Lines the Traveller

Author: Denise Sheppard

  • Enjoy a Day Trip to Canterbury, England

    Enjoy a Day Trip to Canterbury, England

    If there’s one thing England does really well, it’s old historic cities. Cobblestone streets, leaning buildings that look like they’re about to fall at any minute, the timber frames standing stark against the white painted buildings. Cathedrals are dotted in cities that just seem too small to warrant one, and they usually have some kind of old city walls or gate to enter the city.

    And Canterbury is no different. It’s one of the old English cities built by the Romans, and even just the cathedral dates back to 597AD. It’s charming, compact and a day trip to Canterbury is a great choice! Read on to find out what there is to see and do in Canterbury, where to find the best coffee shops to recharge and how best to get around the city.

    Where is Canterbury?

    Located in the English county of Kent, Canterbury sits in the luscious greenery of the South East of England. This part of England is made up of lots of small towns and villages, with typically British seaside towns lining the coast. Canterbury is one of, if not the, largest city in the area, despite still not being overly big itself.

    Top Sights to See in Canterbury

    Canterbury Cathedral
    Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is definitely not a ‘hidden’ gem in this historic city and is instead an essential stop on your day trip to Canterbury.

    Founded in 597 AD by St. Augustine, it has been the spiritual centre of the Church of England for centuries. The cathedral’s stunning Gothic architecture, epic spires, and gorgeous stained glass windows will no doubt captivate you once you make your way in.

    Inside, you’ll find intricate stone carvings, serene cloisters, and the site of Thomas Becket’s martyrdom in 1170, which has made the cathedral a pilgrimage destination.

    It’s quite pricey to visit inside Canterbury Cathedral,
    but if you’re on a budget then it’s still worth checking out the outside.

    You can turn up and buy tickets on the day, or book in advance on the cathedral website to secure your slot and skip the queue. Or, enjoy a self-guided tour around the cathedral with the audio guide for a deeper appreciation of the rich history and explore the hidden corners. There’s more to visit than just the cathedral itself, the surrounding grounds offer calming gardens and quaint pathways, perfect for a stroll.

    The Crooked House

    The Crooked House in Canterbury is a charming 17th-century building famous for its slightly concerning tilt. You’ll find it on Palace Street, not far from Canterbury Cathedral, and it’s certainly a sight to be seen on your day trip to Canterbury.

    From the outside, you may find yourself wondering how on earth it is still standing, but also what happened to cause it to lean so much. If you’re not from the UK then just to confirm, we don’t intentionally build our buildings in this way! The lean of the Crooked House was caused by an internal chimney slipping, but it has been reinforced with a steel frame to keep it sturdy and safe. Just check out that doorway though!

    Although this is a quick and easy sight to see from the outside as you pass between other places in the city, it’s also worth popping inside. The building has changed hands a number of times over the years. Having lived a life as a gallery, music shop and clothing store, these days it’s home to Catching Lives Bookshop, a bookstore (surprise!) that sells second-hand books in support of the homeless community.

    Canterbury War Memorial
    The Canterbury War Memorial, sitting just outside the entrance to Canterbury Cathedral grounds, stands as a poignant tribute to those who lost their lives in the first and second world wars. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and unveiled in 1921, it’s been a constant landmark in Buttermarket Square despite the vandalism efforts over the years.

    Buttermarket is a lovely square to pass through and check out, surrounded by historic architecture and bustling with life at most times of the day. When the weather is nice you’ll often find a busker in front of the memorial, and the walking tours crowding by as they stop to admire it on their way to tour the cathedral.

    Shopping
    You’re probably not coming to Canterbury for a day trip to do a spot of shopping, but you’ll find a mix of a shopping centre and charming independent shops across the city centre. The typical high street chain stores are all located within Whitefriars Centre, a mostly outdoor collection of shopping lanes.

    Further into the city centre you’ll find the independent shops that are smaller and a bit more quirky.

