10 things to do in Barcelona outside

Finding things to do in Barcelona outside can often be an overwhelming task. With so many options, where do you start?

Look no further! We’ve carefully put together this article with 10 things to do in Barcelona outside so you can make the most of the city and its all-year round mild climate.

The days are getting longer and spring is just around the corner. What better time of year to get out of the house for a breath of fresh air in your favourite city.

This cultural hub has so much to offer when it comes to plans outside: from its sandy beaches and charming squares, to its luscious parks and secret hidden corners, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

We always recommend checking the latest COVID-19 restrictions and opening times before you decide to do any of these outdoor activities, and to follow safe social distancing at all times.

1. Take a walk along Barcelona’s seaside promenade

Barcelona’s coastline offers spectacular views and a wide, spacious promenade to walk along to soak it all in. Alternatively, hit the sand, fill your lungs with the fresh sea air and let the waves of La Barceloneta tickle your toes. If you’re looking for more things to do in Barcelona on the beach, why not grab a pair of roller-skates, a bike or go for a run along this beautiful coastal promenade.

Things to do in Barcelona - Barcelona promenade

2. Visit Colserolla Park and Carretera de les aigües

Collserola park is the biggest metropolitan park in the world – believe it or not, it is 22 times the size of New York’s Central Park. The park can be easily accessed by many forms of public transport (bus, metro and train). Visitors will find many routes that are perfect for both hiking and biking. Keep an eye out for the local flora and fauna, including wild boar!

Visiting Collserola is one of our favourite things to do in Barcelona. Why not make a day of it with the whole family?

Things to do in Barcelona - Collserola Park

3. Discover Montjuïc

Head to Montjuïc and enjoy some fantastic views of Barcelona, the harbour and coastline. This monumental hill is easy to access by cable car and other forms of public transport. Discover the cemetery, the wonderful viewpoints and visit the Montjuic castle. Due to reduced capacity, we recommended checking current restrictions and booking in advance.

Things to do in Barcelona - Discover Montjuic

4. A visit the Joan Brossa Gardens with the entire family

After you’ve taken in the views, another thing to do in Barcelona’s Montjuïc is visiting the Joan Brossa Gardens. It’s at its most beautiful in the springtime, so we recommend visiting in the upcoming months to make sure you catch the flowers in full bloom.

Things to do in Barcelona - Jardins Joan Brossa

5. Getting lost among the streets of the Ciutat Vella

Discovering the hidden corners of Barcelona’s old town is one of the most magical things to do in Barcelona. Wander through its medieval streets and visit many a charming square. Replete with history, we recommend taking in the Neo-gothic architecture of Barcelona cathedral, visiting the hidden Roman columns at the Temple d’August by Plaça Sant Jaume or strolling through Plaça Felip Neri to discover its tragic past.

You can discover more things to in the Ciutat Vella here.

Things to do in Barcelona - ciutat vella

6. Take a photo at the Lover’s Kiss mural

A romantic outdoor plan in Barcelona is seeking out the famous Lover’s Kiss. This unique mural is comprised of 4,000 photos of Barcelona locals to create a romantic mosaic in the heart of the Gothic Quarter. Make sure to take a photo here with your loved one!

Kiss mural - barcelona

7. Take a stroll through the streets of Gràcia

Also top on our list of things to do in Barcelona is wandering the streets of Gràcia – an area to the north of the city. This quaint neighbourhood used to be a village and still retains its traditional charm. Visit the squares Plaça de la Vila with its grand clock tower and Plaça de la Virreina with its magnificent church. Also, discover many an artisan boutique, specialty coffee shop and local restaurant (subject to current restrictions).

Read more about why we love Gràcia so much here.

Gràcia streets

8. Get lost in the Parc del Laberint d’Horta

A charming maze can be found in the Horta-Guinardó district of Barcelona in this 18th century park. Head here to enjoy utter peace and quiet amongst the towering cypress trees. Perfect for all ages to disconnect from the buzz of the city. If you’re looking for more parks to visit in Barcelona, read on in our article here.

Laberint dhorta barcelona

9. Discover a piece of Gaudí at Park Güell

Park Güell is one of the most known works of Gaudí in Barcelona. Although you need to pay to access the Gaudí monument, you can visit the park and surrounding areas free of charge to discover this piece of green in the city.

Park Guell surroundings

10. Take in the views from the Bunkers del Carmel

In the past few years, a visit to the Bunkers del Carmel viewpoint has become one of the top things to do in Barcelona. Why not discover these fantastic views for yourself?

