Monument to Christopher Columbus at Rambla
Barcelona is bursting with attractions. No matter how many days you allocate to explore this vibrant city, it will still not be enough. A demanding traveler who finds himself in the capital of Catalonia will certainly want more; his soul will be eager to explore the far corners of this region rich in attractions.
That's right! Since there are a lot of places and attractions near Barcelona that deserve your attention. These include the Balearic Islands, snowy Andorra, the alluring South of France, and neighboring regions of Spain. But that's another story.
Today we will look at some worthy and picturesque places located near Barcelona, which can be explored in 1 day. If you have a few days left and the desire to boot, don't miss the opportunity to visit some of these beautiful places.
Montserrat mountain range
The Montserrat complex is a fantastically beautiful mountain range and a basilica, a monastery, representing the spiritual symbol and religious center of Catalonia, which attracts pilgrims from all over the world. They flock here for the main shrine of the monastery - the poplar statue of the Mother of God with the Child. Because of her dark color, the Catalans lovingly call her “La Moreneta” (“Dark-skinned”).
It is believed that if you touch the sphere in the hand of the Mother of God, your wish will come true within 3 months. La Moreneta especially favors women who want to become mothers. Whether it's true or false, it's up to you to decide. However, the room containing gifts to the Virgin Mary from grateful mothers and petitioners will make even an avid agnostic doubt it.
Girls are often named after the Virgin Mary of Montserrat in Catalonia. Thus, the famous opera diva Montserrat Caballe was named in her honor.
If you also decide to join the ranks of those asking, go in the morning, so you will avoid the queue and be able to fully enjoy the fantastic views of the mountains.
There are several ways to get to Montserrat:
- By excursion bus. You can arrange your trip at one of the tourist points in Barcelona.
- By car. Take the C55 or A2 highways.
- By train. From metro pl. Espanya takes the FGC line R5 in the direction of Manresa to the Aeri De Montserrat stop, where you change to the cable car.
Tarragona and Roman ruins of Tarraco
Now you are traveling from the notorious Barcelona to little-known Tarragona. But once upon a time everything was different. Barcino (as Barcelona was called in ancient times) was not even listed in the chronicles, while the history of Tarragona was written in a sweeping, confident hand.
Once Tarraco (Tarragona) was the capital of the Roman possessions in Spain. The presence of the Roman Emperor Augustus here for 2 years added fuel to the fire of the city's dawn. During this time, Tarraco acquired the necessary attributes of the capital: an amphitheater, a circus, an aqueduct and 2 forums.
As befits the capital, bloody gladiator fights with wild animals, horse races and chariot competitions were organized for the amusement of the public. Affairs of national importance were carried out by ambassadors from all over the world, matters of imperial importance were decided. Life in Tarraco was in full swing. The years passed... A difficult fate befell the city, which was once equated with the second Rome. Through the efforts of invaders and time, the majestic architecture of the city turned into ruins, and the once prosperous Tarraco gradually fell into oblivion.
But don’t be discouraged, there is still something to see in the city and feel the atmosphere of the once great city. Walk along the narrow stone streets of the historical center and see traces of the past: here is the surviving part of the fortress wall, and the remains of a circus - the only well-preserved Roman circus in Western Europe. Take a look at the amphitheater, where life-and-death events once took place. Even UNESCO staff were imbued with this spirit and immediately included the ruins of Roman buildings in Tarragona on their list.
Renfe .
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Girona
Girona is a small medieval city, which is the capital of the province of the same name in Spain. The city walls seem to be imbued with a medieval spirit, allowing everyone to take a trip back in time. Walking through the historical part of Girona, you expect a knight in shining armor on a horse to jump out from around the corner, or ladies to rustle past in long dresses.
You can get to Tarragona by train from Barcelona Sants train station. The schedule can be viewed on the train website Renfe .
Sitges – Spanish Saint-Tropez
Sitges is a noisy and party resort near Barcelona. In terms of the number of nightclubs, bars and restaurants, it can compete with the alma mater of debauchery and fun, Ibiza. Moreover, Sitges is the unofficial capital of Spanish gay culture and the site of the country's informal carnivals.
Rule of conduct in Sitges: hang out and have fun all night long, sleep during the day. Monday is considered the official day off from revelry and debauchery.
But the land of Sitges is not only filled with gays, and why is it called the Spanish Saint-Tropez? - you ask. The city acquired this status thanks to the shops of famous luxury brands, round-the-clock entertainment, professional golf clubs, a picturesque marina for yachts, plus high prices: all this attracts the rich of this world and those who want to join it. Are we leftists?
You can get to Sitges by train. Or better yet, on a yacht. Saint-Tropez!
Coast and beaches of the Costa Brava
As the Spaniards themselves say, “There is no place more beautiful than the Costa Brava.” If the locals like it, then even more so for tourists. And the coast has a lot to show: steep cliffs, indented by cozy turquoise bays, crystal clear water, pine trees and soft yellow sand beaches that stretch along the coastline for 214 km.
The Costa Brava includes many small resort towns. Particularly worth mentioning are Tossa de Mar, Lloret de Mar, Blanes.
