You can see Mount Tibidabo and its church spire from anywhere in Barcelona. Mount Tibidabo is Barcelona's tallest peak at 515 metres and has some of the city's best views, as well as an amusement park and a stunning church. Tibidabo rewards closer inspection - and it's only a ten-minute ride on the train from the centre of Barcelona.
Tibidabo Funicular
The best way to get to the top of Tibidabo, if you're a lazybones, is in two chunks; the first by tram, the second by funicular railway. At Avinguda Tibidabo FGC Station (which connects by rail via Line 7 to Plaça Catalunya) you can hop on a Tramvia Blau (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 kilometre. It's been in service since 1901, making it one of Spain's oldest funiculars.
Tibidabo Amusement Park
Tibidabo's funfair combines spectacular views and rushes of adrenaline, with six different zones boasting exciting rides such as the Russian Mountain, the Pirate Ship and the Hurricane. The park's open on saturdays, sundays and some bank holiday mondays. www.tibidabo.es
Templo Expiatorio del Sagrado Corazon
At the site where Catalan legend claims Jesus was tempted by the Devil, it's fitting there is a fairy-tale church. The Temple of the Sacred Heart was designed by Enric Sagnier i Villavecchia and built between 1902 and 1961. The interior features amazing murals, colourful mosaics and a neobyzantine crypt.
This church features in our list of Barcelona's Most Controversial Buildings.
Torre de Collserola
Separated from the Tibidabo summit by a kilometre is Sir Norman Foster's award-winning Communications Tower, which has an observation deck and a restaurant.
Essential Info
How To Get to Tibidabo: Take the Tibibus from Plaça Catalunya, at the corner with Rambla Catalunya, or the FGC from Catalunya to Avinguda Tibibado. Getting to Barcelona: Barcelona is served by Barcelona El Prat Airport, and Renfe trains connect from all other major Spanish cities to Sants Estacio.