Montserrat Barcelona

By Dom Bewley
Published: July 18, 2024
montserrat

Heading to Barcelona for your vacation and wondering what adventures lie outside the city? How does scaling a holy mountain and exploring its history sound? Montserrat's the name, and stunning views, beautiful architecture, and opportunities to explore is its game. So, grab your hiking boots, pack plenty of water, and get ready to climb! Here we'll tell you everything you need to know about Montserrat - how to get there, what you'll find, and why it's one of Barcelona's most beautiful destinations! Enjoy!

Including:

  • What is Montserrat
  • Why you should visit Montserrat
  • How to get to Montserrat from Barcelona
  • What to do in Montserrat
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What is Monsterrat?

Montserrat is a mountain range near Barcelona. They both reside in the Catalonia region of Spain, which has a unique language, culture, and customs. Due to the mountain's jagged appearance, the range was coined Montserrat, or 'saw mountain'.

The mountain holds religious significance to the particularly Catholic Catalonia, thanks to the Santa Maria de Montserrat - a Benedictine monastery that sits atop it.

Why visit Montserrat?

Whether you're religious or not, the views you'll see at the peak of Montserrat are unsurpassed. You can see for miles, including the Barcelona skyline and the surrounding lands. It's truly breathtaking, and almost demands to be pictured.

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Also, if you're adept at hiking and want to get your sweat on, feel free to challenge yourself to climb it on foot. It's not the easiest way to the top, but it's surely the most rewarding! However, at over 4000ft high, you need to be prepared, both physically and materially, to scale it. A thick set of boots, plenty of water, and a map will do you a world of good!

Getting to Montserrat from Barcelona

Assuming you're staying in the center of Barcelona, there are a few ways to get to Montserrat.

Firstly, you can hire a car and make the hour-long journey at your own pace. Easy enough.

Or, if you fancy a drive but don't fancy getting behind the wheel, why not try an Amigo Tours bus tour from the city? The air-conditioned bus ensures you'll have a pleasant journey, and there will be plenty of photo ops from your seat as you make the climb.

Alternatively, you can make the trip by train. Simply take the R5 line from Placa Espanya to Monistrol de Montserrat for an hour, change onto the Cremallera train (it's green, you can't miss it), and that'll take you to the top.

Or, for the daring hikers among you, take the train to Monistrol de Montserrat and walk the winding trails up to the mountaintop. It's about a half-hour walk, but as it's a climb, it'll likely feel like you've walked a lot longer! Just be sure you've got gas in the tank and the body to handle it; the last thing you want is to get halfway up and realize you can't finish the journey!

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And finally, perhaps the most memorable trip would be by cable car. Like above, you get the train from Placa Espanya, but this time get off one stop early at Aeri de Montserrat. From there, you can hop in the cable car and enjoy some of the greatest views on Earth as you ascend.

Things to do in Montserrat

Once you've made the trip - however you've chosen to do so - you'll find plenty of things to do on Montserrat!

Let's start with the views. My god, the views. Rolling mountains as far as the eye can see, the Catalan metropolis of Barcelona in the distance, and where the stunning blue sky meets the mountaintops. If you're the photo type, you'll be all over this.

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Then, there's Santa Maria de Montserrat, the Benedictine monastery that draws many a pilgrimage from the surrounding area. At well over a thousand years old, it's suitably ancient in its design, yet remarkable it's still standing! You can head inside and look around, though, given its popularity, you may be waiting some time unless you get there early.

You can also visit the Montserrat Museum, which opened at the beginning of the 20th-century. Inside, you'll learn all about the mountain's history, discover artifacts from ancient cultures, and enjoy artwork from the likes of Monet and Degas.

