Description of Tibidabo Mountain attractions
El Tibidabo is the highest peak in the Sierra de Collserola mountain range behind Barcelona. It is famous mostly for the Tibidabo parc de atraciones amusement park inaugurated in 1901 but also boasts a Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor with tourist roof access to the viewpoint, the historic Fabra Observatory and the world famous Collserola telecoms tower with a 360 degree panoramic viewing floor.
Tibidabo came into existence as a place for the wealthy citizens of Barcelona to escape the city. The Parc d'atrracciones was built in 1899 by the entrepreneur Salvador Andreu as an extension of Avenida Tibidabo and comprises rides that are some of the oldest in the world that are still functioning. It is Spain's longest running amusement park and Europe's third oldest.
At about the same time in 1902 construction began on the Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor. Construction was completed in 1961 and is today a minor basilica of the catholic church. Construction was delayed due to competition for the summit from Fabra Observatory.
Tibidabo once hosted a Casino Complex called Rabassada Casino with its own rides. This is now a ruin with a dark back story and worth reading about.
How to get to Tibidabo from Barcelona centre
Tibidabo can be reached via one of two funicular Railways
Cheapest Funicular Railway:
take the FGC from Plaza Catalunya to Peu de Funicular and change onto the Vallvidrera funicular which terminates in the mountain village of Vallvidrera. From here there is a 10 minute bus ride or 20 minute walk to Tibidabo. All these transport networks are part of the Barcelona TMB integrated fare system so count as one trip on a travel card such as T-casual or Hola BCN card. There is no need to buy a separate ticket for train, metro, or bus.Expensive Funicular Railway:
Take the FGC line 8 to go to Av.Tibidabo then transfer onto a TMB or TC2 bus to go to Plaza Doctor Andreu. (This bus section used to be covered by Tram Blau but it is currently closed for refurbishment.) From plaza Doctor Andreu the Funicular de Tibidabo (Cuca de Llum) runs to Tibidabo amusement park (Parc d'Atraccions del Tibidabo). The Funicular de Tibidabo is not part of the Barcelona integrated fare system but run privately by the amusement park and a return fare is about 12 euros for adults with the TC2 interconnect bus included. They also sell integrated tickets for the funicular and entry into the amusement park.
Walking through Collserola Natural park to Tibidabo
- Starting from FGC Av.Tibidabo which is a uphill route along forest paths and passing via the Fabra Observatory.
- From FGC Valvidrera Baixador passing via Vila Joana.
Note that Tibidabo resides in Parc Natural de Collserola Which is a large natural, forested and hilly natural space behind barcelona city. On this page you can find interesting walking routes in the park.
For a detailed drill down of each attraction and transport method, where you will find maps, photo galleries, timetables and tips, click on the images below.
Happy Exploring!
