One of the things I love to do when I visit a city is to get some perspective from above. The view changes depending on the light and time of day, but you’ll appreciate the city’s layout and be able to spot different buildings and landmarks. The mountain of Montjuic is easily accessible and offers something for everyone: the Olympic Stadium, the Communications Tower, some beautiful gardens and both the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC) and the Fundación Miro. Take the time to enjoy the views from the Steps outside MNAC or the Cafe in the Miro Foundation. Travel by Metro to Plaza España and walk up the steps to MNAC, or take the Metro to Parallel and the Cable Car up to Montjuic, just a short distance from the Miro Foundation.
Tibidabo also offers great views, but is a little out of the way for most visitors, unless you plan to do something else there.
Within the city, there are several hotels with rooftop terraces. Both W Barcelona and the Hotel Arts are landmarks on the coast. A number of Hotels in Passeig de Gracia have rooftop terraces: Hotel Casa Fuster at the top end, or
Down in the old part of town, a few options include the terraces at Ohla Hotel or Yurbban Hotel in C. Trafalgar, or X Hotel overlooking the old harbour.
Gaudi enthusiasts will enjoy great views from the Parque Guell, or from the rooftop of the Palau Guell, La Pedrera or the towers of La Sagrada Familia.
Uptown – a room with a view
When you are looking for a place, it’s worth exploring the areas up above Diagonal. Sarria, Tibidabo, Bonanova and Vallvidrera are a few options to start with. Many of the city’s private schools are located in this area, so if that is something you are looking at, take the opportunity to attend an open-day or do a drive past when you are scouting locations.
Cable-car to Vallvidrera
Using your one-zone TMB ticket you can catch the cable car to Vallvidrera. It’s another Barcelona from up there, with great views over the city.
