There is so much to see and do on Montjuïc hill in Barcelona that I can’t do it justice in one blog post. In fact, it’s somewhat misleading to simply call it a hill, as it is essentially a district of the city in its own right. Instead of trying to detail every sight on Montjuïc, I’ve used this short post to compile some key sights and tips for visitors.

Reasons to visit Montjuïc:

• It’s the perfect place if you’re looking to combine culture with lovely views of the city
• There are tonnes of attractive parks and gardens to visit

Reasons not to visit Montjuïc:

• Logistically, it’s not the easiest place in the city to visit
• You can easily get lost as you wind your way up, down or around the hill

Best sights:

• Montjuïc Castle (visit the top for sweeping views of the city and harbour, while learning a little about Catalonia’s turbulent political history)
• Joan Miró Foundation (one of the city’s most popular galleries, showcasing the work of much-loved artist Joan Miró)
• Botanical Garden (vegetation set over 14 hectares, with typical plants from three Mediterranean zones, Chile, South Africa and more) 
• Magic Fountain (at the foot of the hill, find a spot in advance to watch the Font Màgica de Montjuïc’s water and light show)
• Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC certainly isn’t my favourite museum in Barcelona, but it’s a short stroll from the fountain and is architecturally spectacular)

Top Tips for Visiting Montjuïc:

• Plan to take at least half a day, even if you’re only visiting one particular sight on Montjuïc
• The cable car is probably a fun option (I’ve never used it) but you can visit Montjuïc cheaply with public transport
• If you’re going in summer, bring a shit ton of water, even if you’re not planning to walk that much!
• If you’re visiting the castle in winter, wrap up warm—it can be windy at the top but the views are worth it