Bird's-eye views
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Bunkers del Carmel
The 262-metre-high Turó de la Rovira provides a natural vantage point over the surrounding area. Sitting at the top of the hill is a collection of concrete platforms and bunkers that date back to 1937, when they were built as part of an anti-aircraft battery to defend the city during the Spanish Civil War. After the war ended, widespread poverty across Spain saw an influx of immigrants in Barcelona and shanty towns, known as barracas, sprung up in any available spot around the city. The abandoned bunkers were soon repurposed to provide shelter for immigrants, who showed great ingenuity in adapting the deteriorating site to suit their needs. The informal settlement became known as ‘Els Canons’, and at its peak there were around 600 inhabitants and 110 shanties. It was finally cleared in 1990, when the city council relocated residents ahead of the 1992 Olympic Games. The site fell into disrepair until it was excavated in 2006, and became an official historic site of the Museu d’Història de Barcelona (MUHBA) in 2011. Today the spot attracts tourists and locals alike, mainly to enjoy the spectacular 360-degree views of Barcelona and beyond.
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Cathelicopters
Founded in 2000, Cathelicopters has the only permanent, public heliport located in Barcelona, and is the only commercial company legally allowed to fly over the city. With more than 30 years of industry experience between them, Cathelicopters’ crew has flown more than 160,000 passengers. The 45-minute Sky Tour (€115) takes passengers along the coast to the Fòrum, past Torre Glòries and the Sagrada Família, then along Diagonal to Camp Nou before heading to Plaça d’Espanya, Montjuïc and the Olympic Park. In contrast, the 35-minute Costa Tour (€69) sticks to the shore, with views of the Columbus Monument, Maremagnum and Barceloneta. It’s possible to extend the Sky Tour and fly all the way to the Montserrat mountain range for €299 per person.
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Marea Alta, Marea Baja
Situated on the 24th floor of the Edifici Colón, with a fine view of the port, this marine-themed restaurant specialises in chargrilled fish and smoked dishes. Led by Enrique Valentí, the restaurant’s team of chefs from across the country draws its inspiration from Spanish cuisine, with some Japanese and French influences. Ingredients come from Spain’s major fishing ports and suppliers—turbot from Getaria in the Basque Country, hake and alfonsino from Puerto de Cudillero in Asturias, crustaceans from Galician fish markets in Vigo and La Coruña, red prawns from Palamós, oysters from the Delta de l'Ebre, tuna from Cádiz, and so on. With views that stretch to the horizon, patrons can enjoy all the flavours of the sea on one plate, or try Marea Baja on the 23rd floor for a pre-dinner drink.
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Teleférico Barcelona
Connecting the Port of Barcelona with Montjuïc, Barcelona’s port cable car dates from the early 20th century. Originally planned to connect the two sites of the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition, the founder of the project, Carles Buïgas, alongside his collaborators Ramón Calzada and Josep M. Roda, failed to raise sufficient funds to open it in time. After a two-year construction period, Roda eventually saw the project through to its completion in 1931. During the Spanish Civil War, the three towers were transformed into strategic defence posts, and it wasn’t until 1963 that regular service was resumed. After a two-year restoration period, starting in 1995, the cable car began transporting passengers all year round for the first time since its inauguration more than 60 years earlier. The 1,300-metre stretch takes about 10 minutes and offers unparalleled views of the city, the port and the beach. In addition, Torre Sant Sebastià—the 78-metre tall, free-standing lattice tower where the cable car terminates at the port—houses the restaurant Torre d’Alta Mar, a fine dining experience for a special occasion. Tickets cost €11 one-way and €16.50 for a return.
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Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor
The tallest mountain in the Serra de Collserola, Tibidabo is topped by Barcelona’s answer to Sacré-Cœur in Paris: the Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor. The temple is actually two churches, one on top of the other, and is the realised vision of Spanish architect Enric Sagnier, the prolific architect behind nearly 300 buildings in Barcelona. Sagnier was known for his eclectic style, with certain Classical tendencies. The first stone, brought from the Montjuïc quarries, was placed on December 28th, 1902, and work on the church was completed by Sagnier’s son, Josep Maria Sagnier, in 1961. The external appearance of the lower church (known as ‘the crypt’) is of a Romanesque fortress, while the structure perched on top is neo-Gothic in style, constructed using blueish-grey stone from Girona and accessible by two grand, outdoor staircases. The temple is crowned by an enormous bronze statue of Christ made by Josep Miret in 1950, which replaced the original made by Frederic Marès in 1935. The mountain rises sharply to the north-west and provides visitors to the church with views of the entire city and its coastline. To get even higher, take the lift to the roof for just €3.50.