Mt. Tibidabo

The Basics

Featured in the film Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Mt. Tibidabo is popular among couples and families who come to soak up its views and amusements. The mountain itself is free to visit, but the amusement park and TV tower observation deck charge separate admission fees. Families traveling with children can combine a visit to Tibidabo and its theme park with a tour of the labyrinth at Parque del Laberinto de Horta.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Tibidabo Mountain is a must-visit for couples and families.

• Book your tickets in advance to skip the line at the amusement park.

• Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat; some areas on the mountain lack adequate shade.

• Public transportation to Tibidabo, as well as many of the amusement park attractions, is wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

There are a few ways to get up the hill to the top of Tibidabo, but the most popular (and fun) is to ride the funicular railway from Plaça Dr. Andreu to the top. The hop-on hop-off tourist bus also stops at the top of the mountain.

When to Get There

Mt. Tibidabo is always accessible, and the amusement park and other attractions are open during the daytime, year-round. In the summer months, plan to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the hottest hours. Tibidabo Mountain is an excellent spot to watch the sunset.

Automata Museum

One of the quirkier attractions on Tibidabo Mountain is the Automata Museum: a collection of some 40 vending machines and animatronic fortune tellers from the 19th and 20th centuries. The oldest, the Pallasso Mandolinista, dates back to 1880. The museum is located in the Panoramic Area of the amusement park.

Ways to explore

For the ultimate day on Mt. Tibidabo, opt for a comprehensive admission ticket that grants you access to both the Panoramic Area and Tibidabo Amusement Park, where highlights include the historic Avió Tidabo airplane ride and the Giradabo Ferris Wheel, with exceptional views of the city and the sea. Some hiking and mountain biking tours help you escape Barcelona’s bustle in favor of Mt. Tibidabo’s natural landscapes. Other private excursions help you plan a stress-free day to Mt. Tibidabo by including transportation.

Accessibility

Most of the park attractions and the funicular leading up to the park are wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult to enter the Tibidabo Amusement Park.

What to pack

The high mountain peak is exposed and prone to strong sun, so bring plenty of sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.

What to wear

If you plan on hiking in the surrounding Parc de Collserola, wear sturdy shoes—there’s loose gravel and dry terrain.

Not allowed

Barbecues, littering, camping

Amenities

Observation deck, restrooms, ATMs, parking

Address

Rides on the Cuca de Llum and TiBi bus shuttles are included with all admission tickets for Mt. Tibidabo, so you just need to get to the departure points. If you’re using public transit, the metro will take you to the funicular.

Driving

From La Rambla, head northwest toward Plaça de Catalunya. Take Ronda de la Universitat and then Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes. Merge onto C-31 toward Avinguda Diagonal, then turn right onto Carrer de Balmes, following signs toward Ronda de Dalt (B-20), then take exit 6 toward Tibidabo. Drive along Carretera de Vallvidrera al Tibidabo until you reach the entrance of Tibidabo Amusement Park.

Public transportation

Take metro line 7 (the brown line) from Plaça de Catalunya to the last stop of Av. Tibidabo. From there, you’ll need to take the funicular to the top of the mountain.

Best times to visit

The amusement park stays open latest in July and August, celebrating with performances and parades.

Best days to visit

On Halloween, the park gets into the spirit with decorations and fireworks.

Best months to visit

The attractions on Mt. Tibidabo have limited opening hours in the winter, with the theme park closing completely. Spring, summer, and fall are the best seasons to visit.

Special events

Around Semana Santa (Holy Week), the Sacred Heart of Jesus church hosts special services for Easter.