Montserrat Monastery Half Day Experience from Barcelona
Active
5h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover the wonders of Montserrat, a national park and place of pilgrimage for millions worldwide. Join your guide in an air‑conditioned private vehicle from Barcelona for a drive up the mountain, named for its saw‑like rock formations. Enjoy the view and hear about Montserrat’s Basilica and Monastery, home of la Moreneta (Black Madonna).
We offer early access to visit before the crowds arrive.
Depending on the selected option, your tour may include only the guided visit, the guided visit plus Basilica entry, or the full experience with access to the Black Madonna’s altar or listening to the Boys’ Choir. Upon arrival, enjoy a 45‑minute guided tour to discover Montserrat and its secrets. If included, enter the Basilica and see the Black Madonna.
During your 2‑hour free time, explore the farmers’ market, walk to Saint Miguel Cross for breathtaking views, ride the Sant Joan Funicular, and more. Return to Barcelona at the end of the tour.
Available options
Only Guided Tour
Difference from other options: Includes roundtrip from Barcelona and guided tour. No Basilica or Black Madonna entry, but more free time to explore<br/>Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes<br/>Montserrat Experience: Enjoy the best views in this 5.30-hour roundtrip Tour from Barcelona. Enjoy a guided tour and take free time on your own.<br/>Luxury Air-Conditioned Bus<br/>Language: English
Guided Tour & Basilica Entry
Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes<br/>Montserrat Experience: Enjoy the best views on this tour from Barcelona. Includes guided tour, Basilica access, and free time to explore on your own<br/>Luxury Air-Conditioned Bus<br/>Language: English
Spanish Tour
Duration: 5 hours: 50 minutes ride back and forth, and 3 full hours to visit Montserrat.<br/>Montserrat Experience: Enjoy stunning views on this 5-hour roundtrip tour from Barcelona. Visit the Basilica and have free time to explore.<br/>Luxury Air-Conditioned Bus
Tour, Basilica & Boys' Choir
Duration: 5 hours<br/>Montserrat Experience: Discover the best views, enjoy a guided tour of this religious temple, free time, and listen to the famous Boys' Choir.<br/>Transfer: Our private A/C bus will take us from Barcelona to Montserrat on a 1h ride, and then we will be back at around 2.30 pm.<br/>Language: English
Montserrat, Lunch & Winery
Duration: 9 hours<br/>Taste & tradition: Enjoy a local liquor tasting in Montserrat, savor lunch in the countryside, and end the day with a wine tasting at a boutique<br/>Full day experience: Take the cogwheel train in Montserrat, visit the basilica, enjoy free time, and head to a scenic winery for panoramic views.<br/>Transfer: Our private A/C bus will take us during the whole trip from 8.30 am until approx. 5.30 pm.<br/>Language: English
Private Tour (half-day)
Duration: 5 hours<br/>Private tour just for you: We’ll pick you up at your accommodation in a private luxury vehicle for a private tour to Montserrat with your own guide.<br/>Guided tour: You can choose to visit the Black Madonna or enjoy the Boys’ Choir performance, available in English or Spanish.
Tour, Basilica & Black Madonna
Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes<br/>Montserrat Experience: Enjoy the best views on this tour from Barcelona. Includes guided tour, Basilica and Black Madonna access, and free time.<br/>Luxury Air-Conditioned Bus<br/>Language: English
What's included
The "Only Guided Tour" option does not include tickets (Monastery tour and roundtrip only)
Round transfer from the centre of Barcelona to the Monastery
2 Hour Free Time to Explore Montserrat on Your Own
The "Tour, Basilica & Boys' Choir" option includes tickets for the Boys' Choir and Basilica
The "Tour, Basilica & Black Madonna" option includes Basilica entry and touching the Black Madonna
English-Speaking Professional Guide
The "Guided Tour & Basilica Entry" option ONLY includes Ticket to the Basilica
The "Montserrat, Lunch & Winery" option includes a cogwheel train ride and visit to historic winery
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Montserrat is a mountain top monastery situated on top of an unusual rock mountain. It is the highest point of the Catalan lowlands. Montserrat monastery hosts “la Moreneta”, also called Black Madonna. The legend says that the benedictine monks found the statue, and they could not move the statue to build their monastery, so they decided to construct it around the statue. Montserrat was designated as a National Park in 1987. Nowadays, it is a site of pilgrimage for people around the world.
Once in Montserrat, enjoy a 45-minute small group guided tour, and then you will have 2 hours to explore on your own. You can visit the Museum, taste the monastery’s homemade liquor, go for an easy walk to Saint Miguel's cross for an incredible viewpoint, go up the Sant Joan Funicular, take wonderful pictures, buy local products from the farmer's market, and more.
2
Stop 2
The origin of the monastery is uncertain, but it is believed that the Virgin of Monsterrat (La Moreneta) was found around 880. (8.30 am and 1.30 pm tours include tickets to La Moreneta). According to the legends, the monks built the monastery around the statue. The monastery still functions to this day with over 70 monks. The basilica of Montserrat began its construction in the 16th century, and now houses an art museum. It is also the place where la Escolania, one of the oldest Boys’ Choirs in Europe, performs during religious ceremonies (you can listen to them on the 9.30 am tour).
3
Stop 3
In your free time, you can visit the Montserrat museum, which hosts six permanent art collections and two temporary. You will find pieces from famous artists such as Picasso, Dalí, Caravaggio, and also unknown but talented artists.
