Montjuïc is one of the best places in Barcelona for stunning views, historic landmarks, and a mix of nature and culture. Located on a hill overlooking the city and the sea, it offers plenty of things to see and do.
One of the most popular ways to reach the top is by taking the Montjuïc Cable Car, but hiking up or down is also a great experience. I opted to take the cable car up and hike down, which gave me the best of both worlds.
How to Get to Montjuïc
By Hiking
For those who enjoy walking, hiking up Montjuïc is a rewarding way to reach the top. There are several paths leading up the hill, with some starting from Plaça d'Espanya and others from Poble Sec. Since I was staying in Poble Sec, I hiked from there just until the cable car station, rather than all the way to the top. The trails are well-paved, and you’ll pass by various gardens and viewpoints along the way. The incline is steady but not too steep, making it manageable for most people.
By Cable Car
If you prefer a more scenic and effortless route, the Montjuïc Cable Car (Telefèric de Montjuïc) is a great option. You can reach the cable car station by taking the L3 Green Line metro to Paral·lel Station. From there, transfer to the Montjuïc Funicular, which takes you up to the Parc de Montjuïc station, where the cable car ride begins. I walked to the cable car station from my accommodation in Poble Sec, which was a convenient 20-minute walk.
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| inside the cable car |
Tickets for the cable car can be purchased at the station, but it’s also possible to book online to skip the queue. A one-way ticket costs around €9.40, while a round-trip ticket is about €14.20. Since I wanted to experience both the ride and the hike, I only purchased a one-way ticket to go up.
The Montjuïc Cable Car Ride
The cable car ride is a smooth and scenic journey that offers incredible views of Barcelona. As you ascend, you get a bird’s-eye view of the city, with the Mediterranean Sea on one side and landmarks like the Sagrada Familia and Torre Glòries on the other.
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| view from the cable car ride |
The cabins are spacious and have large windows, making it easy to take photos. Since I was traveling solo, I got the whole cable car to myself. The ride lasts about ten minutes, but it’s enough to take in the beautiful landscape before reaching the top. For me, this was a fun and relaxing way to start my visit to Montjuïc before exploring on foot.
What to See at Monjuïc
Montjuïc Castle
One of the main attractions at the top is Montjuïc Castle, a historic fortress that dates back to the 17th century. It played a significant role in Barcelona’s military history and has been used as both a defense stronghold and a prison.
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| Montjuïc Castle |
The entrance fee is €12, though it’s free on Sundays after 3 PM. After reading several reviews, I decided not to go inside since many people felt it wasn’t worth the price. However, for history enthusiasts, it could still be interesting, as it offers exhibitions and additional viewpoints from the walls.
Panoramic Views
The highlight of my visit to Montjuïc was the panoramic views. From the top, you can see all of Barcelona, including the coastline, the city center, and even the mountains in the distance. There are multiple vantage points around Montjuïc that provide breathtaking views, and each offers a slightly different perspective.
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| a view of Sagrada Familia from Montjuïc |
Hiking Down and Miradors Along the Way
Instead of taking the cable car back, I decided to hike down, which turned out to be a great choice. Along the way, I passed by several miradors (viewpoints) that were worth stopping for.
- Mirador de l'Alcalde – This viewpoint provides one of the best panoramic views of Barcelona. You can see the entire city skyline, the port, and even the hills beyond.
- Mirador de Miramar – This mirador offers a fantastic view of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. It’s a great spot to take a break and enjoy the scenery.
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| view from Mirador de l'Alcade |
The hike down was scenic and peaceful, with shaded paths and occasional glimpses of the city through the trees. It was a great way to experience Montjuïc from a different angle.
Montjuïc is a must-visit in Barcelona, whether you take the cable car, hike, or do a combination of both like I did. The cable car ride is short but offers spectacular views, while the hike provides a more immersive experience. The viewpoints along the way were my favorite part, making the journey just as rewarding as the destination.
If you’re looking for a mix of history, nature, and stunning cityscapes, Montjuïc is definitely worth adding to your Barcelona itinerary.
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