Active tourists will appreciate the coast: there are about 30 scuba diving and windsurfing centers, golf courses, horseback riding, water parks, kayaking, rafting, canoeing, and cycling.
You can get to Tarragona by train from Barcelona Sants train station. The schedule can be viewed on the train website Renfe .
Salvador Dali Triangle: Figueres, Port Lligat and Pubol
The long mustache of Salvador Dali left a mark on the territory of Spain in as many as 3 places: Figueres, Port Lligat and Pubol. The fattest spot is of course in Figueres, no matter where you go to Figueres, you will see a sign everywhere. The museum is not difficult to find, but figuring out its contents is where you have to work hard. To connect and understand the lexical meaning and sacred meaning of what you see, the instructions for the Dali Museum, written by the current director and part-time friend of the artist A. Pichot, will help you.
Not far from Figueres there is a fishing village of Cadaqués, where the creative and artistic duo DaliGala lived and worked for a long time. No matter where they lived, no matter how far they traveled from Port Lligat, they still returned to their cozy little lair. Due to the size of the house, the museum cannot accommodate everyone at the same time. Therefore, it is better to buy tickets in advance on the museum’s website. The house in Port Lligat has completely preserved the furnishings and atmosphere of the house. Where every visitor can touch the life of the most unusual and eccentric couple of the 20th century.
At the dawn of their life-game together, Gala was tired of playing, she wanted rest and just peace from Dali’s eternal steps. So she became the owner of a luxurious gift from her husband - a palace in Pubol. True, she only had a chance to live there for a short time.
If anyone is interested in the lives of these great creative schemers, I can recommend the excellent biographical book “Gala” by the author Dominique Bona. After reading this, all illusions regarding this family will be dispelled.
Figueres can be reached from Barcelona by train. You can see the schedule on the train websiteRenfe. . From Figueres there are buses to Cadaques and Pubol. You can view the schedule.
Andorra
If you decide to go to the dwarf principality of Andorra, then go to the capital, Andorra la Vella. The principality is located in the eastern Pyrenees, and already on the way you will stare in fascination out the window of the bus, which will take you from Barcelona in 2 hours and 50 euros.
Of course, people go to Andorra la Vella for shopping, since the country has a duty-free zone. But don’t delude yourself: what’s cheap for a European is a little expensive for a Russian. And the choice of clothes here is meager and of the same type. What is really worth paying attention to is alcohol, perfumes, cosmetics, optics and watches.
For example, alcohol here costs 20 euros cheaper than in duty free, the price tag for perfumes and cosmetics is also quite low. If you follow my advice, you can save enough time to walk around the city.
The city is surrounded on all sides by mountains at an altitude of 1029 m, which makes Andorra la Vella the highest capital of Europe. Having also quickly purchased everything you need, you can visit the Caldea thermal complex - you will notice it by its unusual design, built of glass.
Also, from my own bitter experience, I want to warn you about the enemy of an empty stomach: the siesta. Here it is observed as religiously as in neighboring Spain (so do not be deceived by the views of the mountains). During siesta, we visited most of the establishments in the city center. Everywhere, the owners of the establishment, turning away from their plates filled with food and turning to our empty stomachs, said with one voice: “Closed.” I had to break my moral principles and fill my stomach at KFC, which cordially welcomed us with many free cash registers.
The Principality of Andorra can be reached by bus. The schedule can be found on the website www.andorradirectbus.es.
Amusement park "Port Aventura"
On the Golden Coast of the Costa Daurada, in the city of Salou, the Port Aventura amusement park is located on a vast territory. You can get to the park from Barcelona by train, it will take a little over an hour. The park is divided into six thematic zones: “Mediterranean”, “Polynesia”, “China”, “Mexico”, “Wild West”, and an area for small children “Sesame”.
In the city of Salou, Port Aventura can be reached on foot or by a small train that runs around the city every half hour from the station.
Roller coaster Furius Baco is the fastest roller coaster in Europe
If you are traveling to Port Aventura from Barcelona for only 1 day, then right at the station you can buy a single ticket, which includes the cost of train travel and entrance fees. The benefits are tangible.
You can avoid queues for popular attractions if you buy an express ticket, which gives you the right to skip the queue through a special entrance, although the price is high. But if you visit the park during the season, and even for 1 day, then the benefits are obvious.
The Hurakan Condor ride is one of the tallest rides in the world
If you come with a baby, then rent a stroller. It will save your baby's legs and your nerves. Plus, it fits into a train that runs around the park, on which you will move between attractions, thereby saving your legs.
Whichever of these routes you choose, you will have enough impressions until your next trip. Where were you? What did you visit and what did you see? Share your experience and impressions in the comments.
The highest point of Montserrat (1236 m) - WE DID IT!
Where is the best place to relax by the sea in Spain? Coast of Catalonia! We want to tell you about our favorite places to visit in Barcelona in 1 - 3 days of your trip. We have studied routes to the sights of the city more than once and over 4 trips there we have collected tons of photos and text for you. Where to go from Barcelona for one day? We will also tell and show you about this.
You can spin endlessly on the architectural and cultural carousel of the city, but if you only have a day or three left, the routes should be clear and systematized. What to see in Barcelona in a short time, where to go and, most importantly, how to get to the must see places? Let's share our experience and feedback. The last time in May we went there for 9 whole days!
