Discover what to see in Montjuïc, a special place in Barcelona that fuses history, art, culture and nature. Enjoy panoramic views, immerse yourself in its rich history and live unique cultural experiences in this magical enclave.

What to see in Montjuïc

If you’re planning a visit to Barcelona, Montjuïc is a must-see destination. One of the city’s most famous mountains, Montjuïc offers a unique combination of history, culture and nature, with a wide variety of activities and places to visit.

From its imposing castle with breathtaking panoramic views of the city and harbour, to the charm of Poble Espanyol full of fascinating museums and monuments, Montjuïc has something for everyone.

In this article, we offer you a complete guide on what to see in Montjuïc, so you can make the most of your visit to this stunning place and discover all it has to offer. Take note!

Barcelona’s Montjuïc: history, culture and nature in a single place

Barcelona’s Montjuïc is a mountain that offers much more than panoramic views of the city. This place is a compendium of history, culture and nature in one place. Witness to key events such as the 1929 Universal Exhibition and the 1992 Olympic Games, Montjuïc has undergone a significant transformation over the years from a site used for strategic and defensive purposes to a cultural and tourist centre today.

In its Roman origins, the mountain had a watchtower on its summit that was used to report the arrival of ships to the city. In the 17th century, Montjuïc became a military fortress with the construction of a castle to defend the city from enemy attacks. In the 17th century, it became a military prison and would be used for this purpose until the end of the 19th century. Today, Montjuïc Castle is a Cultural Asset of National Interest.

At the 1929 International Exhibition, Montjuïc played a leading role as the epicentre of the event, which left a great legacy, with the creation of emblematic buildings and the modernisation of the area. The Poble Espanyol is one of the most significant examples, along with the Mies van der Rohnm Pavilion, the Fira de Barcelona and the Palau Nacional.

In 1992, the Olympic Games represented a major change for the image of Montjuïc. The area became the epicentre of sporting competitions and events, with landmarks such as the Palau Sant Jordi and the Lluís Companys stadium. In addition, major infrastructure improvements were carried out, such as the creation of new public spaces, the revitalisation of green areas and the restoration and renovation of many existing facilities.

Today Montjuïc, with a wealth of museums, gardens and attractions to visit, is a must-see place to learn about Barcelona’s history and culture while enjoying its nature. Get ready to explore all it has to offer!

Visiting Montjuïc: Barcelona’s must-see mountains

Visiting Montjuïc is a unique experience in Barcelona. From the top of this mountain, you can admire breathtaking views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea and enjoy a wide variety of cultural, historical and natural attractions.

Today we share with you the must-see places you can’t miss on your visit!

Poble Espanyol

Poble Espanyol is one of the most outstanding attractions in Barcelona’s Montjuïc. Listed as an Architectural Heritage Site of the city, it’s a venue with more than 90 years of history that combines architecture, crafts and contemporary art with a host of leisure and entertainment options for all ages.

Here are all the experiences that await you in Poble Espanyol:

Explore regional architecture: wander the cobbled streets and admire authentic replicas of buildings representing the architecture of various regions of Spain. From charming Andalusian houses to a Catalan Romanesque monastery, Poble Espanyol offers a unique insight into the country’s architectural diversity with 117 full-scale constructions.

Visit the Fran Daurel Museum and other exhibitions: Inside Poble Espanyol, the Fran Daurel Museum impresses contemporary art lovers with over 300 works by leading Spanish artists such as Picasso, Miró, Dalí, Tàpies and Chillida. And if you want to learn about the origins of the site, make the most of your ticket to visit the exhibition “A Photographic Journey: The Construction of Poble Espanyol”, a window into the past that offers a unique insight into how this iconic place came to life over time.

Discover all the exhibitions you can visit at the Poble Espanyol – admission is included with your ticket!

Become an artisan for a day: inside the Poble, you can witness the work of skilled craftsmen in pottery, glass, leather and jewellery workshops. Watch the creative process in action, take part in workshops and courses for children and adults, and take home unique handmade products as a souvenir of your visit.

