Top 10 day trips from Barcelona

Looking to escape Barcelona for a day of adventure and discovery? Join us as we explore the best day trips from this vibrant city in Catalonia. From medieval towns and picturesque beaches to stunning mountains and iconic landmarks, Barcelona's surroundings offer a treasure trove of experiences. Get ready to uncover hidden gems and create unforgettable memories on these exciting one day trips from Barcelona!

Top 10 One Day Trips From Barcelona

If you search for day trips in Barcelona, you might find a long list, but it may not be the one you’re looking for. So, to help you out, here are the best day trips from Barcelona to have an eventful day!

1. Experience breathtaking views at Montserrat

Distance from Barcelona: 60 km
Travel time: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Best for: Spiritual seekers, nature enthusiasts, history and culture buffs, art and music lovers, tourists seeking unique experiences

Imagine a captivating destination called Montserrat in Catalonia, where you'll encounter something truly special—a monastery revered by locals. Wear comfortable shoes for this day trip from Barcelona, as it involves some walking. If you time your visit right, you might catch a choir performing inside the Grand Basilica.

After admiring the monastery's beauty, ride a funicular or enjoy a scenic walk to Santa Cova, where the revered statue of La Moreneta, the Virgin Mary, was discovered. For the adventurous, hike up to Sant Jeroni Peak for breathtaking views of the valley below. This journey promises history, stunning landscapes, and perhaps a touch of magic. Experience the natural wonders of Montserrat on this day trip from Barcelona.

How to get to Montserrat from Barcelona: The R5 trains run by FGC go back and forth between Barcelona's Plaça d’Espanya station every half-hour to hour. Once you arrive, you can catch the AERI cable car at the Montserrat AERI stop to reach the monastery. Another option is to stay on the R5 for one more stop to Monistrol de Montserrat. From there, you can hop on a Cremallera train that goes up to the monastery every 20 to 40 minutes.

Things to do in Montserrat: 

• Basilica de Montserrat
• Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey
• Sant Joan Funicular
• Museu de Montserrat
• Escolania de Montserrat

2. Explore the beautiful forests of Collserola

Distance from Barcelona: 14.3 km
Travel time: 15 minutes
Best for: Nature enthusiasts, families, cyclists, photographers, environmentalists, wellness seekers

Escape the city hustle with scenic one-day trips from Barcelona to the tranquil forests of Collserola. When they need a break from the city buzz, Barcelona locals love to retreat to the expansive Parc de Collserola in the hills. This park is a haven with walking and cycling paths weaving through beautiful scenery, and charming farmhouse-style restaurants are scattered around.

To explore the park, start by grabbing a map of the different trails from the information centre located at Carretera de l’Església 92, near the Baixador de Vallvidrera FGC train station. For the adventurous, consider walking across the hills to Sant Cugat and catching the train back to Barcelona from there – a perfect way to one-day trip from Barcelona!

How to get to Collserola from Barcelona: Take the FGC suburban train from either Plaça de Catalunya, Carrer de Provença, or Gràcia to Baixador de Vallvidrera station.

Things to do in Collserola: 

• Tibidabo
• Monestir de Sant Cugat
• Torre de Collserola
• Birdwatching
• Centre d'Estudis de Collserola

3. Soak up the sun and party in Sitges

Distance from Barcelona: 40.1 km
Travel time: 40 minutes
Best for: Beachgoers, art and culture enthusiasts, LGTBQ+ community, history buffs, food and wine connoisseurs, and festival-goers.

Escape the city and enjoy 1 day trip from Barcelona to Sitges! It’s a delightful coastal town ideal for leisurely strolls along its whitewashed seafront. In the warmer months, while central beaches can be bustling, there's a variety to choose from. Relax with sunbathing or consider a visit to the nudist beach for a unique experience. Beyond the beach, Sitges offers a rich cultural scene with contemporary art and Modernisme architecture to explore in the old town. The town's vibrant nightlife and inclusive atmosphere, especially for the LGBTIQ+ community, make it a standout destination, making it just the perfect day trip from Barcelona.