One of the main attractions of Barcelona with huge queues
1. We recommend planning breakfast at the Brunch&Cake cafe, located a 10-minute walk away from Plaza Catalunya. Address: Carrer d’Enric Granados, 19. The doors open at 9 am, so we run straight to the opening, otherwise there will be a queue. The popularity of the place does not at all spoil the quality of the breakfasts, which you can eat to your heart’s content for about 18 €, and to have the strength to go – for 10-12 € :)
2. Those “prepared” in advance can skip this point and immediately go down to the metro and take the L3 line to Lesseps station. 15 minutes on foot, following the signs, and you - in Park Guell- an iconic landmark of Barcelona. In the morning it is most comfortable here, there are few tourists, and the sun is not so hot. 17 hectares of greenery, steps up, steps down, observation platforms and Gaudí’s characteristic “gingerbread” style - exploring the park, including paid areas (8 €), will take about 1.5 hours.
3. Returning the same way to the Catalunya metro station, cross the square and find yourself on the boulevard Rambla– the main tourist street of the city. Every visitor considers it necessary to walk a distance of a kilometer to Columbus monument. And at the same time, consider all the offers from the city’s souvenir and gift industry (at inflated prices) and evaluate the activities of street performers.
4. Here on the boulevard is Boqueria market, where you should definitely look if you want to commemorate your independent exploration of Barcelona in 1 day with an excellent piece of jamon, a portion of selected spices and fresh fruit.
5. Turning off La Rambla, tourists find themselves in Gothic Quarter. This is one of the oldest districts of the Catalan capital, its historical center full of medieval architecture and chaotic streets. There are also objects located here that are not listed in the top attractions of Barcelona, but, nevertheless, are considered the main points of visiting the quarter - Cathedral of Saint Eulalia, Royal Square, Church of Santa Maria del Pi. A suitable place for lunch is the Four Cats cafe at Carrer de Montsio, 3. Gaudi and Picasso once dined here.
6. It will take about half an hour of walking to get to Sagrada Familia Cathedral. To save time, you can take the metro from Passeig de Gracia station and take the L2 line to Sagrada Familia station. If you plan to go inside, purchase your tickets online in advance as... On site you will probably find huge queues at the box office. The basic option of all available tickets costs 15 €, with an audio guide – from 24 €.
7. If your one day in Barcelona falls on Thursday - Sunday, go in the evening to Plaza de España. From Sagrada Familia - take line L2 to Universitat station, change to L1 and go to Espanya station. Starts at 21:00 Singing Fountain Show, which attracts crowds of tourists every day.
However, if you are visiting the city from Monday to Wednesday, or the start time of the show is too late, end your mini-trip with a walk along the Barceloneta promenade.
Where to eat in Barcelona in the evening? A good place is Salamanca on Calle Almirall Cervera, 34, where you can enjoy paella and sangria for dinner with a view of the sea :)
In general, you can immediately simplify your plans for the days ahead by taking a thematic excursion from the locals:
If you have not yet decided how you will get to Barcelona and are thinking about a tour, then here are 3 proven sites for online booking of tours with 24 hour support:
The price is per person when purchasing a tour for two
Barcelona in 2 days
What to see in Barcelona on day 2? Route:
- House of Mila,
- Casa Batllo,
- Barcelona Aquarium,
- Museum of Catalan Art.
Look for shrimp on Barcelona beach
- Located at Diagonal metro station Mila's house. The special style of the building - in the form of waves - gives a little surrealism and the impression of mobility of the house, and the characteristic “gingerbread” top reveals the hand of Gaudi. Open to the public from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., entrance fee: €22.
- Review: How tourists are deceived in Barcelona
- Five hundred meters up the road was located Casa Batllo at Passeig de Gracia, 43. This is another example of the absence of any straight lines in the design of buildings by Gaudi, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You are allowed to visit from 9 am to 9 pm, having pre-paid a ticket with a minimum price of €24.5.
- You can continue your route through Barcelona on foot to the largest in the European part of the world Aquarium, located on Moll d'Espanya, Port Vell. Visitors find themselves literally on the seabed, fenced off from thousands of marine inhabitants only by a glass tunnel. Well, it’s as if they didn’t come to look at strange creatures, but on the contrary :) Entrance is from 10 to 21 (depending on the time of year) and costs 20 €.
- To the largest museum in Barcelona - National Museum of Art of Catalonia– you can get on the metro, reaching the Espanya station and walking through the already familiar Piazza di Spagna up to the majestically towering palace. In summer, the museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 to 20, ticket price is about 12 €. However, a free visit is also possible; more on that below.
In 2013, entrance to Park Güell was still free
Barcelona in 3 days
On day 3 in Barcelona you can see the following on your own route:
- Barceloneta beach,
- Mount Tibidabo,
- Spanish village,
- Agbar Tower,
- Embankment.
Where to live these 3 days? In Barcelona, we prefer not hotels, but apartments - cheaper, more comfortable, prettier. We are looking for it on the Airbnb service. If you are a beginner, you will get a 2100 rubles discount on your first booking.
