montjuic castle tour

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Visiting the Castle of Montjuic, a fortress in Barcelona

Castell de montjuic inside visit.

Did you know there’s a castle in Barcelona? A castle    on a hill.  And no, it’s not the white building next to an amusement park: that’s the church of the Holy Heart of the Tibidabo Mountain. I’m talking about the Castell de Montjuic, in the mountain that raises by the sea in the Southern end of the city. Its origins date back from 1073, when the first watch tower was documented on top of the hill. A sailor lived there to keep watch and alert the citizens about approaching enemy vessels. That beacon was fortified in the 1600’s, to protect Barcelona against the attacks of the fleet of Philip IV. 

During the War of Succession in 1714 the fortress was heavily bombed and practically destroyed. The reconstruction of the castle started in 1753, following the plans of the military engineer Juan Martin Cermeño – the current image of the Montjuic castle is the result of such reconstruction, with some additions and improvements made in the following centuries. 

After that moment the role of the Barcelona castle stopped being the defense of the city and became the repression of it. The castle has a dark past of cruel bombings against the city, mass arrests, torture and executions of civilians, thinkers, political leaders, anarchists, strike protestants… First by the Spanish monarchy and army, then by the Catalan republicans during the Spanish Civil War, and the horror continued under the dictatorship of Franco – all sides had blood on their hands.

Eventually in 1963, its military use finally declining, the fortress was turned into a military museum after 3 years of refurbishment works. With the death of General Franco in 1975 the democracy returned to Spain, but the negotiations to transfer the castle to the city of Barcelona lasted decades. Finally in 2007 the army accepted releasing the control of it and the military museum was dismantled. The Castle of Montjuic would never again be a threat for the Barcelonans.

What to see inside the Castle of Montjuic

OUTSIDE OF THE CASTLE

If your budget is limited, you may want to just see the castle from outside. The best pictures are taken from the small parking in front of the bridge over the moat. The moat isn't full of water, mind you: at the bottom there's a French-style topiary garden instead. There's a couple of big canons that kids love to climb for pictures. If you walk past the bridge towards the left you'll get to see views over the port, and if you pay attention, in the moat, near a large poplar tree you'll see a thin column with blue markings: it's the Hommage to the Metre. 

It is there to celebrate that during 1792-93 the French scientist Pierre Méchain used the tower of the Montjuic Castle as a reference point to calculate the triangulations that would establish the geographic coordinates of Barcelona, and from there the basis of the metric system (sorry, don’t ask me how that works: math isn’t my thing…). Anyway, from that corner departs a path that allows you to walk around the entire structure of the castle in under 30 minutes if you want to follow it. It’s known as the “covered way”, not because it’s under roof, but because it was “covered” or protected by the fire from the bastions, its first line of defense.

Or if you don’t want to walk that much, just go right instead, and past the cable car station you’ll see the Fossar de Santa Eulàlia: the part of the moat that works now as an archery field: there was executed the Catalan President Lluis Companys during the dictatorship of general Franco.

BASTION OF SANT CARLES

If you decided to pay the entrance fee, after getting your ticket scanned you’ll take an elevator to the top of the Bastion of Sant Carles. Besides the great views over the industrial port and the cruise piers, here you’ll find a couple of cannons, as well. You’ll also find there a bronze sculpture of a Venus dedicated to Gaspar Portola, first governor of California and born in Catalonia in 1717.

PARADE GROUND

You’ll find here a cafe, toilets and the Interpretation Centre exhibit rooms.

UPPER TERRACE AND WATCHTOWER

At the opposite end of the parade ground you’ll find the staircase leading to the upper terrace (the staircase divides into two stairs – both lead to the same place, it makes no difference which one you take). The terrace is probably the best part of the visit, with its 360º views over Barcelona and the Mediterranean sea. At the opposite side of the terrace stands a watchtower, featuring two sundials and an a memorail plaque about Pierre Méchain and his calculations. The tower is unfortunately closed to the public, but it was used as a communications tower and apparently it still preserves inside its original telegraph network.

SANTA AMALIA BASTION

If you don’t have much time, after visiting the upper terrace your visit could end there, retracing your steps back down, through the parade ground and the tunnel, then taking the slopes down to the exit. But if you want to see more, after exiting the tunnel you can continue left to the Santa Amalia Bastion. There’s no cannons left there anymore, as all the batteries pointing to the city were dismantled after the Ministry of Defense transferred the control of the Castell de Montjuic to the Barcelona City Council in 2007.

In this bastion you can see a well with wrought iron decorations. The water came from an underground cistern that collected rainwater and provided water to the castle. From here you get also good views over the Santa Eulalia moat where president Companys was executed, and you can appreciate really well the scarp of the castle: the edges of the walls built on a small slope covered with weeds in imitation of the shape of hill: a clever way to camouflage the castle from the distance.

HORNWORK AND RAVELIN

Nowadays the connection between horns is decorated by an orange tree garden where you’ll also find a sculpture to the Timbaler del Bruc, a drummer that is said to have been key to the defeat of the army of Napoleon in his first attempt of conquering the Monastery of Montserrat.

If instead of walking down the garden you take the path that surrounds the castle, halfway down you’ll find the slope to access the moat of Santa Helena and the ravelin. A ravelin is a triangular structure strategically placed between the edges of the hornwork. It’s function is to force the enemy to split and immediately get exposed under the fire of the defenders positioned at the top of the hornwork.

