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Spacious, diverse and full of contrasts. Sants-Montjuïc is one of those areas in Barcelona that keeps surprising you the more you explore it. Here, neighbourhoods with a village feel blend with green spaces perfect for unwinding, large-scale cultural venues and hidden corners where local life still sets the pace. It’s a district made for slow strolls, looking around and discovering a more authentic, less obvious side of Barcelona.

1. Where is it located? 

Sants-Montjuïc is located in the southwest of Barcelona and is the city’s largest district. It includes such diverse areas as Sants, Hostafrancs and Poble Sec, as well as Montjuïc hill, one of the main green lungs of the Catalan capital.

What truly sets this district apart is its diversity. Former industrial areas that have been transformed, neighbourhoods with a strong local identity, and major cultural venues all coexist within the same area. It’s a district with a working-class past, a creative present, and a clear cultural and urban spirit.

2. Things to see and do in Sants-Montjuïc

1. Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC)
   Located inside the Palau Nacional, it is one of the city’s most important museums. It’s especially renowned for its outstanding Romanesque art collection and for its terraces, which offer some of the best panoramic views over Barcelona.
   
2. Fundació Joan Miró
   A must-visit for modern art lovers. The foundation showcases the work of Joan Miró in a bright and peaceful setting, perfectly integrated into Montjuïc hill.
   
3. Castell de Montjuïc
   Perched at the top of the hill, this historic castle has served as a military fortress, a prison and a strategic lookout point. Today, it’s a cultural venue offering sweeping views of the port, the city and the Mediterranean Sea.
   
4. Parc de Montjuïc
   More than just a park, it’s a vast network of gardens, walking paths and green spaces, perfect for a leisurely stroll, a picnic, or simply unwinding from the city buzz while enjoying nature.
   
5. Font Màgica de Montjuïc
   One of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Its water, light and music shows make it a hugely popular attraction, especially at sunset and in the evening.
   
6. Font Màgica de Montjuïc
   One of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Its water, light and music shows make it a hugely popular attraction, especially at sunset and in the evening.
   

3. Eating well is part of the experience

The food scene in Sants-Montjuïc is just as diverse as the district itself. Here are our top recommendations: 

• Quimet i Quimet: a historic tapas bar and one of the neighbourhood’s classic hotspots, ideal for a vermouth or traditional tapas in a truly authentic setting. 

Address: Carrer del Poeta Cabanyes, 25, Sants-Montjuïc

• Txibirita: a modern Basque tavern serving both cold and hot pintxos, with traditional flavours and a warm, welcoming atmosphere—perfect for sharing lunch or dinner with friends and family.

Address: Carrer de Vilardell, 23, Sants-Montjuïc

• Carmen Restaurante: traditional, market-fresh cuisine featuring stone-grilled and charcoal-grilled meats, paellas, seasonal calçotadas and many other Mediterranean favourites. 

Address: Carrer de Valladolid, 44, Sants-Montjuïc

• La Font del Gat: a historic restaurant and open-air dining spot offering Mediterranean cuisine, live music and cultural events in the heart of Montjuïc.

Address: Passeig de Santa Madrona, 28, Sants-Montjuïc

• La Mundana: a gourmet vermouth bar serving creative tapas made with locally sourced ingredients, all with a modern twist and highly rated by both locals and visitors.

Address: Carrer del Vallespir, 93, Sants-Montjuïc

• Bodega Montferry: a historic neighbourhood wine bar serving vermouth, classic tapas and traditional dishes—ideal for sharing with friends in an authentic local setting.

Address: Passatge de Serra i Arola, 13, Sants-Montjuïc

4. Shops, markets and local shopping

Sants-Montjuïc offers a shopping experience that’s closely tied to everyday neighbourhood life. In areas such as Sants and Hostafrancs, you’ll find local independent shops, long-standing family-run stores and traditional markets like the Mercat de Sants, the perfect place to discover fresh local produce and soak up the authentic community atmosphere.

On the other hand, the district also stands out for its vintage shops, second-hand stores and independent boutiques full of character. Among them, Neko Vintage Clothes, a retro clothing atelier featuring carefully curated pieces and handmade garments with a sustainable focus; Vintageame, offering unique vintage décor, furniture and collectible items that evoke past eras; and Flea Market Sants, a regular market where you can browse vintage and second-hand clothing, accessories and objects, all set to good music, great food and a lively community vibe—perfect for those looking for something beyond the main shopping streets.

5. Where to stay

Staying in Sants-Montjuïc is a smart choice if you want to explore Barcelona from a well-connected area with a genuine local feel. From here, it’s easy to get around by public transport and reach both the city centre and other parts of Barcelona with ease.

On our website, you can find apartments in Sants-Montjuïc and filter by district to choose the accommodation that best suits your trip, whether you’re planning a short city break or a longer stay in Barcelona.

6. For Instagram lovers: unmissable spots

Sants-Montjuïc is incredibly photogenic if you know where to look. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best spots to give your Instagram feed a more aesthetic, eye-catching vibe.

• Jardins del Mirador de l’Alcalde

•  Castell de Montjuïc

• Teatre Grec

• Jardins de Laribal

7. Fun facts and things you didn’t know

Until 1897, Sants was an independent municipality and one of Catalonia’s main industrial hubs, earning the nickname “the Catalan Manchester” thanks to its thriving textile factories. The former España Industrial complex—now transformed into a public park—was one of the most important manufacturing sites in the country. Meanwhile, the Castell de Montjuïc was not only a military fortress, but also a prison and the setting for several episodes of political repression.

The 1992 Olympic transformation reshaped the area forever, especially around the Olympic Stadium. Down in the lower part of the district, Sants Station became Barcelona’s main railway hub and a key international gateway. And every summer, the Festa Major de Sants fills the streets with spectacular decorations, rivaling the creativity of the famous Gràcia festival.

Sants-Montjuïc is a district best discovered at your own pace, combining scenic walks, culture, great food and historic viewpoints. If you’re looking for a diverse, authentic and contrast-filled side of Barcelona, this is the place to be.

Keep exploring more neighbourhoods and things to do on our blog, and discover fresh ideas to make the most of your time in the city.