Best Day Trips From Barcelona

The ancient town of Girona is a beautiful place to visit to escape the bustle of Barcelona. You will find old houses lining quaint cobbled streets. There is also a stunning cathedral, Benedectine monastery, Arab baths, and a Jewish museum that details the history of the Jewish community that resided there until the late 1400s.

How to get to Girona by train: There are RENFE trains to Girona. The journey time is 38 minutes.

Figueres is well known for its stunning architecture, which includes the 18th-century Castell de Sant Ferran. There is also a famous theatre-turned-museum, Theatre-Museum Dalí. Salvador Dalí converted the theatre himself, and inside is a surreal world of art, sculpture, and statutes. Street-side cafés, a small Old Town and a range of popular restaurants make Figueres a nice break from nearby Barcelona.

How to get to Figueres by train: The total journey time to Figueres is around 1 hour 45 minutes. There are RENFE trains that leave from Barcelona.

If you are looking to stretch your legs and take in some epic views, head to the rocky range of Montserrat. It is part of the pre-coastal range in the area, and is conveniently close to Barcelona. There is a cog railway and cable car to assist with the journey to the Montserrat monastery. If you are searching for the best views of the valley, pack a pair of walking shoes and head to the peak of Sant Jeroni.

How to get to Montserrat by train: There are trains from Plaza España to Aeri de Montserrat. The journey time is a bit more than one hour. Once there, you will connect to either the cable car or rack railway. You can purchase a ToT Montserrat (at your own expense) that includes all transport, which also covers the journey to the monastery.

This beautiful Mediterranean town is just 21 miles southwest of Barcelona. It is primarily a seaside town, with more than a dozen beaches in the region. The mild microclimate means it is possible to enjoy a beachside trip at most times of the year. But there is more to the town than just beaches. There are beautiful avenues, a network of quaint and walkable streets, and a handful of museums to keep you busy on a day trip.

How to get to Sitges by train: There are trains leaving Barcelona for Sitges. The total journey time is approximately 40 minutes.

If you are looking to get away from the bustling city life of Barcelona, follow the locals’ lead and head to Collserola. There you will find the stunning Parc de Collserola, which is packed full of cycling routes and walking trails. The routes are well signposted, but you can also pick up a map from the information centre.

How to get to Baixador by train: Take the train from Barcelona to Baixador de Vallvidrera station. The journey is just 25 minutes. Many people choose to walk across the hills to Sant Cugat, and return from there by train.

The medieval walled town of Montblanc is easy to reach by train, and has several attractions worth visiting as part of a day trip. The Bover Tower and St Jordi gates are steeped in history and legends. There are also several Gothic and Romanesque monuments to see throughout the town. Many also visit the town as part of a bigger exploration of the Cistercian Route — UNESCO World Heritage Site Monestir de Poblet is just five miles away by car.

How to get to Montblanc by train: There are RENFE trains from Barcelona to Montblanc. The total journey time is around two hours.

Vic is a fascinating inland town to the south of the Pyrenees mountains. It is the capital of Osona and one of the most important towns in central Catalonia, given its position. This has led to an attractive old town and several popular eateries. Most activity takes place around Plaça Major, where you will find beautiful mansions and regular markets.

How to get to Vic by train: There are trains to Vic every 30 minutes, and the total journey time is 90 minutes.

Though it would be quite possible to spend several weeks in Barcelona without running out of things to see and do, many people spend a day or two exploring the surroundings. Many are within reach by train, and with a Global Pass you can get there and back with ease.