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By the museum, you'll find Mirador Restaurant, where you can get a tasty 3-course meal for a reasonable price. And, if you're looking for some stunning sculpture to snap, right next door to the restaurant, you'll find the Stairway to Heaven. This set of 9 concrete blocks ascends towards the heavens like a staircase, hence the name, and represents the climb pilgrims make to reach this holy place, as well as their eventual climb to the heavens. And no, you can't climb on it. At least not anymore, as a fence has been erected to deter would-be spelunkers from falling to their death.

You could visit the Santa Cova Chapel, a beautiful holy place built into the mountain that's about an hour's round trip from the monastery. It's here where the revered Virgin of Montserrat, a thousand-year-old Byzantine statue of the Mary and Jesus, was housed. Miracles of healing have been attributed to her, though you'll not be able to test those on yourself!

From the chapel, you can make your way around the mountain to another of Montserrat's picture-perfect landmarks - Sant Miquel's Cross. This towering monument to Christianity also has great views of the lands below, so ideal for your socials!

If you dare to climb higher, leave the touristy stuff behind and attempt to ascend Sant Jeroni. It's Montserrat's highest peak, so it's no small feat. if that sounds like your idea of fun, head to the Funicular Se Dant Joan, climb the stair to the observation deck, and get hiking!

And that's everything you need to know about Montserrat! Looking for more fun in Barcelona? We've got tons of articles all about the city's best bits, from Beaches to Museums and everything in between. So get reading and make the most of your precious vacation time!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Things to do in The Gothic Quarter Barcelona

Vacationing in Barcelona this year? Why not sample the cultural delights of the city's Gothic Quarter? There are so many things to do in Barcelona's older areas, so get reading and get picking! Here's our guide to the best things to do in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona. Including: Check out the Cathedral Take a walking tour of the area A taste of the Jewish Quarter Eating out Watering holes and more! Cathedral de Barcelona Let's kick off this historical and cultural extravaganza with one of Barcelona's most grandiose landmarks. Barcelona Cathedral, or 'Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia' to its friends, is a gothic cathedral that towers over the Gothic Quarter like some kind of cathedral. Dedicated to one of the two patron saints of Barcelona, Eulalia of Barcelona, who it's said became a martyr during the Roman occupation of the city. Both outside and in, it's hard to deny its beauty. After you've admired all that Middle Ages architecture, you can head to the top of the cloister for some of the best views in the city. Just make sure you're on your best behavior when you visit. As one of Catalonia's most sacred places, any hijinks will be heavily frowned upon. Oh, and dress appropriately. God doesn't like skin on show, it seems. Gothic Quarter Walking Tour If you want to get your bearings, explore the Gothic Quarter, and learn all about its history, why not take a guided tour? With over 2000 years of history dripping from each corner of the neighborhood, you'll need a well-versed guide to make the most of it! Learn about the Plaza del Rey and its Palace of Viceroy, as well as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Mar. Walk up the bustling Ramblas and sample the Catalan delicacies within the famous Boqueria Market. We recommend tucking into some cured Iberian ham, paired with a refreshing glass of cava. But really, all of the market's offerings are available to you, so pick what you please. Not only will this tour give you