The Catalonian Paradise Surrounding Barcelona

Set in the Catalonian countryside, the area surrounding Barcelona provides activities to suit every interest. From day trips to the beaches of Girona Province, to days hiking around Montserrat, Catalonia provides something for everyone

The NH Housekeeper’s Tips

Things to do in Barcelona

The attraction most visitors to Barcelona hope to see is the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia. Gaudi's monument of Gothic and Art Nouveau architecture is still under construction but is nevertheless a striking monument, both inside and out. Visitors are recommended to buy tickets in advance due to the immense popularity of the church. The Casa Batlló is another worthwhile visit for architecture enthusiasts and fans of Gaudi; with a visually arresting façade and equally striking interior, this is a must-see. Again, visitors are recommended to purchase tickets in advance to avoid the queues.

For those hoping to take a more leisurely wander around the city, the Ramblas are recommended. Stretching just over a kilometre from Plaça Catalunya to Port Vell, this mostly pedestrianised street allows for a pleasant walk to the waterside. Showcasing a mish-mash of architectural styles, this street also plays host to various street performers, artists and stalls selling everything from souvenirs to fruit. The Christopher Columbus statue is an object of interest for most visitors to the street, as well as the Erotic Museum of Barcelona which focuses on the artistic representations of erotica in art.

Travelling around Barcelona

As Barcelona has excellent public transport, visitors have the option of using the metro, bus, tram or train within the city, including night buses and extended hours over the weekend, meaning you should have no trouble finding your way through the city. There are also a number of buses and trains that run from the city center out into the areas surrounding Barcelona. Timetables for these services are likely to change but are available online or from the tourist information centers in the city, primarily located in the Plaça de Catalunya or at the Passatge de la Concepció.

Day trips from Barcelona

To make the most of the area surrounding Barcelona, travellers can make use of the many day trips that leave from Barcelona to numerous sites a short distance from the city. Trips to Montserrat offer the chance for both hiking and exploring the Montserrat Monastery. The highest summit of the mountain, named Saint Jerome, can be reached via hiking trails from the base of the mountain or from the monastery. Various travel companies within Barcelona offer day trips, or booking details can be found online through a quick search of 'Montserrat'. Alternatively, if visitors wish to make their way independently, trains from Plaça Espanya (Barcelona's city centre) can take between an hour and a half to over two hours, depending on the time of day. You can also drive to the base of Montserrat. The journey should take just over an hour, without traffic.

The historic town of Girona is another popular destination for day trips into the countryside surrounding Barcelona. Located north-east of the city, Girona is just over an hour and a half drive from Barcelona. Girona boasts a cathedral, numerous historical churches such as Sant Feliu and Sant Pere de Galligants, as well as the remnants of ancient Roman fortifications. Visitors are able to walk along the walls of the fortifications and climb the towers, which offer spectacular views of the town and the countryside around Girona. Many trips offer a package deal for travellers to visit Girona then go on to enjoy the beautiful beaches of the Costa Brava.

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