Bunkers del Carmel: The Best Barcelona Viewpoint

Discover the ultimate guide to visiting the Bunkers del Carmel in Barcelona. Find out the best times to visit, how to get there via public transport, and tips for enjoying stunning panoramic views of the city.
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What to See at the Bunkers del Carmel

The Bunkers del Carmel, located on Turó de la Rovira, are one of the best viewpoints in Barcelona, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Barcelona. From this privileged spot, several iconic landmarks of Barcelona can be seen. Below is a list of some of the main attractions visible from the Bunkers del Carmel:

  • La Sagrada Familia: The iconic basilica designed by Antoni Gaudí is one of the most distinctive structures in Barcelona’s skyline.
  • The Gothic Quarter: The old town of the city, known for its narrow streets and medieval architecture, stretches out clearly in view.
  • The Torre Agbar: This modern skyscraper, known for its futuristic design and colorful lights, stands out in the northern part of the city.
  • Park Güell: Another masterpiece by Gaudí, this park is distinguished by its colorful mosaics and unique structures.
  • Plaça d’Espanya: Recognizable by its fountains and the Fira de Barcelona complex, this is an important landmark in the city.
  • Montjuïc: The hill that houses various cultural and sports attractions, including the Olympic Stadium and the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC).
  • The Port of Barcelona: From the bunkers, the extensive port area and the Collserola Tower in the background can be seen.
  • Passeig de Gràcia: One of the most important avenues in the city, known for its luxury shops and modernist buildings like Casa Batlló and La Pedrera.
  • Barceloneta Beach: Although farther away, the coastline and beaches are also visible from this viewpoint.
  • Tibidabo: The mountain that houses the Tibidabo amusement park and the Sagrat Cor church, visible at the back of the city.

The Bunkers del Carmel not only offer spectacular views of Barcelona but are also a place rich in history, as they were used as anti-aircraft batteries during the Spanish Civil War. This spot is ideal for a peaceful visit, especially at sunset, when the city lights up and the scenery becomes even more impressive.

Guide to Visit the Bunkers del Carmel

Bunkers del Carmel History

The Bunkers del Carmel, were constructed in 1937 during the Spanish Civil War. Initially, they served as anti-aircraft batteries to defend Barcelona from aerial bombings by Francoist forces and their allies. After the war ended in 1939, the site was abandoned and fell into disrepair. In the following decades, it became a shantytown known as “Los Cañones” where many impoverished families lived until the 1990s.

In the early 2000s, the Barcelona City Council initiated efforts to rehabilitate the area. The shantytown structures were cleared, and the site was transformed into a public park. Today, the Bunkers del Carmel not only offer one of the best panoramic views of Barcelona but also serve as a historical monument. Information panels and preserved remnants of the anti-aircraft installations provide insight into its wartime significance. The site has become a popular destination for both locals and tourists, blending historical education with natural beauty.

How to get to Bunkers del Carmel?

How to get to Bunkers del Carmel Barcelona by public transport

To reach the Bunkers del Carmel using public transport in Barcelona.

🚌 How to Get to the Bunkers by Bus
To reach the Bunkers del Carmel by bus, you can take bus lines V17, 24, or 92.

V17: Get off at the “Gran Vista – Turó de la Rovira” stop. From there, it’s a short walk uphill.
24: This line of the Barcelona Bus stops at “Plaça de Catalunya – El Coll” which is a bit farther, so be prepared for a longer walk.
92: Get off at the “Mühlberg – Gran Vista” stop, and it’s a manageable walk from there.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes as the walk to the bunkers includes some uphill terrain.

🚗 How to Get to the Bunkers by Car
If you prefer to drive to the Bunkers del Carmel, you can navigate to “Carrer de Marià Labèrnia” which is the nearest road access. There is limited street parking available in the surrounding residential area.

Tip: Arrive early to secure parking, as spaces can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.

🚕 How to Get to the Bunkers by Taxi
Taking a taxi to the Bunkers del Carmel is convenient and hassle-free. Simply tell the driver to take you to “Bunkers del Carmel” or “Turó de la Rovira.” The taxi can drop you off at Carrer de Marià Labèrnia, from where it’s a short walk to the top.

Tip: Use a ride-hailing app to book your taxi in advance, ensuring a quick and easy trip.

How to Get to the Bunkers from Plaça de Catalunya

From Plaça de Catalunya, you have a few options to reach the Bunkers del Carmel:

🚌 By Bus
Take bus 24 from “Plaça de Catalunya – El Coll” and get off at the “Gran Vista – Turó de la Rovira” stop. From there, it’s a short uphill walk to the bunkers.