- If in previous days you were unable to sunbathe on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, then this morning is the most suitable moment for swimming and sunbathing on Barceloneta beach. Of course, provided you travel in the summer :)
- Entertainment in Barcelona is still plentiful on the third day. One of the most interesting is climbing the mountain Tibidabo. Here are also amusement park, opened in the 19th century, and a complex of churches Church of the Sacred Heart, and one of the best viewing points in Barcelona. Getting to the highest point is an exciting adventure. You must first get to the Av Tibidabo station on the L7 line, change to the famous Blue Tram (4€ one way), which has been running along the route for more than a century, and arrive at the Plaça del Funicular stop, from where you will be taken up by the old Barcelona funicular (7.7 €).
- Returning the same way to Plaza Catalunya and taking the metro a little further to Espanya, you can get to Spanish village. This place represents Spain in miniature: the quarter contains village houses, shops, churches from every region of the country. The cost of visiting will cost approximately 11 €.
- Observation platforms in Barcelona are also appreciated near the Glories metro station - here there is a 34-story skyscraper visible from everywhere Agbar Tower. Well, or the “Glowing Cucumber”, as they call it at night :) It is possible to enter for free thanks to dozens of restaurants and cafes in the building.
- In the evening you can go to the nightclubs of Barcelona, lined up along the Barceloneta promenade. Or you can just walk along the sea, enjoy the end of your visit to the capital of Catalonia and at the same time plan your next obligatory trip, because Barcelona, in addition to the attractions described above, still has something to surprise you with!
Map of Barcelona with landmarks
Below is a map of Barcelona with attractions in Russian. For your convenience, we have marked the main points of the Barcelona attractions route that can be visited in 1, 2 and 3 days in different colors (blue, green and red, respectively) so that you have a rough idea of moving around the city.
Tip: if you are without the Internet, the offline maps app maps.me is a great help for navigating around the area! We personally tested it in different countries. Download a detailed map of Barcelona and transfer all route points to the application. Such an assistant, with marked streets, hotels, etc., will definitely not let you get lost :) The main thing is to do everything in advance.
Another good guide to Barcelona, combining on a map the sights of Barcelona and the metro map 2019:
In Barcelona, the metro is the most convenient form of transport, connecting all corners of the city with its network. On the above map you can see for yourself that each attraction can usually be reached by subway.
In total, the capital of Catalonia has about 180 metro stations scattered across 10 lines. They (lines) are distinguished by numbers - from L1 to L5, L9N, L9S, L10-L11 and FM. Since the metro system is integrated with the railways (connecting to the suburbs), there is a division into metro zones. All of Barcelona is included in Zone 1.
How much does the metro cost in Barcelona?
A single one-way ticket, i.e. valid for both metro and bus, costs 2.20 €. It can be purchased at stations in special machines - you won’t find people behind the window selling tickets in Barcelona :)
You can reduce the cost of travel on the Barcelona metro if you intend to actively travel around the city. For this there is a T10 ticket, which for 10.20 € provides 10 trips on any type of public transport. Several people can use one pass. The T10 ticket does not apply to the L9 metro line and AeroBus airport shuttles.
You will definitely need a Barcelona metro map on site, so it is better to print it out or download it to your phone in advance. Let us remind you that opening hours vary depending on the days of the week: Monday to Thursday 5:00-00:00, Friday and holidays 5:00-2:00, Saturday around the clock, Sunday 5:00-00:00.
Be sure to watch the sunset at Montjuïc (Plaza di Spagna)
Where to go from Barcelona?
If you have a couple of extra days left, and you have walked the city itself far and wide, then you may ask the question - where to go from Barcelona for 1 day? You don’t have to go very far for new “beach” experiences - the coasts of the Costa Brava (Lloret de Mar) and Costa Dorada, to the south and north of the capital, are rich in golden sands and clear sea waves.
But if you want something atypical... For this case, we have selected attractions near Barcelona that will definitely make you admire, and some - freeze in fear.
The most convenient way to travel around Spain is by car - you have your own company, and you don’t have to adjust to your schedule. We prefer to rent a car in advance on the Rentalcars website. The service scans the offers of all global and local rental agencies and pleases us with profitable options.
Our trip to Barcelona (Montserrat Mountain and Benedictine Monastery - July 2016)
You can ride a funicular, marvel at the unusual shape of the rocks, listen to the oldest children's choir in the world and touch the Black Madonna just 50 kilometers from Barcelona. To do this, you need to take a train from platform R5 from Espanya station to either the Aeri cable car or the Cremallera funicular. The cost including transport to the top is €21.50 in both directions. You can save at your own risk - buy a train ticket only one way, and ride back as a hare (there are no turnstiles).
Port Aventura and Ferrari Land. In 2013 it cost 42€, in 2018 - 55€. Some of the most famous entertainment in Barcelona, these theme parks will thrill your nerves! Take, for example, the recently opened extreme slide Red Force, which will send you into a free fall from 112 meters. Our knees were giving way for a long time... But even after several trips to Barcelona, every time we come here, we still head to Port Aventura. 🙂
Favorite place Port Aventura (in 2013 it cost 42€, in 2018 - 55€)
Figueres. Where can you go from Barcelona to experience the heritage of Catalan art? To the town where Salvador Dali was born and is buried! Moreover, hundreds of tourists’ feet pass over his grave every day, because... The artist is buried under one of the rooms of the famous Dali Theater and Museum. You can get to Figueres for €20 by train from Estacio Sants station in 55 minutes or by car, covering 140 km.