At the right end of the moat stands a memorial from 1940, in honor of the prisoners of the nationalist side (the dictator Franco’s side) executed by the republicans in that very moat during the Spanish Civil War. It gives me the chills to think that a memorial about those that rose against democracy is still there… Anyway, the other end of the moat leads to the two last bastions of the castle: the Velasco and the Llengua de Serp bastions and their lunettes, but that part of the castle is nowadays not open to visitors and it’s occupied by a telecommunications facility.

After visiting the moat of the ravelin, go back to the top of the hornwork, where you’ll see two more cannons. Then you’ll walk down the last section of the castle wall: the one that overlooks the sea. This side of the castle perimeter housed the dormitories of the garrison. Five small windows almost at ground level were the only point of natural light into the 5 dungeons of the castle. At the end of the sea wall you’ll be back to the bastion of Sant Carles, and from there you’ll be around the corner from the ramp that takes you to the exit.

How to get to Montjuic Castle

There’s two cable cars in Barcelona , but only one of them goes all the way up to the castle: the Teleferic de Montjuic. Unfortunately, the cable car doesn’t connect directly with the city: you need to take the funicular from Paral·lel (L2 and L3 metro lines), then switch to the cable car. Or walk there. Or take the 55 or 150 buses, or the red route of the Tourist Bus. There’s often lines, so buying tickets online is always a good idea. And the views are breathtaking.

To visit Montjuic Castle you can take the 150 bus from Plaça Espanya. The stop is located near the Tourist Information Point, between the Venitian Towers and Avinguda Paral·lel. The bus runs every day 7AM-9PM, with a frequency of 10-15 minutes, and it takes almost 30 minutes (15 stops) to take you to Castell, the bus stop #2315, right under the Montjuic Castle.

If you are up for a hike, I recommend you to start from Plaça Espanya and walk the stairs (or take the escalators) up to the Palau National building, the MNAC museum. Walk around it from the left and follow the road up passed the Museum of Ethnology, then around the Laribal Gardens (I personally prefer to take the path that goes sort of parallel to the road inside the park, for a more tranquil stroll). Continue heading left until you hit the Miro Foundation. Only 5 minutes walk further you’ll see the Cable Car bottom station. From here you’ll just need to keep going uphill, using the cable car lines as a reference. You can take the road, or cross the Joan Brossa or the Mossen Cinto Verdaguer gardens until you reach the castle. This route takes about 1 hour.

Alternatively, if you prefer to take a detour and see more of the Montjuic Hill, at the MNAC go instead around it through the right.  You’ll soon see the escalators that take you to the Olympic Stadium, and from there you’ll go left, hitting the Miro Foundation on less than 10 minutes. But it’s at the top of the Hill: you can’t get lost. This other route is just under 10 minutes longer. BTW, mind that the fortress was built to be hidden from the enemy, so it’s not really visible until you are right there.

Castell de Montjuic opening hours & tickets

Opening hours.

• The Castillo de Montjuic opens every day, except December 25 and January 1.
• The opening hours are 10AM to 6PM, March to October extending the visit up to 8PM.
• The ticket offices close 30 minutes before closing time.
• The ticket office is located inside: go over the bridge over the moat, and as soon as you enter the gate you’ll see a door to the left that leads to the ticket office and the beginning of the visit.
• If you have already purchased your tickets online, there’s a separate lane next to the line to purchase tickets.
• It is possible to rent radioguies or join a guided tour for an extra fee. Guided tours in English take place on Saturdays, Sunday and local holidays at 1PM, and in August also Wednesday-Sunday at 11PM and 3PM.
• Visit is free on the first Sunday of every month, and every Sunday from 3PM. The lines to get in on such days tend to be long.

Things to do near this fortress on the Hill of Montjuic

• Take the easy hiking path overlooking the port that goes behind the Montjuic Castle to the Mirador del Migdia and enjoy drinks or an outdoors lunch at its popular “chiringuito” restaurant called La Caseta del Migdia .
• Enjoy the views from Mirador de l’Alcalde.
• Take the kids to the Joan Brossa gardens, where there’s two giant slides , musical cushions and several fun playgrounds.
• Swim with views over the city at the Municipal Olympic Pools   (Summer season only, but the rest of the year you can enjoy a drink at its bar)
• Visit the Miro Foundation .
• And in this post you’ll find more things to do in Montjuic .

Did you know there was a Castle in Barcelona?

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Montjuic Castle (Castell de Montjuïc): Visiting Barcelona Castle

Looking for a castle in Barcelona? Nestled on Montjuïc hill, overlooking the city, lies the Castell de Montjuïc.

This fortress has been a silent witness to Barcelona’s tumultuous past – playing pivotal roles in various chapters of the city’s history.

Let’s take a look at Montjuic Castle.

Montjuïc Castle History

The roots of Montjuïc Castle trace back to the Reapers’ War in 1640 .

Initially conceived as a military fortress , its strategic location at Montjuic Hill made it a focal point during the War of the Spanish Succession between 1705 and 1714.

But beyond its military significance, the castle has evolved over the centuries, reflecting the changing tides of Barcelona’s history.

In the mid-18th century the castle underwent extensive restorations . The current structure, with its imposing walls and intricate designs, hails from this period.

