Montjuïc

"There are many grand elements to Montjüic, Barcelona's green lung that’s a whole lot more than ‘just a hill’. A great introduction starts from the roundabout at Plaça España, where a dramatic, architectural staircase leads up to the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (National Museum of Catalan Art). It looks like a fairy-tale palace, and the water feature in front is even called the Magic Fountain. (Recent drought conditions have paused its famous evening water-light spectacular—but check for updates here). So far, we’ve described about 400 meters of Montjüic: the remainder boasts internationally acclaimed arts institutions, stadiums from the 1992 Olympic Games, exotic gardens, and enough panoramic views to jam a smartphone camera roll. The site is vast; you can spend hours circumnavigating it, only to discover entire sections you’ve missed. Focusing on its outdoor potential, don’t miss Montjüic Castle, particularly in July and August, when its grounds host an open-air sunset cinema. Walk around the old Olympic stadium site, taking in the giant spike in the sky: a telecoms tower built by architect Santiago Calatrava. There are also two great gardens: the botanical garden, Jardí Botànic, and a more secluded one dedicated to cacti. If the catchy name Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobera doesn’t help you locate it, it’s by the back of the Miramar hotel and the sea." - Gemma Askham

"More into laps than lazing? Swap sand for a lane in one of Barcelona’s striking outdoor pools. The show pony of the swimming scene is  Club de Natación Atlètic-Barceloneta , which boasts three smart outdoor pools right beside the palm trees of Barceloneta beach. The facility belongs to a swimming club, but you can buy a day ticket for around $15. On Montjuïc, Barcelona’s most iconic pool is  Piscina Municipal de Montjuic —famous for hosting the diving in the 1992 Olympic Games, where athletes descended in front of a spectacular city skyline. The pool’s second star turn? Starring in the music video for Kylie Minogue’s . Its 25-meter outdoor pool is open to the public in July and August; although facilities are rather utilitarian and concrete-based, the panorama here—with La Sagrada Familia in the distance—is unbeatable. Tickets cost around $7.50, or you can visit the bar above for free. While you’re on Montjuïc,  Piscines Bernat Picornell has a 50-meter outdoor pool that’s open from 1 April to 31 October. Also used for the ’92 Olympics, it still has all the stadium seating to prove it (what better incentive to finesse your freestyle?). Tickets cost around €13 (around $14), including access to a gym, jacuzzi and sauna." - Gemma Askham

"Another great park overlooking the city, Montjuïc is a famous hill with a castle of the same name. It’s a 17th-century military fortress though no royalty lived here. The castle is surrounded by gorgeous, manicured gardens filled with colorful flowers, and it also has an amphitheater that hosts outdoor performances. If you’re not up for the long walk to the top, you can also take a cable car to the entrance of the castle." - MATADOR_NETWORK

More than just a mountain, you could literally spend all day here. Start at the Magic Fountain, and climb the steps to cool off in the National Museum of Art. Skip out the back and cut through the 1992 Olympic Stadium on your way to the Botanical Gardens.