    Canterbury Historic River Tours
    Not so much a sight to see in Canterbury, but a relaxing alternative to walking everywhere while still getting to see a different side to the city.

    The traditional punts – that’s the boat – are steered along the canals by the knowledgable guides. You won’t see any of the ‘big sights’ from the canal tours, but the scenery is really pretty and you get to pass under a few picturesque bridges.

    Tours are usually around 45 minutes long, and the thought of gliding along the calm rivers on a warm, sunny day sounds like the perfect way to spend the time!

    Westgate Towers & City Walls
    Take a stroll along Canterbury’s ancient city walls and make your way to the iconic Westgate Towers, the city’s most prominent medieval gatehouse. Dating back to around 1380, it’s the last remaining gate in the city from the seven which were originally built hundreds of years ago.

    Visitors can climb to the top for stunning panoramic views of Canterbury, visit the modest museum or enjoy a drink in The Pound, a nod to the towers’ history as a jail.

    St. Augustine’s Abbey
    Explore the ruins of St. Augustine’s Abbey just outside the city walls, once a thriving Benedictine monastery and a symbol of England’s Christian heritage. It’s part of the Canterbury World Heritage site, and offers visitors a chance to wander through the tranquil grounds, marvel at the remains of the abbey church, and soak in the relaxing atmosphere of this historic site.

    Walk Part of the Canterbury Camino
    Canterbury sits on the path of four different camino routes, each a special pilgrimage undertaken. While not as famous as Spain’s Camino de Santiago, the Canterbury camino routes can stretch between 100km to 1000 miles. Yes, 1000 miles. Of course, you don’t need to commit to the whole 100km or 1000 miles, but if you’re interesting in trying a stretch of the route this is the perfect opportunity!

    Best Canterbury Coffee Shops for a Pitstop

    The charming cobblestone city is full of coffee shops and cafes to explore, but the two best centrally located coffee shops I stopped at and would 100% recommend are Lost Sheep Coffee and Baker + Barista.

    Lost Sheep Coffee is owned by a couple who fell in love with coffee on their Australian travels, and brought a taste of the Aussie coffee culture back to the UK. They roast their own coffee beans in nearby Whitstable, and the coffee is just divine. So much so, I’ve ordered some to enjoy at home, many times! As well as great coffee and baked goods, they also offer a light brunch menu. It’s a small place so not one you’ll pitch up in to work from, but great for a quick bite or takeout coffee.

    I loved the coffee from Lost Sheep Coffee so much, their at-home coffee is
    now a regular order for me to be able to make their coffee at home!

    Bakers + Baristas is actually one of a chain, though the care and dedication they display in the shop doesn’t feel like a chain coffee shop! It’s got a prime location on the main street running through Canterbury city centre, perfect for doing a spot of people watching. There’s a good spread of cakes, bakes and sandwiches on offer, and another place in Canterbury with great coffee.

    There are of course plenty of coffee shops and cafes to explore in Canterbury, these are just my tried and tested recommendations.

    Cat cafes are a growing trend for cat lovers and animal lovers in general. Canterbury won’t disappoint, as you’ll find a cat cafe in the city centre, close to the cathedral with the wonderfully creative name, Canterbury Tails Cat Cafe.

    If you’re more of a tea drinker than a coffee fiend, be sure to check out Teastones on Sun Street. It has more tea blends than you can shake a cup at, and plenty that you can buy to try at home too. There are a few tables inside but it has a real cosy, community feel to it which is lovely.

    Where to Eat in Canterbury

    Canterbury is a university city, which means many students…and many places to eat. You’ll find a number of chains along the High Street running through the centre, but venture a little off the main high street and you’ll start to find the lesser known chains and independent places.

    How to Get Around

    Canterbury city centre is very compact and very charming with all the cobble stones, so the best (and probably only) way to get around the city centre is on foot. There are a number of walking tours you can sign up for, or self-guided walking tours are also available if you’d prefer to explore at your own pace but still get the fun and interesting facts about the city.