It has been a site of bombardments, a prison, and even the tragic execution ground for Lluís Companys , the president of the Catalan government, in 1940.

In 2007, a significant transition occurred when the castle came under the ownership of the Barcelona City Council .

This transfer symbolized the castle’s transformation from a military stronghold to a cultural monument belonging to the citizens of Barcelona.

Today it’s one of the best things to do in Barcelona and part of any Barcelona itinerary .

What to See at Montjuic Castle

The verdant gardens surrounding Montjuïc Castle offer a serene escape from the city’s hustle .

These gardens, with their meticulously curated flora , provide a tranquil backdrop to the castle’s imposing structure.

Inside, the castle is a treasure trove of history .

The Military Museum showcases artifacts and exhibits that narrate tales of Barcelona’s past wars and conflicts. The Chapel of Santa Eulalia , with its solemn ambiance, stands as a testament to the castle’s religious significance.

But it’s the terrace of Montjuïc Castle that truly steals the show.

Offering 360-degree views of Barcelona , from its bustling ports to the distant mountains, this vantage point is a haven for photographers and history enthusiasts alike.

Cultural Events and Activities at Montjuic Castle

Beyond its historical allure, Montjuïc Castle is a hub of cultural activities .

Throughout the year, the castle grounds resonate with the sounds of music, laughter, and applause, hosting various events and festivals.

The outdoor cinema experience at Sala Montjuïc , during the summer months, is a must-attend, where classic films are screened under the starlit sky.

In the vicinity of the castle, attractions like the Fundació Joan Miró , the Olympic Stadium, and the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya beckon visitors, making Montjuïc a cultural epicentre of Barcelona.

Montjuic Castle Barcelona Prices

• General admission (13-64): €23.00
• Senior (65+): €22.00
• Junior (8-12): €17.00
• Child (3-7): Free

Free admission to the Barcelona Castle is Sundays after 3:00 pm and the first Sunday of every month.

Interested in something a little more in-depth? You can see the Barcelona castle, ride the panoramic cable car, and get one of Barcelona’s best city tours all in one:

Montjuic Castle Hours

March 1st to October 31st from 10 am to 8 pm (last tickets sold at 7:30 pm).

November 1st to February 28th from 10 am to 6 pm (ticket sales ending at 5:30 pm).

The venue is open daily, except for December 25th and January 1st.

How to Get to the Castell de Montjuïc

The journey to Montjuïc Castle is as enchanting as the destination itself.

While the more adventurous might prefer hiking up the Montjuïc Hill, there’s an alternative for those seeking a more relaxed ascent: the Montjuïc Port Cable Car .

This ride offers passengers breathtaking aerial views of Barcelona starting near Barceloneta beach , making the journey to the castle a memorable experience in itself.

You can also get to Montjuic Castle by taking the 125 or 150 bus from Plaza España .

You can also grab the Montjuic Cable Car from further down the hill.

Castle in Barcelona FAQ

The famous castle in Barcelona is Montjuïc Castle. Perched atop Montjuïc Hill, this historic fortress offers panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. Originally built in the 17th century for defensive purposes, it has played various roles throughout Barcelona’s history, from a military base to a prison.

Today, it stands as a symbol of the city’s rich past and is a popular tourist attraction.

Yes, Montjuïc Castle is worth a visit. It offers a blend of rich history and stunning panoramic views of Barcelona and the Mediterranean Sea. Beyond its historical significance, the castle’s strategic location atop Montjuïc hill provides a serene escape from the city’s hustle.

The well-preserved fortress, lush gardens, and cultural events hosted there make it a must-visit for both history enthusiasts and casual visitors.

Montjuïc Castle typically has an entrance fee. However, on Sundays after 3:00 PM, entry to the castle is free. Additionally, the castle offers free admission on the first Sunday of every month for the entire day.

It’s advisable to check the official website or local sources for any changes in admission policies or special events that might affect entry fees.

Yes, you can walk up to Montjuïc Castle. There are several walking paths leading up to the castle from the base of Montjuïc Hill. The hike offers a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of Montjuïc Park and provides panoramic views of Barcelona.

While the walk is uphill and can be a bit strenuous, it’s a popular choice for both locals and tourists seeking a scenic route.

Ready to Visit the Best Castle in Barcelona??

Castell de Montjuïc, with its rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty, is more than just a landmark. It’s a testament to Barcelona’s resilience, evolution, and undying spirit.

Visiting this Barcelona castle is a must for history buffs – or people that just love a good panoramic.

Whatever you do, don’t be afraid to ask me about Montjuïc Castle in the comments below! 🙏

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Montjuïc Walking Tour: The Magical Side of Barcelona

A hilltop of secret gardens, stunning views and transformation.

• When 3 PM November thru February; 4 PM March thru October Friday, Saturday, Tuesday, Wednesday
• Duration 2 hours
• Meeting Point Montjuïc Castle

€29 per person

Local experts, worry-free booking.

Check Availability

• Meeting Point
• Travel Tips

• Learn how Barcelona began, according to legend, right here at Montjuïc.
• Capture beautiful panoramas of Barcelona from hilltop viewpoints.
• Wander romantic gardens filled with flowers, sculptures, waterfalls, and more.
• Discover the mysterious roots of Catalan dancing traditions.
• Hear the magical story of one of Spain’s most famous flamenco dancers.
• Walk down the path to the spectacular Barcelona Magic Fountain of Montjuïc.
• Upgrade for a guided tour inside Montjuic Castle, a fortress dating to the 17th century.

