What is it?
If you want to escape the chaos and noise of the city without leaving Barcelona, this place will appeal to you. Located at one end of a series of parks that span Montjuïc hill, this viewpoint at the back of Montjuïc Castle is one of the greenest areas in the city. It also shares the hillside with La Anilla Olímpica, a complex of sporting facilities designed for the 1992 Olympic Games, which now hosts events across sports and live entertainment.
For those who enjoy walking, the area is full of zigzagging paths that go up and down the slope, allowing you to walk along the southern side of the hill. From these paths, which have several balcony-style viewpoints, there are fabulous views of the Port of Barcelona, the Mediterranean Sea, and El Prat de Llobregat. The sun shines brightly, the light is intense, and it’s an ideal place to stroll and admire the surroundings of the castle.
Where is it?
This large park begins on Passeig del Migdia, in the Sants-Montjuïc district, at one of the two ends of the parks that follow the slope of Montjuic mountain between the Zona Franca and the Poble-sec neighbourhood.
Fancy a bite?
After a stroll around the castle and a venture into the forest, it’s worth stopping at La Caseta del Migdia, a small house converted into an outdoor bar where you can eat or have a drink under the shade of the pine trees. For a more affordable option, right next to it, there’s a large open area with wooden tables and views over the industrial port which is perfect for picnics. Whichever you choose, you’re likely to also enjoy some live music courtesy of the band that livens up the bar during its opening hours.
Time Out tip
Whether you’ve been walking or relaxing in the park of the Mirador del Migdia, make sure to end the day at one of Barcelona’s hidden gems. The viewpoint next to La Caseta is one of the few spots in the city where you can watch the sunset. It’s fairly unknown by tourists, so it still has that insiders-only charm.
How much is the entrance fee?
Entry to the gardens is free and open to all ages. The park is open 24 hours a day, so you can even visit at night to see the city lit up.
How do I get there?
Whether you take the Montjuïc funicular, walk, or take the bus, you’ll need to head to Montjuïc Castle. From there, it’s just a 10-minute walk to the Mirador del Migdia and the surrounding parks and forests.
📍The 30 best things to do in Barcelona
Translated by Olivia Simpson