    It’s not really a mode of travel to sightsee in Canterbury, but you can enjoy a boat ride along the river. It’s not quite a gondola ride in Venice, but on a sunny day it’s a lovely way to see Canterbury from a different perspective.

    How to Get to Canterbury

    Train: Canterbury has two train stations, Canterbury East and Canterbury West. Chances are if you’re coming from London or one of the surrounding seaside towns you’ll be arriving at Canterbury West. It’s a short walk from the train station into Canterbury city centre.

    London to Canterbury by train: from 55 minutes to 1hr 45 minutes, depending which London station you depart from, as several have direct overground routes to Canterbury.

    Car: It’s a lovely drive to Canterbury through the Kent countryside, and there are car parks located centrally that also serve the city’s shopping centre. There’s also a park and ride service if you’d prefer to park for a bit cheaper, but you can check the car park situation on the local council website.

    Coach: It takes between 2 – 2.5 hours by coach from London to Canterbury.

    Foot: By foot? Yep, by foot! Canterbury is on the route of 4 different pilgrimage walks similar to the famous Spanish Camino, ranging from London to Canterbury, Rochester to Ramsgate (via Canterbury) all the way to the big one, 1000 miles along the Via Francigena from Canterbury to Rome. Let’s just say, it’s not impossible to reach Canterbury by foot but also not for the faint hearted!

    When to Visit Canterbury

    A city that is great to explore in the sunshine, and still pretty in the rain, there’s not really a bad time to visit Canterbury.

    Spring and autumn in the city bring mild days, better chance of nice weather and comfortable temperatures to wander the streets during the day. Winter may bring the cold and higher chance of rain, but there is also the pull of the Christmas market and lights. And of course, summer will give you the best chance of good weather, t-shirt temperatures and the opportunity to enjoy coffee in the sunshine.

    Got Longer Than a Day?

    If you’ve got the weekend free and want to use Canterbury as a base to explore the Kent area, there are plenty of cool towns along the coast to explore. Easily accessible by train are Ramsgate, Broadstairs and Margate, while towns such as Whitstable and Herne Bay on the north coast of the Kent area are easily reachable by bus and are also charming English seaside towns.

    Could you spend 2 days in Canterbury instead? Sure, but you can easily see most of the city centre in one day and it’d probably be a lot of coffee shop stops if you have 2 days in the city.

  • 23 Photos To Inspire A Visit To Gouda

    23 Photos To Inspire A Visit To Gouda

    A small city with a big reputation. Mostly of cheese, but Gouda doesn’t disappoint. With a weekly historic cheese market, charming canals and a church with some impressive titles, there are plenty of reasons to visit the Dutch city of Gouda.

    It wouldn’t be a Dutch city experience if it didn’t have canals, and the walk from the station into the city centre gives visitors a glimpse at some of Gouda’s finest. The first one you come across is calm and spacious, lined with boats and bikes. The further into the city you get, they become narrower and less a mode of transport and more of a surprise canal that you find between some buildings.

    Gouda’s title-winning church, the Church of St John, dazzles visitors with the stunning stained glass windows. The only church in the world to have so much stained glass from the 16th century, the history of the building is in keeping with the rest of Gouda. Visitors can enjoy a tour of the church for a small fee, and if timed right, might also catch a small concert.

    Although Gouda isn’t a big city, the central square is still impressive. It’s full of life with the weekly markets, but even without those it’s still worth a visit as the city hall sits right in the middle of the markt. Dating back to 1450, Gouda city hall claims the title of the oldest Gothic city hall in the Netherlands. The exterior architecture alone is worth checking out, and for a small fee visitors can take a tour of the interior too.

    The city hall really comes to life in December on Candle Night, when the windows of both the city hall and the surrounding buildings are filled with candles for the celebrations. It’s a day full of events, topped off with the Christmas tree lights being turned on in the evening.

    Nearby, the old cheese waag that was used to weigh the cheeses still does demonstrations with the huge scales and equally huge wheels of cheese. The building, finished in the late 1600s, is now home to Gouda’s cheese museum, giving visitors and insight into the history and process of making Gouda cheese.

