6. This city is spotless, with wide streets, beautiful architecture, beaches, palm trees, cafs, and boutique shopping. Since this time, the castle has been renovated. For another fantastic view of Barcelona, visit the Bunkers of Carmel. Begur and in particular Aiguablava is one of the best places you can choose to stay the night in Costa Brava. One of Europe's favorite seaside destinations, the coast has plenty of cultural attractions and things to do. Francs. Plan your excursions with our list of the best day trips from Barcelona. For one week Tim and I explored this city and its surrounds, and here is our list of the best things to do in Barcelona. This city is spotless, with wide streets, beautiful architecture, beaches, palm trees, cafs, and boutique shopping. It's home to one of the most magnificent cathedrals in Spain, a great shopping scene, and even some Roman ruins. If youre looking for a true nature getaway but cant deal with the crowds in Costa Brava, this is a great trip option. This is the national museum of Catalunya art from the 19th and 20th centuries. A short trip from Barcelona via bus or car, explore Besal's medieval old town. We never saw those epic views that people told us about. FC Barcelona plays a prominent role in the city's imagination. Tourists can visit Cadaqus along with the Dal Theatre-Museum on the Cadaques Small Group Tour from Barcelona. Begur 5. We recommend visiting the caf and ordering the melted chocolate served with bread. Tapas! PortAventura actually has 3 different parks in itself: If you want to be serious about it, there are combined tickets for 2 or all 3 of the parks. Watch a game, tour the stadium, and visit the museum. Check out the many routes and start planning your adventure. For more information about these restaurants, read our article Tapas! Thanks for sharing useful information. Written by Lisa Alexander Updated Jul 26, 2022We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). Catalonia has a strong mix of culture, architecture and natural beauty that is a shame to be overlooked. Definitely a great getaway from busy Barcelona! Outdoor Cafe in Barcelona | Best Things to Do in Barcelona. Barcelona is a beautiful city. So excited to start planning! Think Rome meets Paris. This building was designed for the chocolatier Antoni Amatller. Andorra Montserrat Tarragona Girona Figueres & Besal Tossa de Mar Empuriabrava Portaventura Amusement Park Where To Rent A Car In Barcelona? For us, the visit to Sagrat Cor was a highlight of our time in Barcelona. If you have the time, you can take some excellent day trips from Barcelona. By far the most convenient option to get to Tarragona is by using the train (1h30). Better value is impossible. Its clubs give those in Barcelona a run for their money. Its in the area where the first photo in this article was taken. This glacial valley in the Pyrenees stands at an altitude of almost 2km but its surrounded by mountains 1km higher. I always use this awesome tool to compare rental prices. The Castell de Cardona has been renovated and converted to the luxurious Parador de Cardona hotel, offering guests the magical experience of princely living and medieval ambience. But it should be. Montserrat is also a great place for rock-climbing and hiking. 8 Best Towns Near Barcelona 1. Backed up by cliffs, with crystal clear water, enough personal space, and a chill atmosphere makes Waikiki the perfect memorable beach day. Travel Tip: Despite its small size, Besal makes a great jumping-off point for exploring more of the Costa Brava and even the Pyrenees. Even with the limit on the number of people, it felt crowded and overrated. This park is located near the Gothic Quarter. The official name of this paradisiac beach is Cala Fonda, but its mostly known as Waikiki Beach amongst locals. Top 10 road trips from Barcelona | EnjoyTravel.com Perched in this otherworldly setting, Montserrat Monastery (Abadia de Montserrat) is one of Spain's major tourist attractions. I was impressed with the number of stoned balconies, quaint arches and intricate faades all within a maze of cobbled streets. You can get to most of the places covered in this article by public transportation train, bus or a combination of both. Travel time is just under two hours. Located just north of the city, it offers a peaceful refuge for anyone seeking a serene escape in calm natural surroundings. All these attractions can keep you busy for at least a few days. Isidro Jabato, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. But that's not all. Alternatively, tourists could take an organized excursion from Barcelona that includes bus transportation and a guided tour of Montserrat Monastery. 