tibidabo Vall d’Hebron, located opposite the Vall d’Hebron hospital (€4.20 per day). From there, you can take the free Tibibus T2B shuttle to the amusement park (only on days when the park is open).

If you’ve rented a scooter, that’s a great alternative. Keep in mind that the ride from the old town takes about 45 minutes, but it’s a scenic route. Once at the top, parking is easy and completely free.

The historic Tram Blau, which first started operating in 1901, is temporarily out of service due to major maintenance work. A good alternative is bus line 196, which follows the exact same route and operates at regular public transport fares.

Unfortunately, the Tibibus that used to run from Plaça Catalunya is no longer available. Now, only the Tibibus T2B and T2C are in service, both taking passengers to the funicular station, which leads to the amusement park entrance.

The T2B bus departs from the parking lot near Vall d’Hebron Hospital (BSM Sant Genís Car Park), while the T2C bus leaves from Plaça Kennedy. Although these stops are slightly farther from the city center, they still save you a challenging uphill climb. If you have a ticket for the amusement park, you can ride for free—simply exchange your ticket at the booth in the T2B parking lot or at the Tibidabo Store (Passeig Sant Gervasi 36) for the T2C. The T2B bus departs every 20 minutes, while the T2C runs every 10 minutes, ensuring a convenient way to reach the funicular station and the park entrance.

Important: These buses only operate on days when the amusement park is open. If you’re planning to visit on a weekday or during the low season, always check in advance to ensure the park is open!

Reaching the top using public transport is also an option, but it is a time-consuming route. Instead of taking the FGC to Avinguda Tibidabo, take it to Peu del Funicular (note that this is a different line, either the S1 or S55). Get off at Vallvidrera, where you can take the Funicular del Vallvidrera, a popular choice for hikers heading to Parc de Collserola.

If you’re planning to explore Carretera de les Aïgues (highly recommended for a scenic walk—see details at the bottom of this page), get off at the first stop. However, if you’re heading to the amusement park, stay on the funicular until the top. From there, take bus number 111, which runs every 30 minutes, so you may have to wait.

The advantage of this route is that if you have a Barcelona Card or a Hola Barcelona Transport Card, the entire journey is free. Alternatively, you can use a T10 ticket as well.

Plan your visit to the Tibidabo

Visiting the Tibidabo is not something you can quickly squeeze in between other sights in Barcelona. Getting there from the city center takes at least an hour, and once at the top, you’ll need additional time depending on what you want to see and do. If you want to fully enjoy the experience without rushing, I recommend setting aside at least half a day or even a full day for your visit to the Tibidabo.

When to visit the Tibidabo?

If you’re visiting the Tibidabo specifically for the amusement park, keep in mind that the attractions are not open every day. In February, the park is completely closed. From March onward, it reopens, but outside the peak season, it only operates on weekends. The park is also open during school holidays and public holidays.

The smaller attractions—known as the Sky Walk or Camí del Cel—have different opening hours than the rest of the park. I highly recommend checking the official Tibidabo website for the exact opening times before your visit.

If you’re visiting the Tibidabo to enjoy the panoramic views of Barcelona and take great photos, it’s best to come after midday. In the morning, the sun rises over the sea, meaning you’ll be looking directly into the sunlight from the mountain.

The amusement park has cafés, restaurants, and food trucks where you can grab a bite to eat or a drink, but you’re also welcome to bring your own food. It’s a great spot for a picnic with stunning views of the city and the sea.

My personal tips

• Between the Tibibus stop (see the section How to Get There? above) and the amusement park, there are picnic tables available for public use.
• Want to surprise your loved one with a romantic dinner? From June to October, you can enjoy a dinner under the stars at the Observatori Fabra. The menus Cena con Estrellas are not cheap (expect to pay €75 to €119 per person), but an unforgettable evening is guaranteed.
• At the Sagrada Corazón church, take the elevator to the top for just €5 and enjoy one of the most spectacular views over Barcelona. Note: This is not recommended for those with a fear of heights.

– The Gran Hotel La Florida may be old, but it is certainly not a faded glory. This five-star boutique hotel boasts a luxurious spa and an elegant restaurant. Even if you’re not staying there, you can enjoy a drink on the terrace. It’s also highly recommended in the evening, with the illuminated city stretching out at your feet.
– The siencemuseum CosmoCaixa is located on the slopes of the Tibidabo, but it’s not a place you can simply walk to from the top. However, if you want to visit both the museum and the Tibidabo, it’s quite feasible to do so in one day. Both attractions are great for children.

What is there to see and to do on the Tibidabo mountain?

Parc d’Atraccions del Tibidabo

The Parc d’Atraccions del Tibidabo, which first opened its doors in 1901, was Spain’s first amusement park and is even one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. This city park was the brainchild of pharmacist Salvador Andreu and spans multiple levels, which are connected by elevators, paths, and staircases.

The park’s sixth level is known as the Panoramic Area or Camí del Cel (“Path of the Sky”) and is especially suitable for young children. Entry is free, but you must pay for the rides. You can also purchase a ticket that grants access to all the attractions along the pathway. This ticket also allows you to visit the lower levels of the park, but it does not include access to the attractions on those levels.

One of the most iconic rides in this area is the panoramic pendulum La Talaia, which might look like a modern fairground attraction but has actually been standing along the Camí del Cel for decades. Another legendary ride is l’Avió, the oldest attraction in the park, dating back to 1928. This replica of the plane that made the first-ever flight between Barcelona and Madrid lets you “fly” in circles above the mountain.

