Barcelona Puzzle Quest on Montjuïc with App Game

4.44

(9 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

“Wait, is that the first clue?” I asked, squinting at my phone in Joan Miró Park while a group of kids zipped past kicking a football. The Questo app had just pinged me with a riddle about a sculpture — something about dreams and colors. I was already grinning. There’s something quietly satisfying about figuring out directions in Barcelona without looking like a lost tourist (well, mostly). The morning air smelled faintly of churros from a nearby stand, which made me want to stop, but curiosity won out.

The route took me through Plaça d’Espanya and up toward those dramatic Venetian towers — honestly, I’d walked past them before but never really noticed the details until the puzzle pointed them out. At one point I got stuck on a clue near the Magic Fountain; two older women sitting on the steps tried to help after overhearing me muttering in English. “No no, you must look up!” one said, waving her hand toward some stone carvings I’d totally missed. It felt less like a tour and more like being let in on little city secrets.

I wandered through gardens where the grass was still wet from last night’s rain and paused outside the Joan Miró Museum — didn’t go in this time, but made a mental note for next visit. By the time I reached Montjuïc Castle, my legs were tired but it was that good kind of tired you get from exploring somewhere new on your own terms. The view over Barcelona was hazy but beautiful in its own way. I still think about that last puzzle; it made me laugh because I’d overcomplicated it completely (classic me). Anyway, if you’re into stories and solving things at your own pace — or just want an excuse to see Montjuïc differently — this day trip is worth it.