day trip from barcelona

Day Trips from Barcelona

By Dom Bewley

It can be easy to stay in our comfort zone - it's warm, reassuring, and predictable. But sometimes, it's great to break out of that bubble and explore the world outside. For instance, you book a vacation to an amazing and exotic new place. You go exploring and discover new foods and culture. But after a few days, you might feel like you've seen the things you want to see. You may have checked every box on the itinerary. What do you do then? Well, you break out of that bubble and take your explorations further afield! Even a city as beautiful as Barcelona has some must-see places outside its walls. So hop on a train, slide into your slickest automobile, or put your hiking boots on for a serious jog. Here are some of the best day trips you can take from Barcelona!

Featuring:

  • Girona
  • Ruins of Empuries
  • Montserrat
  • Costa Brava
  • Andorra
Image of

Girona

Just an hour outside of Barcelona, you'll find Girona. In fact, you might already recognize parts of it, as it was the location of 'King's Landing' in the Game of Thrones TV show! Appropriately, it's an interesting mix of medieval and modern architecture. One unmissable highlight is Girona's old town, where you can explore cobbled streets and ancient surroundings frozen in time. Beyond it is Girona's Cathedral, which was built back in the 11th Century, though not much of the original stonework remains. Since it towers over the city, it will be tough to miss! Inside, you'll be treated to stunning baroque facades, ancient artifacts, and timeless artwork.

When you're done, make sure to see the Banys Arabs, or Arab Baths, for another slice of medieval life. And if that isn't enough history for one day, there are a few museums that chronicle the town's history, both good and bad. Then, once you've thoroughly explored, you'll find plenty of lovely restaurants to eat and drink, including the world-famous and rather pricey El Celler de Can Roca.

How to get to Girona

From Station Barcelona, in the heart of the city, rains run throughout the day and take between 70-80 minutes. Alternatively, it's a 30-minute drive.

Image of Archaeology, Path, Walkway, Flagstone, Monastery, Adult, Male, Man, Person, Art,

Ruins of Empuries

Just a little further than Girona you'll find something amazing. Empuries was an ancient city founded by Greek travelers over 2000 years ago! Later the Romans set up shop, but by the Middle Ages, it was a ghost town. This is likely because it was a difficult place to defend and, as such, was a constant target of pirates. For the next 1700-odd years, nature swallowed it up. But in 1908, it was rediscovered by archeologists. In fact, they haven't finished uncovering the city's secrets yet, over a century later!

Don't let that stop you. The Ruins of Empuries is still a fascinating place to visit. A literal trip back through time, you'll see mosaics and architecture from millennia ago, before entering the ancient amphitheatre. Imagine the plays and talks that would have taken place back then. Then, visit the site's museum for some sweet spoon-fed knowledge. Definitely one of the most fascinating day trips you can make from Barcelona!

How to get to the Ruins of Empuries

Hop in your favorite four-wheeled machine, ideally a car, and you'll make it in an hour. Alternatively, you can get a bus or train to Girona, and a connecting bus will get you straight there.

Image of Cliff, Nature, Outdoors,

Montserrat

North of Barcelona is stunning Montserrat, or Serrated Mountain, a beautiful mountain range near the Catalan capital. And believe us, its jagged peaks are quite a sight! Its tallest peak, Sant Jeroni, stands tall at over 4000ft. But really, the reason you'll want to go there is the Santa Marie de Monserrat, a Benedictine Abbey nestled atop one of the peaks. It dates all the way back to medieval times, but is still in use to this day.

While trying not to bother the monks, you'll be able to explore the abbey's church in all its splendor. Gaze up at the Dome of the Altar and you'll see stunning restored artwork depicting angels and other Christian iconography. Everywhere you look, you'll see beauty. Then, if you want to do a deep dive into the abbey's history, head to the on-site museum and fill your brain with delicious information. If you'd like to fill your stomach too, there's also a restaurant, cafe, and even a hotel if you're feeling sleepy!

How to get to Montserrat

Montserrat is about an hour's drive from the city center. Or, at just over two hours, trains are another option. If you want to travel up to the peaks in style, you can take the Aeri de Montserrat, a cable car that'll take you from the foot of the mountains all the way up! At 4000ft, the views are one of a kind. And best of all, it will also take you to the Abbey!

