Capturing Barcelona at sunset - views from Bunkers del Carmel

Located on a small hill right in the middle of Barcelona, Bunkers del Carmel offers some of the best views to the city, especially around sunset and later. However, I had never heard about the place, and so it was just not on my itinerary. However, when soon after I landed my plans changed and I got to see the city in a very different way!

Barcelona in the night from Els Bunkers del

So when Ruben, my airbnb host and friend, offered to take me to a hill for the best views of the city on his sports bike, I had no clue what I was getting into. My evening was free and I was just happy to get a motorbike ride (though it was far too cold for such adventure) in a new city and had almost no expectations about anything else.

As we rode up the hill on the steep slopes, I could feel excitement in the air. Ruben drives extremely well and it was a pleasure to be ok the bike as we navigated the sharp curves.

Just around sunset....

We reached about half an hour before the sunset and loved how the city looked like from top. With Sagrada Familia bang in the centre, and the perfectly aligned blocks all around, it's a sight to die for. However, the true beauty of the city was revealed as the sun started setting and the sky started getting filled with colours. Soon the city was lit and with the background of Mediterranean Sea, it made for perfect shots.

We stayed for quite sometime, till I saw another hill behind us and got excited about it. Ruben saw my excitement and offered to take me there on the bike, an offer which I readily accepted, despite the cold. The ride was great, and though my balls froze, I was happy with this unexpected adventure.

Just behind the hill...the view still so spectacular!

Light show seen at the museum...

We came back to the city and picked lunch from a Pakistani shop whose owner was happy to speak Urdu with a guest. I ate pizza and immediately crashed.

I think I am getting old.

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Practical tips:

Where: Els Bunkers del

Best time to go: plan to reach before sunset

Parking: you can just park on the street that leads upto it. If you come late, it might be difficult to find a place to park.

Fee: it's completely free.

Clothing: carry an extra layer of warm clothing, it's a few degrees cooler on top than in the city below.

Some more of the city in the gorgeous light...love the blue/ yellow combination!

A close-up view of the high rise buildings...