Admission to the castle includes access to its ramparts, exhibition spaces, the parade ground, and rooftop terraces offering panoramic views of the port, the Mediterranean and the city’s grid below. The castle is open every day, though hours vary: from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. in winter (1 Nov–28 Feb) and until 8:00 p.m. in high season (1 Mar–31 Oct); it is closed on 25 December and 1 January. Tickets are modestly priced and you should purchase them ahead or arrive early to make the most of your time.

What many visitors consider a highlight is combining the castle visit with the scenic Telefèric de Montjuïc (Montjuïc Cable Car). The cable car climbs from the Parc de Montjuïc station up to the castle, covering about 752 metres and giving you aerial views of Barcelona’s skyline, gardens and harbour. Adult tickets cost €15.30 for a return trip, with slightly higher fares in peak season, and discounts for children aged 4–12 and free for under-4s. It operates daily, typically from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00-9:00 p.m. depending on the time of year.

If you choose the cable car route, you’ll save the steep uphill walk and arrive at the castle refreshed and ready to explore. Getting to the cable-car base is easy: take the metro to Paral·lel (Lines L2 or L3) then the funicular or bus up to the Parc de Montjuïc station of the cable car. Once the ride is done, you can disembark at the castle stop; on the return journey you may optionally stop at Mirador de l’Alcalde to wander gardens and viewpoints before descending.

Inside the castle, you’ll walk ramparts, explore bastions, check out the Interpretation Centre and enjoy expansive terraces. The vantage point is one of Barcelona’s best for sunset or early evening city lights. Comfortable shoes are recommended as some areas involve stairs and uneven surfaces. Visitors with limited mobility can access much of the principal terrace area, but consider transport-aided access if walking is challenging.

Timing your visit wisely makes a big difference: arrive either right when the castle opens (10:00 a.m.) or late afternoon when many day-visitors have left. The cable car at these times tends to have shorter queues. Weekdays are quieter than weekends. If you’re visiting in summer, staying for the sunset view from the terrace is well worth it.

In short: combining the castle and the cable car transforms what might feel like a steep hilltop stop into a relaxing half-day escape above Barcelona’s bustle. Book a cable-car round-trip ticket, arrive early or late, allow about 2 hours for the visit, and you’ll walk away with historic depth and one of the city’s most memorable vistas.