What you'll do

Begin your Montjuïc Walking Tour outside the castle. If you’ve selected the Montjuïc Castle upgrade, you’ll enjoy a guided visit to this monumental fortress before your tour. At the walking tour start time, everyone will meet our Barcelona guide in front of the castle, and we’ll begin.

As we set off, you’ll learn how this hill is connected to the earliest roots of Barcelona. Together, we’ll explore colorful gardens and incredible viewpoints.

At Mirador del Alcalde, your guide will regale you with tales of the ancient migrant community that once lived here and the many evolutions of this unusual hilltop.

We’ll enjoy this scenic view of Barcelona and then continue on to the Joan Brossa gardens. In these beautifully landscaped gardens, you’ll admire a statue dedicated to the traditional Catalan dance, La Sardana. Later, we’ll visit another monument to dance, this one for Carmen Amaya, the famous flamenco dancer with humble roots.

Our garden-hopping isn’t done. In the Laribal’s Gardens, get to know the mystical side of Montjuïc. Here, centuries ago, witches and wizards used to gather. We’ll walk down the gardens the same way witches used to do to reach the Greek Theater — and where they may have cast some spells!

Toward the bottom of the hill, we arrive at our last stop, the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, built in 1929 for the International Exhibition. Admire the new architecture around it that the 20th century brought to Barcelona, such as the striking Museum of Catalan Art and the charming waterfall lined-walk.

You can continue on your own to the Venetian Towers and the Plaça d’Espanya, just a short stroll away, or grab a drink or bite to eat. Your local guide can always share recommendations if you’d like!

Montjuïc Castle

A massive 17th-century fortress with an upgrade option for a guided visit before your tour

Mirador del Alcalde

A belvedere in a garden with tiered waterfalls overlooking the sea

Joan Brossa gardens and Sardana’s statue

Scenic grounds filled with fountains and sculptures, including one dedicated to Catalan dance

Carmen Amaya’s Monument

The statue of Barcelona’s most famous flamenco dancer

Laribal Gardens

The greenest side of Montjuïc where witches and wizards used to gather

The Greek Theater

A flower-filled location for concerts and festivals

The Magic Fountain

With a waterfall-lined walk and stunning architecture along the way

Make this tour private

Book this tour for just your group.

Plan your trip

Tour ending point.

This tour ends at the Magic Fountain of Montjuic.

Refund policy

We offer a 100% refund up to 24 hours before the start time.

Montjuïc Castle upgrade

Add on a guided visit inside the fortress before your tour for €20 per adult and €18 for kids 4-11. If you choose the upgrade, meet your guide at the castle entrance one hour before the normal meeting point time.

Have you seen the stunning Sagrada Família yet?

The tour was a great way to learn something about the history of Montjuïc and Barcelona. For instance, I was not aware of the emotionally charged and tragic past of the Montjuïc Castle until Maria gave us some background information. She also took us to some lovely places that I would probably have missed if I had explored Montjuïc on my own. I would definitely recommend this tour!

Meeting point

We’ll meet outside the Montjuïc Castle. Use these coordinates for the meeting location: 41.36396300563352, 2.167071231085228. You can paste them directly into Google Maps or any other navigation tool.

Your guide will be holding a sign that says “ExperienceFirst.”

How much walking is there?

This tour covers about 2 miles at a leisurely pace. If mobility is an issue, please arrange for a  private tour .

What is the rescheduling policy?

We understand plans change. We offer a 100% refund or the option to reschedule up to 24 hours prior to your tour start time. Within 24 hours of your tour, we would have incurred hard costs and therefore cannot allow rescheduling or cancellation without costs.

When should I get there?

Plan to show up 15 minutes early. The tour starts promptly, and you may not be able to catch up if you arrive late.

What if it rains?

Our tours run rain or shine. If there’s extreme weather and we have to cancel, you’ll get a full refund.

Are gratuities included?

Tips aren’t included but are always appreciated by our guides. If you think your guide did an outstanding job, a tip is a great way to show that.

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Montjuïc Castle in Barcelona: everything you need to know

Discover the grand castle of montjuïc in barcelona.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The History of Montjuïc Castle

• How to get to the Castle?

When to visit the Castle?

How much it cost, a truly complete historical visit.

The Montjuïc Castle, or Castell de Montjuïc in Catalan, is living history of the city of Barcelona. This old military fortress located on the top of the Montjuïc mountain has been the protagonist of several episodes in the history of the Catalan capital. It is one of the most bittersweet monuments of the city since it has played a fundamental role both in the development of the city and in the repression of its inhabitants, according to each historical period.

Today we are going to tell you a little more about this interesting and magnificent castle from Barcelona and why you should not miss it during your next visit to the city.

You can access the castle by car, by public or private bus, on foot or by bike. If you go in your own vehicle you should know that there is a large parking lot next to the Castle which you can access through Carrer Dels Tarongers. The parking price ranges from € 1.90 to € 3 per hour and is also open to private buses. If you decide to use public transport, bus 150 goes from Plaza de España to the top of the Castle in about 20 minutes.