21 places to visit near Barcelona. Rooftop Bars and Restaurants. For one of the best views of the city, ascend to the highest point of the church. Get show times here. The 35 Best Restaurants in Barcelona Few cities in the world can rival this dining scene, where even humble tapas bars have Michelin stars. Other important religious monuments include the Convento de Sant Domnec, a Franciscan convent built in 1567, and the Iglesia de La Pietat, a beautiful 17th-century Baroque church. There youll take the Ribes Enllac (kind of a mountain rack railway) to finally reach Vall de Nria. 10 Places To Visit Near Barcelona For A Fun Day Trip In 2023 Getting There: The high-speed train from Barcelona Sants gets you to Zaragoza in an hour and 45 minutes. In the countryside surrounding Sant Cugat are many ancient farms and hermitages, including the 14th-century Can Rabella farm and the Ermita de Sant Adjutori. Other important buildings include the Casa de la Vila, a 19th-century Neo-Gothic mansion, and Palau Maricel, a palace that blends medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural elements. Not far from Sitges is the seaside city of Tarragona, which features the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Tarraco: the forum, amphitheater, and a portion of the defensive fortifications that surrounded the ancient city. This tiny medieval village inland of the Costa Brava coast was one of my biggest travel surprises in Catalonia. In many ways, Tarragona feels like a smaller version of Barcelona without nearly as many tourists. Sitges is one of the most beautiful coastal towns near Barcelona on the northern Mediterranean coast of Catalonia. Most visitors go on a three-leg journey of train + tram + blue funicular (Tramvia Blau) to get to the top of Tibidabo from the center of Barcelona. Personally, the first decent beach going north is Badalona, but I usually go for beaches after Ocata. View from the Bunkers of Carmel | Noppasin Wongchum/shutterstock.com. For us, the Gothic Quarter was one of the highlights during our time in Barcelona. The yacht marina is also popular for water sports. Lloret de Mar has two great beaches and a castle This gives you enough time to visit the main highlights of the city. Jos Ramn Martnez Alemn / EyeEm/Getty Images. Cross its restored 11th century bridge into a picturesque village with cobblestone streets. Most of the beautiful Modernist buildings were designed by the local architect Ignasi Oms i Ponsa. Bonus points for Game Of Thrones fans. Tickets are pricey and lines can be long. The bus departs daily roughly every 20 minutes up from 10 am up until 30 minutes after the park closes, but only runs on weekends during winter months. The views are unbelievable and there were very few people here. 10 Days in Europe: 10 Amazing Itineraries, 3 Days in Barcelona: The Perfect Itinerary for Your First Visit, Where to Stay in Barcelona: Best Hotels and Neighborhoods, Tapas! Required fields are marked *. As a rule of thumb, the farther north you go from Barcelona, the cleaner the sea but also the smaller the beaches. 1. There are also small tapas restaurants that are excellent. Experience Barcelona's neighborhoods like a local and design a trip that matches your interests through insider tips, suggested itineraries and handy maps. Tapas! The main beaches have excellent facilities, and the sheltered coves offer peaceful ambience. Amenities include lifeguard surveillance, showers, sun bed and umbrella rentals, and a promenade for seaside walks. Sant Cugat Sant Cugat is a cute and small city close to Barcelona filled with charm, historical heritage and singular spaces. Montjuc Fountain Show | pixelshop/shutterstock.com. Do you have questions about the best things to do in Barcelona? Besides beaches and a gorgeous yacht marina, Vilanova i la Geltr offers cultural attractions including its walled Old Town; an innovative Railway Museum, which displays steam locomotives at the original train depot and presents exhibits about the historical heritage of Catalan railways; and the Biblioteca-Museu Vctor Balaguer, a fine arts museum founded in 1884 by Catalan politician Vctor Balaguer. LA Times called it the most interesting Spanish village youve never heard of and I have to agree Besal still falls under the category of hidden gems. Nearby Barcelona | Best attractions and day trips close to Barcelona You can comfortably take the train to Figueres from the main stations in Barcelona Sants and Passeig de Grcia. Another nice street for strolling is Rambla de Catalunyasimilar to Las Ramblas but much less crowded. Girona has one of the best-preserved medieval Jewish quarters in Spain; its Arab baths are now part of a Capuchin convent; and the Catedral de Santa Mara de Girona (built in the 11th century and completed in the 18th century) boasts a rare masterpiece of Romanesque textile art. Ive visited the Codornu wine estate in Sant Sadurni DAnoia one of the main brands of cava in Catalonia and I enjoyed it a lot more than I was expecting. The largest theme park in Spain is naturally a favorite of kids but also grown-ups. In the War of the Spanish Succession in the early 1700s, the fort was an important defense point for Barcelona. Some may not even consider this a day trip, but I think theres enough to see and do to make you entertained for a full day. Throw in some tapas, Gaud, and cava, and you have yourself a fabulous destination just waiting to be explored. 