Thing to do
Mercat de la Boqueria
Barcelona's best-known food market, entered from La Rambla under a wrought-iron arch, packed with produce stalls, fishmongers and busy counter bars.
Bunkers del Carmel (Turó de la Rovira)
A Civil War anti-aircraft battery on the Turó de la Rovira hilltop, now a free history site with one of the widest panoramas over Barcelona.
At a glance
- Type
- Viewpoint and heritage site
- Area
- El Carmel, Barcelona, Spain
- Official site
- barcelona.cat
- Last checked
- October 23, 2026
Good to know
- Free entry
- Panoramic views
- Exhibition
Why we recommend it
During the Spanish Civil War, Republican forces built an anti-aircraft battery on this 262-metre hill to defend the city from bombing raids. After the war, the concrete structures became homes in a shanty settlement known as Els Canons, which lasted until 1990. Today the Barcelona History Museum (MUHBA) manages the site, with displays on wartime and post-war Barcelona.
Most people come for the view, which takes in the Sagrada Família, the port, Montjuïc and the Collserola hills. The hilltop is free to visit, while the exhibition spaces open on set days that change between winter and summer. Bus 22 gets you close, followed by a steep walk. Respect the neighbours: keep noise down and take rubbish with you.
Reviewed by Lifestylemetro · Details checked October 23, 2026
Bunkers del Carmel (Turó de la Rovira) FAQs
Is it free?
Yes, entry to the site is free.
Why is it called the bunkers?
The hill held a Civil War anti-aircraft battery whose concrete emplacements still stand.