If you are in Barcelona and mapping out one of your days, Montjuic (a large hill/small mountain on the southwestern edge of Barcelona) is a great location to spend a day. You will be able to visit an old castle, the National Palace (shown below), Poble Espanyol, and facilities from the 1996 Summer Olympics.

The view from Montjuic Castle, built in 17th century, offers a sweeping view of Barcelona and the mediterranean. I’ll share of a visual stroll of the Montjuic Castle in the near future. Just having that view is enough to warrant a visit. However, there is a lot more to do on Montjuic.

Poble Espanyol is a village that was built for the 1926 World Fair should be one of your stops during a trip to Montjuic. It captures the spirit and the architecture of the various regions throughout Spain. You can have a mid-day meal and drink here. Another option is to enjoy a flamenco performance over dinner. I shared a visual tour of this area here – Poble Espanyol.

Then, there is the Palau Nacional (National Palace). It was constructed for the 1929 Word Fair and is now the location of the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (National Art Museum of Catalonia). Its façade was inspired by St Peter’s of the Vatican. It has two smaller domes on each side and four towers inspired by the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostella.

During my first visit to the museum (the photos above), I really focused on the National Palace. You can go inside and check out the exhibits and elaborate interior design. You can climb higher and higher to get good looks at the towers and domes which I really enjoyed. You’ll also have some wonderful views of the city from this elevation.

During my second visit to the National Palace, I approached from Plaza de Espana (pictured below) and was greeted by the Venetian towers (second photo below). They frame the entrance to the avenue leading up to the National Palace.

I enjoyed stopping briefly at the National Palace during my second visit to Barcelona but was primarily focused on getting to Poble Espanyol which I didn’t get nearly enough of during my first visit.

I feel like I know Barcelona a bit better now and, looking back, I could have certainly been more efficient during my visits. I’d suggest you set aside a day to focus on the Montjuic area – the castle, National Palace, and Poble Espanyol. If you have more time during that same, the Olympic site (1996 Summer Olympics) is also on Montjuic as well as an old cemetery. You will notice the cemetery on the mountain side of Montjuic as you are traveling from the airport into Barcelona.

How does Montjuic measure up to other options in Barcelona? Before visiting Montjuic, I would prioritize the Gothic Quarter (El Gotic) and the waterfront area on the edge of the Gothic Quarter as my first stop. This really immerses you Barcelona’s rich history and fills you with the city’s vibe. Next, I would make Sagrada de Familia a must-see on your to-do list. Then, if you have more time in Barcelona, head to Montjuic.