Theme Parks in Barcelona
Barcelona offers outstanding theme parks such as PortAventura World, one of the most visited in Spain, or Tibidabo, an ancient jewel of Europe. Are you ready to visit them and enjoy an extreme dose of fun?
If you are one of those who, when you visit a destination, are always looking for plans, then you will have a great time in the capital of Catalonia. Barcelona is a magical city with a variety of attractions, among which the theme parks stand out. Take advantage of a range of aquatic fun at Illa Fantasia, the interactive spaces with animals at Granja Aventura Park, or an adrenaline rush on the renowned roller coasters of Tibidabo.
Among the best things to do in Barcelona is probably a fun day out at the PortAventura World complex. This includes three theme parks in one place, where you can enjoy adrenaline rides, cultural experiences and aquatic zones. You can also take a look at the Catalunya en Miniatura models, visit the architectural sanctuary Park Güell or explore Ocio Aventura Sitges and Sapakara Fun Parcs.
1. PortAventura, a multicultural park
PortAventura World is the most attractive theme complex in Barcelona, as it houses three parks in the same place. Probably the most visited is Port Aventura Park, where you will find more than 40 attractions and shows for every season of the year. It is divided into six worlds covering Chinese, Polynesian, Mediterranean, Mexican, as well as the American Old West and an area for the little ones.
During your visit, immerse yourself in a real Mediterranean fishing village, with gastronomic offerings on every corner. Or indulge in the water attractions in the Polynesian zone, where Pacific dances will make an appearance.
There is also an area inspired by Sesame Street, ideal if you are looking for things to do in Barcelona with children. You'll also have the chance to be transported back to the American West during your visit, where you'll be welcomed by a train ride.
Featured attractions
- Shambhala: if you want to fall at full speed and feel adrenaline at every nerve ending, you have to go on this roller coaster, considered one of the highest in Europe.
- The friends' ride: enjoy a family ride in the company of Sesame Street characters.
- Port de la Drassana: take a ride from the Mediterranean area to the Chinese area on a comfortable boat that offers a pleasant experience. Or take the Estació del Nord train to reach the Far West.
Most popular shows
- PortAventura Parade: don't miss the parade of characters from Mediterranean culture.
- Polynesian dance show: let yourself be carried away by the rhythms and dances of the Pacific, while you get to know the culture of the area in detail.
It is also possible to find seasonal shows, which can vary every year. For example, if you plan to visit Barcelona in summer, you are likely to find a Tahitian Night of Fire or a Mexican Fiesta. There are also specials for Halloween, Christmas, Easter and Carnival.
Details of interest
- Price: from €52 per person, all experiences are included in Port Aventura Park tickets.
- Location: Avda. Alcalde Pere Molas, k2, 43480 Vilaseca, Tarragona, Spain.
- How to get there: The park is located on the outskirts of Barcelona, but is easy to reach by Renfe train from Paseo de Gracia station. The ticket costs at least €10 and the journey takes approximately two hours. This option only runs four times a day, so you can also opt for the hourly Plana bus.
- Opening hours: In low season it is open Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 18:00, as well as Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 10:00 to 20:00. Some attractions and shows have specific opening hours, so it is advisable to check the website before your visit.
2. Ferrari Land, an F1 fans dream come true
If you're a fan of Ferrari cars, then you can't miss out on this theme park with attractions dedicated to the Italian firm. It is a recommended experience for those looking for an adrenaline rush, in a realistic space with architecture inspired by Italy.
Here you can experience Formula 1 at the front line, while enjoying cultural shows and gastronomic proposals. It has around 16 attractions and hides one of the fastest roller coasters in Europe. Alternatively, you can buy tickets for Port Aventura Park and Ferrari Land, so you can make the most of a combined visit.
Top attractions
- Red Force: an impressive roller coaster, with a vertical drop that offers unlimited adrenaline.
- Flying Dreams: climb into a flight simulator and fly across the continents, while enjoying a Ferrari-style car race.
Most popular shows
- Ferrari Land Acrobatic Show: marvel at an open-air show with acrobatics and contortion techniques.
- Italian Folklore: get an introduction to Italian culture through its typical dances and rhythms, which are presented on the banks of a recreation of the canals of Venice.
Details of interest
- Price: from 21 € per person.
- Location: in the Port Aventura World complex.
- How to get there: the route and transport options are the same as for Port Aventura Park, plus it's only a 13-minute walk from the first park.
- Opening hours: generally open daily from 16:00 to 22:00.