How to get to Sitges from Barcelona: Between 5 am and 10 pm, you can catch frequent trains from Barcelona Passeig de Gràcia and Sants stations. Monbus also operates from Barcelona, with buses departing every 15 to 50 minutes.

Things to do in Sitges : 

• Playa de la Ribera
• Playa de Sant Sebastià
• Playa de la Fragata
• International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia
• Museu Cau Ferrat and Museu Maricel

4. Journey through time and tale in Girona

Distance from Barcelona: 99.7 km
Travel time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Best for: Food and wine lovers, cyclists and outdoor adventurers, history and culture enthusiasts, art and film buffs, festival attendees, city explorers 

Girona's old town is like a cosy nest of ancient houses with arched walkways, majestic churches, and winding cobblestone streets, all overlooked by the imposing cathedral. Before 1492, Girona was bustling with a large Jewish community, and you can learn their fascinating story at the Museu d’Història dels Jueus.

To step into more history, check out the 12th-century Banys Àrabs (Arab Baths), made famous by Game of Thrones, and the charming Romanesque Monestir de Sant Pere de Galligants. Take a leisurely stroll along the Onyar River to admire the colourful painted houses lining its banks, or head to the newer part of town for some top-notch tapas bars.

How to get to Girona from Barcelona: Take the train, which runs about every 30 minutes.

Things to do in Girona: 

• Catedral de Girona
• Historic Jewish Quarter
• Banys Àrabs
• Sant Pere de Galligants
• Museu d'Art de Girona

5. Relax in a seaside serenade in Vilanova i la Geltrú

Distance from Barcelona: 48.6 km
Travel time: 45 minutes
Best for: Beach and water sports enthusiasts, history and culture seekers, family travellers, festival-goers, nature lovers

Just a little further down the coast from Sitges (you can enjoy a beautiful hour-long cliffside walk to get there), you'll find Vilanova i la Geltrú. It’s just the right day trip to take form Barcelona. It's a bigger town with a laid-back vibe, focusing more on fishing and industry rather than tourism, which gives it a refreshing, down-to-earth feel.

If you're looking for a great beach day, Vilanova i la Geltrú is the spot to be. They've got some nice, spacious beaches (try heading south for a charming little cove) and a fascinating railway museum called the Museu del Ferrocarril – perfect for a break from the sun and sand.

How to get to Vilanova i la Geltrú from Barcelona: From 5 am to 10 pm, regular trains run from Barcelona.

Things to do in Vilanova i la Geltrú: 

• Playa de Ribes Roges and Playa del Faro
• Vilanova i la Geltrú Market
• Passeig Marítim
• Barri Antic
• Maricel Palace and Cau Ferrat Museum

6. Hear echoes of ancient sand in Tarragona

Distance from Barcelona: 96.6 km
Travel time: 1 hour
Best for: History and archaeology enthusiasts, cultural explorers, beachgoers, food and wine connoisseurs, festival attendees, adventure seekers

Tarragona, similar in size to Girona, is famous for its well-preserved Roman ruins. To make the most of your visit, start early at the Museu d’Història de Tarragona, which includes key Roman sites like the Amfiteatre Romà and the Fòrum Provincial. Another great option is the Museu Nacional Arqueològic de Tarragona, offering a fascinating glimpse into the city's Roman history.

After exploring the Roman relics, visit the impressive cathedral and then treat yourself to lunch at one of the nearby restaurants. You can also head to El Serrallo, a charming fishing neighbourhood known for its excellent seafood eateries.

How to get to Tarragona from Barcelona: The train station is a 10-minute walk south of the old town near the beach, with services to and from Barcelona every 10 to 30 minutes.

Things to do in Tarragona: 

• Roman Archaeological Ensemble
• Catedral de Tarragona
• Pont del Diable (Devil's Bridge)
• Museu Nacional Arqueològic de Tarragona
• Balcó del Mediterrani

7. A journey into art and enchantment in Figueres

Distance from Barcelona: 139 km
Travel time: 2 hours
Best for: Art and culture enthusiasts, Dali admirers, history buffs, travellers seeking unique experiences

Figueres offers more than just picturesque streets and historic landmarks—it boasts unique attractions perfect for 1 day trips from Barcelona. One standout is the Museu del Joguet, a charming toy museum appealing to all ages. However, Figueres is most famous for the Teatre-Museu Dalí, a surreal palace transformed by Salvador Dalí into a whimsical masterpiece. Inside, you'll encounter Dalí's paintings, a dazzling jewellery collection, and captivating trompe l’oeil installations. Your ticket also grants free entry to the Museu de l'Empordà, a fantastic museum showcasing art and archaeology, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts and curious travellers alike.