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Most of the beaches have excellent amenities, including restrooms, showers, rentals of lounge chairs and umbrellas, snack bars, and lifeguard supervision. An alternative is to get the Rodalies train to Altafulla Tamarit (schedules here). The highlight is the eye-catchy 12th-century bridge over the Fluvi river. Manresa is a historic town that has also entered the modern era, with many interesting Modernist buildings scattered throughout the town. I am glad we saw it but we did not fall in love with this one. The entire building and its artworks (paintings, sculptures, and installations) were created by Dal. This one is only worth the visit if you are a big fan of Gaud or want an interesting perspective over Barcelona from the rooftop. beach day trip // skiing possible in winter // nature day trip. Casa Amattler and Casa Batll | Best Things to Do in Barcelona. I think Sitges falls into the category of one of those nice coastal towns, perfect to relax and recharge energies. The beaches are also popular with swimmers and water sports enthusiasts. A much easier option is to take the T2A bus that goes directly from Plaa Catalunya (corner with Rambla Catalunya) to the top of Tibidabo. 15 Top-Rated Day Trips from Barcelona | PlanetWare Despite being a place not really compatible with my vertigo, it was one of the day trips I enjoyed the most. We did it with http://www.rentaboatbarcelona.com and it was the best part of our trip. Maybe it will be yours too? Arenys de Mar is conveniently located only 47 kilometers from Barcelona, making it an easy day trip. This might sound as over-excitement, but how many times do you have the chance to see pink flamingos in the wild, hun? Another popular resort town, Tossa de Mar is renowned for its pristine natural environment. Barcelona is a beautiful city. Tapas! Wandering its labyrinth of narrow, cobblestoned streets will take you back in time. If you prefer a traditional car hire company, try to book your car as soon as possible it can save you loads of money. When buying your ticket, you will need to specify if you want the Cable Car or the Cremallera funicular version of your Montserrat ticket. The state-of-the-art German-made cable cars travel on a cable system high above the ground. You don't need to be religious to appreciate the breathtaking Montserrat Monastery, set high in the hills outside Barcelona. My recommendation is this parador with GORGEOUS views to the Mediterranean. There are super views overlooking the city, the nearby beach and the Mediterranean. Cheers, Julie. An excellent day trip from Barcelona is the Montserrat Monastery Afternoon Tour, which includes transportation by air-conditioned coach, commentary by a knowledgeable local guide, and free time to explore the monastery grounds at leisure. Cava is a type of sparkling Catalan wine which is made by adding sugar and yeast to Peneds wine. If you are short on time, make Casa Batll and Sagrada Familia your main Gaud visits. Stretching all the way down to Valencia, you can find more than 40 blue-flagged beaches with shallow warm waters, mixed between huge sand stretches and small rocky bays. I would add to do a boat trip along the coast of Barcelona. La Pedrera | Best Things to Do in Barcelona. Hopefully, you will have just as wonderful of an experience as we did. Designed in modernista style, it was constructed between 1905 and 1908. Several Cadaqus-bound buses depart Barcelona Nord station every day, with travel time clocking in at just under three hours. Tucked away in the Pyrenees between Spain and France, Andorra's novelty comes mainly from its small size. Dal later lived in Cadaqus, a town near the Cap de Creus Natural Park that has been a favorite with artists for nearly a century. PortAventura Park Spain's Catalonia region's cosmopolitan capital, Barcelona, is renowned for its art and architecture. Its worth a visit if you are in the area. Fine beaches extend for more than five kilometers in this area, attracting many sunbathers from Barcelona during summertime. Its found on most menus, and if you want a great place to try it out (and have some amazing tapas) try Bodega 1900. Strolling the streets of Pals is literally a journey into the past and a great place to unwind. 41 EUR. Ancient Roman walls (La Fora Vella) enclose its medieval quarters, where a maze of narrow, winding cobblestone streets lead to hidden courtyards; a Romanesque cathedral; and the 15th-century synagogue (now the Museum of Jewish History). Top Fun Places to Go Near Barcelona, Spain | USA Today - Travel Tips Calella de Palafrugell has the inviting atmosphere of an old fishing village. Things to Do in Barcelona, Spain: See Tripadvisor's 3,465,589 traveler reviews and photos of Barcelona tourist attractions. Top Places to Visit in Barcelona, Spain: See Tripadvisor's 34,65,589 traveller reviews and photos of Barcelona attractions. Cathedral of Barcelona | Best Things to Do in Barcelona. Palau Gell, located just off of La Rambla near the Gothic Quarter, is a palace designed by Gaud for industrial tycoon Eusebi Gell. The Sagrada Familia is the most unique church we have ever seen. If you up for this, bring a jacket, hiking