1. BUNKERS DE CARMEL :
The Bunkers of Barcelona, also known as El Turó de la Rovira, is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Barcelona. For the record, the bunkers of Barcelona were a strategic location during the Spanish Civil War. At the time, they were used as anti-aircraft batteries to defend the city from bombing.
Situated on top of a hill, it is an ideal place for many young people (and not only) to enjoy the spectacular 360-degree views. You can also take the opportunity to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy the sunset. It is best to go on spring and summer mornings/evenings, as in winter it is quite cold and windy.
This is a truly breathtaking place and well worth a visit
Address: Carrer de Marià Labèrnia, s/n, 08032 Barcelona
Transportation:
- Bus: (V17, 119, 92, 24)
- Metro: (line 3, Penitents stop, then take the Barri 119 bus) or (take line 5, El Carmel stop, then walk 15 to 20 minutes.
2. THE HORTA LABYRINTH :
With more than 9 hectares, the Horta labyrinth is one of the must-see places in Barcelona. It is one of the oldest parks in the city. Originally, the park was privately owned until 1967. At that time, the park was handed over to the city by its owners. Today, the park is a favourite with children and older people alike, not least because of its star attraction: the great labyrinth. So, can you find your way out?
Horta Park is also home to sculptures, monuments dedicated to Greek mythology and two magnificent gardens: a neoclassical garden and a classical garden. A truly unusual place, this park is a magical place that is relatively unknown to tourists. You can enjoy a moment in an idyllic setting.
Practical information:
- Entrance to the park is 2€ (free on Wednesdays & Sundays.) It is open every day from 10am until 8pm.
- This bucolic space is located in the district of Horta-Guinardó. You can get there using the metro. Just take line 3 (green line) and get off at the "Mundet" stop. From there it is a 10-minute walk to the park's address: 1, Passeig dels Castanyers.
3. TIBIDABO :
Want to get away for a day? The famous Tibidabo amusement park is just what you need! It is one of the most emblematic places in Barcelona. Tibidabo Park was first opened in 1901. Today, it has more than thirty attractions and covers 7 hectares. The special feature of this park is its splendid panoramic view! Indeed, with 512 metres of altitude, it is one of the highest peaks in Barcelona. In addition, the park is surrounded by a huge forest area and the Serra de Collserola mountain range.
You can walk to Mount Tibidabo along these wooded paths, enjoying a moment in the middle of nature. Here are the activities to do in Tibidabo:
- The Basilica of the Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, also called "Iglesia Del Sagrat Cor": It is a neo-Gothic style building crowned by a statue of the Sacred Heart. There is also a lift available in the basilica, allowing you to go up to the upper part, where you can enjoy the panoramic view.
- Collserola Tower: This tower was built for the Barcelona Olympic Games in 1992. It is 288 metres high. There is a viewpoint on the tenth floor, which is 115 metres high. Another place where you can enjoy the view.
- Fabra Observatory: Built in 1904, it is the fourth oldest observatory in the world. Today, this observatory is dedicated to astronomical research.
How to get there :
Address: Plaça del Tibidabo, 3, 4, 08035 Barcelona
By car: You can get to Tibidabo by car, or there are car parks where you can park your vehicle easily.
Tibibus bus: With a fare of €2.95 per journey, the Tibibus bus is the bus provided by the theme park. Here are the different Tibibus stops:
- Go : line T2A: Plaça Catalunya - Centre d'Acollida d'animals - Tibidabo
- Return: line T2A: Tibidabo - Plaça Catalunya.
- Go: line T2B: Sant Genís - Vall d'Hebron - Tibidabo
- Return: line T2B: Tibidabo - Vall d'Hebron - Sant Genís.
By funicular: The funicular allows you to reach the summit of Mount Tibidabo in a direct and original way. The departure point is in Plaça del Dr Andreu (accessible by tramway Blau or bus 196).
On foot: There are many possibilities for excursions. For example, you can hike to Tibidabo from the centre of Barcelona.
Bus 111: You can also get to Tibidabo by bus 111.
4. HOSPITAL SAN PAU :
The last place is the Hospital de Sant Pau. Yes, it is an old hospital, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
For the record, the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, was founded in 1401, after the plague and famine epidemic. The first hospital was a building with Catalan Gothic architecture, located in the heart of the Raval district. Over time, other buildings were added. The construction of the Eixample building began in 1902 and was to last about thirty years. It was completed in 1930. 27 buildings were built, 16 of which were in the modernist style. The construction of the hospital and the gardens was intended to create an optimistic atmosphere, so as to promote the recovery of patients. This is a place to visit if you are in Barcelona. You will learn all about the history of this hospital. You can already buy your tickets in advance by clicking on the following link: https://www.tiqets.com/fr/activites-attractions-barcelone-c66342/billets-pour-sant-pau-art-nouveau-site-coupe-file-p974414/?partner=barcelonesite
You can visit the Hospital San Pau from Monday to Friday, from 10 am to 2.30 pm and on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, from 10 am to 5 pm.
