The amusement park marks more than a century of history and memories shared by generations of Barcelona residents
Tibidabo’s pioneering spirit and drive to innovate go hand in hand with preserving its unique heritage, bringing together historic attractions such as Embruixabruixes, Talaia and Avió with newer experiences such as Dididado and virtual reality
The main anniversary event will take place on Sunday 4 October, with a walk from Barcelona to Tibidabo
Parc d’atraccions Tibidabo celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2026. Opened in 1901, it is the oldest operating amusement park in Spain and the second oldest in Europe. Its history is closely tied to Barcelona’s development and to generations of residents who have grown up, played and spent time together on the mountain overlooking the city.
The people, the attractions and the city itself have changed over those 125 years, but Tibidabo remains woven into family memories and Barcelona’s collective imagination. Five generations have enjoyed the park as children, teenagers, parents and grandparents, passing their affection for it on to those who followed.
125 years as part of Barcelona’s story
The Tibidabo project began in the late nineteenth century, driven by Dr Salvador Andreu i Grau’s vision of developing up the mountain and establishing it as a landmark destination for Barcelona. The plan was to develop the mountain, build new transport links and offer an innovative mix of leisure, culture and entertainment.
The Tibidabo Funicular began operating on 29 October 1901. The first in Spain, it was a pioneering transport link that made the mountain easier to reach. The journey to the summit thus became an essential part of the Tibidabo experience.
Since then and for over a century, the park has continued to evolve, introducing new attractions, technologies and experiences while preserving the features that are part of its heritage and Barcelona’s collective imagination. This balance between preservation and innovation has helped Tibidabo remain a favourite place for family days out and continue to appeal to new generations.
Barcelona City Council has managed Parc d’atraccions Tibidabo through BSM since 2002. Today, the park has 35 attractions and offers a mix of heritage, culture, education, accessibility, sustainability, innovation, dining and new experiences.
A unique heritage that still delights visitors
Some of Tibidabo’s attractions have become symbols of the park and hold a special place in Barcelona’s collective memory. Among them is Embruixabruixes, which dates back to 1915 and is the park’s oldest attraction. Originally known as Ferrocarril Aeri, it was Tibidabo’s first major mechanical ride. Although new technology and visual effects have been added over the years, it remains a family attraction full of fantasy.
Opened in 1921, Talaia is the park’s second-oldest attraction and one of its most recognisable. Its 50-metre structure lifts visitors to more than 550 metres above sea level, giving them exceptional views of Barcelona and the surrounding area.
Avió, which opened on 23 September 1928, is a replica of the aircraft that made the first commercial flight between Barcelona and Madrid. It was a pioneering attraction in Europe and captured the era’s spirit of progress and modernity. Almost a century later, it still flies under its own power and has become one of Tibidabo’s best-known landmarks.
Carrusel, Miramiralls and the Automata Museum complete this unique heritage. The Automata Museum is home to one of the world’s most important collections of automata, including valuable historic pieces dating back to the late nineteenth century.
Tibidabo has continued to add new rides and experiences alongside its historic attractions, such as the Muntanya Russa roller coaster, which blends into the Collserola landscape, and Merlí, a free-fall ride with panoramic views of Barcelona. The newer rides stand alongside the old favourites, allowing the park to keep evolving without losing its character.
A season celebrating Tibidabo’s ties to Barcelona
Tibidabo’s 125th anniversary falls in a particularly significant year, with two new additions offering visitors fresh ways to take in the views, enjoy great food and experience the summit.
The first is the newly unveiled ‘Barcelona’ letters at the Panoramic Area viewpoint, a visible reminder of Tibidabo’s connection to the city. The park is many things at once: a place for leisure, a spectacular viewpoint, a landmark on Barcelona’s skyline, a heritage site and a meeting place for families, city residents and visitors.
The second addition is Masia Tibidabo, which opened in June 2026. Created with chef Rafa Zafra, the new restaurant serves Catalan food to visitors of all ages in the historic Masia building in Plaça del Tibidabo. The Modernista building, which also opened in 1901, has been restored to make dining a new part of the experience of visiting the summit.
Both additions showcase Tibidabo’s commitment to preserving and celebrating its history while offering something new to present and future generations.
A grand celebration of 125 years of shared thrills
Tibidabo will mark its 125th anniversary with a day of festivities on Sunday 4 October. The programme begins with a walk organised in collaboration with Barnatresc, from the Jardinets de Gràcia to Plaça del Doctor Andreu. From there, participants will take the Cuca de Llum funicular to the park. Registration is now open through this link. The day will end at Tibidabo with a celebration open to everyone, featuring music, entertainment and surprises.
You can download the information pack and a selection of historic images of Tibidabo from this link.
