The magic fountain contains 3.620 water nozzles, each able to draw water 4 meters high. It is a world-famous show at the foot of Montjuic, in the center of Barcelona. The fountain is one of many tourist attractions and a perfect place to relax, enjoy the evening and feel the unique charm of the Capital. Even when the fountain is not in service, it is a vantage point with spectacular views of Barcelona, Plaza Espanya to the slopes of Tibidabo.

General Information of the Fountain

The attraction is located between Montjuic Mount and Plaza Espanya, just down the street named Avenida Reina Maria Cristina, just below the Palau Nacional. The monument was designed by Carles Buigas and opened in 1929. The fountain was completely restored in 1992 during the Olympic Games, which were held in Barcelona that year. In recent years, the fountain has become more environmentally conscious, replacing conventional lighting with LED technology and using groundwater for its operation. In addition, the fountain has a recycling system that complies with the decree on drought made by the Catalan government in 2008.

The show must go on!

The show begins with the music of the 70s and 80s and continues with classical and more recent songs. The combination of color, music, and movement of the water made the evening an unforgettable adventure. The Magic Fountain show presents various sequences of musical choreography ranging from film music to the Disney melodies in the classical music, zarzuela, a remix of the 80s and 90s, and even a pop mixed with THE SONG ” BARCELONA” by Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballé.

The long staircase that goes from the fountain is the best place to watch the show. We recommend arriving between 15 to 30 minutes before the start of the show, if not a good place will be hard to find, especially if you want to sit. You will see also a lot of people sitting on the steps. It is not uncommon for street artists to deliver their performance before the show begins. Magicians, dancers, stuntmen, you may have an eyeful before the show but hold your breath for the grand spectacle of the Magic Fountain! It’s breathtaking!

Approximately 2.5 million people visit the Magic Fountain annually. The site is open to the public and free. In December, a special Christmas show on Fridays and Saturdays, as well as December 25 and January 1 from 19:00 to 21:00.

Each year, the fountain is also the site chosen for the Piromusical, huge fireworks and laser show with music, which will close the main festival of La Merce in Barcelona.

Some tips…

At nightfall, we recommend returning to the Magic Fountain to admire its light show, water, and music. There are 15 different programs to discover. Access to the fountain show is free and open. However, hours and days of operation vary by season. The shows start every half hour and last between 10 and 15 minutes. They usually take place twice a day, depending on the season, Wednesday to Sunday or Thursday to Saturday, at two different times. In winter, the fountain does not work from early January to mid-February. Being a popular tourist attraction, we recommend you make it in advance to get a good seat and quietly enjoy the show.

If you decide to go to the Montjuïc Fountain during the day, you can admire the great basin. However, this is a great opportunity to explore the Sants-Montjuïc district that goes from the Montjuic mountain to the sea. Here are some points of interest that you can quickly reach from the Fountain of Montjuic: Montjuïc mountain itself, The National Art Museum of Catalunya (MNAC), and the picturesque village of Poble Espanyol.

Operating hours:

From the 30th of April to the 30th of September:
Thursday to Sunday, 9 pm – 11:30 pm. Show starts at 9 pm, 9:30p m, 10 pm, 10:30 pm and 11 pm

From the 1st of October to the 30th of April:
Fridays and Saturdays, 7 pm – 9 pm. Show starts at 7, 7:30, 8, 8:30 pm

Christmas and Easter:
Thursday to Sunday, 7 pm – 9 pm. Show starts at 7pm, 7:30pm, 8pm and 8:30pm

How To Get There:

The best way to get there is by subway, across the lines L1 (red) and L3 (green) that stop at Plaza Espanya. If you do not like the subway, there are also many buses that take you to Plaza Espanya. From there, follow the crowd. Wherever you decide to stay in Barcelona, the Magic Fountain is easily accessible by subway or bus. This is a must when visiting the city. The display is extravagant and colossal in size. Above all, the kids will love it.
Address: Pl. Carles Buïgas, 1 28080 Barcelona, Spain

Transport:

Metro –  L1 and L3, stop Plaza Espanya |

Bus – 9, 13, 27, 30, 37, 50, 55, 56, 57, 65, 79, 109, 157 and 165 |

FGC – stop Plaza Espanya |

Tour Bus – stop CaixaForum – Pavello Mies van der Rohe