How to get there :
Address: Carrer Sant Antoni Maria Claret, 167.
Metro: The Hospital San Pau district is served by metro line 5 (blue line). Exit at the San Pau / Dos de Maig stop.
Bus: Finally, the Hospital San Pau is also accessible by bus: numbers: H8, 10, 20, 45, 47, 50, 51 92, 117, 192, which stop relatively close to the Hospital.
5. MONTSERRAT :
The last place that is absolutely worth a visit is the famous Montserrat massif. The history of this massif is about 50 million years old. This 1,236 m high rocky massif is located about 40 km northwest of Barcelona.
The atypical shape of the massif has earned it the name Montserrat, as it resembles a mountain cut into saw teeth ("mont" means mountain and "serrat" means saw teeth. Its rocky shapes and spectacular views have attracted many visitors for years. This place, with its incredible natural wealth, is a place that you will not regret visiting. You can visit the monastery of Montserrat. It dates from the 16th century. It is a former retreat for Benedictine monks. Even today, it is a place of pilgrimage. Indeed, the monastery is also part of the main European pilgrimage routes: the Way of Saint James and the Way of Saint Ignatius.
How to get there? There are several possibilities:
By car: There are parking spaces near the monastery, at the top of the mountain. However, please note that parking spaces are limited and cost €6.50 per day.
By cogwheel train from Monistrol de Montserrat "Sant Joan": This is a cogwheel train that takes you to the monastery in 15 minutes. It costs €13.50 return. You can park for free at the station.
By cable car from Monistrol de Montserrat : to reach 1350 metres of altitude, it takes 5 minutes. This is the quickest way. This option costs €12 return. Please note that the cable car leaves every quarter of an hour.
If you wish, you can buy tickets for the cable car at the following link: https://www.tiqets.com/fr/billets-station-du-telepherique-de-montserrat-l177029/?partner=barcelonesite
Finally, you can take the train from Barcelona. The FGC trains to Monistrol de Montserrat leave every 30 minutes from 8:36am from Barcelona's Plaça Espanya station. The journey takes at least 1 hour.Once you arrive, you have the choice of taking the cable car or the cog railway to the monastery.
6. LA TORRE BELLESGUARD :
Do you know what is Gaudi's least known work ? This is the Torre Bellesguard, recently opened to the public, it is located on the heights of the city and open from 10am to 3pm. This house built from medieval remains is worth the detour despite its difficult access via transport... The house mixes two styles of construction: Gothic and Art Nouveau, this same process of Gaudi is found a little lower in the city in Park Güell. It can be seen especially on the viaduct built outside the park.
How to get there ? (leaving from Plaza Cataluña)
Metro : Line 7, stop Av. Tibidabo then continue on foot (between 15 and 20 minutes walk) to Torre Bellesguard.
7. ROMAN VESTIGE : THE NECROPOLIS
The remains of part of the Roman necropolis of Barcelona (formerly called Barcino) dating from the second and third centuries AD. In total, 95 burials are preserved between the beds one floor below. On either side is one of the (secondary) entrance roads to the ancient Roman city. The majority of the tombs are funerary monuments called "Cupae". The necropolis was located outside the ramparts because the law forbade the presence of tombs in the city.
Adress : Plaça Vila de Madrid, Pl. de la Vila de Madrid, s/n, 08002 Barcelona
On foot : (leaving from Plaza Cataluña)
5 minutes
8. CASA DE L'ARDIACA :
The casa de l'Ardiaca is next to the Roman wall, this house was once the home of the Archdeacon. It was built in the fifteenth century, it is a "Gothic and Renascentist" residence. It was in 1920 that the house became the property of the Barcelona City Council and since 1924 it has housed the archives of the city of which it is the seat.
Adress : Calle Santa Llúcia, 1, 08002 Barcelona
On foot : (leaving from Plaza Cataluña)
7 minutes
9. El MARIATCHI (MANU CHAO'S BAR) :
Did you know that the famous French singer and songwriter had a favorite bar in Barcelona? Located in the heart of the old town, this place has become a must if you want to spend a pleasant time without breaking the bank. The Mariatchi bar would have been chosen by Manu Chao, no wonder because it corresponds perfectly to the image of the artist! A natural and unpretentious decoration. We can very well imagine him leaning on the counter drinking his caña or getting ready to strum his guitar and play improvised !
Adress : Carrer dels Còdols, 14, 08002 Barcelona
How to get there ? (leaving from Plaza Cataluña)
Metro : line 3, stop Zona Universitaria then continue on foot (between 5 and 10 minutes walk) to the famous bar !
All these places are worth a visit and you will not be disappointed by these recommendations.
The Happy Place Barcelona team wishes you an excellent stay in Barcelona, and then.... Enjoy your stay !