Things To Do
in Montmeló
Montmeló is a small Catalan town famed for hosting the Barcelona-Catalunya Circuit, just northeast of Barcelona. Nestled in the Vallès Oriental, it combines quiet rural charm with quick access to the region’s natural parks. The town center features traditional Catalan architecture, local bakeries, and a welcoming, village atmosphere.
Visitors often pair a circuit day with strolls in nearby Granollers and scenic countryside hikes in the surrounding hills.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin with a leisurely stroll through Montmeló’s medieval streets, pausing at the 16th-century parish church to admire its Gothic façade. Drop into a family-run bakery for freshly baked coca de Montmeló and a café con leche. Continue to the Plaça de la Vila to soak in morning sun on a shaded bench.
Join a small-group walking tour that delves into local legends and architectural quirks, including the remains of ancient defensive walls. Browse artisanal stalls offering ceramics, sweets, and handmade lace at the weekly town market. Stop by the local history museum to see archaeological finds from the Roman era.
Dine at a traditional Catalan tavern serving seasonal dishes such as escalivada and botifarra amb mongetes. Sip a local DO Alella wine under string lights in the plaza. End the evening with a sunset view from a viewpoint on the edge of town, listening to church bells ring.
Arrive at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for a guided behind-the-scenes tour of the pit lanes and paddock areas. Feel the vibration under your feet as engineers prepare grand prix cars for track testing. Enjoy a coffee at the circuit’s panoramic café, watching supercars roar by.
Take part in a driving experience session, sliding into the driver’s seat of a high-performance race car for supervised laps. Learn racing lines, braking points, and gear shifts from a professional instructor. Cool down with a light snack at the trackside paddock bar.
Head back to Montmeló for dinner at a motorsport-themed restaurant decorated with racing memorabilia. Sample a gourmet burger named after F1 legends paired with local craft beer. End the night by reviewing your onboard lap footage with friends over dessert.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-15 |
| 🚆One-way local transportation | $2-3 |
| ☕Cup of coffee | $2-4 |
| 🏨Budget hotel room per night | $60-120 |
| 🛒Groceries for a week | $60-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Proximity to Barcelona and Montseny for varied day trips
- World-class circuit nearby providing unique experiences
- Limited nightlife within Montmeló itself; more options in nearby towns
- Smaller town size means fewer independent attractions than a big city
- "Bon dia" - Good morning
- "Si us plau" - Please
- "Gràcies" - Thank you
- "Quant costa?" - How much does it cost?
- "On és…?" - Where is…?
Places to Visit in Montmeló
Visit one of these nice places.
The world-class race circuit offers dramatic straightaways, grandstands, and pit-lane perspectives that are perfect for motorsport photography, especially at dawn or during events.
Historic stone streets and the church create charming, timeless backdrops ideal for morning or golden-hour photography in the town center.
Scenic paths along the Besòs/Montseny foothills area provide greens, farmlands, and rural textures suitable for wide landscape shots and tranquil portraits.
Food in Montmeló
Montmeló Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Ripe tomato rubbed on rustic bread with olive oil and a pinch of salt; a simple staple found in most eateries.
Must-Try!
A classic Catalan sausage served with white beans; a hearty, comforting dish commonly found in local taverns.
Shredded salt cod salad with tomatoes, onions, and olive oil; a refreshing option, often served as a tapa.
Winter-to-spring grilled green onions served with romesco sauce; a festive Catalan specialty when in season.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A vibrant municipal market offering fresh produce, seafood, meats, and regional specialties; great for trying local ingredients.
An array of small eateries around the old town where you can sample tapas and daily specials.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite greeting like 'Bon dia' (Catalan) or 'Hola' is appreciated; maintain a friendly, respectful tone in shops and restaurants.
Evenings are generally relaxed; avoid loud behavior in residential areas late at night; say 'gràcies' when thanking and 'per favor' for requests.
Spanish is widely understood, but Catalan is the local language in education and public life; attempting a few Catalan phrases is appreciated.
Safety
Tipping in Montmeló
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory in Spain but appreciated for good service; rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% in nicer establishments is common practice.
Cash and cards (debit/credit) are widely accepted; contactless payments are common; some smaller venues may prefer cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming landscapes; great for outdoor walks and photography; afternoon showers are common but brief.
Hot and dry with long days; stay hydrated, use sun protection, and plan outdoor activities for early mornings or late evenings.
Pleasant temperatures with colorful foliage; ideal for hiking and scenic drives; some nights can be cool.
Cool to mild with occasional chilly days; Calçots season appears in late winter to early spring; indoor dining is popular.
Montmeló at Night
Hiking in Montmeló
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Popular hike with scenic viewpoints; challenging sections suitable for experienced hikers.
One of Montseny’s highest peaks; rewarding panoramas and a classic Catalan hike.
A dramatic gorge with stairs and pathways offering dramatic photos and a rewarding walk.
Airports
How to reach Montmeló by plane.
Main international gateway, about 25-40 km away; accessible by train, bus, or car. Frequent connections to Barcelona and the surrounding region.
Moderate-sized airport about 90-110 km away; practical for certain European routes and car rental access to the region.
Another option roughly 150-170 km away; viable for some low-cost carriers and regional connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-standing families and commuters who work in nearby towns and Barcelona's metro area; strong regional identity.
People visiting for the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, events, and day trips to nearby attractions.
People who travel daily to Granollers, Barcelona, and other towns for work or study.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A premier venue for international racing events; attracts motorsport enthusiasts and offers tours and viewing opportunities.
Popular in the region due to scenic roads around Montmeló and Montseny; many routes suit road cyclists and recreational riders.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Montmeló.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarians can enjoy grilled vegetables, pa amb tomàquet, salads, and cheese platters; look for dishes featuring seasonal vegetables and plant-based options; ask for alternatives to meat-based broths and sauces.