Montjuïc

The Montjuïc (173 m) is Barcelona's green home mountain and a universe unto itself: museums, gardens, a fortress, Olympic facilities, and panoramic views of the city, harbor, and sea. Named after the medieval Jewish cemetery (Mont Juïc = "Jewish Mountain"), the hill was extensively redesigned for the 1929 World's Fair and the 1992 Olympic Games.

Fundació Joan Miró ★★★

Designed by Josep Lluís Sert, the museum (1975) houses the world's largest collection of Joan Miró's works — over 10,000 pieces, including paintings, sculptures, textiles, and ceramics. The light-filled building is itself a masterpiece of museum architecture. On the rooftop terrace: sculptures and views over Barcelona. Admission 15 €.

MNAC (Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya) ★★★

Residing in the imposing Palau Nacional, Catalonia's national museum boasts the world's most significant collection of Romanesque wall paintings (rescued from Pyrenean churches, 11th–13th centuries) — worth the visit alone. Also, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque art, as well as a collection of Catalan Modernisme furniture and design. The terrace offers the classic postcard view over the fountain, Plaça d'Espanya, and the city. Admission 12 €, free on Saturdays from 3:00 p.m.

Castell de Montjuïc ★★

The fortress on the summit (17th–18th centuries) has a grim history — as a prison and execution site under Franco. Today, a memorial site with an exhibition on history and a panoramic tour offering the best view of the harbor and coast. Admission 5 €. Accessible by the Telefèric de Montjuïc cable car (14.20 € round trip) — the ride is an experience in itself.

Font Màgica (Magic Fountain)

At the foot of Montjuïc, the Font Màgica (1929) stages a water-light-music spectacle that attracts up to 2,500 spectators. Free, evenings Thu–Sun in summer (May–Sept.: 9:30–10:30 p.m.), Wed–Sat in winter (Oct.–April: 8:00–9:00 p.m.).