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Montjuïc in Barcelona – the hill that has it all

The hill of Montjuïc may look like any ordinary hill from an outsider’s perspective; however what many don’t realise is the hill is full of great things to do and see for visitors. With an incredible range of activities to please romantics, sports fans, art fanatics and culture seekers, you’ll be sure to enjoy a memorable day out on the hill of Montjuïc, Barcelona.

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Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys

Montjuïc is home to the mighty 1992 Barcelona Olympic stadium and Olympic swimming pool. The stadium went under a serious makeover especially for the occasion and was the location of the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as all the athletics events.

Estadi Olímpic Montjuic Lluis Companys, Barcelona, Spain Photo: Hugo Cadavez of Flickr
Estadi Olímpic Montjuic Lluis Companys, Barcelona, Spain

As for the outdoor Olympic pool, during the summer months the pool is actually open for public swimming which can be a great alternative to the overcrowded Barceloneta beach. Due to its high location, you can enjoy breathtaking views while you swim; many have even said it’s just like ‘swimming in the sky’.

El Poble Espanyol

Short of time? Well luckily at El Poble Espanyol you can visit all of Spain in one day. Within its streets you can walk past and admire over one hundred iconic Spanish buildings, enjoy the works of well known painters at the modern art museum, sit through a spectacular flamenco show, go on a treasure hunt and shop till you drop for traditional gifts and crafts. Basically El Poble Espanyol can offer a culture filled fun day out for all ages.

Poble Espanyol Photo: Oh-Barcelona.com
Poble Espanyol
Miró museum Photo: ginsnob of Flickr
Miró museum

Fundació Joan Miró  and Palaü Nacional

The Fundació Miró is any art lover’s paradise, however even if art ‘isn’t your thing’ you may find that this surrealist museum / gallery is. Even the building itself has been designed to fit the surrealist environment.

Miró’s works are fun, bright and colourful and despite not being one for galleries, I personally enjoyed every minute of my visit – especially when I got to witness Miró’s infamous sculptures. If one art museum isn’t enough for you, then you’ll be pleased to hear that you can also find the National Art Museum of Cataluña (formerly the Palau Nacional) further down the hill!

Telefèric de Montjuïc and the Montjuïc Castle

Parc de Montjuïc Photo: laura padgett of Flickr
Parc de Montjuïc

Tired of the uphill walk? Give your feet a rest and catch the cable car to the top of the hill. The Telefèric is a great way to sit back and relax whilst admiring the spectacular panoramic views. Once you’re at the top you’re rewarded by the sight of the Castell de Montjuïc.

The castle is technically a fort which dates back to the 17th century, and although relatively modern for a castle, it doesn’t lack history or stories – during the Spanish Civil war both nationalists and republicans were executed there. It’s also the only place in Barcelona where you’ll be able to find a statue of General Franco.

Magic Fountain

Last, but by no means least, this is perhaps my favourite Montjuïc attraction, if not one of my favourite things to see in Barcelona. Call me corny, but there is something very magical about witnessing colourful jets of water dancing along to some of the cheesiest music around.

Magic Fountain at Montejuic, Barcelona Photo: Keith Laverack of Flickr
Magic Fountain in Barcelona

If you want to witness the fountain in front of the Palau Nacional coming to life for yourself, be aware that the timetable changes depending on what time of year you decide to come and visit. Generally during the winter the fountain only comes to life two times per week (on Fridays and Saturday starting at around 7pm) and in the summertime you have four chances to watch the fountain (Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at around 9pm).

Where to stay in Barcelona

Make the most of Montjuïc and the rest of Barcelona by renting one of the many Barcelona Apartments available through Oh-Barcelona. This way you’ll be able to truly relax and enjoy your holiday with privacy and home comforts you could only find from staying in an apartment.

Photo credits: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys by Hugo Cadavez, Poble Espanyol by Oh-Barcelona.com, Miró museum by ginsnob, Parc de Montjuïc by laura padgett, Magic Fountain by Keith Laverack, and Montjuïc Palace by gerardo_chinchorro.

More Spanish pleasures

Where to find truly great tapas in Barcelona
From Malaga to El Chorro in the rain – Spain
Palacio de Marques de Dos Aguas – in Valencia

My thanks* for this article to Oh-Barcelona, bringing you comfortable and affordable holiday accommodation in Barcelona

* More info on my policies page

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com

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Hels

Monday 29th of July 2013

I thought we would find El Poble Espanyol too touristy and mocked up. But actually it was huge fun, especially the famous Spanish buildings, artists and crafts.

Heather Cowper

Monday 29th of July 2013

@Hels I agree - it did feel like wandering the streets of a small picturesque Spanish village although of course a little too pristine to be true

Barcelona: Portal to a Fantasy World | Heather on her travels

Saturday 19th of January 2013

[...] Montjuïc in Barcelona – the hill that has it all Where to find truly great tapas in Barcelona [...]

Tobias Wagner

Tuesday 1st of May 2012

I've visited Barcelona last summer and fell in love with that city. And the Magic Fountain - is just awesome!

Heather

Tuesday 1st of May 2012

@Tobias Yes the Magic fountain does look - well, magical

Annette | Bucket List Journey

Saturday 28th of April 2012

I just returned from Barcelona and loved my visit to Monjuic. I did LOVE the magic fountain, better the the Bellagio in Vegas ;)

Hels

Friday 27th of April 2012

Many thanks for the ideas. Spouse and I will be in Barcelona, this northern summer.

I got to Montjuïc, the first time, quite unusually. I was looking for Mies van der Rohe's German pavilion which was built for the 1929 International Exposition in Barcelona. Luckily for me, it was rebuilt in 1988.

Heather

Friday 27th of April 2012

@Hels I was there some years ago with the family but I don't think I saw that pavillion but we saw pretty much everything else