the lay of the land, but you'll pass plenty of hidden bars and local restaurants you can go back to once the tour's concluded. Easily one of the best things to do in The Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, especially for newbies! Old Jewish Quarter Experience The Jewish have a rich history in Barcelona, dating back hundreds of years. In fact, there's a neighborhood of the city named after them. Why not take your exploration of the past into the future with a 3D Virtual Reality Tour of the Old Jewish Quarter? Head to the "Call Barcelona Shop" and take a trip back to the Golden Age. Exchange your voucher at the meeting point to visit the Major Synagogue, the oldest one in Spain, and learn about its history. Then, use the self-guided map to explore the Jewish Quarter's most remarkable sites. Plaça Sant Felip Neri As with many locales, some of the best cultural landmarks can be found off the beaten path. So take the road less traveled by tourists, and visit Plaça Sant Felip Neri. It's a residential square that may seem pretty eventless but, in fact, is quite the opposite. During the Second World War, a bomb detonated in the Plaça Sant Felip Neri, killing 42 people, most of whom were children. In fact, you can still see the shrapnel damage present at the bottom of the nearby church's walls. Nowadays, this cozy area has a fountain, school, and a hotel with an upmarket restaurant inside. How things have changed. Plaça de la Generalitat While you're in the area, why not check out the beating heart of Barcelona's political scene? At the Plaça de la Generalitat, you'll find Barcelona's City Hall, as well as the Catalan government palace. On Sundays, you can even venture into City Hall and explore it for yourself. And, if you're lucky, you may catch a group dance performance or other types of street performers in the big square in front of the building. Grab a bite to eat If all that exploring has given you hunger prangs, then you're in luck. Barcelona's Gothic Quarter has some fantastic restaurants to discover. At L'Antic Bocoi del Gòtic, you can chow down on delicious authentic Catalan dishes made with locally-sourced produce from the nearby markets. Sitting down to eat within its stone walls is quite the delight. Or, if you're in the market for Tapas, head to Gourmet Sensi. With a wide variety of tapas dishes featuring meat, fish, or vegan options, as well as the welcoming, English-speaking staff, it's a great place to sit for a bite to eat if you don't want to embarrass yourself with your broken Spanglish. Alternatively, if you'd rather go meat-free, check out La Cereria. Tucked away off the beaten path, you'll find a world of vegetarian and vegan delights waiting to be sampled, all surrounded by the quirky decor and a brilliant drinks menu. And get a drink while you're at it! And if you want a nightcap to put a bow on the evening, or simply want to explore the Gothic Quarter's brilliant bar scene, check out our recommendations below! If you're in the mood for a snug, romantic cocktail bar, check out Sub Rosa. This cozy joint has fashionable red lighting, a Mediterranean take on speakeasy decor, and a host of well-made cocktails to choose from. If you want something a little bigger, louder, and less refined, go visit Bar Manchester. This British-themed bar has a whole host of cheap beers on draft, happy hour deals, and a playlist of 80s and 90s British indie rock on rotation. And finally, if you like a little entertainment with your drinks, head to Craft Barcelona. Along with bar snacks and a burgeoning beer menu, you can also sit down and enjoy live music from local artists, as well as the occasional comedy show if you fancy a tickle. And that's our guide to the best things to do in The Gothic Quarter of Barcelona!
Dom Bewley
View over Park Güell at sunset
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Barcelona in February