This city is divided by a river into two parts from different eras - modernity and the Middle Ages. The old city has at least 5 museums, 8 temples and even Arab baths from the 12th century.
Our trip to Girona in May 2013
All in all, this is truly one of the must-see attractions near Barcelona. From Passieg de Gracia station there are trains every half hour to Girona; ticket price – 9€.
Trip to Girona for 10€
Empuriabrava. The city, dotted with water canals along which locals move sedately on boats, can be found not only in Italy. In Spain it is Empuriabrava. However, instead of gondolas, there are yachts, boats, boats belonging to the owners of villas and mansions built on pieces of land, and professional yachtsmen. To get here you need to drive to Figueres and then take a bus for 4€.
Val de Nuria. This, of course, is no longer in the “what to see in the vicinity of Barcelona” section, because... the place is perhaps closer to Andorra 🙂 However, the picturesque mountains, clear lake, clean air and overwhelming serenity contrast so much with the landscapes and atmosphere of the capital of Catalonia that the 130-kilometer journey is worth it. If you have 3 days or more, stay longer! Get there first by train on line R3 from Placa de Catalunya to Ribes de Freser, and then by funicular train to an altitude of 1950 meters. The cost of a round-trip ticket is 30 €.
Probably the most exciting adventure you can do from Barcelona! The neighboring principality welcomes all tourists with a Schengen visa in their passport. The distance from Barcelona to Andorra is about 200 km, and can be covered by car in about 3 hours. How to get from Barcelona to Andorra by public transport? Only by bus from Sants station or El Prat airport for 28–41 € one way.
To Andorra for the mountains and shopping
Barcelona Museums
Any route to the sights of Barcelona is not complete without... museums! It’s doubly nice to visit them for free, isn’t it? How to do it? 🙂
- The most significant - National Museum of Art of Catalonia(Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya), which houses the collections of the former Museum of Modern Art and the Museum of Art of Catalunya. You will be able to enter for free every Saturday from 15 to 18 and the first Sunday of the month.
We went to the main museum of Catalonia (I didn’t like it)
- The capital of Catalonia also cherishes the memory of another outstanding artist and sculptor. Picasso Museum in Barcelona(Museu Picasso) occupies 5 mansions, fitting perfectly into the architecture of the Gothic Quarter. Without a ticket, drop by every Sunday after 3:00 p.m.
- The history of the provincial capital can be told in detail through numerous exhibits. Museum of the History of the City of Barcelona(MHCB). It is less often open to public access - only on the first Sunday of the month.
- (MACBA) is for those who have a passion for futuristic exhibitions, mesmerizing art installations and sometimes blushing photographs. Free visits are available every Sunday from 15:00 to 20:00.
- Well, why in Chocolate Museum in Barcelona(Museu de la Xocolata) is only allowed in without a ticket on the first Monday of the month - quite understandable. There won’t be enough chocolates that are given to all visitors at the entrance! 🙂
In general, if you give advice to tourists, then it is better to go to Spain, as well as to Barcelona in general, in order to have time to enjoy the sun, sea, steep roller coasters and attractions to the fullest.
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Barcelona never get tired of it, that's true. But really try it Catalonia can and should be done outside its capital. There is plenty to choose from: restaurants, bars, beaches, small pretty towns, mountains and ancient monasteries. All this is located very close to the Catalan capital, literally an hour's drive from your hotel in Barcelona.
Ten beautiful places near Barcelona which you can spend the whole day on
Girona
Old city Girona- These are ancient arcades of houses, churches, a cathedral and cobbled sloping streets. It's worth spending one day on.
Before the expulsion of the Jews from the city in 1492, Girona was home to a large Jewish community; its history can be learned in the museum Museu d'Història dels Jueus de Girona. Another historical layer - Arab baths (Banys Àrabs) Built in the 12th century. The pretty Romanesque monastery is worth a visit Monestir de Sant Pere de Galligants, then stroll along the Onyar River and admire the brightly colored houses along the shore. The newer part of town has plenty of tapas bars to grab a bite to eat. Girona is home to one of the best restaurants in the world, El Celler de Can Roca. You can visit it only if you have pre-registered and have enough funds.
How to book accommodation in Girona
Budget accommodation or hotels in Girona Hotels Combined booking.com– you just have to choose the best offer. We liked the inexpensive Ibis Girona- about 30 euros per night and enough comfort for us for one night.How to rent an apartment in Girona
If you are traveling with a group or for a period of more than two days, for example, you want to save on housing in a more expensive Barcelona, it is worth renting an apartment or apartment through Booking.com - apartments in Girona . We lived in Apartment Priçosa - maximum comfort, price and city center, parking.How to get to Girona from Barcelona
From Barcelona V Girona There is a bus from the Nord bus station, the price of tickets is 10 euros one way, in addition, there is a local airport in Girona that serves flights of low-cost airlines - Wizzair and Ryanair, from there there is also a bus to Barcelona.Figueres
Distance from Barcelona – 140 km., the trip can be combined with a visit to Gerona.