🚇 By Metro
Take the L1 (Red Line) from “Catalunya” station to “Urquinaona” and transfer to the L4 (Yellow Line) towards “Trinitat Nova”. Get off at “Alfons X” station. From there, you can either walk for about 20 minutes uphill or take bus 24 from nearby to reduce the walking distance.

🚕 By Taxi
A taxi ride from Plaça de Catalunya to the Bunkers del Carmel typically takes around 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. Simply tell the driver to take you to “Bunkers del Carmel” or “Turó de la Rovira”.

Tip: The metro and bus combination is a cost-effective and efficient way to reach the bunkers while enjoying some views of the city along the way.

How to Get to the Bunkers from Park Güell

🚌 By Bus
From Park Güell, walk to the “Travessera de Dalt – La Granja” bus stop and take bus 92. Get off at “Gran Vista – Turó de la Rovira”, and from there, it’s a short walk uphill to the bunkers.

🚕 By Taxi
A taxi ride from Park Güell to the Bunkers del Carmel is quick and takes about 10 minutes. Inform the driver you are heading to “Bunkers del Carmel” or “Turó de la Rovira”.

Tip: Enjoy the scenic walk if you have time; it’s about 20-30 minutes on foot from Park Güell to the bunkers and offers beautiful views along the way.

How to Get to the Bunkers from Sagrada Familia

🚇 By Metro
Take the L5 (Blue Line) from “Sagrada Familia” station to “Verdaguer” and transfer to the L4 (Yellow Line) towards “Trinitat Nova”. Get off at “Alfons X” station. From there, you can walk uphill for about 20 minutes or take bus 24 from nearby.

🚌 By Bus
Walk to the “València – Diagonal” bus stop and take bus V21 to the “Alfons X” stop. From there, it’s a 20-minute uphill walk or a short bus ride with bus 24 to the “Gran Vista – Turó de la Rovira” stop.

🚕 By Taxi
A taxi ride from Sagrada Familia to the Bunkers del Carmel takes around 15 minutes. Ask the driver to take you to “Bunkers del Carmel” or “Turó de la Rovira”.

Tip: Combining metro and bus is a convenient way to avoid traffic and enjoy more flexibility with your travel time.

Bunkers del Carmel opening hours

Starting from May 2nd, 2023, the archaeological area around the anti-aircraft battery at Turó de la Rovira, known as the Bunkers del Carmel, will close at night. The site will be accessible daily from 9 am to 7:30 pm during the summer schedule and from 9 am to 5:30 pm during the winter.

How to visit the bunkers in Barcelona?

This historical site, known for its anti-aircraft batteries from the Spanish Civil War, has become a popular destination for both tourists and locals. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your visit and enjoy the stunning views of the city.

  1. Best Time to Visit the Bunkers del Carmel: To fully appreciate the views, plan your visit during clear weather. Sunrise and sunset are the most popular times as the city is bathed in beautiful natural light, providing excellent photo opportunities. Arriving early in the morning can help you avoid the crowds, giving you a more peaceful experience. In the evening, the city lights up, creating a magical atmosphere that’s perfect for photography.
  2. Comfortable Shoes: The walk to the bunkers involves uphill terrain, so wear comfortable walking shoes.
  3. Pack Light: Carry water, snacks, and sunscreen, especially if you plan to stay for an extended period. There are no facilities at the site, so be prepared.
  4. Respect the site: The Bunkers del Carmel is a historical area. Respect the site by not littering and preserving the remnants of the anti-aircraft batteries.
  5. Photography Gear: If you’re into photography, bring a good camera or smartphone. A tripod can be useful for capturing sunset or night shots.
  6. Picnic Plan: Consider bringing a picnic. The wide-open space and stunning views make it an ideal spot for a relaxing meal while overlooking Barcelona.
  7. Seasonal Opening Hours: Starting from May 2nd, 2023, the archaeological area around the anti-aircraft battery will close at night. The site is open every day from 9 am to 7:30 pm during the summer schedule and from 9 am to 5:30 pm during the winter.

By following these tips and planning your visit accordingly, you can fully enjoy the breathtaking views and historical significance of the Bunkers del Carmel. This unique spot offers a memorable perspective of Barcelona, making it a must-visit location in the city.

Frequently asked questions about Los Bunkers del Carmel

As of May 2, 2023, the archaeological site around the anti-aircraft battery closes at night. The summer hours are from 9 am to 7:30 pm, and winter hours are from 9 am to 5:30 pm.
No, there is no entrance fee to visit the Bunkers del Carmel. It is a public site and free to access.
The site is closed at night. The closing hours are strictly enforced, so plan your visit during the open hours.

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