    So, which came first, the city or the cheese? It probably won’t surprise you to know the city of Gouda was there first, but it might be a surprise to know that the cheese Gouda was named after the city. Not because it is or was made there, but because it was taken there to be traded at the weekly cheese market.

    These days the traditional cheese market is still held once a week in the summer, and it’s definitely worth a visit. The cheese wheels are lined up in the market square, with the traditional dairy maids walking around. Deals are still done by handjeklap, with the clap of a hand for each offer and counter offer. After a price is agreed, the cheese is taken away by horse and cart. It’s theatrical, and so interesting to see.

    You can easily do a quick tour of Gouda in a day, even half a day if you’re short on time. With quick and easy connections across The Netherlands, it’s really easy to take a day trip to Gouda from Amsterdam, Rotterdam or pretty much any city in the country.

  • How To Take The Leap Into Solo Travel

    How To Take The Leap Into Solo Travel

    So many of us love to travel, see new sights, taste new food, experience new cultures. But sometimes our plans don’t match up with those of the people we’d usually travel with; either they don’t want to go to the same place you’ve got your eye on, they don’t have the money, they can’t get time off work, they just read in their horoscope that they shouldn’t visit any new places in the next couple of months, the list can be endless. But should these reasons mean that we miss out?

    And welcome the recent boom of solo travellers. A refreshing, liberating, life changing, nerve wracking and scary experience. The first time is the hardest, but also the most rewarding. Once you realise that you can totally do this, you’ll wonder how you’ll ever travel with someone again.

    But it’s so easy to say ‘you’ll be fine‘, and for some it’ll be beyond easy to make the transition into travelling alone. For others, like me, it was a daunting experience that I eased into. And here are some ways you can jump into solo travel.

    Go on holiday with friends

    Wait, what? Yep, that’s right…go on a city break with friends, but when they head home, go to another city alone. It’ll feel weird once they’ve left and the realisation hits that you’re now in a country that isn’t home, all alone. But, because you’ve already been there a few days with friends, you know the lay of the land.

    If you’re really nervous, stay in the same city for a couple of extra days, if you think you’ll be ok, move on to a new city. This is an excellent tip for first time female solo travellers who might feel nervous!

    Visit a country you can speak the language

    (or at least understand a few key words)
    Removing one of the barriers of travel from what may already be a nerve wracking experience will ease the nerves a little. And who doesn’t like having one less thing to worry about? If you don’t speak any other languages, stick to the bigger cities or try learning a few key phrases. Being able to speak to people, even just the cashier, helps stop the feeling of being so alone in another city.

    Choose your accommodation well

    Solo travel doesn’t have to mean hostels. Sure, it’s a great way to keep costs down and meet people, but if you choose well you can find a number of other places to stay that don’t cost much more than a hostel. I always use booking.com (other accommodation providers are available…) and filter down to my price range. It shows you hotels, apartments, b&bs and hostels, so you can pick what’s best for you.

    When I’m travelling solo I like to mix it up, staying in a mix of apartments and hostels. There are some days where I’m happy to end the day by myself, tucked up in bed with Netflix and sampling the snacks I’ll have no doubt picked up through the day. Other times I need to be around people. And regardless of whether I book a quiet or lively hostel, sometimes it’s nice to just be around people and have a chat.

    Check the location

    Sure, the apartment or hostel is dirt cheap, looks nice and has a snazzy kitchen to cook in, but what about the location? We always need to be aware of our surroundings but even more so when travelling alone. You don’t want to feel like you have to return to your accommodation before dark because the area isn’t so great, or be laying in bed wondering what that noise was. I have stayed in some lovely apartments in super dodgy areas and had to plan my day around getting back before a certain time to make sure that it was early enough that I still felt safe. Lesson learnt!

