With Montjuïc Castle, beautiful gardens, and the impressive National Museum of Art of Catalonia, Montjuïc is a not-so-hidden gem in Barcelona for locals and tourists alike.
This magical mountain — located near the city’s Poble Sec and Sants-Montjuïc neighborhoods — was the birthplace of Barcelona according to a legend, but its name actually means “Jewish Mountain.” In the Middle Ages, it was used as a cemetery so Jews could be buried outside the Christian city’s walls.
While visitors flock to the mountain to see the castle, ride the cable car, and watch the music and light shows at the Magic Fountain (currently suspended due to a water emergency), there are many hidden gems to find as you explore Montjuïc.
We’ve put together this itinerary to help you discover the secret side of the mountain. Combine it with our guided walking tour to get a local’s perspective on how Montjuïc shaped Barcelona and to cover the must-see spots.
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You’ve probably seen the lighthouse located on the southeast side of the mountain while driving along Ronda Litoral near Barceloneta. But if you want to see Montjuïc Lighthouse up close — at least from the outside, since it’s closed to the public — there’s a hiking route to take you there.
But first you have to find it. However, I promise that’s part of the fun!
The lighthouse was first built back in 1906 and was replaced by the red-brick structure that stands today in 1922. Designed by José Cabestany, the two-story building is one of the most elaborate examples of a Catalan lighthouse.
Montjuïc Lighthouse is still active, though it’s run automatically and not by a lighthouse keeper. Is the sweaty hike worth it? You might think so once you catch the stunning panoramic views of the city.
Credit: Kunstee | CC BY 2.0 DEED
If searching for the hidden path to Montjuïc Lighthouse isn’t enough of an adventure for you, head to La Foixarda for a few hours of rock climbing.
You’ll find a graffiti-covered tunnel that’s been turned into a free rock-climbing wall. It’s a fun way to practice your skills or see if the sport is for you before visiting nearby Climbat for climbing activities that are suitable for all ages and levels.
Montjuïc has many gardens, but only one was an amusement park from 1966-1998 — the Joan Brossa Garden.
There isn’t much left from its amusement park days except for a few statues dedicated to Catalan dance and culture, which a local guide will tell you all about on our Montjuïc Walking Tour.
Apart from statues like “The Clown” (1972) and “La Sardana” (1973), the garden is a green paradise in Barcelona that has playgrounds, picnic areas, and more to keep everyone entertained.
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Who doesn’t want a beautiful view while having a drink on a summer’s day in Barcelona?
At Bar Marcelino, located at Carrer de Margarit in Montjuïc, you can gather with friends after walking around the mountain for traditional tapas, beer, and cocktails. It’s a peaceful spot for a break and view of the city.
While it looks like an old Greek amphitheater, the stone stage and stadium in Montjuïc was built for the 1929 Universal Exposition. It fell into disrepair during the Civil War, then was revived in 1976 for the first annual Grec Festival that now happens every summer.
If you’ll be in Barcelona during the Greek Festival or want to see another performance, check out the theater’s website for schedules and ticket prices.
Credit: Amante Darmanin | CC BY 2.0 DEED
This is a surprising one. It turns out that one of Europe’s largest cacti and succulent gardens is in Montjuïc.
Get an amazing view of Barcelona’s coastline and port as you walk through gardens filled with a diverse mix of species from the Canary Islands, Andalusia, and more.
Local tip: I recommend bringing a picnic here. The view makes your al fresco meal even better.
Credit: Jorge Franganillo | CC BY 2.0 DEED
Surrounded by the Joan Margell Gardens is the Palauet Albéniz, which was the official home of King Alfonso XIII and the royal family during the 1929 Universal Exposition.
Despite its beauty and impressive neoclassical architecture, visitors tend to overlook the building — but as a local, I can tell you it’s definitely worth exploring!
Unless you’re visiting during Barcelona’s Mercè Festival in September, the building is usually closed to the public. I still recommend walking around to see the architecture, sculptures, and the fountain.
Credit: Mike McBey | CC BY 2.0 DEED
Another site constructed for the 1929 Universal Exposition was Poble Espanyol, a venue designed to look like a typical Spanish village to impress the visitors coming from around the world. The architects visited more than 1,600 villages in order to replicate iconic elements of Spanish culture.
Today, visitors can purchase tickets to stroll through the town streets, visit the Romanesque monastery, check out the modern art collection, try a variety of bars and restaurants, and learn how artisans from different generations work. It’s your chance to experience the many different cultures that make up Spain in one place.
Whether you’re an art lover, adventure seeker, or a foodie, Montjuïc has something for everyone. This magical mountain has lots of popular landmarks to explore, but sometimes it’s nice to go off the beaten path and find hidden gems that don’t top everyone’s itinerary when they visit Montjuïc.
Want more ideas for what to see and do on Montjuïc? Here are eight of the best gardens we think you should visit.
