There are plenty of great vantage points you can visit to enjoy the best sunrises in Barcelona. In fact, the Catalan capital is nestled in the perfect location for enjoying the views as the sun both rises and sets. What’s more, now that the good summer weather is back, temperatures are perfect in the early morning for enjoying some time outdoors as you soak in the views.
If you’re planning on seeing the sunrise in Barcelona, take a look at some of the most special places below for enjoying it. And remember, if you really want to make the most of such a magical time of day, always pick a clear day and be sure to check sunrise times in Barcelona before you set off!
Park Güell, one of the best locations to enjoy the sunrise in Barcelona
Park Güell is a must-see destination on any visit to Barcelona, which offers a stunning vantage point for looking out over the entire city. Found on the southern slope of Mount Carmelo, the park consistently offers one of the best views of the sunrise over Barcelona with unequalled vistas over the Mediterranean. Keep in mind that admission to the park is free between 6 and 8 in the morning, making it a great option for all you early-bird sunrise seekers.
Besides enjoying the sunrise, visiting Park Güell first thing is also a great opportunity to admire the architecture of the park itself, long before the crowds arrive as the day goes on. Park Güell is one of the most significant and well-known works of Antoni Gaudí, Barcelona’s most famous modernist genius.
To get to Park Güell, there are a few different options. If you’re using public transport, the closest Metro station – Lesseps – is on line 3 and around 20 minutes away on foot. Though the walk is very pleasant, you can always catch a local bus service, the tourist bus or one of the city tours, if needed, or Bus Güell, where your ticket will cover the bus fare and entrance to the park.
In short, enjoying a magical sunrise in the city’s most famous and special park is always a good way to start your day. The spectacular architecture and natural environment make Park Güell a truly unique part of the city and a great place for enjoying the sunrise in Barcelona.
See the sunrise from Montjüic
The mini-mountain of Montjüic – which stands at just 173 metres above sea level – is another great option for taking in the sunrise. 360º views across the entire city and port are impressive on their own, but the view of the sunrise over Barcelona makes this particular spot arguably one of the best viewpoints for miles around. Likewise, Montjüic has a variety of green spaces full of pine trees where you can get back to nature or even enjoy breakfast al fresco.
There are plenty of ways to get to Montjüic, including Metro lines 1, 2, 3 and 8, city buses, the funicular – which you can take from Paralel Metro Station – as well as the Teleférico cable cars from Puerto de Barcelona, among others. However you arrive, one of the best ways to get to the top is on foot. A pleasant walk, especially in the early hours of the morning just as the sun starts to rise, takes around an hour in total from Plaza Espanya.
The Carmel Bunkers
Ask any Barcelona local and they’ll tell you, we’ve saved the best for last. Besides offering unparalleled views of the city, the Carmel Bunkers play host to a great deal of history within their walls, which were originally used to house anti-aircraft batteries during the Spanish Civil War. The best thing about this particular viewpoint is that you can see the Sagrada Familia in all its glory from above, alongside one of the best sunrises in town with panoramic views over the city.
To get to the Carmel Bunkers, you’ll have to rely on your two feet, but the walk is very straight-forward and just 262 metres above sea level. However, there are a number of bus routes and metro lines that will drop you off nearby.
So now you know where to see all the best sunrises in Barcelona, all you have to do is pick a clear sunny day and enjoy! Make sure to add some sunrise-spotting to your list of things to see and do on your next trip to the city.