shoes, and some food. To help you visualise things, this maps contains all the 21 best places for getaways outside Barcelona and Ive thrown in a few additional ones. When you get tired of the beach (if that's even possible), be sure to spend some time exploring its picturesque historic center. Barcelona is organized into neighborhoods, such as the Gothic Quarter, Plaa de Catalunya, El Raval, and El Born, just to name a few. Theres also another lengthy option: getting a train to Figueres and then hop on a Teisa bus to Cadaqus. MORE CITIES AROUND THE WORLD: Visit more cities around the world with our guides to Rome, Paris, New York City, London,and Athens. Collserola Park stretches over an area of 8,000 hectares and is one of the green lungs of Barcelona. travopo. a lot of things to do and to see in Barcelona, one of the must-do activities in the city, Barceloneta beach can actually be extremely disappointing, Barcelona might have many attractions for travelers, Pre-selected list of the best hotels to stay in Barcelona, Azores: 20 Travel Tips To Know Before You Go, The Ultimate Itinerary of So Miguel Island (Made By An Azorean). Although there are world-class tourist attractions and a lot of things to do and to see in Barcelona, I can safely say one of the perks of living here is all the different day trips you can do around Barcelona. The Rodalies R1 train to Sant Pol de Mar takes about 1h20 from the main stations in Barcelona Sants, Plaa Catalunya or Arc de Triomf. Barceloneta Beach This is it: the epicenter of Barcelona's beaches; the most popular strip of sand in the city. Travel Tip: Come hungryZaragoza is renowned for having one of the most famous tapas scenes in Spain. Amazing post!! times bigger than Central Park. Your other option is to climb the tower on the Nativity faade. This legendary monastery has been in existence since the 11th century. It has easy access to both the mountains and the sea, along with countless cities and towns worth exploring. Going to a viewpoint in Barcelona is one of the must-do activities in the city so why not go to the biggest of them all? Although it is still under construction, this church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Besal. If youre a beach bum and just want a relaxing beach day outside of Barcelona, heading up north the coast there are many different options. On this organized day trip from Barcelona, you will wander through Girona's cobblestone alleyways, see the city's ancient Roman walls, enjoy lunch at a small family-run Mediterranean restaurant, and visit six filming locations. Although the city of Barcelona is the best place for a vacation with your family and friends, there are plenty of tourist places to visit around Barcelona that are worth visiting. Barcelona might have many attractions for travelers, but as you can see, there are at least as many things to see outside the city. During peak season, expect huge crowds of people here. With more time, you can add on day trips to places such as Girona and Montserrat. Its another colorful spot in Barcelona with buildingsthat resemble gingerbread houses and a long, tiled bench designedto represent a serpent. 57 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Barcelona - Atlas Obscura 1. When choosing your hotel in Barcelona, do only do you have to pick a property that works with your budget, but you also have to decide which neighborhood to stay in. During your visit, you have the option to climb one of the two towers. The few places where you can get food up there are not very good and expensive. Theres no higher contrast to the buzz of Barcelona. Tour the castle and enjoy the view over Barcelona. Just a bit over an hour south of Barcelona by train lies this beautiful coastal town, known for its Roman remains and top-notch sandy beaches. Boasting beautiful scenery and perfect weather, the seaside town of Castelldefels is only 10 minutes (25 kilometers) away from Barcelona along the Costa del Garraf. Enjoy! Its setting is incredible and it therefore without a doubt makes one of the best day trips from Barcelona by train! The local cuisine includes hearty Catalan dishes such as pa amb tomquet, toast topped with garlic and olive oil seasoned tomatoes (similar to Italian bruschetta); xat, a salad of endive served in a spicy sauce; and fideu, a seafood dish made with noodles. Its that remote. Less than 10 kilometers from Sitges, the seaside town of Vilanova i la Geltr (Villanueva y la Geltru) on the Costa del Garraf is a popular summertime vacation destination. This was wonderful. Swimmers will appreciate the Blue Flag designation beaches, awarded this label for water safety and cleanliness. Uma foto publicada por BRUN (@bruno_mb) a Mai 1, 2016 s 1:55 PDT. 2023 Baslica de la Sagrada Familia 166,414 Architectural Buildings, Points of Interest & Landmarks 2023 Mercat de la Boqueria 26,607 As one of the most magnificent medieval towns in the region, Besal is a history buff's dream come true. El Vendrell continued to be an important urban center throughout the centuries, and its heritage is seen in several impressive monuments.