12 January 2026
This day was a city walk.
We started early with a bus ride up the hills to Montjuïc Castle. The ride was pleasant — lovely weather, wide roads, and nice views as we climbed toward the top. Barcelona often feels spacious and calm, despite some encounters the day before.
When we reached the ticket counter, we realised the castle interior was under renovation. Visitors could only access the outdoor grounds, yet the ticket price remained unchanged. So we decided not to enter and instead spent time walking around the mountain.
Walking Down Montjuïc
The walk downhill turned out to be very enjoyable. Along the way we passed parks and several miradors offering aerial views across Barcelona and the coastline.
We also saw the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, originally built in 1929 and later renovated for the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, an event that reshaped the city’s global image and redeveloped much of its waterfront and public spaces.
Slowly, we made our way back toward the city centre on foot, letting the scenery change gradually from hillside greenery to urban streets.
Sagrada Família — Almost Complete
Of course, we had to visit Sagrada Família.
It was said the basilica would be completed by 2026, but when we were there, it still wasn’t finished. Twenty years ago, I remember standing outside and telling myself I would come back when it was completed. I guess this time I had to settle for “almost complete.”
It felt different from my last visit. Previously, I could walk freely around the exterior and admire the detailed façades closely. Now barriers surround much of the area, making the outside view harder to enjoy and honestly a bit less attractive.
Inside, however, it was beautiful.
There were detailed exhibitions explaining the construction and history of the building, and one section of stained glass lighting was breathtaking. Many visitors waited for the sunlight to shine through at the right angle, which made me realise timing really matters here.
We spent quite a long time inside, moving through different levels and spaces, going back and forth to make sure we didn’t miss any part of the architecture.
And yes — small lesson learned. I tried tiptoeing to photo-bomb my friends and a guard kindly reminded me not to jump around since it’s a religious space.
Ticket & Visit Tips
- Book timed-entry tickets online in advance.
- Allow at least 2 hours inside.
- Late afternoon visits often give stronger stained-glass lighting effects.
- Tower access requires a separate ticket and sells out quickly.
Churros Again & Evening Walk
After that, we went for churros again — still good.
We then walked toward Barcelona Port, passing through the City Hall area where reporters were setting up cameras and preparing interviews. Something seemed to be happening, but even after checking the news back at the hotel, I couldn’t find out what it was about.
The evening stroll was lovely. Barcelona feels very comfortable to walk at night, and the city lights added a relaxed atmosphere.
A Cosmopolitan Side of Barcelona
Somewhere along the walk, we noticed an area with many Chinese restaurants, and the prices looked quite reasonable too. The vibe felt noticeably cosmopolitan compared to some other cities in Spain.
Barcelona really feels international — different cultures, cuisines, and people blending into everyday city life.
Transport Tips
- Bus 150 connects Plaça d’Espanya directly to Montjuïc Castle.
- Walking downhill from Montjuïc is easy and scenic.
- Consider combining this route in one day:
- Montjuïc → Olympic Stadium → City Centre → Sagrada Família → Port area.
End of the Day
It was a simple day of walking, but a very pleasant one — hills, architecture, good food, and a long evening stroll.
Barcelona is a beautiful city.
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