Naturally, a self guided tour is less expensive. I've checked the Barcelona TI and the FCG website for tickets and I don't seem to find the right links. The TI seems to only list package tours. The links in Enric's 2016 post about a visit to Monserrat are outdated as far as tickets as are Rick's links in his 2020 book. A guided tour is twice the price, however, one gets up to Monserrat earlier than the train from Barcelona (i.e., fewer crowds). I've read good reports about self guiding; has anyone been happy with a guided tour? Is the cable car still running (I've seen some information that it is not). I hope you can help clear up my confusion for a trip on April 28, 2023. I appreciate the help and opinions!
Posted by
70 posts
Hi
We did the self guide hike of the montserrat and had no confusion. Given that it was in january, there were no crowds at all. We took the train from Barcelona around 1030 and reached around noon. The rack rails are functioning year around, i believe that the cable cars will be functional as well. The hike up took us around 2 hours, but totally worth it.
Enjoy!
Posted by
West Coast
302 posts
My experience is also not up-to-date, since this was about 6 years ago and in August. But a different approach that could still work, depending on how long you have in Barcelona. I am not sure why you would need a guide or a tour, it was very easy.
We stayed overnight at the monastery hotel adjacent to the church (booked with them online)- and had the amazing experience of hearing the boys' choir and seeing the Black Madonna the next morning. Staying overnight was really special, it was so very quiet and a gorgeous sunset. We waited to take an early afternoon train (it was, at least then, a commuter train that went through outer suburbs before starting the climb) and had the tickets for the rack (??) transfer up and down. I remember it being sold as a package and doing it at the station.
There were crowds, for sure, and it was a very warm day and we dropped off our bags before hiking up to the highest point. It was pretty steep and I think took a couple hours up and back? I remember there was a cafeteria getting ready to close next to the hotel, so do check that. I don't think there are a lot of options for food.
Posted by
California 🦋
5210 posts
KayC,
You’ll find very helpful information on this thread Barcelona plan
Enjoy your time in beautiful Spain!
Posted by
OP
America's Vancouver and the First
94 posts
Gracias SS and Karen for your tips and suggestions. Unfortunately, we won't have an overnight at Monserrat but it sounds wonderful. Great suggestion Priscilla to look at that Barcelona thread. Lots of great tips in that!
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10188 posts
We went on a tour in September, arranged by friends visiting from the States, but would have preferred to have gone independently.in order to hike and explore on our own. The guide was ill-informed on the latest procedures and spent too much time showing us the few shops. We took the cable car down.
One of our sons and his wife went independently by train in January and enjoyed it.
Posted by
7661 posts
We did Monserrat on our own in 2011, but taking the train (the early one, before the crowds). You don't need a guide once you are up there from the cable car.
Posted by
Chicago
1943 posts
We took the train instead of the cable car(Spectacular free views) and just hiked around on our own as did most others. Signage is easy and there are free maps. I'd save my money and just walk around.
Posted by
Australia
863 posts
We were in Montserrat two weeks ago. We did it ourselves on the train to Monistrol de Montserrat and then the rack railway and purchased our tickets on the day at Barcelona-Sants railway station. The cable car was also an option. The funiculars up at Montserrat were closed for annual maintenance so we did a bit more hiking than we expected.
The highlight of our visit was the rack railway ride. An advantage of getting the rack railway is that on the return trip you get onto the train back to Barcelona one stop before the people who catch the cable car. This meant that we got a seat on the train. Some people who got on at Aeri de Montserrat ( the train station for the cable car) didn't get a seat and had to stand on the train.
Posted by
OP
America's Vancouver and the First
94 posts
Many thanks to all of your comments and advice! We'll do our own thing from Barcelona. Interesting comments on taking the rack ride, at least coming back down. I love cable cars, but good views and a seat on the train are perhaps, more important!
Posted by
OP
America's Vancouver and the First
94 posts
To anyone else checking this post, I found a very helpful website that clearly explains everything about a trip to Montserrat: https://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/tour/barcelona-montserrat.html
Posted by
Chicago
1943 posts
AussieNomad is right. We were a little disappointed about not getting the cable car up but when we were done the cable car line was huge. The rack rail we got a seat on and was back in Barcelona quicker. Plus it was a lot more pleasant to sit down and watch the scenery then be stuff in wit others and have to look over heads if you are small.
You can't go wrong and I suggest you hike a bit after seeing the monastery as there are some wonderful vistas.