Barcelona Guide
The northern suburbs
Tibidabo
If the views from the Castell de Montjuïc are good, those from the heights of Tibidabo (550m) – which forms the northwestern boundary of Barcelona – are legendary. On one of those mythical clear days, you can see across to Montserrat and the Pyrenees, and out to sea even as far as Mallorca. The very name is based on this view, taken from the Temptations of Christ in the wilderness, when Satan led him to a high place and offered him everything that could be seen: Haec omnia tibi dabo si cadens adoraberis me ("All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me").
The views aside, many people make the trip for the rather wonderful Parc d'Atraccions, but there are amazing views from everywhere, and they are even more extensive if you climb the shining steps of the neighbouring Templo Expiatorio de España to the dramatic, wide balcony. Inside the church, also known as the Sagrat Cor (Sacred Heart), a lift (ascensor; daily 10am–2pm & 3–7pm; €2) takes you higher still, to just under the feet of Christ, from where the city, surrounding hills and sea shimmer in the distance.
Drinks and meals inside the park are pricey. Immediately outside the upper funicular station and park there's another restaurant, which is packed with families on Sundays. It's not that great, though it does have outdoor terrace seats. The best choice for a sandwich or simple meal is the Marisa, an inexpensive bar-restaurant on the road to Vallvidrera just below the Tibidabo car park. It's a three-minute walk from the upper funicular station and has a little concrete patio to the side with sweeping views.