M5: Views

This month we take a look at five great places to go for breathtaking views of Barcelona. They may take some effort to get to and involve the use of some unorthodox transport but click through our slideshow and you'll see why it's all worth it.

If you have any other suggestions of where to find fantastic city views or ideas for future 'M five' reports, then please get in touch by emailing info@barcelona-metropolitan.com or leaving a comment below. We would love to hear from you.

• Mirador de Colom

  Take the hidden lift 60 metres up to the viewing platform and become king or queen of La Rambla. Enjoy a special view of the Gothic Quarter, Mediterranean Sea and Montjuïc, all from the site where Columbus returned to Spain after his 1493 voyage to the Americas. Opened in 1888, the Columbus Monument is now a favourite Barcelona landmark. Pl. Portal de la Pau. Open every day from 10am-6pm. Lift up to viewing platform: 4 euros

• Port Cable Car

  Barcelona has two cable cars for the strong of stomach: one running from Sant Sebastià beach across the old port area up to the Miramar Hotel on Montjuïc, and the other on Montjuïc up to the castle. The cabins can take up to 19 and eight people respectively and offer spectacular views of the city. Just don't look down. SANT SEBASTIÀ: As well as the tower at the end of Passeig Joan de Borbó, you can also jump aboard by the World Trade Centre. Until June from 10.30am to 7pm; during the rest of the year, closing times vary Return: 12.50 euros (children up to 6 go free). MONTJUÏC: Avinguda de Miramar (connects with funicular from Paral·lel metro) April and May from 10am-7pm; during the rest of the year, closing times vary. Adult return: 9 euros; Child return: 6.50 euros

• Castell de Montjuïc

  Atop Montjuïc, you are essentially perched at the summit of the city. On a clear day practically every Barcelona landmark is visible from the Sagrada Família to the Torre Agbar. If the eyes aren't as good as they used to be, then telescopes are on hand to provide a closer look. Montjuïc is also the site of several old fortifications so you can take in the sights and have a history lesson. To get to the top of Montjuïc, take the metro to Espanya (L1 and L3) then be prepared to walk. Alternatively, buses 50 and 55, and the Bus Turístic, will drop you near the top

• Parc de Collserola

  Let's talk numbers: Parc Collserola, the lungs of the city, measures over 8,000 hectares, 22 times the size of Central Park in New York, and holds more than 1,000 documented plants. At its highest point, near Tibidabo, it stands at 512 metres high. It is said that over 50 percent of the population of Catalunya lives no more than 10 kilometres away, and as it boasts 11 viewing-points you really have no excuse not to take in the fantastic views. Information Centre - Ctra. de l'Església 92. Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya: Vallvidrera, Avda Tibidabo or Peu del Funicular stations will all drop you in the park. Tel. 93 280 3552. From 10am until dusk. www.parcnaturalcollserola.cat

• Port Barcelona

  The wildcard of this month's best views. Swap vertigo for aquaphobia as the golondrinas take you for a sea view of Barcelona. The typical tour lasts 35 minutes and takes you on a trip round the harbour - this port side perspective gives the camera enthusiast a whole new angle of the city and is sure to add an extra dimension to your landscape snaps. In front of the Columbus Monument. Tel. 93 442 3106. Open - first tour at 11.30am. Last tour at 6.15pm. Typical harbour tour (35 mins): 6.80 euros. Catamaran (1hr 30): 14 euros. www.lasgolondrinas.com