The best place to watch sunset in Barcelona

If you ever been to Barcelona before, you know, that there is nothing better to do in the afternoon than watching the stunning pinky sunset while sitting on the beach of Barceloneta. But let’s be honest it can be little overwhelming and less relaxing with hundreds of other tourists. But we have good news! There is a place that you will not find in any travel guide or any cliche top five list. 

Above meadow and dusty hillside of an area called el Carmel, you’ll find old concrete platforms that were once part of anti-aircraft battery during the Spanish Civil War (to defend against attacks from the fascists and housed a number of guns). After war the guns were retired, but the bunkers remained. It was a neighborhood with poor reputation until the early 1990s, and has been abandoned since then. The reason, we can enjoy now 360 view of Barcelona is that in 2011, a new patrimonial space was inaugurated in the district – a project between the Carmelite Agency and the Museu D’Historia De Barcelona MUHBA.

This project renewed the bunkers, partially restored them, and made them more accessible. The MUHBA also installed a small museum inside one of the bunkers, detailing their role during the Spanish Civil War and as housing for the local population. As yet unknown place that until now only the habitants of the closest neighborhoods enjoyed, became with every year well known and nowadays it is one of the most interesting Barcelona viewpoints.

Now it’s a place where cool kids hang out. And the best part is that because it’s in a little bit remote area, it’s not as popular as other turisty spots. Besides their captivating history, the good reason to visit the bunkers is that they offer the unbelievable  panoramic views of the city, allowing you to see all the major landmarks and monuments simultaneously.

What gives them a unique character is the fact that the bunkers still look largely abandoned with big slabs of concrete and some steps providing seating. However, most people prefer to sit on the edge, with their legs hanging down the concrete wall. Just before the sunset, locals and tourists gather at the bunkers to admire the sun set over the city while enjoying picnics, playing music, taking pictures, and simply sinking up this stunning view.