Taste Spanish gastronomy: immerse yourself in a variety of authentic Spanish flavours at the many restaurants and bars on the site. From classics such as paella and tapas to regional specialities, each establishment offers a unique dining experience. Enjoy an unforgettable meal amidst this picturesque setting, adding a delicious touch to your visit to Poble Espanyol.

Enjoy cultural events: Poble Espanyol regularly organises cultural and family events such as concerts, festivals and themed activities – check the programme to make sure you don’t miss out!

Montjuic Castle

This former military fortress, built in the 17th century, is another of the most popular places to visit in Montjuïc. From here, you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Barcelona and the Mediterranean Sea. You can also immerse yourself in the city’s military history as you stroll along its walls and discover the fascinating collection of weapons and exhibits that tell the story of the many battles this castle has witnessed over the years.

Joan Miró Foundation

For lovers of contemporary art, the Joan Miró Foundation is a must-see. This museum pays homage to the famous Catalan painter Joan Miró and houses an impressive collection of his works, as well as temporary exhibitions of contemporary artists. The architecture of the building itself is a masterpiece that perfectly complements the artistic creations it houses. Immerse yourself in the surreal and colourful world of this 20th century master.

Palau Nacional and the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc

The majestic Palau Nacional is another highlight of Montjuïc, which now houses the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC). Discover the rich history of Catalan art from the Romanesque period to the present day. Also, don’t miss the light and water show of the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, which takes place in front of the Palau Nacional on weekend nights. A visual and sound experience that will leave you in awe.

Mies van der Rohe German Pavilion

It is one of the most iconic structures on Montjuïc. It was designed by architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe as Germany’s national pavilion for the 1929 Barcelona International Exhibition. Although originally built as a temporary structure, its innovative design and architectural importance led to its reconstruction on the same site in 1986.

Today, the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion hosts temporary exhibitions and events related to design and architecture.

CaixaForum

CaixaForum is an important cultural centre in Barcelona, renowned for its impressive modernist architecture that combines elements of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles.

It houses temporary art exhibitions, ranging from ancient to contemporary, as well as offering a wide variety of cultural activities, such as concerts, lectures and workshops for all ages.

The original building of CaixaForum was the Casaramona textile factory, which was remodelled and converted into a cultural centre by the Catalan architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch.

The Olympic Ring

Montjuïc was the main venue for the 1992 Olympic Games, where many of the most important sporting competitions were held. Today, the Olympic Ring remains a symbol of sporting excellence and a must-see for sports lovers.

Walking around the Olympic Stadium and the Palau Sant Jordi, you can feel the emotion of the athletes who competed there and left their mark on the history of sport.

You can also admire the majesty of the Calatrava Tower, an iconic architectural work that dominates the Montjuïc skyline. From its vantage point, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city and the sea.

Laribal Gardens

Montjuïc also offers the opportunity to connect with nature without leaving the city. The botanical gardens, along with extensive green spaces, walking trails and spectacular views of the Mediterranean, make this an ideal stop for those seeking a natural retreat amidst the urban bustle.

The Laribal Gardens are noted for their exquisite landscaping, which includes terraces, ponds, waterfalls and an abundance of Mediterranean plants. The Cascade Fountain, with its majesty and beauty, is the true jewel of these gardens, providing an enchanting space for visitors to rest and enjoy the surroundings.

Now that you know the best of Montjuïc, we recommend you plan your visit in advance to make the most of your time and enjoy everything this place has to offer. Montjuic is easily accessible by public transport. You can take the metro and get off at Paral-lel station (lines 2 and 3) and walk up the mountain. You can also consider taking the cable car to go straight to the top and enjoy breathtaking views of the city.
In addition, we recommend buying tickets in advance to visit popular museums and attractions, such as Poble Espanyol. This will save you time and avoid long queues.

Get ready for a unique experience discovering the rich history and breathtaking scenery of one of Barcelona’s most famous mountains.