Tibidabo is a mountain overlooking Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. At 512 meters, it is the tallest mountain in the Serra de Collserola. Rising sharply to the north-west, it affords spectacular views over the city and the surrounding coastline.

There is an amusement park, a telecommunications tower (Torre de Collserola), and a Catholic church, the Temple de Sagrat Cor, at the top, all of which are visible from most of the city. Designed by Enric Sagnier, the church took 60 years to construct and is topped by a sculpture of the Sacred Heart by Josep Miret Llopart. The Amusement park is the oldest in Barcelona and retains most of the original rides, some of which date to the turn of the 20th century. The park features in the Woody Allen film "Vicky Cristina Barcelona".

If it’s a clear day, you absolutely must visit Tibidabo – one of Barcelona’s two promontories. When the sun is shining and the skies are blue, visitors can enjoy fantastic views from the Tibidabo hill or Torre de Collserola – an 850-foot communications tower. After taking in the views, visitors can settle in for a fantastic meal at La Venta, located at the base of the funicular, or have a drink at Bar Mirablau.

The journey to Tibidabo amusement park starts with a short train ride from the center of Barcelona; from there you will take the Tramvia Blau which takes you half way up the mountain. If you wish to go all the way to the top of Tibidabo, where the amusement park is situated, you will also need to catch a funicular train from the half way point. Once at the top of the mountain you will be rewarded with magnificient views of Barcelona, an amusement park for the kids, and the opportunity to visit a beautiful church at the very summit of the mountain.

Tibidabo’s tram was opened on 29th October 1901 as part of a project transporting people to the top of the mountain. It was opened at the same time as the Funicular, described below, providing passengers with a logical route to the magical theme park that was built at the top of the mountain around the same period.

The small blue tram - the 'Tramvia Blau', is one of Barcelona's beloved modes of transport. Its quaint appearance and friendly driver make it a pleasant experience for those wishing to make it all the way to the top for the Tibidabo Amusement Park and the church - the 'Temple de Sagrat Cor'. However, it can serve as an activity in itself - an entertaining ride finishing at the lovely Plaça Dr Andreu.

The easiest way to get to the trams starting point is on the L7 train that leaves from Plaza de Catalunya station in the centre of town. This will take about ten minutes and drops you in Plaza de John Kennedy, right next to the necessary bus stop, which is at 2 Avenida Tibidabo - directly in front of you. Take a look at the beautiful La Rotonda building on your way past. The bus stop is right in front of this building, so it will also help you to find where you need to be.

On sunny days you will queue for the tram, but the trips are fairly regular (every 15-30 minutes) and the vehicle is larger than it looks, so you are unlikely to wait for too long. Payment is made on the tram. The old Spanish conductor adds to the charm of the experience, welcoming people aboard. At busy times the tram is filled to the brim, so expect to stand if you're towards the end of the queue. With steps up to the tram and a narrow interior, this is an old vehicle and, unfortunately, not suitable for wheelchair users. Traveling with the tram reveals great opportunities for sightseeing and taking photos. 

On the tram's journey up the mountain you will pass through Barcelona's most affluent residential area. Take in the leafy surroundings and sneak a peek at the houses of the city's rich and famous! The journey lasts around seven minutes and as you alight you are half way up Mount Tibidabo and can take in some great views of the city. The Plaça De Andreu is a picturesque platform looking down over the city. There are pretty restaurants with terraces to while away the hours in tranquil surroundings.

Most travelers then continue up the mountain on the Funicular de Tibidabo. This is also an entertaining journey as you travel up through the mountain's forests and to the summit and get a glimpse of the city from a height on your way. The funicular runs in conjunction with the opening times of Tibidabo theme park.

If you do choose to continue to the top, both kids and adults will enjoy the charming little theme park. It was built in 1889 and a lot of the rides date back to this time, giving the park a whimsical feel. Don't expect any bare-knuckle rides, but the views and friendly atmosphere, with people in fancy dress parading through the park and interacting with the visitors, make for an enjoyable day out.

The ticket booth is immediately in front of you on leaving the funicular. You can buy a day ticket, which is quite pricey - adults cost 25.20 euros, children below 120cm in height cost 9.00 euros and children below 90cm are free (it is worth checking the website as there are special prices for seniors, disabled people and school pupils). Alternatively you can pay individually for some rides that are outside the gates of the park - these include a ferris wheel and the emblematic plane ride that is often featured on publicity for the park. This area is known as the Tibidabo Sky Walk. Once you're at the top of the mountain though, it may be difficult persuading the kids that it's not necessary to pay for the full day ticket to ride the big roller coasters!

If theme parks aren't your cup of tea there is also a beautiful church to view: the Temple de Sagrat Cor. Built in 1806 and renovated in 1902, it is a neo-gothic structure with a bronze statue of the Sacred Heart at the top. You can take a lift to the top of the church and check out the city at 575 meters above sea level!

It is worth remembering that there are very few options to buy food and drink once you reach the top of the mountain. The privileged position of the outlets that are available give them an excuse to be expensive and quite average in quality. If you have time to think ahead, it may be worth bringing a picnic as there are areas available within the Tibidabo Sky Walk to eat your own food with some great views from the top.

Tibidabo amusement park offers younger family members a fun day out. Adults will benefit from unparalleled views overlooking Barcelona city. There is also a picturesque church at the top of the mountain that is worth the visit. The Tramvia Blau is a Barcelona treasure - a step back in time that will please all ages. A little pricier than alternative, more standard routes to the top of the mountain, it is worth paying a little extra to add some magic to your trip. Tibidabo offers one of a kind adventure in the city. Spend some time there during your travel to  Barcelona.  You can get there via direct flight to Barcelona or to Girona, Reus or Lleida–Alguaire.