Arenas de Barcelona Rooftop
Former bullring turned mall with a free rooftop offering 360° Barcelona views, including Sagrada Familia.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Arenas de Barcelona Rooftop
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Former bullring turned mall with a free rooftop offering 360° Barcelona views, including Sagrada Familia.
"Free 360° views of Barcelona from a historic bullring – a must-visit!"
🎯 Free Access Hack
Use mall escalators/elevators for free rooftop access, skip the paid panoramic lift.
📸 Golden Hour Views
Visit at sunset for stunning light and city panoramas.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Cityscape
Rooftop observation deck
Enjoy unobstructed 360-degree views of Barcelona, including Sagrada Familia and Montjuïc.
Plaza de España Vista
North side of the rooftop
A prime vantage point to admire the grandeur of Plaza de España and its fountains.
Sunset Spectacle
Rooftop observation deck
Witness the sky ablaze with color as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the city in warm hues.
Planning Your Visit
Free 360° Views
+1Best Time for Golden Hour
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Access Hack
Use mall escalators/elevators for free rooftop access, skip the paid panoramic lift.
📸 Golden Hour Views
Visit at sunset for stunning light and city panoramas.
🍽️ Dining Options
Grab a bite at the rooftop restaurants or food court below.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking to get the best views. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Access Hack
Use mall escalators/elevators for free rooftop access, skip the paid panoramic lift.
📸 Golden Hour Views
Visit at sunset for stunning light and city panoramas.
🍽️ Dining Options
Grab a bite at the rooftop restaurants or food court below.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking to get the best views. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Arenas de Barcelona rooftop for its stunning, free 360-degree panoramic views of the city, especially during sunset. It's praised as an excellent alternative to paid viewpoints, offering great photo opportunities and a chance to admire landmarks like Sagrada Familia and Plaza de España. Some find the dining options a bit pricey, but the overall experience is highly recommended for its accessibility and breathtaking vistas.
"Arenas de Barcelona is a super cool fusion of shopping, history, and city views! I love that it was created from what was once an old Bullring! I visited twice during my trip and loved exploring the many shops, restaurants, movie theater, and exhibitions inside. It’s much more than just a mall. I also had the opportunity to dine in two of their rooftop restaurants.
The first time, I took the glass elevator up for €1.50. While the view was amazing, I noticed some large cracks on the sky walkway that were very unnerving. I'm sure it’s reinforced, but it was scary for me to walk on, and I couldn’t find anyone to report it to. I hope someone sees this and takes action.
On my second visit, I skipped the elevator and took the side entrance instead, riding the escalators up through the different levels. It took longer but felt much safer. The rooftop view is fantastic, and the whole experience is really unique. I just wish I had more time to explore everything!"
How it is Liz
"It's supposed to be the best ranked mall in the city.. so I was quite dissapointed to see how few stores and brands it actually has. Ended up buying nothing.
There are no benches to sit down, at all. Most of the toilets were out of order.
It's clean and safe and looks nice inside, and has a great rooftop view. There is a lot of cinema space on the upper floors and it also has a gym."
CJ
"Concept is cool, restaurants up top are great. Shopping-wise, there are multiple stores of the same type of product. Could use more variety."
N Marquez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is to take the metro to Espanya station (L1 and L3 lines). From there, you can walk directly to the Arenas de Barcelona building. To access the rooftop for free, use the escalators and elevators inside the shopping mall.
Yes, there is an underground parking garage available at the Arenas de Barcelona shopping center. It's convenient if you're arriving by car.
Absolutely! The Arenas de Barcelona is very well-connected by public transport. Numerous bus lines also stop at Plaça d'Espanya, making it easily accessible. :bus:
After exiting the metro at Espanya, you'll see the distinctive circular building. Enter the mall and look for the internal elevators or escalators that will take you up to the top floor.
The rooftop observation deck itself is free to access. You only pay if you choose to use the external panoramic elevator, which is not necessary for the views.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the rooftop observation deck is completely free. You can wander around and enjoy the 360-degree views without purchasing any tickets.
The rooftop is generally open during the mall's operating hours, typically from around 10 AM to 10 PM, but it's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information, especially for specific restaurant hours. :clock:
Many visitors recommend visiting in the late afternoon to catch the sunset and the 'golden hour' light over the city. This offers a magical atmosphere.
Reservations are not needed for the general rooftop viewing area as it's free. However, if you plan to dine at one of the rooftop restaurants, booking a table in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak times. +1
There are no age restrictions for accessing the free rooftop viewing area. Families are welcome to enjoy the views.
📸 📸 Photography
Every angle offers a great shot! The north side provides a direct view of Plaza de España, while other sides offer glimpses of Sagrada Familia and Montjuïc. The entire 360-degree panorama is your photo opportunity.
Absolutely! The rooftop is renowned for its spectacular sunset views. The warm light creates a beautiful ambiance for photography.
Yes, you can take personal photos and videos. For commercial or professional shoots, it's advisable to contact the management of Arenas de Barcelona to inquire about permits and regulations. :camerawithflash:
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive cityscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for zooming in on landmarks like Sagrada Familia. Don't forget a tripod for low-light or long-exposure shots, especially during sunset.
Using drones in urban areas like Barcelona is generally restricted and requires specific permits. It's highly unlikely you'll be able to fly a drone from the Arenas de Barcelona rooftop. :noentrysign:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several restaurants and bars located on the rooftop level, offering a variety of cuisines and drinks with a view.
You'll find a range of options, from casual cafes and tapas bars to more upscale dining experiences. Some places offer international cuisine, while others focus on local Spanish dishes.
Dining at rooftop restaurants in popular tourist spots can be pricier than elsewhere in the city. Expect to pay a premium for the views and ambiance.
Absolutely! Many visitors opt to enjoy a cocktail or drink while taking in the views, without committing to a full meal. +1
Yes, in addition to the rooftop restaurants, there's a food court on a lower level of the mall that offers more budget-friendly dining choices.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Tip: Instead of paying for the external panoramic elevator, use the mall's internal escalators and elevators to reach the top floor for free. This saves money and still provides access to the observation deck. The food court on a lower level also offers more casual and kid-friendly dining options.
+1💰 Budget Travelers
+2Pro-tip: Utilize the mall's internal escalators and elevators to reach the rooftop without paying for the external panoramic lift. Pack some snacks or grab a more affordable meal from the food court located on one of the lower levels to keep costs down while still enjoying the views.
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Arenas de Barcelona
In 2011, it was completely renovated and reopened as a multi-purpose shopping center. The iconic circular facade was preserved, and a modern interior was built within. The most significant addition was the rooftop observation deck, offering unparalleled panoramic views of Barcelona, transforming the historic bullring into a modern tourist attraction.
+2This transformation is a prime example of urban regeneration, breathing new life into a historic structure while providing a contemporary visitor experience. The rooftop now serves as a popular spot for both locals and tourists to enjoy the cityscape, especially during sunset.
Maximizing Your Rooftop Experience
+1For those seeking a more tranquil experience, visiting on a weekday morning can offer fewer crowds. This allows for more leisurely exploration of the 360-degree views and a chance to truly soak in the atmosphere without feeling rushed. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as you'll likely be walking around the entire perimeter to capture different perspectives of landmarks like the Sagrada Familia and Montjuïc.
+1While the rooftop viewing area is free, consider the dining options available. Several restaurants and bars are situated on the rooftop, offering a chance to enjoy a meal or a drink with an incredible backdrop. Booking in advance is advisable for these establishments, especially during peak hours or weekends.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit