8 incredible sunset spots in Barcelona you shouldn’t miss

Maybe you came to Barcelona for the golden beaches, incredible architecture like the one-of-a-kind Sagrada Familia, and amazing food scene, but while you’re here, you should make it a point to see a sunset too. And no, that doesn’t mean just glancing up at the sky when the sun happens to be going down, but instead, actually making plans to visit one of the famous sunset spots in the city for views that’ll leave you in awe.

Whether you want to watch the skies change colors as you sip a cocktail on Barceloneta Beach or you want to tower over the city at one of the metropolis’s awesome rooftops like Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya’s terrace, you’ll be happy you took a break to see the sunset in a destination as beautiful as this one. These are the best places to watch the sunset in Barcelona.

1. Bunkers del Carmel

Who would have thought that a bunch of old ruins provide one of the best sunset views in Barcelona. Once anti-aircraft fortifications, Bunkers del Carmel offers 360-degree views of the city from the top of the Turó de la Rovira hill.

Know before you go

• Confirm that the current sunset time still works with the area’s curfew, as it varies by season.
• Be prepared for a 15–30-minute walk uphill to reach the bunkers depending on how you arrived at the area.

Address

Carrer de la Gran Vista, 96, Horta-Guinardó, 08032 Barcelona

Opening hours

Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–7:30 PM (summer)
Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:30 PM (winter)

2. Castell de Montjuïc

Perched on top of a hill, the former military fortress of Montjuic Castle offers excellent sunset viewing from 173 meters above sea level. That means you get the ocean, harbor, and city in your line of sight.

Know before you go

• Feel free to walk all the way up to Montjuic Castle if you’d like; otherwise, there’s a cable car service.
• There is an admission fee to access the castle.

Address

Ctra. de Montjuïc, 66, Sants-Montjuïc, 08038 Barcelona

Opening hours

Every day, 10:00 AM–8:00 PM (March–October)
Every day, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (November–February)

3. Park Güell

Designed by Antoni Gaudí, Park Güell is a visual feast with its whimsical architecture and colorful mosaics made all the more stunning as the sun sets. Being on a hill, the famous park is elevated, so you get city views far into the horizon.

Know before you go

• As one of the most popular tourist attractions in Barcelona, it’s smart to buy tickets in advance. Once you’re inside you can stay as long as you like until closing.
• Inside the park, La Plaça de la Natura offers an iconic vista, while Turó de les Tres Creus is the highest point in the park.

Address

Gràcia, 08024 Barcelona

Opening hours

Every day, hours vary depending on the season

4. Hotel Barceló Raval

Head to Hotel Barceló Raval for one of the best rooftops in Barcelona to watch the sunset. Located on the 11th floor, their 360º Terrace is aptly named since it offers panoramic views of the city along with its drink and snack offerings.

Know before you go

• You don’t have to be a hotel guest to enjoy this particular sunset spot in Barcelona’s Raval neighborhood.
• There’s no fee for entering, but ordering a drink while you’re here is the polite thing to do.

Address

Rambla del Raval, 17, 21, Ciutat Vella, 08001 Barcelona

Opening hours

Every day, hours can vary

5. Barceloneta Beach

Easy walking distance from the city center, Barceloneta Beach is the largest and most popular beach in the city, and it welcomes a lively, colorful crowd. Find a place to stretch out on the sand or get comfy at one of the many beach bars which open during the high season.

Know before you go

• If you don’t want to deal with crowds, try this sunset spot during a weekday or the off-season.
• You can watch the sunset from right on the water by renting a paddleboard at the beach.

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

6. Tibidabo

Tibidabo is the name of a hill overlooking Barcelona as well as the namesake of the wildly popular amusement park on said hill. Catch the sunset from the Tibidabo Viewing Platform in front of the church or from one of the rides like the Ferris wheel or the heart-racing Talai tower ride.

Know before you go

• The viewing platform is free, but there’s an entrance fee for the amusement park.
• You can also see the sunset from the top of the hill’s church — the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church of Atonement.

Address

Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, 08035 Barcelona

Opening hours

Hours vary by season

7. Arenas de Barcelona

Back in the day, Arenas de Barcelona was a bullfighting arena but now it’s a big shopping complex with one of the best rooftops in Barcelona for seeing the sunset. There’s a walkway that goes around the circular rooftop’s perimeter so you can decide exactly where you want to watch the sunset.

Know before you go

• There are seven restaurants on the rooftop, so arrive hungry.
• For extra views on your way up or down, take the outside glass elevator.

Address

Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, planta Cúpula, Eixample, 08015 Barcelona

Opening hours

Monday–Saturday, 9:00 AM–9:00 PM (October to May)
Monday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–10:00 PM (June to September)

8. Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya

The Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, or MNAC, is an art museum where you can see a wonderful collection of Catalan art — from medieval pieces to modern works — as well as some of the best sunset views in Barcelona. You’ll want to go to the rooftop terrace, where you’ll find two viewpoints.

Know before you go

• If you don’t want to see the exhibitions themselves, get the much cheaper basic admission ticket, which grants you access to just the building’s monumental spaces and the viewing terraces.
• For a totally free option for budget travelers, watch the glow of the sunset from the MNAC stairs.

Address

Palau Nacional, Parc de Montjuïc, s/n, Sants-Montjuïc, 08038 Barcelona

Opening hours

Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00 AM– 6:00 PM (October to April)
Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00 AM– 8:00 PM (May to September)
Sunday, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
Closed Monday, except on public holidays