5 Best Places to Watch the Sunset in Barcelona


 

When I think of Barcelona, I always think of the sun. The city, the people, the colours and the culture are simply radiant all year round. Watching the sunset, as it leads you into a balmy summer evening is one of my favourite things to do during summer in Barcelona. 

Sunset over Barcelona by Jose Soria on Unsplash

A Barcelona sunset from the balcony or window of your apartment or accommodation, with a glass of wine can be just as photo-worthy as at any tourist location. If you are up to seeking the sunset while out and about in the city though, here are some of my favourite spots to go to watch the sky put on a show in Barcelona.

Watch the sunset on Platja de la Barceloneta (Barceloneta Beach)

Probably the most predictable spot on this list, Barceloneta Beach is simply one of those places you have to go to when visiting Barcelona. Even though you will be one of many, there is not much that beats experiencing sunset at the beach. 

Barcelona Beach by Federico Giampieri on Unsplash

As the Barcelona beaches face east, you won’t get the view of the sun dipping below the seemingly infinite horizon. What you will get though, is a colour show that can be just as good!

If the idea of sand in your toes does not sound appealing, there are tons of restaurants along the Barceloneta Beach strip, that will provide an equally good view of the sky at sunset. And what better way to enjoy sundown, than with a drink in hand and some tapas to go with it.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION: Barceloneta Beach
ADDRESS: Barceloneta Beach, Barcelona
Metro Station: Barceloneta

Watch the sunset from the swanky W Hotel

This unique and unmistakable piece of architecture sits to the far right of Barceloneta Beach, at the edge of Platja de Sant Sebastià. It was designed by Ricardo Bofill in 2010 and has been nicknamed ‘The Sail’. Reaching twenty-six stories high, it is easy to understand why this spot is perfect for sunset views. 

W Hotel Barcelona by Benjamín Gremler on Unsplash

There are a few options within the hotel, where you could catch an epic experience of the sun setting over the entire city.

Eclipse is the hotel’s cocktail bar and is located on the very top floor. Designed to offer a panoramic view, this is a great spot for sunset watching. Grab a cocktail and some Asian Fusion tapas while you ease your way into a beautiful evening.

WET is the poolside bar at the hotel and would be my top pick of places at the W Hotel, to watch the sunset. With a cocktail or two and a DJ setting the mood, you will be ready to party once the sunset show is over. The terrance and pool are reserved for hotel guests exclusively, until 8pm. So if you are not staying at this hotel, this is something to keep in mind. Luckily, in the middle of the Spanish summer, the sun only sets around 9:30pm, so you won’t miss it!

Photo by Jason Briscoe on Unsplash

If heights are not your thing, there is one more spot at the W Hotel, that is perfect for sunset gazing. Salt Restaurant and Beach Club is on the ground floor and extends right to the edge of the ocean. Watch the sky turn from blue to pink, with your feet in the sand and a cocktail in hand. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION: Eclipse
OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday –  6pm to 2:30am
ADDRESS: W Hotel, Plaça Rosa del Vents, 1, Final Passeig de Joan de Borbó, Barcelona, 08039 Spain
Metro Station: Barceloneta, Drassanes
PRACTICAL INFORMATION: WET Deck
OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday –  10am to 2am (closed to the public until 8pm)
ADDRESS: W Hotel, Plaça Rosa del Vents, 1, Final Passeig de Joan de Borbó, Barcelona, 08039 Spain
Metro Station: Barceloneta, Drassanes
PRACTICAL INFORMATION: Salt Restaurant and Beach Club
OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday –  1pm to 1am
ADDRESS: W Hotel, Plaça Rosa del Vents, 1, Final Passeig de Joan de Borbó, Barcelona, 08039 Spain
Metro Station: Barceloneta, Drassanes

Watch the sunset from the lush Park Güell

Whether you plan a visit here at sunset or sunrise, you will not be disappointed. The park, designed by world renowned architect Antoni Gaudí, was commissioned by the successful entrepreneur Eusebi Güell in the late 1800s. Building of the park’s structures commenced in October 1900. Though there were big plans for more houses to be built on the site, construction was abandoned in 1914. Hereafter is when the site became a park, which Güell made open to the public.

