Are you planning a trip to Barcelona and curious about the top things to do in and around the city? Barcelona is the capital and largest city of Catalonia, an autonomous region in Spain. It’s located on the northeastern coast and offers stunning beaches, magnificent sea views, impressive architecture, vibrant nightlife, and fantastic dining options. With over 20 million visitors each year, Barcelona is one of Europe’s most popular destinations. The city’s gothic streets, unique architecture, and lively atmosphere draw tourists from all over the globe. Antoni Gaudi’s architectural works stand out as some of the most remarkable and distinctive features in Barcelona.
But don’t just stay within the city limits—there are plenty of incredible places to explore nearby! Here’s a guide to some of the best things to do around Barcelona, perfect for sparking your travel inspiration.
First on the list is Montserrat, a multi-peaked mountain range about 50 kilometers from Barcelona. Known as Catalonia’s sacred mountain, Montserrat features distinctive jagged peaks that inspired its name, which means “serrated mountain.” The mountain is home to the Benedictine abbey, Santa Maria de Montserrat, founded in the 11th century. Today, it still houses over 70 monks and includes a large basilica, the iconic Virgin of Montserrat sculpture, and a museum with a collection of Catalan paintings. You can reach Montserrat by train from Barcelona, which will take you to the mountain’s base. From there, a cable car or funicular will get you to the top and the abbey. It’s one of the top activities to enjoy around Barcelona.
Another fantastic destination is Girona, a city located about 100 kilometers north of Barcelona. Girona is rich in ancient history and boasts a wonderfully preserved old quarter that has been featured in many films, including “Game of Thrones.” The old quarter is surrounded by picturesque medieval city walls, which offer stunning views of the city when walked along. Don’t miss climbing the steps up to see the Girona Cathedral. Girona also has Spain’s best-preserved Jewish quarter, dating back to the 12th century, making it one of the most significant Jewish centers during the Middle Ages and one of the best-preserved Jewish quarters in Europe. Exploring the streets of Girona is definitely one of the most rewarding activities around Barcelona.
Then there’s Dalí’s Theatre-Museum in Figueres, dedicated entirely to the surrealist artist Salvador Dalí. Housed in a castle-like structure with giant eggs on the roof, the museum is one of the world’s largest surrealistic objects. Inside, you will find an eclectic and fascinating collection of Dalí’s work. Located 140 kilometers from Barcelona in Dalí’s hometown, Figueres is a must-visit spot around Barcelona.
Costa Brava is another beautiful area, located in the northeastern coastal region of Catalonia. Known for its wild, dramatic coastline, as its name “rough coast” suggests, Costa Brava is one of Spain’s most stunning coastal regions. A visit to Costa Brava offers beautiful nature, excellent beaches, and a wonderful summer climate, making it one of the best trips to take in Spain.
Tarragona, a port city about 100 kilometers from Barcelona, is renowned for its Roman ruins and aqueduct. The city features an ancient amphitheatre overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and boasts an enchanting Old Town, which sits at the highest part of the city and features a grand Gothic cathedral. Don’t miss the various urban beaches Tarragona offers.
Sitges, a coastal town southwest of Barcelona, about 40 kilometers away, is a popular beach destination. Nestled between the Mediterranean beaches and the mountains of Parc Natural del Garraf, Sitges offers a lovely seafront promenade lined with cafes and charming residences. The old town of Sitges, with its white buildings and cobblestone streets, is picture-perfect.
Finally, Bagà is a charming medieval mountain town founded in the 9th century AD. The town is noted for its old stone houses and narrow cobbled streets, and it was redesigned in the 13th century, making it a rare example of medieval city planning. Situated at the foot of the Cadí mountain range, part of the Pyrenees, Bagà offers numerous hiking and biking trails starting from the town.
These are some of the top attractions around Barcelona that should definitely be on your itinerary!