Tibidabo Amusement Park

Tibidabo opened in 1901 on the summit of the mountain that closes Barcelona to the northwest, which makes it among the oldest amusement parks still operating anywhere. Several rides are historic and protected: the Avio, a mock aeroplane on an arm that has swung passengers over the city since 1928, the Talaia lift, and a mirror museum and automaton collection from the early twentieth century. Modern rides fill the lower terraces. Above the park stands the Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor, a neo-Gothic church of 1902 to 1961 topped by a bronze Christ, whose terraces give the widest view over Barcelona. Access is by a historic tram and a funicular, both attractions in themselves.

What you actually see

• The Avio - a 1928 mock aeroplane swinging out over the city.
• The automaton museum - early twentieth-century mechanical figures.
• The Sagrat Cor church - a neo-Gothic temple with a bronze Christ above.
• The city panorama - Barcelona and the coast from 512 metres.

When to go

April to September for the full park; opening is limited to weekends and holidays for much of the year and the park closes in winter apart from the upper area. Clear days give the view that justifies the trip.

Honest expectations

The park runs on a restricted calendar and is closed on many days, catching out visitors. Getting there involves a bus or a tram and funicular combination that takes an hour from the centre. The rides are dated compared with modern parks.

Nearby

The Collserola park surrounds the summit; Barcelona lies below.