We'll be in Barcelona for just two nights. I am thinking we should just enjoy our time exploring the city, rather than trying to incorporate a daytrip to Montserrat. Any advice?

Going to Montserrat definitely takes 1 whole day. If you've never been to barcelona, there are enough to do for your 2 days. Montserrat is beautiful though, maybe save it for next time?

I'd save Monterrat for another trip particularly if you only have 2 nights in Barcelona.

I may just have been in a bad mood or perhaps it was due to the crowds during a holiday but I didn't particularly enjoy Montserrat. I am in a minority though - I know

CathyM,

I'm in your minority corner.

mmyyk72,

I didn't take a whole day visiting Montserrat.

meggies,

I think Monserrat lovers and Barcelona haters would agree that your instinct to hang around the city is the correct one. If you get to Barcelona and hate it, only go to Montserrat if it's a clear day. Otherwise, try Girona.

We spent the night in Montserrat, and that is the secret to finding it an enchanting place. During the day the hoardes of day-trippers really turned us off, so I can see why people don't like the place.

We loved Montserrat so much that we spent the night up there. With only 2 days in Barcelona though, I'd skip Montserrat this trip. There's quite a bit to do in Barcelona.

Day trippers were indeed my biggest problem -- I often say the single noisiest place I've ever been in Spain is Montserrat -- but I also thought the church is not all that appealing, and the cult of the black madonna is downright sad. It's a long way to go to hear a boys choir. My husband enjoyed walking in the hills, but you can't do that at night.

Agree with everyone else; spend your time in Barcelona.