Top Barcelona Day Trips

Traveler ratings and reviews rank these day trips from Barcelona as the best available right now:

• Montserrat Half-Day Tour with Tapas and Gourmet Wines
• Girona & Costa Brava Small-Group Tour with Pickup from Barcelona
• Montserrat Tour with Gourmet Wine Tasting and Lunch
• Montserrat with Cogwheel Train, Gourmet Wine Tasting & Tapas/Lunch
• Montserrat Monastery Small Group or Private Tour Hotel Pick-Up

Yes, day trips from Barcelona are very worthwhile. The city is full of sights to see and makes an excellent base from which to explore other popular places like Montserrat, which is known for its beautiful monastery, stunning natural scenery, and mountain hikes. You can also easily get to Girona, where you can visit the medieval center and the Church of Sant Feliu and walk the historic walls.

The cities of Girona––62 miles (101 km)––and Tarragona––60 miles (97 km)––are the closest to Barcelona. Both have lots to offer, from restaurants to historic ruins, and Tarragona also has pretty beaches. Smaller towns near Barcelona and worth visiting include the beach towns of Cadaques and Sitges, and Montserrat with its famous monastery.

You can visit France and Andorra within a day from Barcelona. An example itinerary takes you to the Spanish village of Baga, through the countryside to the French border. From there, visit the ancient spa town of Ax-Les-Thermes before heading by bus to Andorra via the Pyrenees. You can then head down to the valleys for duty-free shopping before returning to Barcelona for drop-off.

On average, it takes around 14 hours to travel by train from Barcelona to Lisbon––a distance of over 770 miles (1,240 km). The journey can take even longer on weekends and holidays, so many people find it easier to fly instead. There are usually two trains per day, with four changes throughout the journey.

Allow for three to four busy days in Barcelona, Spain's second-largest city, to see the sights on your priority list. During this time, be sure to stroll down Las Ramblas and see Gaudí’s architectural influence, and don’t miss the Sagrada Familia and Parc Guell. Stop for a bite at La Boqueria food market, and enjoy the Gothic Quarter and Montjuïc Magic Fountain.

There are tons of fun tours and excursions in Barcelona aside from day trips. According to previous travelers, these are the best activities to book for your next trip:

• Sunset Cruises

• Flamenco Shows and Tickets

• Cooking Classes

• Catamaran Cruises

• Wine Tasting Tours

Barcelona day trip prices vary depending on duration and inclusions. If you’re looking for high-quality experiences on the lower end of the price range, these are the best tours to book now:

• Flamenco Show Ticket at Theatre Barcelona City Hall

• Barcelona Sunset Live Jazz Music Cruise

• Park Guell Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket

• Barcelona: Explore Montserrat with Optional Wine Tasting and Lunch

• Barcelona City Bike Tour: Highlights and Hidden Gems

There are a lot of Barcelona day trips out there, so be sure to research all of your options—you can probably find something that fits your exact budget, interests, and desired activity level, whether it’s a kayak and snorkel tour, wine tasting, or day trip to a nearby region. You can also travel with other visitors or book a private tour for your group.

For Barcelona day trips, dress comfortably in layered clothing for variable coastal weather and wear supportive shoes for uneven cobblestone streets. Pack sunscreen, water, and a hat. Engage with your local guide for insights into hidden spots, and be cautious with valuables in crowded areas—pickpocketing can occur, so remain vigilant, or better yet, leave your valuables in your hotel safe.

Barcelona shines brightest in the mild spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October). In these months, pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and vibrant festivals create the perfect setting for exploring Gaudí’s masterpieces, strolling historic streets, and savoring local cuisine. It’s the ideal time for a memorable Catalan getaway.