Image of Building, Castle, Fortress, Nature, Outdoors, Scenery, Water, Waterfront, Sea, Boat, Cityscape, Urban,

Costa Brava

Want to get out of the city to chill out and stretch out? Then Costa Brava might be the most perfect of all the day trips from Barcelona! Featuring three beaches that stretch out over 4000ft of beautiful golden sand, it's the perfect excuse to get out of the city! Each of the three beaches has its own unique vibe, so choose wisely. Llevant is the busiest, so expect plenty of sunbathers and party people similar to Barceloneta. If you're looking for a quieter time to max out your relaxing, check out Caldetes. Fewer people, fewer problems. Or, if you want to get your blood pumping with some sweet watersports, check out Dunes, where you can try your hand at scuba diving and windsurfing, among others.

Once you're done lounging, you can head into Santa Susanna. It's a historic seaside town with a plethora of seafood restaurants, bars, and cafes. It was built back in the 1400s, so expect a good mix of old and new architecture to explore!

How to get to Costa Brava

You can make the journey to Costa Brava by car, which will take you just under 2 hours. Or, if you prefer to travel by train, you're looking at just over 3.5 hours. It's a bit further away than some of the others on this list, but it's definitely one of the best day trips from Barcelona that you won't want to miss!

Image of Nature, Outdoors, Scenery, Mountain, Slope, Valley, Landscape, Mountain Range, Neighborhood, Tree, Peak,

Andorra

And finally, we end this list with another state entirely. And that state is the Principality of Andorra! Replete with its own flag and coat of arms, this microstate is situated northwest of Girona. There, you'll find Europe's highest capital city, Andorra La Vella, sitting at a mighty 4000ft! Nestled in the picturesque Pyrenees, you'll find churches, chapels, and medieval architecture. There's also duty-free shopping, something most cities can't boast about!

It becomes a popular skiing destination in winter. That's, presumably, because it's so high up. Or, if you prefer using your feet, there's hiking trails, and UNESCO protected spaces to explore.

How to get to Andorra

Andorra is a solid 3.5-hour drive from Barcelona. Surprisingly, the train takes the exact same time. So, pick your poison!

And that's our list of the best day trips from Barcelona!