4
Stop 4
In your free time, take the funicular and enjoy the panoramic view of the mountain. The funicular offers a view of the monastery as well as the breathtaking views from the Pyrenees. At the top, you can also visit Aula de Natura (Nature Centre), where you will learn about the history, flora and fauna of the mountain.
5
The Black Madonna of Montserrat, a revered 12th‑century statue of the Virgin Mary and symbol of Catalonia, is housed inside the Montserrat Basilica. Included in the option that specifies the visit to the Black Madonna.
What's not included
Food and drinks in the Half Day options
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
FR
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.8
1,021 reviews
5★
889
4★
77
3★
34
2★
8
1★
13
Tripadvisor
4.9
4,811 reviews
5★
4606
4★
169
3★
19
2★
7
1★
10
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Wheelchair accessible (Please let us know if this is your case since we need to arrange with the bus in advance)
'Montserrat with Boys' choir' option is available from Monday to Friday. The Tour starts at 9.30am
'Montserrat + winery + lunch' option is a full day tour, available from Monday to Saturday. The Tour starts at 8.30am
'Montserrat with La Moreneta' option is available from Monday to Sunday. The Tour starts at 8.30am and at 1.30pm.
We meet all travelers at a meeting point. Travelers cannot enter their own pickup location.
The tour guide will be waiting at the meeting point, holding a red burgundy umbrella.
Meeting point
The tour guide will be waiting at the meeting point, holding a red burgundy umbrella.
Important notes
Please be at the meeting point 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time. We have to start on time the tour to avoid a queue in Montserrat. Thanks.
About Barcelona
Barcelona is a vibrant city on the northeastern coast of Spain, known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and lively atmosphere. It seamlessly blends medieval history with modernist masterpieces, making it a unique and appealing destination for travelers.
Top Attractions
Sagrada Família
Antoni Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece, a stunning basilica that combines Gothic and Art Nouveau forms. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit.
Architecture
1.5-2.5 hours
€26-€34 (depending on access to towers)
Park Güell
Another Gaudí masterpiece, this park features colorful mosaics, whimsical structures, and beautiful city views.
Architecture
1.5-2 hours
€10 (Monumental Zone)
La Rambla
A famous pedestrian street filled with shops, restaurants, street performers, and the famous La Boqueria market.
Street
1-2 hours
Free (shopping and dining costs vary)
Casa Batlló
A unique building designed by Gaudí, known for its surrealist design and colorful façade.
Architecture
1 hour
€35-€45 (depending on the tour)
Gothic Quarter
The historic heart of Barcelona, filled with medieval streets, ancient buildings, and hidden plazas.
Historical
2-3 hours
Free (some attractions may have entry fees)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Pa amb tomàquet
Bread rubbed with tomato, garlic, and olive oil, often served as an appetizer.
Snack
Vegetarian
Fideuà
A paella-like dish made with short, thin noodles, seafood, and saffron.
Main Course
Contains seafood
Crema Catalana
A Catalan version of crème brûlée, made with egg yolks, sugar, and cinnamon.
Dessert
Vegetarian
Patatas Bravas
Fried potato cubes topped with a spicy tomato sauce and garlic aioli.
Snack
Vegetarian
Popular Activities
Hiking in Montserrat
Water sports in Barceloneta
Rock climbing
Beach lounging in Barceloneta
Spa treatments
Strolling through parks and gardens
Visiting museums and galleries
Attending festivals and events
Best Time to Visit
May to June, September to October
The peak season offers pleasant weather and is ideal for exploring the city's attractions. The crowds are manageable, and the city is vibrant with festivals and events.
20°C to 28°C
68°F to 82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Catalan, Spanish
- Widely spoken: English, French
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Barcelona is generally safe, but like any major city, it has its share of petty crime and scams. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in touristy areas and on public transportation.
Important Precautions:
- • Be cautious of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation.
- • Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in touristy areas and on public transportation.
- • Be cautious of fake petitions or distractions to steal from you.
Getting there
By air
- Barcelona-El Prat Airport • 12 km from city center
By train
Sants Station, Estació de França
By bus
Estació d'Autobusos Sants, Estació d'Autobusos Nord
Getting around
Public transport
The metro system is efficient, clean, and covers most of the city. It's a great way to get around quickly and affordably.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Free Now, Cabify
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Eixample
Gràcia
Barceloneta
Gothic Quarter
El Raval
Day trips
Montserrat
50 km from Barcelona • Half day to full day
A stunning mountain range with a historic monastery, offering hiking, scenic views, and religious sites.
Girona
100 km from Barcelona • Full day
A charming medieval city with a well-preserved Jewish Quarter, a stunning cathedral, and a rich history.
Sitges
40 km from Barcelona • Half day to full day
A picturesque coastal town known for its beaches, nightlife, and historic sites.
Festivals
La Mercè Festival • Late September
Sant Jordi • April 23
Festa Major de Gràcia • Mid-August
Pro tips
- Visit popular attractions like the Sagrada Família and Park Güell early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
- Explore the city's neighborhoods on foot or by bike to discover hidden gems and local culture.
- Try local specialties like pa amb tomàquet, fideuà, and crema catalana at local markets and restaurants.
- Use the T-Casual pass for unlimited travel on public transportation, which is more cost-effective than single tickets.
- Be cautious of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation, and keep an eye on your belongings.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