When planning your trip to Barcelona, you’d be forgiven for not considering visiting in winter. With the city seeing its peak levels of tourism in the summer months, it only seems right to follow suit and experience the city in its warmest and most bustling period. But should you happen to take a chance on Barcelona in February and brave the slightly cooler and possibly wetter weather, you may find yourself pleasantly surprised by what the city has to offer. Not only will you be able to experience a more authentic side to the Catalan metropolis without having to fight the summer crowds, but you’ll also get the chance to observe some of the region’s most hotly-anticipated cultural events. Tourism in February If you happen to visit Barcelona any time outside of the summer period, you’ll very quickly notice a huge difference in the overall feel of the city. In the wake of or lead-up to the peak tourist season, the city sees far lower numbers of visitors. This is especially true in the late winter months, when even the additional mini waves of Christmas have all run dry. In the absence of peak visitor numbers, you’ll find Barcelona far less crowded, and that can make a whole lot of difference for your trip. You’ll have the opportunity to visit just about any of the city’s key attractions without having to battle crowds, and most of the time you should even be able to book admission the very same day. What’s more, you’re likely to get the pick of the litter in terms of flights and accommodation, along with some pretty hefty discounts to boot. While it may not be the perfect weather for taking a dip in the Mediterranean, with temperatures typically falling between the low-40s and high-50s, this could be the prime time to plan your dream Barcelona itinerary. Explore the likes of the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Montjuïc and the Barcelona Zoo in their quietest and most authentic state. Barcelona Carnival We promised you near-zero crowds throughout Barcelona in February. Well, that may not be strictly true for the whole month. While most tourists may indeed be waiting for the summer months to pay a visit, the locals come out in force for a week in mid-February to celebrate Carnival. In the lead-up to lent, when families would traditionally begin fasting to tribute the final sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the city indulges in a week of lavish eating, drinking and partying. The celebration begins with Dijous Gras, or Fat Thursday. As per its double-entendre name, this is a day full of indulgence in mighty communal feasts filled with greasy, fatty foods. Head to any independent bakery or café, and you’ll likely find traditional treats such as coca de llardons (a flat wheat pastry) and botifarra d’ou (pork and egg sausage). Sometime over the weekend, often on the Saturday, the Carnival King will then arrive among the traditional carnival parade before making his grand speech to commence the rest of the festivities. This is a huge event in which many locals and tourists alike will gather to hear the King poke fun at the year’s most poignant events. Throughout the Carnival period, you’ll find countless street parties and events to join where you’ll be able to indulge in your fill of festive foods and alcohol. Most attendees typically dress up in costume, often as celebrities, famous characters or animals. If you’re really looking to party, you can easily grab yourself a costume from a number of stores in the city center. Llum Festival February also offers up one of the most highly anticipated events on Barcelona’s cultural calendar. For three nights a year, the Poblenou district offers up an almost unparalleled light show for the Llum Festival, using many of the district’s most iconic buildings as a canvas on which to project various different stunning art displays. Should you find yourself exploring the trendy bars, cafés and retailers throughout this district in the evening, you’ll be treated by all manner of spectacles. Highlighting the skills of both local and A-list artists, installations can be anything from neon walkways to immersive 3D illusions to entire buildings animated by light. Chinese New Year While the Lunar New Year may occasionally fall in January, it most often takes place in February. Just about every major European city will offer some form of celebration, but some go above and beyond to offer something truly special. Barcelona is one such location, as it has adapted its Chinese New Year celebrations to incorporate both traditional Chinese and Catalan symbolism and culture. A procession of dancers, musicians, martial artists, human towers, Chinese dragons and Catalan giants typically makes its way through some of the city’s major streets, eventually ending in a grand performance at its final destination. To accompany the celebration, you’ll also find a number of smaller events and displays taking place throughout the city. Many streets are taken over by vendors selling all manner of traditional treats and gifts, and you can often find a number of cultural workshops offering everything from language classes to art to cookery. Wrapping Up Whether you’re a more budget-minded traveler looking for the cheapest and quietest time to experience the heart of Catalonia or a fiend for parties and festivities, visiting Barcelona in February can be incredibly rewarding. Minimal crowds, cheaper accommodation rates and some of Catalonia’s most exciting cultural events are but a few of the treats you can expect from a visit throughout this period. Grab yourself a plane ticket and make sure to pack for the weather, and see what Barcelona’s winter really has to offer.
Robert Heaney
The Palau Nacional viewed from the Magic Fountain
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Free Things to do in Barcelona