Continue reading

Best Bus Tours in Barcelona
Blog

Best Bus Tours in Barcelona

If you want to make the most of an inevitably too-short vacation, where better to see the sights in one go than on a bus tour? With comfortable seating, air conditioning, and a guide in tow, you'll learn all about the city's best bits without overexerting yourself. So, if you're heading to Barcelona this year, you'll want to know which are the best bus tours in the city. Luckily, we've written all about them down below! So, take your seat and get ready to sing annoying bus-themed children's songs. All aboard! Including: Is there a bus tour of Barcelona? Are tours in Barcelona worth it? How many days is ideal for Barcelona? The best bus tours in Barcelona Is there a bus tour of Barcelona? We'd be wasting our time if there were no bus tours in Barcelona, so fear not. But we deal in nothing but the best here, so expect only the best detailed down below! Are tours in Barcelona worth it? Bus tours are one of the best ways to see as much of a new city as possible without worrying about taking public transport or driving on unfamiliar roads with illegible road signs and whatnot. How many days is ideal for Barcelona? Some cities are easy enough to do in a day—others, not so much. Barcelona firmly falls in the latter category, with a veritable mountain of history, experiences, and things to see; ideally, you need to take between 3 and 4 days to see it all. And that's just as well, because we have four of the best bus tours in Barcelona to talk about! What are the odds? So, now we've answered all your burning Barcelona questions, let's talk about the best bus tours in the city! The best bus tours in Barcelona Bus Turístic Tour If you want to see all of the city's best bits in one fell swoop, you won't get much better than a Bus Turístic Tour! With three routes to choose from, each taking you past many of the city's most recognizable landmarks, it's not just a great way to see it all in a day, but also to get your bearings in a new city. Your ticket gives you 24 hours on your bus of choice, and each one allows you to hop off at any stop that takes your fancy, have a look around and snap some vacation pics, and then hop back on the next bus and carry on with your journey! Plus, with 16 languages available via audio commentary, you'll learn all about them no matter where you're from. So, let's explore the three routes and what sights you'll be seeing on each! The Blue Route (around 2 hours in total) kicks things off at Placa de Catalunya before heading past some of Gaudí's most famous buildings, including Casa Battló, the Sagrada Familia, and Parc Guell, before heading on to the famous Camp Nou soccer stadium, where FC Barcelona ply their trade, before ending at the museums of MACBA & CCCB. There are plenty more stops in between, but talking about them would take days. Check out the full list here. The Red Route (again, around 2 hours) also leaves from Placa de Catalunya before heading through La Pedrera, Poble Espanyol, Montjuic, and many more, before ending at Barcelona Zoo. And finally, the Green Route is the shortest of all the tours, lasting just 40 minutes from end to end. On this one, you'll see Port Olimpic, Platja del Bogatell, Parc del Forum, and Parc Diagonal Mar before ending at Poblenou & its beaches. Whichever you pick, Bus Turístic Tours are some of the best in Barcelona. Andorra and France from Barcelona Typically, bus tours in Barcelona focus on the city itself or the areas in and around the city. But what if we told you that one of the best lets you see not one, not two, but three countries all in one day? You'd call us liars, surely? Well, we're not, and we can prove it. Take this Andorra and France from Barcelona tour, and you'll retract your accusation faster than you can say, "Three countries? One day? That's wild!" But what will you be seeing on your three-country tour? Well, you'll witness magnificent views of the Pyrenees as you travel between Barcelona and Andorra, where you'll stop at Thermes d'Ax, where your guide will show you the top sights, such as Casa de la Vall, San Esteve XII Century Church, and Dali ́s Watch. Then, you'll hit Andorra's streets for some great shopping opportunities, with plenty to pick for yourself, as well as souvenirs for back home. And finally, you'll reach El Pas de la Casa, which sits on the border between France and Spain, where you're free to cross the dividing line and stand in two countries at the same time. Marvelous. Montserrat One of Barcelona's most beautiful sights isn't even in the city itself, but about an hour's drive away. It's called Montserrat - or the serrated mountain - and it houses one of the area's best-kept secrets. And, with this bus tour, you needn't make the journey alone. At sunrise, you'll be picked up from Plaza de Catalunya first thing by an air-conditioned bus. From there, you'll make your journey up the mountain's many winding roads before finally reaching the top. From there, you can explore at your own pace. There's so much to see that we dedicated an entire article to it all, but if you haven't got time to read all those words, make sure you at least check out the nearly 1000-year-old Santa Maria de Montserrat Benedictine Monastery. Then, when you're all sigh-seed out, your bus will take you right back into the heart of Barcelona. Easily one of the best bus tours in the city. Vineyard & Wine Cellar Day Trip And finally, our final pick of the best bus tours in Barcelona is for grape enjoyers. After all, if you like a tipple, you could hardly visit Barcelona and not check out the wine scene! So why not go to the source on this Vineyard & Wine Cellar day trip? Hop aboard a bus and head out into the outskirts of Catalonia, where you'll visit local vineyards and wineries, find out how the good stuff is made, and even try some for yourself. Does it get much better than that? No, it does not. And those were our picks of the best bus tours in Barcelona! If you don't want to spend your entire vacation on a four-wheeled wonder, see all of Barcelona's best bits with Go City! Choose our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass and make the most of the city's top attractions for one low price!
Dom Bewley
Panoramic view of Barcelona Cathedral in the Gothic Quarter
Blog

