Exploring Montjuïc: Barcelona’s Olympic Stadium, Gardens, and Scenic Views

When I saw that the Olympic Stadium was on the bus route we were taking through Barcelona, I knew we had to make a stop. I have never attended an Olympic event and probably never will, but I still remember watching the Barcelona Olympics on television in 1992. Seeing the stadium in person brought back those memories and gave me a chance to experience a small piece of Olympic history for myself.

Visiting the Olympic Stadium reminded me a little of seeing the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It wasn’t necessarily at the top of my bucket list, but when you are already nearby, some landmarks are simply worth taking the time to see. The history and significance make them special. 

The Olympic Stadium sits on Montjuïc, one of Barcelona’s most interesting areas. Located on a hill overlooking the harbor, Montjuïc offers a break from the busy streets of the city while still providing incredible views and plenty of things to explore.

Originally built in 1927 for the 1929 International Exposition in the city (and Barcelona's bid for the 1936 Summer Olympics, which were awarded to Berlin), it was renovated in 1989 to be the main stadium for the 1992 Summer Olympics.  The stadium has a capacity of 54,000 (67,007 during the 1992 Olympics), and is located in the Anella Olímpica, in Montjuïc, a large hill to the southwest of the city which overlooks the harbor.

One of the best things about exploring Montjuïc is that it offers some of the best views of Barcelona. From the hilltop, you can see the city stretching toward the Mediterranean, making it a perfect place to slow down and appreciate just how beautiful Barcelona really is.

After exploring the Olympic area, we started making our way back toward the bus when we unexpectedly came across the Jardin d’Acclimatation. Sometimes the best travel moments are the ones you don’t plan. This peaceful garden was a welcome change from the busy city streets and gave us a quiet place to relax for a few minutes.

One unexpected bonus was that the garden offered public WiFi, which was helpful for checking directions, looking up information, or simply taking a break and reconnecting before continuing our day.

The garden is home to around 230 species of plants, including some rare varieties found in Barcelona. We enjoyed wandering through the paths, taking in the greenery, and appreciating the slower pace before continuing our day.

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Visiting Montjuïc

• The Olympic Stadium is located on Montjuïc Hill.
• It can be reached by bus, walking, or the Montjuïc cable car.
• Plan extra time to explore nearby attractions because there is much more to see than just the stadium.
• Wear comfortable shoes because Montjuïc involves walking and hills.