    Tell people your plans

    This is a twofold point – not only does it make you feel better that someone knows where you are if something goes wrong, but also if you tell people you’re off to Barcelona for a few days traveling solo, it’ll make sure you don’t back out. Maybe that’s just me…

    Have an emergency fund available

    Most of us are not made of money, and wasting money when travelling is particularly difficult. But, it’s reassuring to know that if you need it, you’ve got money there to help you out of a tight spot. This was particularly helpful for me before I went away the first time, knowing that if I really hated being on my own and didn’t want to carry on, I could use that money to book an earlier flight home.

    Spoiler: I didn’t…I loved it!

    Know that there will be lonely times

    This is an obvious point, but it’s essential to know before you go that it’s likely you’ll have a moment where you miss being around people you can have a good ol’ natter with, or who know you well enough to know that you like the ketchup to not touch the rest of your food.

    But, these moments pass and all it really takes is a quick phone call home for a catch up with someone or a step back to see that you’re doing something totally amazing. And if it lingers, then a change of scenery helps. And the best part of solo travel, if you really and truly hate it, you can go home and not ruin anyone else’s plans.

    There are many things I love about travelling with someone, but now I’ve experienced solo travel, I don’t know how I’ll adjust back to travelling with a friend or partner. The freedom of travelling alone is 100% my favourite thing, and knowing that I’m free to do absolutely whatever I want is amazing. Want to get up at 11am and have a lazy day? Go ahead! Last minute change of plans to visit a place you can see in the distance but aren’t sure if it’s worth it? No worries, it’s only your time you’re wasting!

    If you’re considering taking a solo trip, I would 100% recommend giving it a go. Whatever happens, at least you’ll know whether solo travel is for you. And if you’re a fellow solo travel fan, let me know if you have any tips for conquering the transition into solo travel.

  • Photos to Inspire You to Visit Budapest

    Photos to Inspire You to Visit Budapest

    Budapest, the vibrant heart and capital city of Hungary, is a place where history, culture, and stunning architecture come together to create an unforgettable travel destination. Add to that the world famous thermal baths, and Budapest is certainly a city that should be on everyone’s radar to visit at least once.

    Whether you’re drawn to bustling markets, relaxing thermal baths, or lively café culture, Budapest promises a city break full of experiences. And here are just a selection of photos to inspire a visit to the Hungarian capital.

    Why visit Budapest?

    Sitting on the Danube River, Budapest offers a picturesque blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication. From its iconic landmarks like the Hungarian Parliament Building and the historic Buda Castle to its charming streets lined with Art Nouveau wonders, the city is a photographer’s dream.

    Throw in delicious food and really affordable prices – compared to Europe at least – and you’ve got a city break that you can fully indulge in, guilt free.

    Architecture

    I know, I know, every city has ‘architecture’, what makes Budapest so special? Walking along the streets of Budapest you can’t help but just admire the gorgeous, historic buildings that you pass. It’s one of the great things about exploring such old European cities, and Budapest has some absolutely stunning buildings to check out! The obvious ones are the Hungarian Parliament and the city’s cathedral, but also just standard buildings as you walk down the street are pretty to see.

    Danube River

    The River Danube runs through the middle of Budapest. It runs from the its source in the Black Forest area of Southern Germany, passing through 12 countries (including Hungary) before reaching the Black Sea. It’s the second longest river in Europe, and an absolute hub of life.

    Due to the length and number of countries it passes through, the Danube is one of the oldest trade routes in Europe. These days it is still used for trade, but there are also a number of river cruises that use the river to transport visitors between countries and cities in luxury. These include stops in Budapest, and it’s a common sight to see the river cruise boats lined up along the shore, waiting for people to return from a day of sightseeing before moving on to the next city.

    Aside from the importance in trade, a crazy length and everything it brings to Budapest, the river is also a really lovely place to wander along or enjoy a river tour. From it, you can see a number of sights that Budapest is famous for, including the Hungarian Parliament building, Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion, all worth adding on to a sightseeing list.