3. Caribe Aquatic Park, an aquatic world for the whole family
Another option within Port Aventura World is to visit Caribe Aquatic Park, ideal for the warmer months. It has something for all ages, with around 16 attractions including pools, waterfalls and green areas. Don't miss the entertainment shows during special dates, such as Christmas and summer.
If you plan to visit Barcelona in September, you can take advantage of the low tourist influx with pleasant temperatures for a dip. Or enjoy the full experience by booking tickets for Port Aventura, Ferrari Land and Caribe Aquatic Park This alternative allows you to make the most of a day at each park and probably avoid the queues at the entrance area.
Featured attractions
- King Khajuna: slide down the highest slide in the park, with unexpected twists and turns.
- Paradise Beach: enjoy a tranquil space with palm trees and water beds.
- Rapids: get on a raft and enjoy the artificial currents, where adrenaline will not be lacking.
Details of interest
- Price: from €33 per person.
- Location: in Port Aventura World.
- How to get there: just a 12-minute walk from Port Aventura Park and a 5-minute walk from Ferrari Land.
- Opening times: generally open every day of the year from 10:30am to 6pm.
4. Park Güell, Barcelona's architectural sanctuary
You can't pass through Barcelona without visiting the city's most emblematic park, created for fans of history and architecture. Here you'll learn about the life of architect Antoni Gaudí, who is known for works such as the interior of the Sagrada Familia, La Pedrera and Casa Batlló.
Park Güell is located in the crown of the Barrio de Gràcia and is a space that encompasses art, nature and culture. Inside you'll have access to family plans, ideal for escaping the local hustle and bustle.
You'll find Barcelona's roots reflected in the ceramic mosaics and have the chance to take part in special activities and workshops. If you plan to stay for a couple of days, I recommend taking advantage of the Gaudí tours in Barcelona, which are the perfect complement to this attraction.
Featured Attractions
- Sala Hipóstila: move around 86 columns, which support the park's terrace.
- Greek Theatre: cultural shows are held here, and if you're lucky, you might catch one.
- Gaudí House Museum: if you want to travel back in time to Gaudí's residence, you can't miss a tour through the corridors that house his history and personal objects.
Interesting details
- Price: from 12 € per person. Children under 6 years old and people with disabilities can enter for free.
- Location: Carrer d'Olot, 7. North of the Gracia district.
- How to get there: you can book the Barcelona tourist bus which has a stop nearby, but you can also take the metro L3, or public bus lines H6 and D40.
- Opening hours: daily from 9.30am to 8pm. Please note that one of Park Güell's timetable policies is that you must enter the facilities at the time indicated on your e-ticket, and you will have a maximum of thirty minutes to validate your ticket.
5. Catalunya en Miniatura, a fascinating collection of scale models
To enjoy the recreation of Catalonia's most important monuments, you must visit Catalunya en Miniatura, the largest miniature reproduction park in Europe. It's known for its scale models, zip-line circuits and themed shows.
It's a pleasant experience, as you can walk around the park or hop on the park's train that takes you to the main exhibits. These include the small structures of the Sagrada Familia, the Camp Nou stadium where the city's FC play and Tarragona Cathedral.
Top attractions
- Models of monuments: you will find around 130 models of monuments of Catalonia.
- Animal Forest: ideal for an adrenaline rush, offering zip lines and outdoor activities.
Most popular shows
- Light Show: if you plan to visit Barcelona at Christmas time, you must visit the park to enjoy the colourful performances and carol concerts.
Details of interest
- Price: from €13 per person, the price can be increased if the ticket includes access to the zip lines. Please note that this park is included in the city's tourist passes, such as the All Inclusive Pass.
- Location: Torrelles de Llobregat, just fifteen minutes from the centre of Barcelona.
- How to get there: The quickest and easiest way to get there is by car or taxi, but you can also take the e20 bus from Soler i Sauret which runs every three hours.
- Opening hours: Generally, it is open every day from 10:00 to 19:00.
6. Tibidabo Amusement Park, the roller coaster paradise
Of course, you can't pass through the city without visiting one of the oldest amusement parks in Europe, known for being a corner of fun and adrenaline. This is the Tibidabo Amusement Park, founded in 1901, which houses all kinds of roller coasters and offers breathtaking views of Barcelona from the top of a hill.
In high season it is possible to enjoy themed shows, plus you can take a funicular to see the park and move in record time from one end to the other.
Highlights of the attractions
- Gran Noria: ideal if you want to see Barcelona from the highest point.
- Tibidabo Plane: fly over the park combining adrenaline and breathtaking views.
- Talaia: this viewpoint climbs slowly, offering different angles of the facilities.