Beautiful Art Nouveau architecture, 18th century castle of Castell de Sant Ferran. All this would have been lost against the backdrop of the same lovely Catalan towns, if not for Salvador Dali. The most famous attraction of Figueres is the Toy Museum (Museu del Joguet), also known as the Salvador Dali Museum. The former theater was turned by Dali himself into a museum of surrealism and a split personality when visiting it is guaranteed. Behind the high red walls are collections of paintings, decorations designed by Dali and other installations created for the entertainment of guests.
Montserrat
Distance from Barcelona – 60 km.
Another cult place in the mountains near Barcelona. You can get there by train from Plaza de España, then a funicular or rack railway to Montserrat mountain to the monastery of the same name. Monastery of Montserrat– a Catalan shrine, there is a sculpture of the black Madonna, and inside you can listen to the famous choir singing. After visiting the monastery it is worth climbing the Sant Jeroni peak, the charm of the picturesque surroundings is guaranteed. In addition, it is worth a walk to Santa Cova - the place where the holy image of the Virgin Mary was found. 
Sitges
Distance from Barcelona – 40 km.
People come to this town to admire the whitewashed walls of houses decorating the coastline, take a promenade along the embankment and sunbathe on the local beaches, including the famous nudist beach. In warm and sunny weather it gets quite crowded. During your walk, choose your favorite seafood restaurant and plan lunch.
If you are interested in contemporary art, it is worth visiting the old center. Among the elegant buildings there are many home museums that are worth devoting some time to.
Vilanova i la Geltrú
Distance from Barcelona – 45 km.
You can combine a trip with a visit Sitges, which is 5 km. from Vilanova i la Geltrú.
Down the coast from Sitges(you can get here on foot walking along the picturesque cliffs of the Costa Brava) Vilanova i la Geltrú is located. The former fishing village is still charming and picturesque. In addition to the wide beaches in the south and clean air, there is an interesting railway museum, the Museu del Ferrocarril.
Tarragona
Distance from Barcelona – 100 km.
Another historic coastal town near Barcelona, resembling in size and scale Gerona. The main attraction is the remains of a Roman amphitheater and a good viewing platform on the coastline. Among the museums – the Museum of National Archeology Tarragona.
IN Tarragona is very beautiful Cathedral, there is an excellent selection of restaurants near it, in one of which you can finish your acquaintance with the city. You can also have lunch in the fishing area of El Serrallo, where the selection of seafood restaurants is pleasantly surprising. Near Tarragona there is a famous amusement park Port Aventura, we went there just from Tarragona where we spent the night. Selection of hotels in Tarragona
good and they are cheaper than in Barcelona. Most prefer to travel to Port Aventura from the resort, noisy and package Salou is a matter of taste. 
Mont Blanc
Distance from Barcelona – 115 km.
You can combine a trip with a visit to the city Tarragona, which is 20 km away. from Montblanc
Montblanc A fairly large medieval town surrounded by a fortress wall, easily accessible from Barcelona by train and with a decent selection of places to eat and sleep. Ideally, you need to come here by car and drive around everything called "Cistercian Route", as well as a triad of beautiful monasteries located close to each other in the towns Poblet, Vallbona de les Monges And Santes Creues. To see all three monasteries, the trip should start early in the morning.Collserola
Distance from Barcelona – 10 km.
Collserola– an ideal place to escape from city party life Barcelona closer to nature. Parc de Collserola– a natural park near Barcelona, many hiking and biking trails and farm-to-table restaurants. It's worth getting a map of the routes from the park's Info Center, the routes are numbered from the train station Baixador de Valvidrera. From here you can walk or cycle through the mountains to Sant Cugat station and from there immediately take the train to Barcelona. 
Vic
Distance from Barcelona – 70 km.
Another cute town away from the coast in the southern Pyrenees. Lovely historical center with good restaurants. The tourist office is located at Plaza Catalunya, it’s very convenient to start exploring the city from here. It has everything that tourists like - stylish mansions in Art Nouveau and Baroque styles, a central market square, cozy streets and delicious food.
Colonia Güell
Distance from Barcelona – 15 km.
Colonia Guell– a settlement of textile workers of the magnate Eusebi Güell, who was a patron and one of Gaudi’s customers.
Church of the Crypt in Colonia Güell - another major project of the famous Gaudi, which he began to build to order Eusebi Güell outside Barcelona. Gaudi Only the crypt, which was open to visitors, was completed. Its vaults are supported by twisted ribbed brick columns that are inclined at an angle, reminiscent of trees in a dry forest.
This rather little known place is located near the village Santa Coloma de Cervello just 20 minutes drive from the center Barcelona
How to get there: Train (FGC) from Plaza España in Barcelona (Plaza España) to the station Colonia Guell. Lines: S4, S8 and S33.
