Barcelona is not only synonymous with beaches and Gaudí art, but has plenty of options for all visitor profiles. The capital of Catalonia is bound by three natural borders: the Besòs and Llobregat rivers, and the Collserola mountain range. It is in the latter where Mount Tibidabo is located, one of the most well-known mountains both by the people of Barcelona and for those who visit the city. If you want to spend a different day with your loved ones, you can choose between numerous activities for all tastes. Discover what to do in Tibidabo with Lugaris and choose what to do on your excursion.
THE HISTORY OF TIBIDABO
To begin, we want to summarize this mountain’s history, so you can know it a little more about it and you can place it within the city. Located in Collserola, the mount is the highest in the mountain range and was baptized as Puig de l’Àliga (or hill of the eagle in English) by the Romans. However, the Christianization of Barcelonian toponymy during the Middle Ages caused its name to be changed to the current one. Specifically, it comes from the Latin tibi dabo which is translated as “I will give you”, a phrase that comes from the Gospels.
The construction of the mountain began in the late nineteenth century, when the upper class of Barcelona began to build their residences, many of them in modernist style. For a good communication between this new nucleus and the city center, the Tram Blau, a tram that is now centenary and still in operation, would open at the beginning of the 20th century. Shortly after the creation of the amusement park, the temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ by San Juan Bosco, who wanted to turn the hill into the new Montmartre building a church very similar to the homonymous church located in Paris, was built.
Over the years, the amusement park has become one of the oldest in the world and, with the addition of the Vallvidrera Road, the astronomical observatory and the Collserola tower, has become another focus of attention for visitors.
Now that you know a little more about this enclave, we will go into the subject and discover what to do in Tibidabo, Barcelona.
TIBIDABO AMUSEMENT PARK
The urbanization plans for the mountain included the creation of this amusement park, which is currently the second oldest in Europe. Distributed in six levels, here the little ones will find their favorite place, so it is a great idea if you are looking for fun things to do in Barcelona. One of the most iconic attractions is the plane, which has been flying around the skies of the city for decades. Another flagship attraction of the park is its colorful ferries wheel, in addition to the famous Hotel Krüeger, a haunted house which is only suitable for the bravest.
In this theme park you will also find a roller coaster, a 4D cinema and a mirror maze. On the other hand, the automaton museum, located within the park, contains some relics that Walt Disney wanted to buy in the 50s which, fortunately, stayed in the park.
Fun fact: This park is part of the film locations in Barcelona, so you can check our article if you want to know what productions used this unique enclave as a movie set.
Is it possible to go to Tibidabo for free? If you simply want to enjoy the magnificent views and go on one or two attractions, you should know that you can access the upper floor for free.
Opening hours: weekends and holidays from March to December, from January 2 to 5, from Wednesday to Sunday in July and every day in August.
TOWER OF COLLSEROLA
This telecommunications tower is the highest point of Barcelona. Being a viewpoint, it is a good option to get a good panoramic if you are considering what to do in Tibidabo. It was built by the architect Norman Foster on the 1992 Olympic Games in Cerro de la Vilana and has a height of 288 meters. If you are looking for the best viewpoints of Barcelona, this is an option that will leave you speechless.
Opening hours: It is usually open on weekends and during the summer months, although it is best to contact the vantage point directly to ensure that the Mirador will be open.
EXPIATORY TEMPLE OF THE SACRED HEART
As we mentioned before, this building was created at the beginning of the 20th century, at the request of the Salesians and with the approval of Pope Leo XIII. In an eclectic historicist style, the building mixes Romanesque and neo-Gothic motifs, highlighting its imposing façade presided by the sculpture of the Holy Heart. Nowadays, it is classified as a Property of Local Interest.
Opening times: from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM from Monday to Sunday.
FABRA OBSERVATORY
On a buttress of the Tibidabo we find this astronomical observatory built in 1904. In their visits you can get to know the place thoroughly through the hand of the workers themselves and even make a night visit to delight yourself with the starry sky of Barcelona. One of the charms of this place is the initiative called dinner under the stars, in which you can eat with your partner under the light of a starry sky, so this place is postulated as one of the most romantic places in Barcelona.
Opening times: all activities must be done under reservation.
BUILDINGS WITH HISTORY
As you already know, the construction of Tibidabo meant the construction of houses with great tradition in the area, so it is not surprising to find great examples of modernist architecture. Among the most outstanding buildings, is the Casa Muntadas, built by Josep Puig i Cadafalch; the Arnús House, with a marked neogothic air, or the Convent of Valldonzella, with clear Gaudinian reminiscences. One of the houses that can currently be visited in Vila Joana, which houses the museum dedicated to the poet Jacint Verdaguer. It is an old farmhouse originally built in the sixteenth century where the Catalan poet died. Jacint Verdaguer museum timetable: from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Saturdays and Sundays.
NATURAL PARK OF COLLSEROLA
If you are looking for bike routes in Barcelona, the Collserola Natural Park offers the perfect place to do it. Here you can find Les Aigües Road, an ideal route to discover the nature of the mountain and enjoy the views of the city at the same time. Among the most prominent places of the route is the Font de la Mandra, in the neighborhood of Pedralbes, or Sant Pere Màrtir, where an old antiaircraft battery is located.
HOW TO GET TO TIBIDABO
From our beachfront apartments in Barcelona you can reach this mountain in several ways:
–By bus: once you get to Catalunya Square, you can take the T2A bus, which will take you directly to the amusement park.
–Metro: Go up to L3 or L5 and get off at Vall d’Hebron. From there you can take the shuttle bus that will take you to the park.
–Tibidabo Funicular: You can also climb to the top by taking this funicular, which is located at the end of the Tibidabo Avenue, which you can reach with Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya from Catalunya Square.