Details of interest
- Price: from €29 per person, with special prices for children.
- Location: at the top of Tibidabo mountain, which forms part of the Collserola mountain range.
- How to get there: the quickest way to get there is by car, which will take you around twenty minutes. However, it is also possible to get there on L3 of the TMB metro, or by S1 and S2 of the FGC Catalunya train.
- Opening hours: it is generally open from 10:00 to 20:00.
7. Illa Fantasia, an adrenaline oasis
If you want to immerse yourself in an oasis of fun, you can't miss a visit to Illa Fantasía. Here you will find more than 22 slides with different speeds, suitable for all ages. For the more daring there is Aquamania, an attraction that offers around 10 seconds of extreme adrenaline.
It has three macro pools and you can't miss the pirate area, where the main water attractions are concentrated, including a bucket of water that is poured over the visitors. The park also offers a nursing service, deckchairs, lockers, showers and parking from €3.
Highlights of the attractions
- Kamikaze: an extreme slide that will throw you from a height of 18 metres.
- Swimming pools with wave simulators in different intensities.
Most popular shows
- Closing of the season: if you plan to visit Barcelona in September, you can't miss this event that includes special activities and shows.
- Latin Summer: if you are looking for plans to enjoy Barcelona in June, you can take advantage of the party that welcomes the summer, inspired by the Latin community.
Details of interest
- Price: from €30 per adult, the children's rate is usually cheaper.
- Location: in Vilassar de Dalt, about 30 minutes from Barcelona.
- How to get there: you can take the R1 Rodalies de Catalunya train, or the Moventis bus lines 805 and 805, which run every hour.
- Opening times: open from June to September from Monday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00.
8. Sapakara Fun Parcs, a jungle of fun
Barcelona offers a host of fun options, such as Sapakara Fun Parcs. This indoor amusement park is ideal for those looking for rainy day activities in the city. It features obstacle courses, slides, augmented reality games and mazes.
Plus, it's the perfect place to immerse yourself in a jungle full of challenges. Specifically, you'll find climbing walls, hidden towers and a sea of ropes to safely slide down.
Featured Attractions
- Jungle Tag: an obstacle maze, where the only rule is to run and jump as far as you can.
- Playground: a jungle with games for the little ones.
- Jump Interactive: create your own character in a video game, while enjoying a virtual trampoline.
- Arcade Games: enjoy modern and traditional board games, as well as racing game machines.
Interesting details
- Price: you must pay for access to each area separately, prices depend on the attraction. They usually range from €3 to €20.
- Location: Caller Silici 9.
- How to get there: You can get there on the Barcelona Metropolitan Area bus using the N13, or the metro L1 or the R1, R3, R4 or R7 train.
- Opening hours: generally open Monday to Thursday from 9:00 to 21:00, Friday from 9:00 to 23:30, Saturday from 10:00 to 23:30 and Sunday from 10:00 to 22:00.
9. Leisure Adventure Sitges, the paradise for adventurers
If you prefer outdoor activities in Barcelona, head to Ocio Aventura Sitges. It's an ideal park for the adventurous, offering paintball areas, suspension bridges, zip lines and climbing towers.
It is also home to one of the best escape rooms in Barcelona, with challenges that take you into a themed world. You can even enjoy water activities such as paddle surfing and kayaking.
Featured attractions
- Adventure Park: climb the trees and towers, go on the zip lines or walk on the hanging bridges.
- Aquatic area.
- Paintball.
Details of interest
- Price: each activity has separate tickets, from 15 €.
- Location: Camí Mas d'en Puig.
- How to get there: you can get there on the R2s and R2 train lines, or on the e16 Sitges and e15 Garraf bus.
- Opening times: Sunday to Thursday from 10:00 to 21:00, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 to 22:00.
10. Granja Aventura Park, a connection with nature
An alternative to traditional theme parks is to visit Granja Aventura Park. Here you'll find a host of activities, most of them focused on animal interaction. You can feed chickens, learn about goat care and touch exotic animals such as snakes.
It is an educational fun space, ideal for a family day out. It is located on the outskirts of the city, far from the hustle and bustle of the Catalan capital. It even offers picnic areas and adrenaline games, such as zip lines with different levels of intensity.
Highlights of the attractions
- Workshops in the orchard.
- Toca-Toca: an experience with exotic animals.
- Zip-lines and tree climbing.
Details of interest
- Price: from 15 €, with special prices for children and seniors.
- Location: Camí Ral de Suro, Finca Number 2.
- How to get there: the quickest way to get there is by car or taxi, although you can also get there by bus and train.
- Opening times: Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 to 18:00.