However, the most attractive and tourist option to reach the castle is the cable-funicular combination. For this, we must take the Montjuïc Funicular , located at Paral.lel metro stop, on line L3 (green). The funicular will take us to the Montjuïc Park Station, where we can get into the cable car, which will take us to the top while enjoying spectacular views. If you decide to walk to the top of the station, keep in mind that there are slopes with a high drop in certain sections of the route. But on the other hand, if yo are walking you can enjoy Joan Brossa Gardens or Mossèn Cinto Verdaguer Gardens.

The Castle of Montjuïc has two different schedules depending on the season. From November 1 to February 28 it opens until 6 PM, while from March to October it opens until 8 PM. January 1 and December 25 will remain closed. February 18, May 18 and September 24 are open days, so access is free for everyone.

Accessing to this historic fortress costs 5 euros, while the reduced entrance is only 3 euros and can benefit from it people between 16-29 years, over 65, unemployed, people with a library card, beneficiaries of the Tarjeta Rosa, large families, single-parent families and groups of more than 10 people.

The first Sundays of each month are free throughout the day, while the rest of Sundays of the year, you can enter for free after 3:00 p.m. It must be remembered that the entrance includes visiting the Montjuïc Castle with temporary and permanent exhibitions.

The Castle of Montjuïc is a tourist visit that is worth it. Not only you can see its exhibitions or its architecture and review its history, but also you can visit its courtyard, the terrace or the ravelin. The walls, the moat or the canyons are other elements of the castle that you can admire and touch in person. You can also enjoy time contemplating the fantastic views from the top and you will understand even better the importance of the of the castle’s location. A 360º panoramic view of the city of Barcelona. It’s magical.

In the Moat of Santa Eulalia, one of the castle’s moats, the Municipal Archery Field has been implemented, a municipal sports equipment with restricted use for this sports lovers.

During the summer months, screenings are organized in the same castle’s moat. The event is known as “Cinema a la fresca”, open-air cinema. Therefore, if you are in the city these days and want to know the castle, enjoy a live concert and a good movie, come to Montjuïc!

Featured image: Entrace and moat of the Castle, Barcelona

Discover Montjuïc Barcelona: Castles, Cables Cars, Magic Fountains & More!

Posted on Published: January 31, 2020  - Last updated: March 1, 2024

Categories Europe , Spain

Montjuïc Barcelona is a mountain on the outskirts of the city of Barcelona .

As it turns out, there is so much to do on and around Montjuïc hill that you can spend anywhere from a few hours to an entire day!

With so much to do on the mountain, it’s worth spending an entire day exploring this area of Barcelona, and who knows you might fall in love with some of the lesser known attractions on the hill!

So let’s dive in to see what there is to discover on Montjuïc in Barcelona!

Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!

What Is Montjuice In Barcelona

The name, Montjuïc, actually translates to Mount Jew as it was where the old Jewish cemetery was… and probably still is… lovely, I know.

Today, it’s known for known for the Castell Montjuïc (Montjuïc Castle), cable car, and the Magic Fountain.

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How Much Time Do You Need In Montjuïc Barcelona?

As I mentioned, you can spend as little as a few hours touring Montjuïc to as long as an entire day (and even want to come back to see more!).

But if you’re pressed for time in Barcelona, make sure to visit the top Montjuïc attractions: the Magic Fountains and Montjuïc Castle. You don’t need more than two hours to visit the castle and the Magic Fountain is a 20 minute water show (at night only!).

But Montjuïc Barcelona isn’t central in the city, so you’re going out of your way to get there. So to make your travel time worthwhile, I recommend spending as much time at Montjuïc as possible and turn it into an entire day of touring this area of Barcelona.

Is It Free To Visit Montjuïc Park Barcelona?

Paying for access to Montjuïc is a choice as the mountain is technically completely free to visit .

There are both free and paid options to get to the top of the mountain and paid or free attractions throughout the area.

So you’re in control of the budget, spending as much, or as little, as you want!

How To Get To The Top Of Montjuïc Barcelona

You have four options to get to the top of Montjuïc in Barcelona: bus, Montjuïc cable car, Teleferico, or you can even walk up!

But I recommend buying a one-way ticket and walking at least one way. If you want a workout, by all means hike to the top of the mountain. For an easier time though, I suggest taking your choice of transportation to the top and then walking on the way down.

There are things to do throughout the mountain , not just at the top or at the bottom. So if you take the bus or cable car both way, you’ll miss some of the hidden gems on Montjuïc.

Taking The Bus To Montjuïc Barcelona

I’m not a fan of cable cars so whenever there’s an alternative, I always opt for it. So I took bus to reach the top of Montjuïc.

To take the bus, you’ll want to arrive at the base of Montjuïc hill, where the Magic Fountains are in Place d’Espanaya.

At Place d’Espanya, the 150 bus will bring you to the top of Montjuïc Barcelona. There are stops along the way if you want to get off anywhere. See the bus schedule and route here .

The bus is the most budget-friendly option (well if you don’t want to walk!), all you need is a public transport ticket. If you take the metro to Place d’Espanya, keep your ticket for the bus! It works on the bus as a transfer.

P.S. When you exit the metro at Place d’Espanya notice the giant circular building. That’s Las Arena, an old bullring that was repurposed in 1999 as a shopping mall. But, if you go to the rooftop terrace, you can get 360º views of Barcelona including seeing Montjuïc and Place d’Espanya. 