How to get to Figueres from Barcelona: Figueres train station is 800m (0.5 miles) southeast of the centre. It has half-hourly trains to and from Barcelona.

Things to do in Figueres: 

• Teatre-Museu Dalí
• Castell de Sant Ferran
• Museu de l'Empordà
• Church of Sant Pere
• Festival de la Tapa

8. Unlock the medieval charms in Montblanc

Distance from Barcelona: 118 km
Travel time: 2 hours
Best for: Wine and gastronomy enthusiasts, culture explorers, outdoor adventurers, cultural explorers, pilgrims and spiritual seekers, art and history students

Montblanc is a charming medieval town surrounded by ancient walls, offering plenty of places to eat and stay. It's a great destination to explore on its own, but if you have a car, you can embark on a fantastic adventure along the Cistercian Route.

This route takes you to three stunning monasteries: Poblet, Vallbona de les Monges, and Santes Creues, all conveniently close to each other. To make the most of your day and visit all three monasteries, start your journey early in the morning. It's a memorable experience that's well worth the effort!

How to get to Montblanc from Barcelona: Five direct trains run daily from Barcelona Passeig de Gràcia and Sants, the first of which leaves around 7 a.m.

Things to do in Montblanc: 

• Medieval Walls
• Plaça Major
• Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Poblet
• Fira de l'Imaginari

 9. Journey into Catalan Charm, Vic

Distance from Barcelona: 71 km
Travel time: 1 hour, 30 minutes 
Best for: Food enthusiasts, cultural explorers, outdoor and nature lovers, festival attendees, history buffs, students and academics

Vic is a lovely town with a charming historic centre and great dining spots. It's set in the flatlands of La Plana de Vic, not far from the Pyrenees, and it's super easy to reach by train from Barcelona.

The heart of Vic is the Plaça Major, one of Catalunya’s biggest central squares. Here, you'll find beautiful medieval, Baroque, and Modernista buildings lining the square. It's a lively spot, especially during regular markets, which is why locals also call it Plaça del Mercadal. It's a great place to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the town's rich history and culture.

How to get to Vic from Barcelona: Regular rodalies trains (line R3) run to and from Barcelona.

Things to do in Vic: 

• Barri Antic
• Catedral de Sant Pere
• Mercat del Ram
• Museu Episcopal de Vic
• Botifarra (sausage), escudella i carn d'olla (stew), and local cheeses

10. Discover hidden gems in Colònia Güell

Distance from Barcelona: 17 km
Travel time: 40 minutes
Best for: Architecture enthusiasts, art and design lovers, history and heritage seekers, culture tourists, photographers.

Besides La Sagrada Família, Gaudí's noteworthy project was creating a visionary textile workers' community for his supporter, Eusebi Güell, near Barcelona in Santa Coloma de Cervelló. Gaudí's primary focus was the community's church, Colònia Güell, of which he completed only the crypt, now open to visitors.

The crypt is a fascinating sight. Its columns, mainly of brick, support the ribbed vaults of the ceiling, angled like trees in a forest. This design concept is pivotal for grasping the structural innovation behind Gaudí's masterpiece, La Sagrada Família. Exploring the crypt provides a glimpse into Gaudí's genius and groundbreaking architectural techniques, ideal for 1 day trips from Barcelona.

How to get to Colònia Güell from Barcelona: Take FGC lines S4, S8 or S33 to Colònia Güell.

Highlights: 

• Catalan modernist architecture 
• Crypt of the Colònia Güell
• traditional Catalan cuisine

And that's the end of this list of the best one-day trips from Barcelona. Now all that's left is to choose the one-day trip from Barcelona of your choice and hit the road. We wish you a safe trip!