Barcelona in September

Seeing out summer, September marks the beginning of a transitive period for Barcelona. Offering the best of both worlds of summer and the coming low season, the city is widely considered to be at its best in this period. No matter your travel preferences, you’re bound to find that the Catalan capital delivers. From fantastic weather to bustling nightlife complementing the cultural, historical and gastronomic feast on offer year-round, there is an endless array of things to do in Barcelona in September that are guaranteed to offer you a rewarding experience on all fronts. Tourism in September For Barcelona, September offers an experience that combines the appeal of visiting both in summer and in fall. With summer break drawing to a close, the family-dominated waves of peak-season tourists decline throughout the month, making way for other types of travelers. As such, the city typically isn’t quite as busy as during previous months, but it certainly isn’t quiet either. For many, that’s exactly the benefit of visiting in this period. A healthy influx of visitors is precisely what gives Barcelona its world-renowned bustling atmosphere – particularly when it comes to nightlife. That does, however, mean that you should expect large crowds at some of the city’s top attractions. Be sure to plan accordingly and book your visit in advance should you want to include the likes of Park Güell and the Sagrada Familia in your trip. Weather in September September offers something of a sweet spot when it comes to weather. Working somewhat in parallel to the tourism rate, temperatures drop just slightly from the summertime peak and rest typically between the mid-60s and high-70s. In essence, that makes for ideal summer temperatures without the higher highs and more imposing humidity of July and August. Combine that with the fact that many schools and colleges start their new academic year in September, and you get the best of Barcelona’s sunshine and heat without quite the same droves of summer break tourists. Why not take yourself for a pleasant dip in the Mediterranean and bask in the sun on Barcelona’s famous beaches or in its many renowned green spaces? Best Attractions in September September is one of the few times throughout the year when just about all of Barcelona is at its best. Aside from making the most of the idyllic weather, this is a great time to visit the city’s best attractions and cultural sites. No matter your travel style, you’re sure to find the city catering to your preferences. For those interested in Barcelona’s rich architectural diversity, this period serves as a fantastic time to take a tour of some of the city’s most iconic buildings. Explore the likes of Casa Milà, Illa de la Discòrdia and the Gothic Quarter to see how the Catalan capital brings together both traditional Gothic and contemporary Modernist styles with surprising grace. Should you be looking for your share of cultural inspiration, then the city’s wealth of celebrated museums has you covered. Discover the life and work of Barcelona’s most honored artists at the Museo Picasso and Fundació Joan Miró, or take a stroll through history at the Museo de Historia de Barcelona or the Museu d'Història de Catalunya. If you’re in the market for more of a culinary experience or want to get in on Barcelona’s famous nightlife scene, be sure to explore the many bars, restaurants and charming squares throughout the Gothic Quarter in particular. In the evening, make your way toward the seafront and La Barceloneta for some of the city’s best clubs, bars and live music venues – or simply take some drinks to the beach! Local & Cultural Events Festes de la Mercè – Toward the end of September, a number of areas throughout Barcelona become host to various combined celebrations in honor of the Virgin of Grace, Mare de Déu de la Mercè (Our Lady of Mercy). Typically taking place over the course of a few days to a week, many key streets and parks come alive with live music performances, street art, cultural activities and light displays. As with many street festivals held throughout the year, you can expect processions of giant characters and religious figures, along with ‘devils’ performing correfocs (fire runs) throughout the week. Beginning on September 24 with Día de la Mercè, a public holiday, many independent stores and businesses will be closed for the day. Held in conjunction with this celebration is the BAM Festival. Short for Barcelona Acció Musical (Barcelona Musical Action), this is an alternative musical festival hosted to bring an even greater diversity of music to the Mercè festivities. Big names in the local and international music scene from a vast array of genres offer concerts and performances over the course of a week. Diada Nacional de Catalunya – September 11 in Barcelona is a celebration of all things Catalan. Held in commemoration of the fall of Barcelona during the War of the Spanish Succession, the day is often split between cultural events and independence movement demonstrations. For those with an interest in Catalan culture and local politics, this could be a great opportunity to see a deeper side to Catalonia, while also benefiting from free entry to the likes of the MNAC and the Museu d'Història de Catalunya. For everybody else, it’s best to avoid the city center, as it can become very crowded with demonstrations, and being a public holiday, many stores and businesses will also be closed for the day. Festa Major de la Barceloneta/del Poblenou – Much like the Festes de la Mercè, these festivals transform their respective neighborhoods into a lively street party, complete with live music, street food, art displays, cultural activities and high spirits all around. And, of course, both also offer their own parades of giants and devils, saints and sinners. Wrapping Up If you’re looking for a fantastic summer trip to Barcelona, September offers a slightly different experience from the peak season months. In the absence of families on summer break and the plethora of music festivals taking place throughout the preceding months, September instead offers idyllic weather and a whole host of local and cultural events. Whether you’re looking to tick off all of the city’s key attractions or want to join in on its famed nightlife scene, or even just want to take a load off and sunbathe on its popular beaches, a trip to Barcelona in September is the perfect opportunity to see the city at its best.
Robert Heaney
Caga Tió among a festive display
Blog

