Diving in

When Barcelona hosted the games in 1992, if you were watching the diving, you'll remember it. The sight of these divers doing incredible things against the backdrop of a sky high view of Barcelona would be difficult to forget.

London 2012's Olympics are just around the corner and being a Londoner very much in love with my city, I'm excited. But in another amazing city, there is a former Olympic venue whose views are going to be hard to beat.

Best seats in the house

And over the Summer months, you can swim at this very same spot… Sadly, it was closed though it was still hot when I was in town but I did manage to take this shot through the gate. Also, it's important to note that there are two swimming pools located here and although you can enjoy athletes do their stuff when diving competitions are held here in Barcelona - the diving pool is not open to the public. You can however enjoy swimming - and diving in (from the sides of the pool rather than a diving board) at the other pool here.

Secret swimming in Barcelona

In Barcelona outside of the Summer season? If you're feeling up to the challenge - and enough of a rebel - you could scale the fence and jump in like these kids here…

Are you rebel enough?

I was rather jealous I hadn't brought my swimmers when I passed the pool when I visited in May and spotted these kids having a blast. A couple with a bag full of picnic goodies has also decided to climb up. Be warned though - I have no idea what the consequences would be if you got caught! Or how safe it is… In one very hot summer in Toronto, I did embarrassingly scale a fence for a swim only to cut my leg doing it. I still have the scar! Best to just stick to visiting it in July and August when it is open…

More to see from up high

You can have a whole day of fun at Montjuïc Hill. It's less about big city life and more about just having a fun day out. Here's a few other attractions at the hill that will keep you busy.

Out in front of the Olympic Stadium

You can take a little wander around a former Olympic stadium and then just enjoy the views and bask in the sunshine with some funky art pieces as well as the Montjuïc Communications Tower. 

Art at the top

Barcelona's produced some amazing artists including Sculptor and painter, Joan Miró. See his work at the Joan Miró Foundation. Miró's colourful works look fabulous against the stark white of the Foundation's building.

Big guns

Visit the Montjuïc Castle where you can learn about the role it played during the Spanish Civil War as well as check out some big guns.

More water-based fun

Finish up your evening on the hill with the Magic Fountain show by the Palacio Nacional. The Palcaio Nacional is an attraction in its own right. It's a beautiful piece of neo-baroque architecture as well as home to the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (or MNAC for short) where you can see classical paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Flying down to the beach

Riding over Barcelona

For more spectacular views, you can take one of Barcelona's telefericos (cable car) down. Barcelona has two telefericos - both on Montjuïc Hill. One takes you a shorter ride from the Funicular terminal to the top of the hill where Montjuïc Castle is. The other takes you from the Miramar point on the hill and down to Torre de San Sebastian very close to the beach.

The beach is never too far away

You could drive your Barcelona car hire up to Montjuïc Hill to spend most of your day checking out the sights and then do a trip to the beach before heading back up to see the magic fountain show at Plaza Espanya at the foot of the Palacio Nacional and picking up your Barcelona car hire. The cost of a round trip on the Teleferico del Puerto is €15 and a one-way ride is €10.

More Barcelona!

If you're planning a visit to Barcelona, you might also like to see what else we loved...

Walking in Gaudi's Barcelona

Getting fresh at La Boqueria Market

Bar hopping Barcelona with Primavera Sound

Barcelona - beach city

Dali and the lollipop

Get up to speed with our guides to Barcelona Airport and Barcelona Airport car hire:

Arriving into Barcelona Airport Terminal 2

Collecting your car hire at Barcelona Airport Terminal 2

Returning your car hire to Barcelona Airport Terminal 2

Departing from Barcelona Airport Terminal 2