Bunkers del Carmel

If you’re looking to get a spectacular hilltop view of Barcelona, the Bunkers del Carmel are the place to go. The underground military bunkers, constructed originally to protect Barcelona during the Spanish Civil War, sit on top of the Turó de la Rovira hill in the district of El Carmel.

After the war, the canons were removed and the bunkers came to be used as a form of shelter for locals experiencing extreme poverty during the Franco regime. As time went on, the area became like a shanty town until it’s residents were rehoused prior to the Barcelona Olympic Games. In 2011 the bunkers were excavated and partially restored along with improved accessibility.

Today, they are still one of Barcelona’s best-kept secrets, but with one of the most incredible panoramic views of the city, they won’t be Barcelona’s best kept secret for much longer. Both locals and tourists gather up here to watch the sun set over the city while playing music, having a picnic and taking in the jaw-dropping view.