Day Trips from Barcelona to Plaça de Catalunya

Soar above the sublime landscape of Catalonia near Barcelona on this early-morning hot-air balloon excursion. Marvel at beautiful landmarks like Montserrat and the Pyrenees Mountains as you climb to heights of up to 3,000 feet (900 meters) during your 1- to 1.5-hour flight. Then head back down to earth for brunch with sparkling wine. Your hot-air balloon flight also includes a certificate, plus you can upgrade for a longer 2-hour or private flight.

Revel in the incredible mountain scenery of the Pyrenees on this full-day guided tour from Barcelona. Travel through the charming villages of the Pyrenees’ foothills by minivan, then ride a rack railway to Nuria Valley, a vision of green pastures and peaks overlooking a lake. Drink in the setting and crisp air, and enjoy free time to go hiking, horseback riding, or grab lunch at a traditional restaurant (all own expense).

Venture East from Barcelona to Spain’s Costa Brava, and spend the day discovering one of Europe’s prettiest shorelines. Journey along the coast to this famous seaside stretch, known for its rugged cliffs and pine groves, and stop near the lively resort of Blanes. Sunbathe or swim in a tucked-away sandy cove, or choose to stroll through the cliff-edge Marimurtra Botanical Gardens. After a tasty 3-course lunch at a traditional restaurant, enjoy free time to explore, shop, or relax in the charming town of Tossa de Mar.

Escape Barcelona to Sitges and Tarragona on this 10.5-hour tour, stopping for some fun in the sun and an exploration of the area’s Roman history. Start your trip in Tarragona, the former Roman capital, where you’ll admire its intricate aqueduct, and explore the city’s architecture and markets. Then head to the beach at Sitges, a hip coastal town that boasts a gorgeous beach, trendy cafes, and boutiques. This small-group visit to Tarragona and Sitges, limited to just 15 guests, also includes a guide and transportation by minivan.

Traverse a host of Barcelona’s top sightseeing highlights with one simple booking for this hop-on, hop-off city bus tour. Listen to the audio guide in your choice of 16 different languages, so you don’t have to worry about missing anything due to a language barrier. Complete your day with entry to the independent Moco Museum, featuring works by Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, KAWS, Yayoi Kusama, Banksy, and more.

See the historical and natural highlights of Barcelona and its scenic surroundings on an exhilarating full-day excursion. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, visit legendary landmarks such as La Sagrada Familia and Montjuic Hill, and enjoy a guided walking tour in the most elegant part of the Old City. Venture to Montserrat National Park to enjoy the natural splendor of the scenery, and absorb the sacred ambiance of Montserrat Monastery, the park’s beautiful basilica.

Discover the coastal splendor of the Costa Brava region on a full-day trip to Girona and Calella de Palafrugell from Barcelona. Travel through the scenic Catalan countryside, and discover the atmospheric streets of Girona’s medieval Old Town. Admire the flagrant fortresses of Pals, absorb the seaside charm of rural fishing village, Calella de Palafrugell, and admire the dramatic landscapes of Begur, the former home of an ancient castle. Receive personalized attention from your guide on this small-group tour.

Uncover the beauty of Catalonia on this small-group day trip from Barcelona with a traditional paella lunch included. Begin your journey in Pals, a perfectly preserved medieval village of cobbled streets and hilltop views. Then continue to the Costa Brava and explore Calella de Palafrugell, a whitewashed fishing town framed by rocky coves and crystal-clear waters. Enjoy a relaxing walk or a swim before sitting down for a delicious seafood paella lunch at a beachfront restaurant. In the afternoon, explore the historic city of Girona at your own pace — visit the Gothic Cathedral, stroll along the Roman walls, or browse the Jewish Quarter. With a professional local guide and a group size limited to 20, this tour combines history, coastline, cuisine, and culture in one unforgettable day.

Explore the colorful urban attractions of Barcelona and the mythical mountain of Montserrat on this private, full-day tour. See the city's most famous landmarks, including Las Ramblas, Port Olympic and Plaza Espanya, plus iconic Modernist buildings like Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia Cathedral and the Casa Mila. Then, journey outside the city center to ascend the ‘Magic Mountain’ of Montserrat, known for its Benedictine monastery and important place within Arthurian legend. Price is per group, based on a maximum of 7 adults per vehicle.

Discover one of Europe’s most beautiful coastlines on this Costa Brava day trip from Barcelona. Travel by air-conditioned car to the famous coast, known for its pine-fringed cliffs and rocky headlands, and visit Blanes to relax at a secluded cove or admire the clifftop Marimurtra Botanical Gardens. After a delicious restaurant lunch, enjoy free time to explore pretty Tossa de Mar.

Leave Barcelona and travel back to ancient times on this small-group tour of Catalonia’s medieval villages. Visit the beautifully preserved villages of Besalú and Tavertet and learn interesting facts about these historical locations from your guide. Have free time in Rupit village to see the Baroque-era Church of Sant Miquel and have a traditional Catalan lunch (own expense) at a local restaurant. Take in views of the remains of the Castle of Rupit, Castellfollit de la Roca and the Cingles de Tavertet sandstone cliffs. This small-group tour ensures you’ll receive personalized attention from your guide.

Escape the crowds and go at your own pace with this private full-day tour of Montserrat and Barcelona. Travel in comfort with hotel pickup and drop off in a private vehicle. Explore the ancient monastery, then see top Barcelona landmarks like Passeig de Gracia, Plaza Catalunya, and Sagrada Familia, with a guide providing insights.

See Barcelona your way with a fully-customizable private tour. Highlights could include the Sagrada Familia, Park Guell and Gaudi’s famous houses—La Pedrera-Casa Milà and Casa Batlló—as well as the city’s most famous squares. This half-day tour is ideal for those short on time in Barcelona who want to make sure they check off everything they set out to see.

Skip the hassles of buses or trains and make a trip to Montserrat Monastery smooth and easy with this private tour. Choose your departure time to avoid peak crowds, and travel by a comfortable, private, air-conditioned minivan with hotel pickup and drop-off from city-center hotels. Enjoy a private exterior tour to hear history you might otherwise miss, then explore the basilica, museum, and Montserrat National Park on your own.