Budget accommodation in Barcelona
Budget accommodation or hotels in Barcelona can be found through the booking system Hotels Combined, a service I use myself. The advantage of the service is that it compares prices from dozens of booking systems, including the one beloved by many booking.com– you just have to choose the best offer. In each article or report, I provide links to hotels where I stayed and which I liked.How to find a cheap apartment in Barcelona
If you are traveling with a group or for a period of more than two days, for example you want to save on accommodation, it is worth booking Apartments in Barcelona - Booking.com We lived in Barcelona in the Eixample district, near Gaudi's Cathedral. The apartments were called - Apart-Suites Hostel, near the bus station, metro and within walking distance of several attractions.
Excursions around Europe are always Sputnik - Barcelona is no exception!
How to get to Barcelona
Air travel can be purchased directly from airlines; it is often more profitable to buy a flight via direction Kyiv-Barcelona through an aggregator aviasales. The service selects the most advantageous offers - you just have to choose the best by price, departure time or airline. I used four well-known booking sites, and eventually settled on aviasales, as the most friendly in terms of interface, prices, and selection of airlines, including low-cost airlines.
How to rent a car at Barcelona Airport
If the price does not matter, then you can rent a car directly upon arrival at Barcelona airport. You can save up to 20% on car rental if you use the service Rentalcars.com – Barcelona and pick up a car in advance.
Useful links when planning your travels
Aviasales- low-cost air tickets around the world
Hotels Combined (RoomGuru)– allows you to save up to 20% when booking hotels and apartments as it searches all popular booking sites, including Agoda, Booking.com and others, offering the best price options
Booking.com– a familiar and convenient site for searching and booking accommodation around the world
Airbnb– the world leader in searching for apartments and apartments for travel, register using the link and get a cash bonus for your first booking
Rentalcars– a site for searching and renting cars all over the world with the possibility of free cancellation
You will be transferred from the airport to the hotel and vice versa. The driver will meet you with a sign with your name and take you to your destination. There is no need to clarify the route - everything is done online in advance. This is often cheaper than ordering a taxi on the spot and is very convenient. Knowledge of English is not required.
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Barcelona is a city that you immediately fall in love with. This air, the narrow streets of the Gothic quarter, the noisy La Rambla, the stalls of the Boqueria bursting with sea reptiles, shady parks, sunsets in the port, the majestic creations of Gaudi, and, of course, wine, jamon and paella - all this seems to stay with you and pull you like a magnet back as soon as the plane home leaves the ground.
If you have already explored the capital of Catalonia inside and out and are thinking about where to go from Barcelona, you will definitely need this selection of not the most popular, but truly interesting neighborhoods from our friends, Skyscanner.
Catalonia is full of surprises. One of them is La Garrotxa, a picturesque natural park with more than 70 volcanic cones - about 40 of them considered dormant - on the territory. The last serious eruption occurred here 11 thousand years ago, and today La Garrotxa has 11 settlements and is home to about 40 thousand people. Previously, indigenous people believed that churches could protect against eruptions and therefore built them next to the volcano or in the craters themselves, where many of them still stand. You can get to La Garrotxa from Girona (about 30 km) or Barcelona (about 120 km), the most convenient way to get around is by car. The most unusual way to explore the surroundings of the reserve is a hot air balloon flight - this way you can literally get off the ground and enjoy a bird's eye view of lush forests, volcanoes and quaint villages. The best place to look for a cozy restaurant with local cuisine is in the town of Santa Pau.
Sitges
A small and cozy seaside town on the Costa Dorada, 35 km from Barcelona, is an ideal place for a walk and a beach holiday. You can visit it on the way to Port Aventura from Barcelona - a couple of hours will be enough for you to get around the picturesque places and feel the local atmosphere of idleness. There is excellent tapas, a magically colored sea and a very diverse crowd - from couples of sultry, pumped-up handsome men to families with children. Interestingly, Sitges is the birthplace of Facundo Bacardi, the founder of the company of the same name. Despite the fact that Facundo moved to Cuba in his youth, he is revered and remembered here - in the Museum of the House of Bacardi you can learn about the one and a half century history of the brand and, of course, get to know it “better” during a master class on preparing cocktails.
Girona is one of the most interesting seaside cities on the Costa Brava, 92 km from Barcelona. High-speed trains AVE and EUROMED will take you here from the capital of Catalonia in just 40 minutes. Discover the medieval streets, the Jewish Quarter, the Arab Baths (which now host contemporary art exhibitions), walk along the fortress walls and, of course, taste ice cream at the amazing Jordi Roca cafe Rocambolesc and visit the pride of the Roca brothers - El Celler De Can Roca, the second in list of the best restaurants in the world and do not forget to include the second largest (after the Vatican) in the world cathedral and the Benedictine monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants in your walking route around the city.
Wine regions of Penedès and Priorat
Penedes and Priorat are regions famous for good wines and amazing landscapes, which are no more than 2 hours' drive from Barcelona. Penedès is the birthplace of the famous cava, a local sparkling wine produced using the champagne method. And Priorat wines have long taken pride of place in the world of winemaking, displacing French Burgundy and Bordeaux. Some of the old wine cellars are Art Nouveau masterpieces, such as this winery in Falset, designed by architect Cesar Martinelli in 1919. The most convenient way to explore the wine capitals of Catalonia is not as part of expensive group tours, but on your own - by car, with the opportunity to build your own route.
