Spread the love

Tweet

Chances are you´ve seen Montjuic from the plane when you were just about to land in Barcelona airport and you flew along the coast. It´s located close Place Espana, meaning very easy to get to no matter where you are staying in the city. And there are so many things to do there that you can easily spend several days just exploring this one mountain. Here are my top 10 picks:

Cablecar

There is a cable car that crosses the harbour from Barceloneta to Montjuic – be.a.utiful views of the city from here! And then there is another one that goes up on Montjuic to the fortress on top of the hill. That one saves you the hike 😉

The Montjuic Funicular cablecar has been in operation since 1928 and is an iconic part of the city’s skyline. The journey takes about 10 minutes, giving riders plenty of time to take in the scenery and get some amazing photographs.

The ride ends at the summit of Montjuic, where there is a castle, a museum, and a botanical garden. It’s the perfect place to relax, take a walk, or just enjoy the stunning views of the city.

Poble Espanol

Yeah, so they rebuilt Spanish architecture from each state in one village and called it Poble Espanol. Meaning, you see what houses look like in Andalusia and turn around the corner and be in Catalonia. There are restaurants and little shops, and sometimes festivals and concerts on the square.

MNAC

The National Museum of Art of Catalonia – free on Saturday afternoon and every first Sunday of the month. Even if you don´t care for art, you´ll want to walk up here (or take the escalators conveniently installed for your visit) to enjoy the view. Believe me, it is worth it.

The MNAC is a renowned art museum located in the heart of Barcelona. It is home to a vast collection of artwork ranging from ancient sculptures to 19th-century paintings. Visitors can explore the many galleries, which house works of Spanish masters, as well as international art.

Magic Fountains

The magic fountains remain one of my all-time favorite things to do in Barcelona. If you follow my blog, you will have read about them already in my Barcelona on a budget guide. If you haven´t: sign up now, so every new blog post goes straight to your inbox.

The Magic Fountains of Montjuic in Barcelona are a breathtaking display of water, light, and music. Located in the Plaça Espanya, these iconic fountains attract thousands of visitors every year.

The show features streams of water that are illuminated by colorful lights and accompanied by classical music. The show changes depending on the time of day, with the most spectacular displays occurring in the evening.

The Magic Fountains also pay tribute to the city’s history by featuring iconic figures from Barcelona’s past. The fountains are a popular attraction for locals and visitors alike, and provide a unique and unforgettable experience.

Check show times here, as they vary by season. The Montjuic Fountain is an experience you really shouldn´t miss.

Rock Climbing

I love rock climbing and was so happy when I found a place in Barcelona that offered it! For those of you who are scared of heights or prefer outdoor recreation: there is also a public pool on Montjuic.

Cemetery

One day in the Spring my friends and I rented some e-bikes to go up the mountain and see the cemetery. The e-bikes were the best decision ever – we saw so much in a few hours and had a great time without the exhaustion of the usual sightseeing. Anyway, this graveyard fascinated me.

The cemetery was established in 1651 and is one of the oldest in the world. It contains over 200 graves and memorials, many of which date back to the 1600s.

The cemetery is a unique and peaceful place, located in one of the most beautiful areas of the city. It is a place for reflection and contemplation, and a reminder of the rich history of the Jewish people in Barcelona. Visitors can explore the grounds and take in the solemn atmosphere of the cemetery.

Olympic stadium

The Olympic Stadium in Barcelona is a multi-purpose stadium located in the Montjuïc area of the city. It was built for the 1992 Summer Olympic Games and has a capacity of around 65,000 people. The Montjuic stadium is home to the Barcelona football team and is used for many different events, from sport matches to concerts and other events.

Next to it you´ll see the artsy monument, supposedly representing an athlete bending forward to receive his medal. You tell me what you see.

Castell de Montjuic

Another lucky find from e-bike day! The Castell is on the highest point of the Mountain, cheap to enter, teaches you some history AND offers great views both towards the city and beyond the airport and ports on the other side. To get here, you can also take the funicular (cable car) all the way up.

It was built in the mid-1700s by the Bourbon Monarchy to protect the city from attack by sea. The castle was heavily fortified and had a complex system of fortifications, including an extensive network of underground passageways.

During the 19th century, the castle was used as a prison and a military base. In the early 20th century, it was turned into a tourist attraction and today it is one of Barcelona’s most popular sights.

Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Gardens take part in free museum Sundays every first Sunday of the month. I thought it was cool, but then I like that kind of stuff. When I went, they had a Bonsai thing going on with a special exhibit.

It is home to a variety of plants from all over the world, including species from South America, Africa, and Australia. The garden has a lush green space, which is perfect for relaxing walks or picnics with friends.

Fundacio de Joan Miro

Fundació Joan Miró is an art museum in Barcelona, Spain, dedicated to the works of Catalan artist Joan Miró. The museum was established in 1975, and it houses a collection of over 14,000 works, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, ceramic pieces and other objects created by Miró throughout his career.

This one is for the art lovers. As simple as this building looks, a lot of thought went into it! Miro´s pieces are places in a space made to portrait them in their best light. Some of them on the accessible roof top. The view from the terrace is similar to the view from the MNAC. What´s not to love?

Things to do on Montjuic – FAQ

What is Montjuïc known for?

Montjuïc is known for its strategic location overlooking the Barcelona harbour, its 1929 World Fair pavilions, parks, and botanical gardens, its role in the defense of the city throughout the ages, and its Jewish cemetery from medieval times.

How long do people spend at Montjuïc?

The amount of time people spend at Montjuïc varies depending on the activities they have planned. Generally, people spend between two to four hours exploring the area. However, some people who plan to visit the museums, take in a show, or take the Montjuïc Cable Car may spend up to five to six hours at the site.

Can you walk around Montjuïc?

Yes, it is possible to walk around Montjuïc. The area is quite large and there are plenty of paths and trails to explore. However, the terrain can be quite steep in some places and the hills can be quite high, so it is important to wear good walking shoes and to be prepared for a bit of a climb. Additionally, due to its size, it is possible to spend a few hours exploring the area.

Is it worth going inside Montjuïc Castle?

Yes, it is worth visiting Montjuïc Castle. The castle has a fascinating history, from its role in the defense of Barcelona to its more recent use as the venue for the 1992 Olympic Games. Inside the castle, visitors can explore its grounds, including the old fortress walls and towers, and admire its spectacular views of the city.

Which one of these sounds most interesting to you? What would you do if you have to only one or two things?