The 12 best places to see the sunset in Barcelona

Oia, Mikonos, Ibiza… and Barcelona. Although not everyone may associate Barcelona with breath-taking sunsets, we assure you that it is up to the standard of the mentioned destinations. Do you want to see for yourself? If so, here are the 12 best places to see the sunset in Barcelona
Whether you want to enjoy a romantic plan in Barcelona or simply stop off during your tourist route, visiting these magical corners of the Catalan capital at dusk will put the finishing touch to your day. Don’t let anyone explain it to you!

1. SANTA MARIA DEL PI’S BELFRY

Thanks to its bell tower (54 m), the church of Santa Maria del Pi was, until the 19th century, the tallest building in Barcelona. It is therefore worth saving the many steps that lead to its highest point. From there, you will see the sun hide among some of the most outstanding buildings of the Barcelona skyline, such as the Barcelona cathedral or the skyscraper in Urquinaona square. You will also be able to clearly distinguish the perimeter of the old Roman wall, still drawn by some of the winding alleys of the Gothic Quarter. The visit is guided and requires payment, although there is free time to take pictures from the terrace. 

2. THE ROOFTOPS OF SANTA MARIA DEL MAR

We are now going to another jewel of Catalan Gothic style. Specifically, to the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, a 14th century marvel that is the main attraction of El Born district. Our advice is to take advantage of the opportunity to walk up to its rooftops, where you will get unparalleled views of the city and surrounding streets. You will also be able to familiarise yourself with the history of this emblematic monument, which is closely linked to the life of the people of the sea in the late Middle Ages, and which suffered a spectacular fire during the Civil War.

3. THE BEACHES OF BARCELONA

Barcelona’s beaches are among the best urban beaches in southern Europe… and are one of the best places to watch the sunset in Barcelona. Choose between Barceloneta, a traditional fishermen’s quarter that still has some of its low houses from the 18th century, or between more recent beaches, such as Bogatell, la Nova Mar Bella or Llevant. Whatever your choice, you will surely get it right. 

4. TERRACES OF THE MUSEUM OF THE HISTORY OF CATALONIA (MHC)

If you want to watch the sun sink into the sea, then make a note of Port Vell on your list.  And what better way than to enjoy a legendary view from the terraces of the Museum of the History of Catalonia (MHC). Built on the premises of an old warehouse and opened in 1996, this institution combines culture with the chance to see how the sun shines red on the waters of the quay. Have your camera close by!

5. MONTJUÏC CABLE CAR

How about the idea of watching the sunset from above and suspended in the air? This is the opportunity offered by the cable car that connects the port with the mountain of Montjuïc. This almost century-old means of transport will give you an incredible bird’s eye view of the city. Although the trip is quite short, you will not be disappointed at all.

6. THE CASTLE OF MONTJUÏC

For centuries, this military construction, located on the highest part of the mountain of Montjuïc, was synonymous with fear and repression for the citizens, since the Catalan capital was bombed from there on more than one occasion. In any case, this building, whose origins are to be found in a fort dating from the end of the 17th century, is now one of the best places to watch the sunset in Barcelona. Although there is a fee to enter, it is worth going to the cash desk. The price is not expensive and it also gives you the right to tour the castle’s facilities inside. 

7. MIRADOR DEL MIGDIA

Take advantage of your visit to Montjuïc to watch the sunset from another privileged vantage point: the Migdia viewpoint, a charming corner surrounded by pine trees and picnic tables. From there, you can see the last rays of sunshine of the day, with an incredible view of the port of Barcelona and the Baix Llobregat region as a backdrop. There you will also find La Caseta del Migdia, open from Wednesday to Sunday (from Wednesday to Friday, only at night) and where you can taste exquisite grilled meat and fried fish dishes.

8. THE ESPLANADE OF THE MNAC

After contemplating the best collection of Romanesque paintings in the world, why not continue giving yourself a treat with images no less spectacular? You won’t have to walk far, as you’ll find them if you leave the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC) at sunset. Savour the profile of the Collserola mountain range without a hurry, drawing the skyline against the orange evening and be a witness to one of the most unique corners of Barcelona.  

9. THE TIBIDABO

In our review of the best places to watch the sunset in Barcelona, we couldn’t miss Tibidabo, the highest point in the city thanks to its 512 m in height. You choose where you want to say goodbye to the day. One of the most recommended places is the expiatory temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, designed by Enric Sagnier and his son, Josep Maria Sagnier. In a historicist style, this building combines neo-Byzantine, neo-Romanesque and neo-Gothic elements. The other option is to contemplate the sunset from the Tibidabo amusement park, one of the oldest in Europe. A perfect place is La Talaia, one of the attractions with more history in this theme park. 

10. TURÓ DE LA ROVIRA

Its 262 meters in height and magnificent 360º panoramic views make this location an ideal choice to see how the sun sets in Barcelona. This hill played a fundamental role in the history of the Catalan capital when, from February 1937, the Republican military authorities decided to install anti-aircraft batteries there to protect the city from the bombing of the Italian air force during the Civil War. The work took place in 1938 and included the installation of four Vickers guns. In 2006, and after the area had also hosted part of a Shanty town, they began the recovery of this defensive complex. Today, the hill is part of the Barcelona History Museum (MUHBA). Once there, you will understand why this is one of the best viewpoints in Barcelona.

11. PARK GÜELL

Among Gaudí’s works in Barcelona, an ideal space to enjoy the light of dusk is the Park Güell, an unfinished garden city that, in 1984, was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. To see how the sun gets lost behind the line of the horizon, go up to the square just above the so-called Sala Hipóstila, in the monumental area. There, sitting on beautiful undulating benches made of multi-coloured ceramics, you will have a picture-perfect sunset. But remember that you have to pay to access this part of the park. To avoid queues, we advise you to buy your ticket online in advance.

12. LAS ARENAS SHOPPING CENTRE

To round off our review of the best places to see the sunset and Barcelona, we could not miss Las Arenas Shopping Centre. It opens its doors in a bullring that was in operation until 1977, and that from 2011 hosts to a large number of shops, restaurants, cinemas … and a viewpoint to bid farewell to the day. As well as seeing the sun setting the clouds on fire, you can also admire Plaça de Espanya, the Venetian towers and the National Palace of Montjuic, home to the MNAC. Or the Escorxador Park, one of the best places to run in Barcelona. Although you have to pay to go up to the viewpoint in a glass elevator, you can access the circular terrace on the top floor for free, using the escalators in the shopping centre. 

One last piece of advice: if you don’t feel like leaving your home during your holidays in the city, at our Lugaris Beach holiday apartments in Barcelona you will enjoy a dreamlike perspective from the dining room or the terrace, with views of the Mediterranean and a dense pine forest by the sea. Try it out: it will leave you speechless!

Would you like to help us extend this list? If so, don’t hesitate to send us your recommendations.