If you are spending just a few days in Barcelona, make sure you don’t miss one of the most magic spots in Barcelona… the Montjuic Castle and its surroundings.
The Montjuïc Castle
Get to the top of Montjuic Castle and take a deep breath: Barcelona is at your feet! Enjoy a panoramic view of the city from this natural gazer. A city of lights, movement, magic… Life is happening down there.
History of Montjuïc Castle
Montjuic Castle is located in the highest area of the Montjuic Mountain. This fortress built in 1640, during the Reapers’ War and since then served as a defensive fortress during conflicts, having to be remodeled several times. HeHistory.re you will find the complete story of Montjuic Castle regarding different periods of History.
What to do in Castell de Montjuïc
- Visiting the castle: here you will find more details about its origins, tickets and schedule (Individual ticket is 5€, but if you visit the Castle the first Sunday of the month and Sundays in the afternoon).
- Vermut: there are some bars near the castle where you can have the popular “vermut”. La Cafeteria del Castell de Montjuic or La Caseta del Migdia are some of the nice places that you will find there, either to have lunch or have drinks.
- Picnic on the grass: instead of going to a bar, you can prepare yourself a delicious picnic while enjoying beautiful views.
- Exhibitions, concerts and cinema screenings: Montjuic Castle hosts from concerts to cultural festivals, and there is a famous outdoor cinema festival (cinema a la fresca) called Sala Montjuic during Summer.
How to get to Montjuïc Castle
- By foot: a nice hike… uphill! ;-)
- Telefèric de Montjuic: here you will find the information on directions and tickets.
- Funicular de Montjuic (shuttle): you will have to take the L3 (green line) to Paral·lel stop. Then in that station you will find the special subway shuttle (FM, Funicular Montjuic) to get to Montjuic.
- Private transport: you will find a public parking lot next to the castle (but check it before your visit).
- Public transport: you can also get there from Plaça Espanya (L3, green line) taking the bus 150 (stop: Castell).
What else to see in Montjuic (or nearby)
If you want to explore more around Montjuic Castle…
Magic Fountain of Montjuic: A beautiful show which combines lights following the rhythm of the music. We recommend you to visit Montjuic in the evening, specially to enjoy the beautiful game of lights and music. Ready for the show? ;-)
Poble Espanyol: A place where you will find a little and beautiful recreation of a variety of Spanish villages.
Olympic Ring of Montjuic: It was built specially for the Barcelona Olympic Games back in 1992. There you will find the Olympic Stadium “Lluís Companys”, Palau Sant Jordi (which has hosted concerts of bands such as Red Hot Chili Peppers or singers like Beyoncé), the particular Telecommunications tower called “Calatrava” and the iconic swimming pool “Bernat Picornell”.
National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC): To get a glimpse of the native art, expressed in a variety of forms. Also, views from MNAC are beautiful.
Joan Miró Foundation: If you are an art lover, you will also like to visit the Joan Miró Foundation and discover some of his art, recognized internationally.
Jardí Botànic de Barcelona: The best place to surround yourself by plants from different countries without moving from Barcelona.