In Barcelona a museum can turn out to be a former prison, an anti-aircraft battery or a square sunk down to Roman tombs. This is a selection from my list of saved places: city history, science, sport and an open-air theatre. The descriptions are put together from Google Maps reviews: what visitors say is worth it, how long to allow and where it gets crowded.
Ticket prices come from Google Maps reviews, valid as of 30 September 2026 and subject to change. Rate: 1 € ≈ $1.13.
In short
- A full day with kids: CosmoCaixa. A ticket is about 8 €; allow at least four hours.
- Free: Centre Cultural La Model and Teatre Grec.
- Best view: MUHBA Turó de la Rovira at sunset, though it opens only four days a week, 16:00–19:00.
- Montjuïc: the Museu Olímpic and Teatre Grec are close together.
City history
MUHBA Turó de la Rovira
El Carmel · Civil War batteries & viewpoint · Wed & Fri–Sun 16:00–19:00
Google Maps · website · Carrer de Marià Labèrnia, s/n
According to Google Maps reviews (4.6 from 17,000+): the remains of Civil War anti-aircraft batteries on a hilltop and, for many, one of the best panoramas of Barcelona: the coast, the Eixample grid, the Sagrada Família. Most people come for the view, especially at sunset, and stay an hour or two. The climb is steep, so bring water and a snack.
MUHBA Via Sepulcral Romana
Barri Gòtic · Roman necropolis · ⚠️ closed for works 22 September – 30 November 2026; usually Tue 11:00–14:00, Sun 11:00–15:00 and 16:00–19:00
Google Maps · website · Plaça de la Vila de Madrid
According to Google Maps reviews (4.3 from 200+): Roman tombs from the 1st to 3rd centuries AD, below the level of a modern square a short walk from Plaça de Catalunya and La Rambla. Plenty of people stumble on it by accident, and the small museum inside explains what you're looking at. It opens only two days a week; buy a ticket in advance.
Centre Cultural La Model
Esquerra de l'Eixample · former prison · free
Google Maps · website · Carrer d'Entença, 155
According to Google Maps reviews (4.2 from 1,400+): an early-1900s jail that held prisoners until 2017, with its cells, galleries and central panopticon. Entry is free, it opens on certain days, and there are tours and concerts. Visitors appreciate the lack of tourist crowds; the main drawbacks are little English and only some of the cells being open.
Science, sport and stage
CosmoCaixa
Sant Gervasi · science museum · 8 € (≈$9) · daily 10:00–20:00
Google Maps · website · Carrer d'Isaac Newton, 26
According to Google Maps reviews (4.7 from 49,000+): a huge hands-on science museum covering planets and climate through to dinosaurs and the Palaeolithic; the star is the flooded rainforest. Allow at least four hours, or better the whole day: families spend five hours here, and the adults have as much fun as the kids. An adult ticket is about 8 €, and the café is reasonably priced. It's a bit out of the centre, so many book tickets ahead.
Museu Olímpic i de l'Esport Joan Antoni Samaranch
Montjuïc · sports museum · 8 € (≈$9) · Tue–Sat 10:00–19:00, Sun 10:00–14:30, closed Mon
Google Maps · website · Av. de l'Estadi, 60
According to Google Maps reviews (4.4 from 2,000): Olympic history next to the Olympic Ring on Montjuïc, with torches, kit and memorabilia from famous athletes, posters, videos and interactive simulators. There's a lot about the 1992 Games, but not only that. Allow at least an hour; it's an easy stop on the way down from the cable car. There's barely a gift shop.
Teatre Grec
Montjuïc · open-air theatre · free
Google Maps · website · Passeig de Santa Madrona, s/n
According to Google Maps reviews (4.6 from 6,200+): a 1929 amphitheatre in a former quarry, modelled on Greek theatres, with performances and concerts on summer evenings. Out of season it's a quiet spot next to gardens: hardly any tourists, people come with a book and a picnic, and there's a monthly yoga session. It sometimes closes for refurbishment, and the walk up is steep, so wear good shoes and bring water.
One last thing
Check the days before you go: MUHBA Turó de la Rovira opens only on Wednesday and Friday to Sunday afternoons, and the Museu Olímpic is closed on Mondays. CosmoCaixa is open every day, so keep it for the day everything else is shut.
More on Barcelona: art and design.