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.
A historic hilltop amusement park on Tibidabo, the highest point of the Collserola ridge, combining vintage rides with sweeping views over Barcelona.
Good to know
The Parc d'Atraccions Tibidabo sits on the summit of Tibidabo, the highest point of the Collserola ridge behind the city, next to the church of the Sagrat Cor. Opened in the early 1900s, it is one of the oldest amusement parks still running in Europe, and its setting is as much of a draw as the rides: on a clear day you can see across the whole city to the sea and along the coast.
The park mixes vintage attractions with newer ones. The best known is the Avió, a replica of an early aeroplane that has been flying in circles over the edge of the hill since the 1920s, and the Talaia and the Ferris wheel give equally dizzying views. The panoramic area, which the park promotes as the best viewpoint in Barcelona, includes a Sky Walk, and there are rides for small children, a roller coaster and seasonal shows. The new Masia Tibidabo restaurant, led by the chef Rafa Zafra, serves Mediterranean food with the same view.
The park suits families with younger children best, though teenagers and adults enjoy the old rides for their setting. Opening days vary considerably through the year, from daily in summer to mainly weekends and holidays in winter, so always check the calendar on the official website before planning a visit. Seasonal events, such as the autumn Halloween programme, change the atmosphere. Allow at least half a day.
The quickest way up from the Avinguda del Tibidabo side is the Cuca de Llum funicular, the latest version of the funicular railway that has climbed the hill for more than a century, which has been running in its current form since 2021. Check the park's How to get here page for current bus and train connections from the city centre. Bring a layer, as it is noticeably cooler and windier at the top than down in the city.
Next to the park, the Sagrat Cor church is worth a look, and a lift inside climbs towards the statue of Christ at the top for an even higher view. The Collserola Natural Park surrounds the summit, with walking and cycling trails, and the Carretera de les Aigües, a level path along the hillside below, is a favourite with runners and walkers.
No. Opening days vary through the year; check the official calendar before you go.
The Cuca de Llum funicular, running in its current form since 2021, climbs to the park; check the official How to get here page for connections.
A replica of an early aeroplane that has flown in circles over the edge of the hill since the 1920s.
Yes. It is particularly good for families with younger children, with many gentle rides.
Yes, including Masia Tibidabo, a Mediterranean restaurant led by chef Rafa Zafra.
At least half a day.
An extra layer, as the summit is cooler and windier than the city.
The Sagrat Cor church and the trails of the Collserola Natural Park.
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