Places to Visit Outside Barcelona

Distance from Barcelona: 35 km, 40 minutes away by train.

Famous for: Beautiful beaches, historic architecture of the Old Town and the nightlife.

What to go for: Stroll along the iconic Passeig Maritim, a lively beachfront promenade, and dip your toes in the Mediterranean at Playa de la Fragata. Explore the cobblestone streets of the Old Town lined with colorful boutiques. Try the local seafood dishes at one of the seaside restaurants. Visit the Cau Ferrat Museum for a glimpse into Sitges' artistic history.

Tips: Visit on weekdays for a more relaxed atmosphere.

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Distance: 86 km, 1 hour and 20 minutes bus ride.

Famous for: Paradise beaches and a medieval fortress of Vila Vella (the Old Town).

What to go for: Unwind on Tossa de Mar’s beautiful beaches. Explore the historic walls of Vila Vella and enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline. Meet sunset by the Tossa de Mar lighthouse.

Tips: Visit in summer to enjoy the beaches. Consider taking a boat tour for a unique perspective of the coastline.

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Distance: 95 km, 1 hour and 30 minutes by train.

Famous for: Well-preserved Roman ruins, an iconic Gothic cathedral, and Rambla Nove, a lively modern promenade.

What to go for: Explore the ancient Roman Circus. Wander through the medieval Old Town to see the imposing Cathedral and the Jewish Quarter. Visit the National Archaeological Museum to get some insights into the history of Catalonia.

Tips: Visit in the morning to enjoy the historical sites with fewer crowds and try the local specialties at one of the charming cafes along Rambla Nova.

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Distance: 60 km, 1 hour by train, and then a ride by cable car. 

Famous for: The holy place of Catalonia, Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey is nestled among serrated mountain peaks.

What to go for: Explore the iconic abbey and discover its rich history and cultural significance for the Catalan people. Get to see La Moreneta, a venerated ancient statue of the Virgin Mary. Hike in the mountains. See works by El Greco and Picasso in the Montserrat Museum.

Tips: Arrive early to beat the crowds, check the schedule for the abbey's famous boys' choir performance, and bring comfortable shoes for exploring the trails.

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See our Ultimate Guide to Visiting Montserrat Monastery created to help you plan your trip to Montserrat.

Distance: 65 km, 1 hour ride by car.

Famous for: Stunning mountains, lush forests, and numerous opportunities for hiking.

What to go for: Hike between the towering crags of Collsacabra Natural Area. Explore the historic little town of Arbúcies. Reach the summit of Turo de l'Home, the highest peak of the Montseny Massif, and admire panoramic views.

Tips: Visit in the spring for vibrant blooms or in the fall for foliage; pack a picnic for an al fresco lunch, and wear comfortable shoes for exploring.

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Distance: 108 km, 1 hour and 15 minutes by car.

Famous for: Fun attractions and exciting shows.

What to go for: Feel the adrenaline at the heart-pounding roller coasters. Enjoy the impressive live shows. Explore all 6 themed areas dedicated to different cultures of the world.

Tips: Arrive early to make the most of the day, check the show schedule in advance, and consider purchasing a Fast Pass to skip the lines on popular rides.

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