Taking The Telefèric de Montjuïc

The Telefèric de Montjuïc is the most popular way to get to the top of the hill. It has three stops on its route: the Mirador, the park Montjuïc, and then finally the Castell at the top.

But it is a process just to get to the Telefèric de Montjuïc as it only starts about halfway up the mountain.

In order to get to the Telefèric de Montjuïc, you can either take the bus or the Montjuïc Funicular to Parc de Montjuïc .

Like the bus, the Montjuïc Funicular is included in your metro ticket! But of course the Telefèric de Montjuïc is extra.

You can book a Telefèric de Montjuïc ticket in advance through Viator here .

Organized Montjuic Castle Tours & Cable Car With Viator

Book A Montjuic Mountain Guided Tour with Telefèric Ticket →

Half-day small group tour of Old Town Barcelona, Montjuic Castle, & Telefèric →

For more Montjuic & Barcelona tours, click here .

Taking The Port Cable Car From Barceloneta

The Port Cable Car doesn’t actually take you to the top of Montjuïc, but if you’re in Barceloneta will get you across the port to the Montjuïc Funicular. From there to get to the top, you can take the Teleféric de Montjuïc, or hop on the 150 bus.

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The Port Cable Car will be the most expensive option to get to Montjuïc hill, as you’ll need a separate ticket for each cable car. And for some reason, you also have to pay for the elevator up to get to the Port Cable Car!

But apparently the views from the Port Cable Car are some of the best in Barcelona !

Walk Up (Or Down) Montjuïc

Walking will obviously be the most budget friendly option to get to the top of Montjuïc, but also the most strenuous.

But to easily explore the most of Montjuïc, I highly recommend at least walking one way. And unless you want a workout, I recommend walking down instead of up!

There’s actually a walking path that takes you from the Montjuïc Barcelona castle at the top to the Magic Fountains at the bottom.

And as I’ve mentioned, there are a few stops you can make along your route as well. I’ll get into that in a bit, or you can click here to jump to it .

What Is Montjuïc Know For: The Main Attractions

There are two main attractions on Montjuïc, aside from the Telefèric de Montjuïc, the Magic Fountains and the Castell de Montjuïc (a fortress).

The Magic Fountains are at the bottom of the mountain near Place d’Espanya and the Castell is at the top. See why you have to spend the day exploring Monjtuïc now!?

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Visiting The Montjuïc Barcelona Castle (Castell Montjuïc)

The Barcelona Montjuïc Castle (a.k.a. Castell) is nowhere near the largest fortress I’ve seen, or even the most beautiful.

But what sets it apart is its history dating back to 1640, and how it was used up until 1940 !

Castell Montjuïc is good to do as your first activity of the day (besides for actually getting to the top!).

Not only can you start at the top and work your way down the mountain, but the castle also gives you a history of Montjuïc.

P.S. Book a guided tour of Montjuic Castle with the Telefèric de Montjuïc combined ticket with Viator here .

See The Magic Fountain Of Montjuïc Barcelona Spain

The Magic Fountains are at the bottom of Montjuïc hill. They’re the perfect way to end your day at Montjuïc Barcelona as the first fountain show only starts at 8:00 P.M (it needs to be dark outside!).

This is a three level fountain with a light and sound show that’s magical to watch. They’re impressive, but don’t expect them to be at the Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas level!

Check the schedule online ( here ). I also found that the presentation could be a hit or miss depending on whether you know the music or not.

2024 Update : due to the state of emergency in Barcelona, the fountains have been shut off to conserve water. Check their website for updates .

P.S. Don’t Go To Montjuïc Just For the Views!

If you’re going to Montjuïc for the views, don’t. Although it is the easiest place to get to from Barcelona for a view, it’s by far the best.

Don’t think that just because you’re going on top of a hill that the views are automatically going to be spectacular. You’re too far from the city, so it everything ends up looking really small.

If a view is what you’re interested, there are way better places to go. Instead of going to Montjuïc for a view, head to Tibidabo or Bunker del Carmel (but that’s a bit of a hike to get to!).

Montjuïc Barcelona is more about what you can do on the hill than the view itself.

What To Do In Montjuïc For A Day?

As I mentioned, you’re going to want to start and end your day with the top Montjuïc attractions.

So you’ll want to start your day by going to the top of the mountain and touring Castell Montjuïc. After visiting the Castell, start your trek down the hill, stopping at different points of interest along the way. Your goal is to end up at the fountains for the Magic Fountain show in the evening!

Here’s everything you can do in between the castle and the Magic Fountain of Monjtuïc Barcelona Spain.

Viewpoint & Start The Walk Down Montjuïc Barcelona

Once you leave Montjuïc Castle, turn to your right and there’s a path to walk on. You’ll be taking this path entire way down!

Before starting your walk, your first stop is a view. It isn’t the prettiest view (with crates and ships) but I feel like it shows us what Barcelona used to look like before the 1992 Olympics which was very industrial (more about that later!).

As you walk down the hill, the old industrial side disappears as the new Barceloneta comes into view.

Find The Fountain & Dancing Statues

If you’re following the path you’ll walk straight into the top of Jardin del Mirador . It’s a park with beautiful fountains scaling down the hill and a view at the end! 

