Fira & Montjuïc: BCN's Grand Stage
You'll know you've arrived when you see it: a huge, impressive square with a grand fountain, two Venetian-style towers, and a magnificent palace looking down from a hill. This is the area of Plaça d'Espanya, the gateway to Barcelona's Fira exhibition district and the green oasis of Montjuïc hill.
This part of Barcelona feels open, grand, and full of possibilities. For backpackers, it's a smart and strategic place to set up camp. Finding one of the great hostels near Fira Metro Station means you get epic sights and amazing transport links, all while being slightly away from the most crowded tourist zones.
Why Base Yourself Here?
This neighborhood offers a fantastic mix of monumental sights and green spaces. It’s a place where you can feel the grand history of the city. Unlike the narrow, winding streets of the Gothic Quarter, this area gives you room to breathe and look around.
The real advantage for budget travelers is the sheer number of world-class free attractions. From a spectacular nightly fountain show to an entire hill full of parks, viewpoints, and gardens, you can fill your days here without spending much at all. It provides incredible value.
- Epic Free Sights: The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc offers a timeless light and music show. Exploring the parks on the hill costs nothing.
- A Transport Super-Hub: Plaça d'Espanya station can connect you to almost anywhere in the city, the airport, and even nearby mountains.
- A Breath of Fresh Air: The huge, green space of Montjuïc hill is your backyard, perfect for a break from the city buzz.
- Authentic Eats Nearby: The bordering neighborhood of Poble-sec is famous for its incredible and affordable tapas and pinchos bars.
Your Hub to the City & Beyond
Transportation from here is incredibly easy. Plaça d'Espanya is one of Barcelona’s biggest transport hubs. The metro station connects you to the L1 (Red) and L3 (Green) lines, which have been crisscrossing the city for decades. These two lines alone can take you to most of the city’s top sights, from La Rambla to the Sagrada Família.
This is also a major bus interchange. The Aerobús, the fast and reliable bus service to and from the airport, has a major stop here. Plus, FGC trains leave from the station to take you on popular day trips, like the famous mountain monastery of Montserrat.
Magic Views, Zero Cost
The number one attraction here is the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc. For generations, people have gathered here at night to watch this spectacular show of water, light, and music with the beautiful Palau Nacional as a backdrop. It’s a classic, unforgettable, and completely free Barcelona experience.
Behind the fountain is Montjuïc hill itself. This entire area is a giant park. You can spend a whole day just walking its paths, finding incredible panoramic views of the city and the port. You can see the outside of the Olympic Stadium and other historic buildings without paying for a ticket.
A Traveler's Tip Sheet
For a cheap and authentic dinner, head to Carrer de Blai in the nearby Poble-sec neighborhood. This street is famous for its "pinchos" bars. Pinchos are small pieces of bread with delicious toppings. You just take what you want from the bar and pay for how many sticks you have at the end. It's a fun and very budget-friendly way to eat.
Want to get to the top of Montjuïc hill without a long, sweaty walk? From Plaça d'Espanya, hop on the number 150 bus. It's a local city bus that winds all the way up the hill to the Montjuïc Castle at the very top, and you can use your standard transport pass to ride it.
For a backpacker who wants more than just the crowded city center, this area is a perfect choice. Opting for one of the hostels near Fira Metro Station in Barcelona (the Plaça d'Espanya hub) gives you access to grand architecture, beautiful parks, and some of the best free entertainment in the city.
The unbeatable transport connections make it a practical launchpad for exploring every corner of Barcelona and beyond. It’s a district that combines monumental beauty with a relaxed, local vibe, offering a truly special experience.






