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The Top Day Trips From Barcelona
Barcelona has it all; mountains, beaches, ancient neighborhoods and cuisines from all over the world.
Even though staying in the city for weeks on end will be wildly entertaining, there are some great day trips to consider sparing some time for. Here’s a closer look at the top few…
Day Trip to Figueres from Barcelona
If Barcelona is in the south of Catalonia, Figueres is right up in the north. This town lands up on bucket list activities of a lot of travelers to Spain because it was the birthplace of Salvador Dalí.
The town holds the revolutionary artist to high esteem. It recently opened the Teatre-Museu Gala Salvador Dalí, a museum dedicated to the work and memory of Dalí and his wife, Gala (who was largely responsible for most of his success).
The rest of the day trip can be spent exploring the town, eating fabulous tapas,purchasing souvenirs to take back to the big city and enjoying guided walking tours.
Figueres – by Grondin – Wikimedia Commons
HOW TO GET THERE
Getting to Figueres is quite simple. The Sants Train Station in Barcelona holds the trains that run between the two destinations.
Regular speed trains will get you to Figueres in just under two hours. There are high speed options available that can cut the time down to 50 minutes. High speed train tickets should be purchased prior to arrival at the station, while the regular train tickets can be obtained on arrival.
Day Trip to Montserrat Mountains from Barcelona
Montserrat is a mountain range not far from Barcelona. It’s the perfect day trip for the adventurous travelers looking to brush shoulders with nature and have a true break from the city.
The landscapes are breathtaking. If you’re a fan of hiking, jogging or mountain biking then you’ll love making this day trip. Alternatively you can just spend some time in nature, and bring a picnic along to enjoy as you laze the day away.
There are a number of wine farms in Montserrat where you can also eat and drink.
You’ll need comfortable walking shoes, sunblock and active wear for this day trip.
Montserrat – by Alex Williams – Unsplash
HOW TO GET THERE
To get to Montserrat you’ll have to catch the train from the Placa Espanya Train Station in Barcelona. The journey is just under an hour, and trains leave here every hour throughout the day.
Once you get to the Aeri de Montserrat stop, you’ll switch to a cable car that will take you up to the summit town. Tickets can be purchased upon arrival.
Day Trip to Penedes Wine Region from Barcelona
The Penedes Wine Region lies just south of Barcelona. If you take a free guided walking tour or eat out in Barcelona’s Old Town you’ll encounter many wines from these parts that are shipped into the center, particularly Cava.
Cava is the Catalonian take on Champagne. It’s made in the Penedes region, so day trips here involve a lot of Cava tastings and drinking.
Visiting Penedes puts you into the Spanish countryside, in the heart of natural land away from the chaos of the city. It’s an easy day trip to make and great for large groups of travelers.
Penedes Wine Region – by Angela Llop – Wikimedia Commons
HOW TO GET THERE
There are a lot of tour packages being sold on the streets of Barcelona that will organize this entire day trip for you. They’ll pick you up from your hotel or Airbnb and get you into Penedes and back.
If you prefer to do things independently, then catch the train to Vilafranca del Penedes from Sants Station. The journey will take 50 minutes. Depending on the exact wine areas you want to see you might opt to get off a few stations earlier or later — check the exact schedule to be sure.
Day Trip to Sitges from Barcelona
Barcelona has beautiful beaches, but they aren’t natural and they are very close to the city chaos. A relaxing beach day is easily cut short by the nearby traffic, planes arriving overhead and general tourism chaos.
Sitges is the next closest beach town to Barcelona. It is one of the most scenic beach towns in Spain, and by night the picturesque streets become a lively party scene filled with cafes, bars and gay-friendly spaces.
Sitges has 17 beautiful beaches, some of them allow nude tanning. This is a beautiful day trip for families!
Sitges – by Jose Cortés – Unsplash
HOW TO GET THERE
You can hop on Sitges trains from Sants Station or Passeig de Gracia. The journeys are quick, usually 35 minutes one way. They leave every 15 minutes for the duration of the day.
Catching a taxi between Barcelona and Sitges is also an option. Pool with multiple people os that the fare is spit — this ends up costing less than the train would.
Day Trip to Tibidabo Amusement Park from Barcelona
This day trip doesn’t require much traveling, you’re technically not leaving Barcelona. The Tibidabo Amusement Park requires an entire day to experience properly. It lies in the mountains north of Gracia, at the summit.
The amusement park overlooks the entire city; you’ll ride the ferris wheel up into the clouds feeling on top of the world.
Take the whole family to this attraction. There are rides and entertainment suitable for both adults and children of all ages. Full priced tickets start at €28, there are concessions available for younger riders.
Tibidabo Amusement Park – by Boris YUE – Unsplash
HOW TO GET THERE
Since you’re not leaving the city for this day trip you can use the metro to get near to the amusement park. Ride it through to the Penitents station. From here you can catch a taxi or bus up into the mountain range.
There is also the inclined railway that will take you from the foot of the hills up to right outside the theme park entrance. Look out for the Estació Superior stop.