At the bottom of the fountains there’s a canteen where you can pick up some food or drinks to help you make it down the rest of the hill.

Plus, you’ll be facing Barcelona again so you have another chance for photo opportunities! It’s the same view as you had from Montjuïc castle, but now you’re a bit closer so it’s better.

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Across the street from the bottom of the fountain is the Monument a La Sardana statue . This represents the traditional Catalan dance, the Sardana. It’s when the community comes together joins hands and dances in a circle.

Keep your eyes peeled on your route downhill because you’ll run into some other statues along the way as well.

Gardens & Zipline Above Barcelona

Just a short walk downhill on the same side as the Monument a La Sardana statue, you’ll find the entrance to Jardin de Joan Brossa . We originally walked in thinking these are the famous botanical gardens. But we didn’t realize how many gardens there actually are on Montjuïc hill… 

The Jardin de Joan Brossa are still peaceful gardens to walk through, especially since there’s no one else here! If you’re travelling with kids, you’ll want to stop here for the playground!

We walked through the park and exited on the opposite side walking down some stairs. A bit further down the road we found a mini zipline !

It’s worth walking down the hill just for this (well besides for getting in your daily steps). It’s a very simple zipline, but it’s a nice break from the walking, and it’s a lot of fun! We had no idea it was here so it was a nice find. This is a real hidden gem, I still can’t find where it is on Google Maps!

In the area, there should also be a “ Parabolic Reflector ” where you can talk to someone that’s on the other side of the park. Although we weren’t able to find it, it sounds like a lot of fun too!

Stop To See The Not-So-Old Greek Theatre

Before you get excited about seeing an ancient Greek theatre, just know that it isn’t that old. The design is only based on old Greek amphitheatres… it was built in 1929! Yep.. This ancient Greek amphitheatre isn’t really that ancient at all.

I still suggest visiting because (at least when we went) there were hardly any people there. We sat for a bit, admired the different design, took a break from walking and enjoyed a snack. There’s also a beautiful Greek-style garden next to it (perfect for Instagram shots).

Getting to the Greek Theater is a bit out of the way, but it’s worth it (we also might have gone in through the wrong entrance).

Enjoy One Of The Many Museums On Montjuïc Hill

After the Greek Theatre you’re surrounded by museums. Just a short walk back up the hill is the Joan Miro Foundation housing modern art.

If you continue your way downhill, there are three more museums ! The Catalan Museum of Archaeology, the Museo Etnológico de Barcelona, the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya back in Place d’Espanya.

FYI if you’re visiting Montjuïc on a Saturday, the Museuo Nacional d’Art de Catalunya is free after 3:00 P.M..

Interested in saving some more money in Barcelona? I also found a few other  ways to save, check them out !

Go Swimming With A View

Another notable attraction while visiting Montjuïc Barcelona is the Olympic swimming pool . It’s open to the public, so if it’s nice enough day, it’s a great place for a swim with a view!

We didn’t stop here because it wasn’t warm enough when we visited.

Dinner Options At Montjuïc Barcelona

If you have some time to spare before the Magic Fountain show at 8:00 P.M., grab some food in the area.

A top spot is Arenas de Barcelona with bars and restaurants inside. Plus be sure to head to the roof for a view!

I feel like there’s so much to do in Montjuïc Barcelona that I barely even scratched the surface. It’s worth spending a bit more time exploring, you never know what you might find!

So Is Montjuïc Barcelona Worth It?

As I mentioned, if you’re heading to Montjuïc just for the views, it’s not worth it. There are better views around Barcelona.

But if you’re looking for an easier, full day adventure that’s still in the city, then it’s a great place to spend the day.

It also seems like there’s something for everyone on Montjuïc hill, from history, to views, to nature and even exercise!

My Day Trip Essentials

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Sunday 12th of April 2020

Jenny Bhatia

Friday 10th of April 2020

Wow. This day trip looks like quite an adventure. I think I would have to find that cable car, just for the experience. Thanks for the recommendation, I will add it to our itinerary.

Awesome glad to hear that! You won't be disappointed!

Monday 3rd of February 2020

This is slightly embarrassing, but I've been to montjuic, I just followed my husband's family, so I didn't even know what the area is called! I loved the gondola, the Castell de Montjuïc and the Joan Miro Foundation.

I have to admit, the weather was terrible, so I didn't see the views. It's nice to see your photos of how it can look with less rain. :)

Tuesday 4th of February 2020

Oh No!! Well, I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed your time there nonetheless :)

Thanks for the idea and guidance. I have never been to Montjuic. I think if I plan a trip for the summer, it will be a great travel.

It's probably such a great place to explore in the summer, the pool will be open and you can bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in one of the many gardens :)

Diana Millos

Sunday 2nd of February 2020

I love this area in Barcelona! The views are really worth it and I also recommend visiting the Greek theater gardens, they're lovely! I ignored there was zip lining, thank you!

The greek theatre gardens were so much better than I expected, such a peaceful escape :)

• www.barcelona.cat

• Visitor Centre

In the first room the history and archaeology of the mountain in relation to Barcelona are explained. Thanks to its natural wealth and its privileged position, Montjuïc has been inhabited and exploited since prehistoric times. We know that stone from its quarries was used to build many of the city's most important buildings, from Roman times until the mid-twentieth century.