Park Güell Monumental Area by Daniel Corneschi on Unsplash

The Park covers 19 hectares and reaches a height of 210 meters above sea level. While not the highest location on this list, the surroundings of the park are unlike any other. Access to most of the Guadi work is enclosed within the Monumental Area of the park and requires payment to enter. If this is the main reason you find yourself at Park Güell, then it would be worth purchasing a ticket to the Monumental Area.

Park Güell Monumental Area by Vitor Monteiro on Unsplash

If you are not really interested in Gaudi’s work, you can still experience sunset and a stroll through the beautifully. lush greenery of the park, for absolutely free.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION: Park Güell Monumental Area
OPENING HOURS:  Monday to Sunday –  times vary seasonally
ADDRESS:Park Güell,  08024 Barcelona, Spain
Metro Station: Vallcarca

Watch the sunset from Barcelona’s Magic Mountain

The tallest peak of the Collserola mountain range, the Tibidabo Mountain in Spain, is naturally an epic spot to experience the sunset in Barcelona. Also known as Magic Mountain, there is so much to do, see and experience up here, sunsets aside.

The Temple of the Sacred Heart Church, viewable from many streets of the city, sits atop Tibidabo and worth a visit. Once the sun has set, the Church lights go on and offer you another spectacular sight.

Sunset at the Temple of the Sacred Heart Church by Biel Morro on Unsplash

Mount Tibidabo is also home to one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. Yes, you read that right. There is a theme park on top of this 500+ metre high hill. And it’s been around for over 100 years. There is an observation deck  at the theme park where you can see the sunset over the city. If you are more of a thrill seeker, you might try and time a trip on the Giradabo big wheel perfectly to catch the last sight of the sun.

Giradabo big wheel at Tibidabo amusement park by Tomáš Nožina on Unsplash

I would definitely recommend dedicating a day to spend up Tibidabo. Plan it just right so that you can catch the sunset, of course! 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION: Tibidabo Park
OPENING HOURS: varies seasonally. check out the website for details
ADDRESS: Tibidabo Square, 3-4, 08035 Barcelona
Metro Station: Sant Genís, Plaça Catalunya (both these Metro stations offer a shuttle bus to the Tibidabo park)

Watch the sunset from a yacht on the Balearic Sea

With most of the places listed above you will likely find yourself among many tourists with the same idea of catching the sunset at one of Barcelona’s best sunset watching locations. If crowds just aren’t for you or if you need an escape from the city, one of the best places you could experience sunset in Barcelona, is in the middle of the ocean!

Yachts in the marina in Barcelona by Sergi Viladesau on Unsplash

The Sunset, Wine, Cava and Sailing Experience offered by Sailing Experience Barcelona is an awesome idea for a special occasion. While not completely private, as you will likely be sharing the experience with others, a maximum of eleven tickets are available per yacht. Yacht trips are available daily and are two hours long. Included in the ticket are snacks and drinks, with optional extras like live music available. 

Lie back and enjoy the sunset from a yacht off Barceloneta Beach. Photo by Alex Block on Unsplash

PRACTICAL INFORMATION: Sailing Experience Barcelona
OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday –  departure times vary seasonally
ADDRESS: One Ocean Port Vell, Moll de la Barceloneta,1, 08003 Barcelona
Metro Station: Barceloneta

Planning a trip to Paris ? Get ready !


These are Amazon’s best-selling travel products that you may need for coming to Paris.

Bookstore

  1. The best travel book : Rick Steves – Paris 2023 – Learn more here
  2. Fodor’s Paris 2024 – Learn more here

Travel Gear

  1. Venture Pal Lightweight Backpack – Learn more here
  2. Samsonite Winfield 2 28″ Luggage – Learn more here
  3. Swig Savvy’s Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle – Learn more here

Check Amazon’s best-seller list for the most popular travel accessories. We sometimes read this list just to find out what new travel products people are buying.