Barcelona’s Most Unique Non-Tourist Spot
Every blog, travel site and tiktok will tell you the same 10 things to see in every city, including Barcelona. I aim for the offbeat travel that’s not so far off the beaten path it’s intimidating and the affordable options that won’t empty your debit card.
When I’m travelling somewhere new, my first search is usually “Offbeat things to do in [City]”. The older I get, and as my years of working in the travel industry turns to decades, the charm of lining up behind a coach full of tourists and paying entrance fees to be battling a sensory overload is wearing off
If that sentiment speaks to you, Montjuïc Cemetery is one of the most offbeat things to do in Barcelona, and it’s way more interesting than you’d expect. And not just if you were a poser goth kid with glittered spiky hair wearing a velour black maxi skirt you got for $5. *cough*Montjuïc Cemetery is a whole hillside city of tombs. Built in the late 1800s, it has thousands of graves in mausoleums, paths, and amazing views both on the city and ocean sides. With everything from modern plots (? Is it a plot in a mausoleum?) To ones so old you can’t even read the writing, a glimpse into the traditions and aesthetics of so many different families.If you’re into hidden gems in Barcelona or just want to escape the crowds for a bit, this is a great spot to wander and take things slow.
So it has a bus stop? Big Deal.
You can catch the regular city routes for buses near the entrance to the cemetery but at the top of the hill, directly attached to a mausoleum with a great eternal view, there is a bus stop for a special bus route that only runs on certain days – like All Saint’s Day. I assume this bus route is not just for convenience, but as a service for the elderly who would struggle walking through the cemetery to visit their loved ones.
Since I was there on a quiet day with the residents, it was fun to imagine the offbeat version where on certain days of the year Barcelona public transit accommodates the wandering of the ghosts of the cemetery to venture out into the city.
For the living, it’s still a great place to sit in the shade, admire the view, see what cruise ships are in, and be the travel weirdo who came to a cemetery to admire the culture instead of lining up for yet another Gaudi house.
Offbeat Barcelona Bonus:
If you need to convince your friends who aren’t looking for unusual places in Barcelona, you can entice them with a funicular ride up the hill into Parc de Montjuïc. Cementiri Montjuïc is located in the massive Parc de Montjuïc (Montjuïc Park) with tons to do including a botanical garden, a castle, a shaded playground, and limitless cool overlook views.
It’s one of those spots that sticks with you, especially if you’re into alternative travel experiences in Barcelona while keeping your classic tourist friends happy.
A Few Quick Tips:
Montjuïc Park is expansive and even the Montjuïc cemetery is huge.
- Wear good shoes—there’s a lot of walking and hills
- Bring water if it’s hot out
- Don’t rush it—just wander and explore
- Watch your times – at time of writing it is open 8am-6pm
- If you really want non-touristy things in Barcelona, make sure you’re checking the calendar and that it’s not a holiday where it could be very busy!