    Buda and Pest

    Modern day Budapest is one city, but it got its name from the two settlements that sat either side of the river. Buda is the settlement and area on the hillier side of the river, while Pest is the flatter side where the majority of the city is these days.

    While we’re on the topic of the name, if you’re not sure how to pronounce Budapest it’s like ‘Boo-da-pest’ in English, or ‘Boo-da-pesh-t’ in Hungarian.

    Thermal baths

    One thing Budapest is known for worldwide are the thermal baths. While there’s the big one all tourists try to visit – Széchenyi Thermal Bath – there are actually a number across the city. Due to Széchenyi’s popularity it’s often crowded, but there are plenty of other thermal baths to check out in the city.

    You can expect to find a number of different pools in the complex for whichever one you visit, often with different temperatures and surroundings. Some of the thermal baths offer riverside views, slides or wave pools. Definitely a must do when in Budapest!

    History

    With many, many books written on Budapest’s history, I couldn’t even begin to touch on it here. However, the city dates back to pre-Roman times and has seen more than its fair share of wars and battles in its time. The age of the city and battle history can still be seen across the city, from the historic buildings that still stand to the hollowed out marks in the walls of building behind the Hungarian Parliament from gunshots there.

    There are nods to the city’s history as you walk around, one notably on the riverbank of the Danube. As you walk along, you’ll see over 50 pairs of iron shoes on the edge of the walkway. These are a memorial to people murdered during WWII who were made to take off their shoes before being shot into the river. The mix of shoes from adults, men, women, children, really highlights the atrocities that took place here.

    Food & drink

    Hungary isn’t a country that often takes a spotlight on the world cuisine map, but Budapest is a treasure trove of great food and even better range of cuisines to tuck into. As with all great capital cities, you’ll find a vast number of places offering the typical Hungarian hits such as goulash, langos and potato dishes. But if you take a wander around the city, you’ll also find a lot of international restaurants.

    For a fun crossover of food and shopping, Budapest markets have you covered. There are a handful across the city, but the biggest and best has to be Central Market Hall. It’s conveniently located in the middle of the city centre, and has a great selection of market stalls across two floors, offering souvenirs, crafts, groceries and even ready to eat food.

    Don’t be fooled into thinking food is Budapest’s focus though. Nightlife in Budapest is a huge draw for many to the city, and you’ll find a mix of sophisticated bars offering drinks al fresco – gorgeous for the Budapest summers – as well as quiet bars hidden away in the side streets. If you’ve not heard of the Ruins bars yet, you’re missing out! A collection of bars in a once abandoned building, the ruins bars are a real hodge podge collection decked out in graffiti, offering a really unique, fun night out.

    These are just a small collection of photos to inspire you to visit this gorgeous city. If you’re still wondering why visit Budapest, then the best way to answer that question is to take my approach – book a flight and enjoy a weekend in the gorgeous city!

  • How to Visit Mount Tibidabo, Barcelona

    How to Visit Mount Tibidabo, Barcelona

    Years ago, when I was hitchhiking in the foothills of Mount Tibidabo…

    Many of us who spent our youthful years watching episodes of Friends will be familiar with Joey’s famous chat up line, but many people don’t realise that Mount Tibidabo in Barcelona is actually a real place. It’s not a mountain in the sense that Mount Everest is, but is one of the hills that form the Serra de Collserola mountain range in Catalonia, Spain.

    In fact, Tibidabo is really easy to reach from Barcelona city centre and this guide will help you find out how to get there, what there is to do at Tibidabo and whether it’s worth the effort to get there.

    Where is Tibidabo?

    Sitting at 512m, Tibidabo is the tallest hill in the Serra de Collserola range. It can be seen from many places in Barcelona city centre, and sits right next to the city.

    Top things to do at Tibidabo

    It’s a small area at the top of Tibidabo in Barcelona, but don’t let that make you think there’s nothing to do there. The top things you can do at Tibidabo are:

    Have fun at Tibidabo Amusement Park. Did you know Barcelona has a compact and quirky amusement park tucked away in the hills? It’s been operating since 1905 and is Spain’s longest running theme park.

