Five Essential Day Trips from Barcelona by Train

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Five Essential Day Trips from Barcelona by Train
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14 September 2023

Barcelona is an amazing city with so much to see and do. But, if you have some spare time, there are also fantastic day trip destinations accessible by public transportation that are worth exploring during your visit. Here are five great day trips to take from Barcelona using the public transport system.

Por Mercedes Cano

Girona

The medieval city of Girona, just over an hour north of Barcelona by train, is a delightful place to spend a day. Walk along the Onyar River, take in the grand Gothic Cathedral, featured in the popular TV series Game of Thrones, and explore the historic Jewish Quarter. The colourful houses overlooking the river are an iconic part of the cityscape. Don't miss climbing the stairs to the walls for panoramic views. Round off your visit with a stop at El Celler de Can Roca, twice named the best restaurant in the world.

https://www.girona.cat/turisme/eng/

 

Montserrat

The dramatic mountaintop monastery of Montserrat can be reached in about 90 minutes from Barcelona via train and cable car. Take in sweeping views of the mountain ranges, famous for its distinctive rock formations, as you ride the funicular up to the Benedictine abbey. Visit the Basilica and see the Our Lady of Montserrat statue, otherwise known as ‘La Moreneta’ (Black Madonna), a revered religious icon and patron saint of Catalonia. For active travellers, hiking trails offer beautiful vantage points over the mountains. You can return to Barcelona in the late afternoon after a peaceful and scenic day trip.

https://abadiamontserrat.cat/

<p>Barcelona is an amazing city with so much to see and do. But, if you have some spare time, there are also fantastic day trip destinations accessible by public transportation that are worth exploring during your visit. Here are five great day trips to take from Barcelona using the public transport system.</p>

Figueres

Figueres is a perfect day trip for Salvador Dali fans, as this is the site of the fascinating Dali Theatre-Museum. Trains connect Barcelona and Figueres in just over 2 hours. The museum provides an in-depth look at Dali's surrealist art; you can also visit his crypt. Wander through the lanes of the historic centre, browse the traditional shops and take in the liveliness of the Rambla, Figueres' main pedestrian street.

https://www.salvador-dali.org/en/

 

Tarragona

For a glimpse into ancient Roman history, take a trip to Tarragona. Situated an hour south of Barcelona by train, Tarragona was a city of great importance during the rule of the Roman Empire. A walk along the remnants of the old city walls provides views over the Mediterranean Sea. Tour the ruins of a 2nd-century amphitheatre and the Roman Circus. The National Archaeological Museum of Tarragona displays fascinating artefacts. And be sure to explore the city's medieval and Gothic quarters, too.

https://www.tarragonaturisme.cat/en

 

Sitges

It's very easy to get from Barcelona to the picturesque coastal town of Sitges, known for its beautiful beaches, charming old town, and vibrant LGBTQ+ community. Trains whisk you there in under 40 minutes. Head to the beach, visit the Cau Ferrat museum with works by El Greco, Picasso or Santiago Rusiñol, or indulge in some fresh seafood. Wander through the Church of Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla and the Palau Maricel. The city comes alive at night with restaurants, bars and nightclubs throughout the old quarter, making it a very lively getaway.

https://www.visitsitges.com/en/

 

With its excellent public transportation system, Barcelona serves as the perfect home base for day trips. Each of these destinations provides a different perspective of Catalan culture, nature and history.

<p>Barcelona is an amazing city with so much to see and do. But, if you have some spare time, there are also fantastic day trip destinations accessible by public transportation that are worth exploring during your visit. Here are five great day trips to take from Barcelona using the public transport system.</p>
<p>Barcelona is an amazing city with so much to see and do. But, if you have some spare time, there are also fantastic day trip destinations accessible by public transportation that are worth exploring during your visit. Here are five great day trips to take from Barcelona using the public transport system.</p>