Any trip to Barcelona is bound to be jam-packed with sightseeing, cultural activities and all the fresh Catalan cuisine you can stomach. While that’s exactly what many consider to be the best way to experience the city, it isn’t always too kind on the wallet. For those that are more budget-minded or would simply like to complete their itinerary with some cheaper and more laid-back activities, the city can still deliver. There are plenty of free things to do in Barcelona for just about every type of visitor. Parks Galore For a city as metropolitan and bustling as Barcelona, it’s surprising just how many open green spaces it manages to sneak in. Well over a dozen parks are dotted throughout, ranging from small dog parks to many-hectares-large social spots. Park Güell By far the most renowned and popular of Barcelona’s attractions is Park Güell. Second only to the Sagrada Familia in terms of the sheer volume of visitors it receives each day, Park Güell is most well known for its interior Monumental Zone designed by modernist architect Antoni Gaudi. While you will need to pay to book a visit to the Monumental Zone, this area constitutes just a tiny portion of the park as a whole. If you don’t mind missing it, you can very easily sink a couple of hours of your day into exploring or relaxing in the rest of the park. Ciutadella Park Offering over 17 hectares of green space, Ciutadella Park is the largest park in Barcelona, and it does plenty with that space. It’s so large, in fact, that it houses not only the Barcelona Zoo and its more than 2,000 resident animals, but also the Parliament of Catalonia. A number of street performers, dancers and musicians are often dotted throughout the park, adding to its relaxed and jovial atmosphere. Take a chance to sit back and relax, watch the rowboats go by on the lake, explore the space’s many monuments and take a selfie with the park’s very own wooly mammoth. Montjuïc Park For the very best views over the city, get yourself over to Montjuïc Park. This hill to the south of the city is jam-packed with some of Barcelona’s best attractions, and is also simply a fantastic place to relax with a panoramic view of the Catalan capital. Entry to the park by foot is entirely free, and you’ll be able to take all the time you need to explore the likes of Montjuïc Castle, the Magic Fountain and the Olympic Ring. There is also a cable car to take you directly to the top of the hill by the castle, but you will of course need to pay for this. Museums Barcelona is a city brimming with culture, and it’s no coincidence that it also hosts a great many museums for visitors to explore. While it’s no secret that many of Barcelona’s museums charge fairly hefty admission, many offer free entry on the first Sunday of each month, and often at select times throughout the week. The Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya is housed within the beautiful Palau Nacional and exhibits hundreds of thousands of visual art pieces from throughout the Catalonia region, dating back as far as a thousand years. As the biggest and most important museum in Barcelona, the MNAC typically charges admission, but can be visited for free on Saturday afternoons. The Museu Picasso offers the most complete collection of the surrealist Spanish artist’s paintings in the world. Thursday evenings will allow you to view the more than 4,000 pieces free of charge. Montjuïc Castle sits atop Montjuïc Mountain and originally served as a military fortress, dating back to 1640. The castle is now open for visitors to explore its halls, and offers free entry every Sunday evening. Gothic Quarter The Gothic Quarter of Barcelona offers a labyrinth of medieval streets in which you’ll find all manner of attractions, quaint restaurants and local retailers. While this area may house some of the pricier pastimes of the city, it also offers many of the best free things to do in Barcelona. Perhaps one of the biggest selling points of the Barri Gòtic is its wide selection of charming squares. The likes of Plaça Reial, Plaça Prim and Plaça Sant Felip Neri offer relaxed and open spaces to sit and socialize, often along with a handful of cafés and restaurants to grab a coffee or a bite to eat. These cobbled alleyways also house some of Barcelona’s most notable historic sites. You can visit the Barcelona Cathedral and Basílica de Santa Maria for free between certain times each day. The Jewish Quarter at the heart of the Gothic Quarter is an entire fragment of history in itself, offering some of the most gorgeous architecture in the area. If that isn’t quite enough to sate your historical hunger, then you can also retrace Barcelona’s ancient Roman past. Walk the perimeter of the old city wall, visit the remains of the Roman aqueduct and necropolis and explore the impressive remaining columns of the Temple of Augustus. Wrapping Up While the aforementioned attractions may be considered some of the best budget-friendly ways to pass your time, they are by no means the only free things to do in Barcelona. Throughout the year, there are always a number of events, workshops, gigs, exhibitions and tours on offer free of charge for any who may be interested. As bustling and metropolitan as Barcelona may be, it doesn’t have to be reserved only for those with the cash to splash on every single attraction. The more savvy, budget-minded traveler can fill their itinerary with all manner of rewarding activities without having to spend a penny more than their flights, accommodation and meal costs.
Robert Heaney

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