    Visit the Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. From the outside, Sagrat Cor is visually stunning. Inside, you’ll find a compact, modest church that isn’t anything that would really make it a destination church. The real draw behind this church is the viewing platform.

    There’s a lift most of the way, and stairs to the higher viewing platform, but the views here are really one of the best in Barcelona. On a clear day you can see for miles over the sprawling city and the bordering mountain range.

    Soak up the best panoramic view of Barcelona. The viewing deck at Tibidabo offers panoramic views of Barcelona. It’s not quite as high as those from the top of the church at Tibidabo, so it might be better for those people who don’t love heights, but also it gives a different kind of view of the city than from the church. Plus, it’s free to check out the Tibidabo viewpoint, so you’ve got nothing to lose.

    Visit Collserola Tower. Visible from a lot of Barcelona city centre, the tower was built in 1992 for the summer Olympics held in Barcelona. It’s primarily a communications tower, hence the height and location, but you can also visit the viewing deck for yet another chance at stunning panoramic views of Barcelona.

    How long do you need at Tibidabo
    The length of time you need to visit will vary depending on why you’re visiting. If the theme park is calling your name, you could easily spend a whole afternoon here, but note the theme park isn’t huge like nearby Port Aventura.

    If you’re visiting Tibidabo to take in the stunning views and visit the church, you’ll just need an hour or two once you arrive at the top of the funicular. This is plenty of time to have a look around, check out the panoramic view from the Sky Walk and visit the church too. You can get even higher views of Barcelona and the surrounding natural park of Parc Natural de la Serra de Collserola from the top of the church at Tibidabo…definitely worth the climb!

    How to get to Tibidabo from Barcelona

    Tibidabo is easily accessible from the centre of Barcelona, and one of the most convenient ways to reach Tibidabo is by taking a combination of public transport options:

    Metro and Bus: Start the journey by taking the L7 line of the Barcelona Metro to Avenida Tibidabo station. From there, hop onto the bus (line 196) to the base of Tibidabo, or walk up the hill if you’re ready to brave the incline.

    Funicular: To ascend the mountain and reach Tibidabo Amusement park, jump on the Tibidabo Funicular at the tram’s final stop. The funicular ride itself is an experience, offering breathtaking glimpses of Barcelona as you climb towards the summit.

    If you don’t fancy tackling the public transport route, you can opt for a taxi or ride-sharing service for a more direct and flexible journey. This is a convenient option if you’re traveling with family or prefer a quicker route to the top.

    What else to do in the area

    Hikers will rejoice because this is a popular area to get out and get your step count up in nature. There are a huge number of trails to check out in Parc Natural de la Serra de Collserola. In fact, pretty much the only other thing to do near Tibidabo is nature related unless you head back down the hill to Barcelona.

    Near the funicular station at the bottom of Tibidabo, there’s a restaurant with a gorgeous view of Barcelona. It’s not in the main tourist area so you’d have to know it to go there, but Mirablau has seats lining along the window so you can enjoy a meal with a view. They’ll be reluctant to give you a window seat if you’re not eating there, but the view and pitstop on the way to Tibidabo is worth it anyway.

    Where to stay when visiting Tibidabo

    Tibidabo is an easy day trip from Barcelona, so to make the most of your time it would be recommended to stay somewhere central in the city. For easy access from Barcelona city centre to Tibidabo, and a central location in the city, stay somewhere close to Placa Catalunya, or with easy connections to there.

    If you’re looking to stay outside of Barcelona city centre, somewhere a little more rural with stunning views and less of the hustle and bustle of city life, there are a few accommodation options in the area of Tibidabo. One of the breathtaking options in the hills that is quite a way out of the city is Gran Hotel La Florida G.L Monumento. If you’d prefer something a touch more affordable, with more neighbourhood vibes but still easy access to Tibidabo, check out the Sant Gervasi-la Bonanova or Gracia neighbourhoods.