The bizarrely shaped mountain and the monastery of the same name, Montserrat, 70 km from the center of Barcelona, is an excellent place for lovers of nature, hiking and art. On the territory you will find an art museum, the collection of which contains paintings by Picasso, Dali, Degas, Pissarro, Monet and other famous authors. But the most majestic thing, of course, is the mountain landscapes - the monastery is located at an altitude of 725 m above sea level. You can get here by taking the R5 line on the FGC commuter train from Pl station. España. You will only be able to get to the foot of the mountain, and there you will need to choose how to climb - by cable car or by rack railway.
Tarragona
Tarragona is a city with a rich history, whose roots go back to the times of the Roman Empire. A walk along the local streets makes you plunge into the distant past of Catalonia - the ruins of the amphitheater, inherited from the former capital of the Roman province of Hispania, are especially interesting. This seaside town is quiet and beautiful, where you can find some really good restaurants and satisfy your craving for Mediterranean cuisine. Barcelona is about 100 km away and can be reached by train, bus or car.
Ebro Delta
Surprisingly, in Catalonia, beloved by tourists, there are still places that are barely known even to local residents. A natural park in the Ebro Delta, 40 km from the Catalan city of Reus and two hours from Barcelona, is one of them. There are relatively few people on the local sandy beaches and they are perfect for those who like to sunbathe while listening to the sound of the surf, and not the chatter of their neighbors on the beach. And a little to the south is the long sand spit of Trabucado, which will be just right for kitesurfing and windsurfing lovers.
Skyscanner is a site for searching flights, hotels and car rentals. 40 million travelers use the service every month. Skyscanner compares prices in real time and is available in 30 languages. Skyscanner has free apps on its platforms
Barcelona, the capital of Spanish Catalonia, is home to iconic architectural masterpieces - the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. It's a safe and clean city that's well connected to other cities, so day trips are a great way to get a change of scenery and see something new. Where to go from Barcelona for one day? Choose directions from the Pyrenees to the Costa Brava, and from Montserrat to La Conca. You won't be bored anywhere!
Where to go from Barcelona: Girona
The medieval city of Girona is the largest in the north of Catalonia. It has a lot of Gothic architecture, museums and galleries.
The beautifully preserved Jewish quarter, known as "The Call", is a labyrinth of winding cobbled alleys framed by low arches made of Catalan stone.
La Roca Village is a real shopping village built in the modernist Catalan style of the 19th century. It has more than 100 fashion boutiques where customers can enjoy the best fashion products. There are also numerous exclusive restaurants located here.
Where to go from Barcelona: Cadaques
The small fishing village of Cadaques, which is located on the Costa Brava. inspired many artists. The most famous of them was Salvador Dali. He spent many years here, walking along the narrow streets.
The village's seafood restaurants are second to none.
Where to go from Barcelona: Costa Brava
The Costa Brava is one of the most beautiful coastlines in all of Europe. The gateway to the coast is the magnificent city of Blanes, where a stunning landmark is located - a lighthouse from which you can enjoy magnificent views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Montserrat is Catalonia's most iconic landmark. The word "Montserrat" literally translates as "seen mountain." At the top of the mountain is the monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat, where you can see the statue of the “Black Madonna”. You can get here by rail.
Spain is one of the world's largest wine producers. Not far from Barcelona is the Priorat region, where hundreds of acres are occupied by vineyards. The picturesque local landscape is very diverse, and fine wines are produced here throughout the year!
The best choice for traveling the Pyrenees is a four-wheel drive SUV. On the way to the mountains, travelers need to overcome forest paths, steep slopes and rocky cliffs. There are also medieval villages along the way. The Pyrenees mountain range separates Spain and Andorra, and is one of the most pristine and ideal landscapes in Europe.
The Conca de Barbera region is home to some of Spain's most impressive vineyards. You don't need to be an expert to appreciate the wines that are produced in this region.
La Conca is home to organic wineries. Visitors are delighted to be introduced to the process that gives wine its individual flavour.
Those who want to experience Catalan culture should visit the typically Catalan villages of Vic and Rupit.
These villages have a relaxed and calm atmosphere, providing a contrast to the chaos of Barcelona.
In the center of Vic is the Place Mayor, which still retains its Gothic appearance. A colorful and fragrant food market is held on Tuesdays and Saturdays in the same square.
Where to go from Barcelona: Figueres
Figueres has great significance for creative people as it is the birthplace of the surrealist Salvador Dali. The theaters and museums of the city of his childhood contain masterpieces by Dali and other surrealist artists.
Also in Figueres you can visit the 1734 church and the beautiful Church of St. Peter.
The village of Siurana, located in an inaccessible location on the Siurana River, is perhaps the most beautiful in all of Catalonia.
During a trip to the village, you can enjoy a tour of the olive groves, and learn the entire process of olive oil production - from cultivation to harvesting and giving the oil its taste.
Of course, it is difficult to get to know Madrid in one day. But, still, you can see the main attractions.
Be sure to visit Buen Retiro Park, the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor. Gran Via is a great lunch spot where you can enjoy traditional Spanish tapas and ice-cold beer.