The more modern attractions are located in the rest of the park. The most popular highlight is the roller coaster, where you can race down the tracks with the city beneath your feet. Other attractions include haunted houses, a carousel, a 3D cinema, a Ferris wheel, and a swinging ship.

You can purchase tickets for the amusement park here

Templo Expiatorio del Sagrado Corazón

At the very top of the Tibidabo stands the Templo Expiatorio del Sagrado Corazón (called Església del Sagrat Cor in Catalan), often referred to as Barcelona’s “Sacré-Cœur”, due to both its location and its name.

In the late 19th century, rumors spread in the city that a casino or a Protestant church might be built on the mountain. To prevent this, a Catholic association decided to purchase the land and construct a church dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ. Construction began in 1901 under the direction of architect Enric Sagnier i Villavecchia and was completed in 1961 by his son, Josep Maria Sagnier i Vidal, who took over the project.

Architecture and design

One striking feature of the church is the contrast between the crypt and the main building. The crypt, with its sand-colored stone, resembles a medieval fortress, while the church above it blends Neoclassical, Gothic, and Modernist elements. Interestingly, the stones used for the crypt were sourced from Montjuïc, Barcelona’s other iconic hill.

At the very top of the church, a statue of Christ with outstretched arms faces the city.

Why visit?

While the church itself may not be the most extraordinary in Barcelona, a visit is highly recommended. For just €5, you can take an elevator to the top floor (the rest of the church is free to visit) and then climb the stairs leading toward the large Christ statue.

Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking 360º panoramic view of the city and surrounding area, making it a perfect spot for stunning photos.

Note: This experience is not suitable for those with a fear of heights.

Dresscode

• Visitors are not allowed to enter the church wearing shorts or skirts, and head coverings are also prohibited.
• Flash photography, eating, and drinking inside the church are not allowed.

Torre de Collserola

Torre de Collserola

For a complete panoramic view of Barcelona—a 360-degree experience—the Torre de Collserola is the place to be. Designed by British architect Norman Foster for the 1992 Summer Olympics, this broadcasting tower has earned a spot on the World Federation of Great Towers list. Standing at 268 meters tall, with 12 floors, it serves as a radio and television transmission tower.

Observatori Fabra
This astronomical observatory, built between 1902 and 1904, is the work of architect Josep Domènech i Estapà. Owned by the Reial Acadèmia de Ciències i Arts de Barcelona, it is the fourth-oldest observatory in the world. The construction was made possible thanks to a donation from the Marquis of Alella, Camilo Fabra i Fontanilles. Originally named the Observatori del Tibidabo, it was later renamed in his honor.

The observatory was officially inaugurated in 1904 in the presence of King Alfonso XIII. From 1913, it began conducting daily weather observations, and since its opening, it has been the site of 12 small planet discoveries and one comet discovery. Today, it functions as both an astronomical research center and a museum on the history of astronomy.

Guided tours are available, but unfortunately, they are only offered in Catalan and Spanish. However, on weekend evenings, there are English-language tours specifically for stargazing.

One of the most extraordinary experiences at the observatory is the “Cena con Estrellas” (Dinner with the Stars) event, held during the summer months. Guests can enjoy a magical dinner under the stars, making for a truly unforgettable evening. Reservations are required, so be sure to book in advance!

Hike the Carretera de les Aïgues

Carretera de les Aigües: Hiking and biking in Collserola park

The Collserola Park, which includes the Tibidabo, is home to several hiking and cycling routes, one of the most popular being the Carretera de les Aigües (“Waterway”). This 10-kilometer trail offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and coastline, making it a favorite among hikers and mountain bikers. The name comes from the fact that this path was once used for water distribution channels in the area.

Important: The trail does not lead to the top of the Tibidabo—it ends midway up the mountain.

How to hike part of the trail (5 km option)

If you prefer a shorter hike (around 5 km), the easiest way to access the trail is:

1. Take a train from Plaça Catalunya to Peu del Funicular station.
2. Transfer to the funicular (cable car) and get off at the first stop.
3. You will arrive directly at the Carretera de les Aigües, where you can start your walk with stunning views.

This entire journey falls under Zone 1, meaning you can use a regular public transport ticket.

Along the Carretera de les Aigües, you might encounter wild boars—be cautious! There are also several marked trails leading downhill back to the city. The main Carretera path itself is flat, but the downhill trails are not, so some hiking experience is recommended for those taking the descent routes.

Food and drinks on the Tibidabo

All that swinging, strolling, and sightseeing on the Tibidabo is sure to make you hungry and thirsty! Here are my favorite spots for a great lunch or a refreshing drink:

• Merbeyé (Plaça Doctor Andreu 2 – not at the top, but near the Funicular station)
  Tapas and cocktails. Open from early morning until late at night.
• Mirablau (Plaça Doctor Andreu – near the Funicular and Tram Blau’s final stop)
  Open every day until at least 3 AM.
• Mirabé (Carrer de Manuel Arnús – halfway up, not at the top) Open for dinner only on weekdays. Ask for a seat on the terrace!
• The bar at Gran Hotel La Florida. Enjoy your drink with Barcelona at your feet.

The history of the Tibidabo

The name “Tibidabo” comes from Latin and literally means “I will give you”—words that Jesus Christ is said to have spoken from a high place. However, it is unclear when exactly the hill was given this name.

In the 19th century, under the influence of physician Salvador Andreu, the first houses and buildings were constructed on the slopes of the Tibidabo. The hill quickly became popular with the wealthy bourgeoisie, which is still evident today in the grand mansions along Avinguda del Tibidabo. If you take the tram or bus from the Tibidabo station up the mountain, you won’t miss them.