The various materials and objects on display – found during successive archaeological excavations – date from different epochs and periods, always prior to the construction of military fortress. They illustrate the link between the hill and the city: from the militarized hill to the civilizing, popular hill.

The second space focuses on the architectural evolution of the building, ranging from the medieval beacon documented as a defensive lookout point to the beginning of the militarization of the mountain with the construction of the fort motivated by the Revolt of Catalonia (1640-1652) and the modifications to the fortress planned by the military engineer Juan Martin Cermeño in 1751, which would give the castle its present appearance.

Here, visitors can observe the museum display of the remains of a section of the southern bastion of the fort, built at the beginning of the Revolt of Catalonia, and a large model explaining Cermeño’s reforms. The various stages of construction are illustrated by prints and drawings dating from the mid-fifteenth century until the mid-nineteenth century.

The third section explores two fundamental aspects of the use of the Castle: as a strategic point guarding and defending Barcelona, especially during the wars of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries; and as a place of repression, particularly after 1714, when the fortress was used to control the population, and from the nineteenth century, with its use as a military prison.

A series of prints from the epoch, displayed on both sides of the room, illustrate these two functions: the defence of the city, with pictures of the Revolt Of Catalonia and the War of the Spanish Succession; and the repression orchestrated from the hill, with illustrations showing the War of the Pyrenees and the bombardments ordered by General Espartero. The centre of the room is occupied by a large display cabinet containing different types of weapons such as swords, blunderbusses, carbines and pistols.

In the fourth and last room, the exhibition focuses on the imprisonments, trials and executions witnessed by the castle from the late nineteenth century until well into the twentieth century. The use of the castle as a prison is explained through several historical events well known to the public: the anarchists imprisoned, tried and condemned to death there for the attack in the street of Carrer dels Canvis Nous (1896); the events of the Setmana Tràgica, the so-called tragic week of 1909, with the execution in the castle moat of Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia among others; the imprisonment of workers during the strike at La Canadiense in 1919; its use as a prison during the Spanish civil war, with the shooting of up to 250 supporters, counting civilians and soldiers, of the military uprising; and its later use as a military prison during Franco’s dictatorship, with the figure of Lluís Companys, president of the Generalitat Catalan Government standing out in particular, shot by a Francoist firing squad in the Santa Eulàlia Moat on 15 October 1940.

An installation of historical photographs, which in chronological order depicts the various transformations undergone by the Castle, illustrates one of the darkest periods in the history of the castle before it became a military museum.

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Owing to the strike called for Women's Day on Friday 8th March, the Montjuïc Cable Car service can be seen affected. We apologise for any inconvenience.

8/3: Owing to the strike called for Women's Day, the Montjuïc Cable Car is not in service.

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Discover Barcelona from the air!

The Montjuïc cable car offers you a unique panoramic view of Barcelona. Get a bird’s-eye view of the entire city as you ride up to Montjuïc Castle.

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Get on the Montjuïc Cable Car to discover autumn in Barcelona from the sky.

Buy your tickets from 27 October to 2 November. Use the code HALLOWEEN.

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The Montjuïc cable car: the best views of Barcelona

The Montjuïc cable car has been the most special way to discover the charms of Barcelona for many years. Its 750 meters of route allow you to gaze at unparalleled views, culminating your journey in the Montjüic Castle, on the top of a mountain that represents the living history of the city. Enjoy the most emblematic symbols of Barcelona as never before, such as the Sagrada Familia, the Camp Nou or the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc. You will have Barcelona at your feet!

Montjuïc Castle

Poble Espanyol

Fundació Joan Miró

National Art Museum of Catalonia

Magic Fountain of Montjuïc

Mercat de les Flors

Teatre Grec

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Joan Maragall Gardens

Barcelona Botanical Garden

Palau Sant Jordi

Montjuïc Olympic Ring

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Enjoy fantastic panoramic views of Barcelona from the Montjuïc cable car. Climb aboard and enjoy the experience!

Muntanya de Montjuïc

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Font Màgica de Montjuïc

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Practical information

From Monday to Sunday, at different times: From January to February: from 10 am to 6 pm From March to May: from 10.00 am to 7.00 pm From June to September: from 10.00 am to 9.00 pm October: from 10.00 am to 7.00 pm From November to December: from 10 am to 6 pm

On 25 December, and 1 and 6 January the service will run from 10 am to 2:30 pm

Cable car route

The route starts at the Parc Montjuïc stop, from where the cable car goes directly to Montjuïc Castle, with no stops in between. The return journey includes an optional stop at the Mirador de l’Alcalde or Mayor's viewpoint and ends at Parc Montjuïc. Find out more about the stops on the Cable Car route page .

The Montjuïc Cable Car is located at Avinguda de Miramar, 30, 08038 Barcelona. You can get there on the Montjuïc Funicular, from Paral·lel metro station (L2 and L3), or on buses 55 and 150. Find out more on the How to get there page .

Montjuïc Cable Car, on the Hola Barcelona app

The essential app for visiting the city, with full information on the montjuïc cable car buy tickets and store them conveniently in the e-wallet. find alternative routes or modes of transport with the smart guide and journey planner found on the app. you can also use the app to book other tourist services such as the barcelona bus turístic and the catalunya bus turístic. what are you waiting for.

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