Montjuic Park (Parc de Montjuïc)

The Basics

Offering an abundance of notable attractions, Montjuic Park is featured on many sightseeing tours of Barcelona. Guided tours focusing on Montjuic Mountain often include admission to the Montjuic Castle and Palau Sant Jordi, plus visits to the 1992 Olympic facilities and Plaça Espanya with its Magic Fountain. Guests visiting the park independently should note that while the park itself is free, many of its attractions charge a separate admission fee.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Montjuic Park is a must-visit for art lovers, architecture and history buffs, and photographers.

• Wear comfortable shoes and plan to do a lot of walking; the park is huge.

• Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.

How to Get There

To get to Montjuic, take the funicular to the Parc de Montjuic stop, where you can then catch the cable car gondola even farther up the hill to the castle. A hop-on hop-off bus tour is also another good option for getting around this part of town, allowing you to stop at the different attractions that interest you.

When to Get There

You could easily spend an entire day (or more) exploring Montjuic Park and still not see everything. Many of the museums and attractions are open during the day, while the most popular time to see the Magic Fountain at the base of Montjuic is at night during a light and sound show.

A Hill with History

Montjuic Park has been the site of several important chapters in Barcelona’s history. In 1929, the International Exposition triggered rapid development in and around Montjuic. During the Spanish Civil War, Montjuic Castle was used to imprison, torture, and execute political opponents of General Franco. Things took a brighter turn in 1992, when the Olympic Games came to Barcelona and the hill was chosen as the location for several sporting venues.

What are the main attractions or landmarks within Montjuïc Park (Parc de Montjuïc)?

The main attractions and landmarks within Montjuïc Park (Parc de Montjuïc) include the Montjuïc Cable Car, Montjuïc Castle, the Magic Fountain, Miro Museum (Joan Miro Foundation), the MNAC National Museum of Catalonian Art, CaixaForum, the historic Jewish Cemetery, Poble Espanyol open-air museum, Botanical Gardens, Olympic Rings, Olympic Stadium, and the Olympic Museum.

How do I get to Montjuïc Park from central Barcelona?

From central Barcelona, you can travel to Montjuïc Park via the L1 or L3 metro to Espanya Station, or the L2 or L3 metro to Parallel station, and then take the funicular. There is also a cable car across Barcelona Harbor from Barceloneta. Buses 13, 55, 125, and 150 also stop at the park, as does the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus.

Are there any entrance fees to visit Montjuïc Park?

There’s no entrance fee to enter Montjuïc Park, or for the Magic Fountain and Olympic Stadium. Many of the attractions within the park do charge an admission fee, including the Montjuïc Cable Car, Montjuïc Castle, the MNAC National Museum of Catalonian Art, Poble Espanyol, and the Botanical Gardens.

When is the best time to visit Montjuïc Park and how much time do I need?

Given the many attractions within Montjuïc Park, you will need at least a full day or more to explore them all. Visit during the day for museums and most attractions, around sunset for views from the top of the hill, and at night to see the Magic Fountain’s light and sound show.

Can visitors take guided tours of Montjuïc Park?

Yes, guided tours are available for Montjuïc Park. Tour options include walking, bicycle, e-bike, and by compact GoCars. The park’s main attractions are often included in many tour itineraries, such as the cable car, Montjuïc Castle, the Magic Fountain, Poble Espanyol, and one or more art museums.

Is there any historical or cultural significance to Montjuïc Park?

Yes, Montjuïc Park features in many moments of Barcelona’s history. Numerous facilities were built on Montjuïc for the 1929 World Fair, including pavilions, parks, botanical gardens, stadiums, exhibition rooms, and Poble Espanyol. During the Spanish Civil War, the castle was used as a prison to hold opponents of General Franco. When Barcelona played host to the Olympics in 1992, several of the sporting events took place in Montjuïc Park, where the 1929 stadium was renovated to become the modern-day Olympic Stadium.

Ways to explore

With its abundance of attractions, Montjuic Park features on many sightseeing tours of Barcelona. Guided tours focusing on Montjuïc Mountain often include visits to Montjuïc Castle and the Saint Jordi Palace (Palau Sant Jordi) stadium, as well as other 1992 Olympic attractions and Placa d’Espanya. E-bike tours are an increasingly popular way to discover the Montjuïc area, with sunset options available. If you're visiting the park independently, know that while the park is free, many of its attractions charge admission fees.

Accessibility

The park's funicular and cable car are wheelchair-friendly. The park has well-made, wide paths, although slopes can be steep.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sunscreen, sunglasses, water bottle

What to wear

Wear comfortable shoes and plan to do a lot of walking; the park is huge.

Not allowed

Pets aren't allowed at Montjuïc Castle, the National Art Museum of Catalonia, or the Joan Miró Museum.

Amenities

Restrooms, eateries, swimming pool, Wi-Fi

Address

Montjuic Park is on Montjuïc Mountain in southern Barcelona, about 3 miles (4.5 kilometers) south of Plaça de Catalunya.

Driving

With more and more streets closed to cars and parking painfully scarce, driving in downtown Barcelona is not a wise choice.

Public transportation

The funicular to the park starts from Paral·lel metro station (Line 2 and Line 3); from there, you can explore on foot or pick up the cable car to ascend even higher. A hop-on hop-off bus tour is also another good option for getting around this part of town, allowing you to stop at the different attractions that interest you.

Best times to visit

Daytime is the best time to enjoy the park’s museums and attractions and soak up the sun.

Best days to visit

Plan your visit for midweek to beat the crowds.

Best months to visit

May and September offer warm temperatures with fewer crowds than summer's peak.

Special events

It’s fun to visit Montjuïc Park for Barcelona’s Mercè festival, honoring the city's patron saint in late September; events usually include a fireworks extravaganza.