Christmas in Barcelona

The Christmas season is often a magical time to travel, no matter where you go. So long as your destination celebrates the religious holiday, you can be sure to expect some fantastic cultural festivities to complement your trip. And Christmas in Barcelona is no exception. A country with deep Catholic roots, much of Spain typically goes out of its way to celebrate its religious festivals in style. As you might expect, that means that Christmas is a particularly big event – especially in Barcelona. Expect a month of high spirits, bizarre traditions, mouth-watering seasonal foods and holiday festivities. Visiting Barcelona Around Christmas Should you choose to visit Barcelona throughout December, you’re in for a real treat. Typically renowned the rest of the year as a rich hub of art, culture, cuisine and nightlife, the Christmas season sees the Catalan capital transform into somewhat of a winter wonderland. While white sheets of snow aren’t a common sight in Barcelona – with snowfall typically a once-in-a-decade occurrence for the city – you can bet your bottom dollar on all the other troupes of a Christmas city. Holiday displays in just about every store window, seasonal treats at every bakery and festive lights adorning iconic streets as far as the eye can see. Taking a trip to Barcelona in winter means that, while you may not get the best weather the city has to offer, you’ll be able to explore much more freely without battling huge crowds. The Christmas season does naturally bring in more tourists than other winter months, but you should usually be able to book any attraction you want on the same day, not to mention you’ll also have your pick of the litter of hotels at off-season rates. If you’re planning to be in Barcelona over Christmas itself, just be aware that Christmas Day and Boxing Day are public holidays, meaning most stores, restaurants and services will be closed for the day. Many of these will still operate on December 24, though some opt for half days, so be sure to do your last-minute shopping in the morning. Christmas Markets Europe is world famous for its holiday markets. While Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic are some of the most renowned destinations, Barcelona can more than hold a candle to their spirited selection of merry merchants. Throughout the city, you can explore a multitude of markets selling all manner of festive fare, from mulled wine to roasted chestnuts. Local artists also take the holiday season as an opportunity to sell their crafts, baked goods, artisan wines and spreads, homemade candies and Christmas ornaments, among a multitude of other things. You’ll find plenty of different markets dotted around the city, but the largest and most famous market is Fira de Santa Llúcia. Found on Avinguda de la Catedral, this market dates back over 200 years to 1786. Given its history and popularity, it’s wise to give yourself plenty of time to visit should you want to pick up some souvenirs from your trip, as crowds are almost inevitable. Christmas Traditions Christmas Cuisine – Perhaps one of the most anticipated aspects of Christmas celebrations around the world is the seasonal food that comes with it. In Catalonia, Christmas is a time when most families splash out for some of the most luxurious foods to share with their families. Popular inclusions of a traditional Catalan Christmas meal are Carn d'Olla (a sort of meat broth) served with Galets pasta and tapas dishes with various meats and fish (most notably ham and eels). After the main meal, many will then turn to festive sweet treats, such as turrón nougat and polvorón shortbread, all washed down with a hearty glass of local Cava. Even if you aren’t actually celebrating Christmas in Barcelona, you can still find various seasonal treats on sale throughout many retailers and Christmas market stalls throughout the city. Whether you’re keen on trying some almond-based sweet treats, grabbing yourself some local meats and cheeses or taking home a bottle of authentic Catalan Cava, you’re sure to be spoiled for choice. Caga Tió – Early in December, the Caga Tió makes an appearance in many Catalan homes and Christmas market stalls. The Caga Tió is a relatively small wooden log with two front legs and a jolly face, often adorned with a traditional Christmas hat. Children are given the responsibility of taking care of the Caga Tió throughout the season, typically putting a blanket around it and feeding it fruit, nuts, bread and candy, much like kids elsewhere might leave out milk and cookies for Santa Claus. Should you ever be fortunate enough to spend Christmas with a Catalonian family, you’ll then get to see the true colors of the Caga Tió. Translated literally as ‘pooping log’, children will beat the Caga Tió in hopes of having it ‘poop out’ gifts which, if they looked after it well, they should find beneath the blanket. El Caganer – Often depicting various celebrities, public figures and fictional characters going number two, El Caganer is a staple of Catalan Christmas. Originally depicted between the 17th and 18th Centuries as a young peasant caught short between the three wise men in the nativity scene, many families now adorn their own scenes with their favorite Caganer. Contrary to the apparent profane nature of the display, El Caganer is viewed as a sign of good luck to the people of Catalonia. Harking back to ancient pagan beliefs, the Caganer’s ‘deposit’ is supposed to represent the fertilization of the soil and high productivity in the fields for the year ahead. El Caganer figurines make for a humorous and festive gift to bring home to your loved ones. Be sure to look for your favorite celebrity, public figure or fictional character while exploring the city’s many Christmas market stalls! Kings’ Day – In tribute to the day that the Three Kings were said to have visited the baby Jesus in Bethlehem, Barcelona welcomes their ceremonial arrival on the evening of 5 January. The Three Kings arrive by boat before beginning their annual procession through the streets of Barcelona. Traditionally, children in Spain write letters to the kings in place of Santa Claus, and they typically receive their main gifts on Kings’ Day rather than Christmas Day. If you happen to be visiting around Kings’ Day, be sure to catch the parade and take part in some of the many local festivities. Locals are likely to be throwing parties, and stores and bakeries will be full of festive sweet treats to try out, most notably Tortells de Reis, or Kings’ Cakes. All Fools’ Day – While not explicitly a Christmas celebration, All Fools’ Day takes place on December 28 and serves as Spain’s equivalent of April Fools’ Day. Participation often varies, but you can expect news outlets publishing bizarre and false stories playing on current events and friends playing practical jokes on one another throughout the day. A common prank you may see during your visit is people sticking a paper silhouette of a man onto their victim’s back to see how long it takes them to notice – resulting in greater hilarity the longer the joke goes on.
Robert Heaney

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.

    Thick check Icon