Bunkers del carmel barcelona

What’s your favourite thing to do in Barcelona outside? Let us know!

Complete guide to Eixample Barcelona

One of Barcelona’s largest and most emblematic neighbourhoods, the Eixample is found in the very heart of the city. 

Pronounced “ay-sham-pluh” , its name can roughly be translated as “expansion or extension”. Read on to learn more about this iconic and unique area of Barcelona.

The History of Eixample Barcelona

The newest part of the city stretches north of Plaça de Catalunya and to either side of Passeig de Gràcia in six exclusively diverse areas. The most well known of these areas are referred to as Eixample Esquerra and Dreta de l’Eixample located to the left and right of Passeig de Gràcia as their names respectively indicate.

In the mid 19thcentury, the Catalan architect Ildefons Cerdà was chosen to extend the city beyond its medieval walls. His plan extended the city to the surrounding small towns and villages (including Gràcia and Les Corts). This was due to the impact of the Industrial Revolution and Barcelona’s increasing need for more space and sanitation, given its rising population. 

Cerdà’s architectural vision took great inspiration from straight lines and geometric shapes. If you have visited Eixample Barcelona before, you are sure to have noticed its uniform grid layout and distribution in blocks. 

What’s more, at the intersection of each of its roads, you’ll find the iconic “chaflán”. The architect in charge of the expansion project opted to remove the typical right-angled corners from his plan in order to allow for a place for horse and carriages to park, to ease movement, and allow for better visibility at crossings.

For this reason, it’s very hard to get lost in the Eixample Barcelona and it’s very easy to find places. Keep reading to discover what to see and do in this fantastic district that has something for everyone.

Eixample Barcelona

What to visit in Eixample Barcelona

Now home to the city’s mot renowned sights, luxury boutiques and exclusive stores, plus an array of stylish restaurants and bars, Eixample Barcelona is an unmissable district on your visit to Barcelona.

Architecture

Traditionally where the residences of many Catalan bourgeois were located, Eixample Barcelona is synonymous with modernist and neoclassic architecture. 

The best way to explore this district is on foot – look up and you’ll be amazed by its towering façades, glorious buildings in an array of colours and intricately designed balconies and terraces. Look down and you’ll spot Barcelona’s famous flower etched into the pavement below your feet.

Eixample Barcelona is also home to Gaudí’s most famous works. La Pedrera and Casa Batlló can be found on Passeig de Gràcia in walking distance of one another. What’s more, Avinguda Gaudí (one of the few streets in Eixample Barcelona that doesn’t follow the grid layout) joins the Hospital de Sant Pau and Gaudí’s masterpiece: the Sagrada Família. Read more about this epic monument in our article here

Shopping

Take a stroll down Passeig de Gràcia and La Rambla for a luxury shopping experience. Here you’ll find international and local designer boutiques including Adolfo Dominguez, Chanel, Loro Piano, MaxMara and Louis Vuitton. Also located in this area are some of Europe’s largest stores of well-known high street brands such as Zara, Mango and H&M.

What’s more, Eixample Barcelona is teeming with bookshops, artisan boutiques, florists and markets. 

Eixample Barcelona - Passeig de Gràcia
Passeig de Gràcia

Culture and art

For lovers of art galleries and museums, located in Eixample are the Fundació Antoni Tàpies dedicated to the local artist, the Egyptian museum of Barcelona, and the Fundació Mapfre with various temporary collections of modern art and photography.

You’ll be thrilled to know that the Eixample district doesn’t end here! We thoroughly recommend exploring the other districts within Eixample Barcelona. 

Sant Antoni, located to the left of Raval, is famous for its newly renovated market, its numerous bars and cafés and traditional bodega-style restaurants. Head here during the weekend to take in its buzzing, lively atmosphere where locals and tourists alike come to let off some steam.

EIXAMPLE -THE NEW MERCAT DE SANT ANTONI

Whether you’re discovering Eixample Barcelona for the first time or exploring its streets on your second of third visit, you’re sure to be inspired by its legacy.  Eixample Barcelona has it all, from stunning examples of Catalan architecture, a cosmopolitan vibe and the best of international fashion. We hope to see you there soon!

6 ways to enjoy the culture of Barcelona from your home

Enjoy the culture of Barcelona from your home: Although life as we know it has changed these past two weeks, you don’t have to forgo the wonderful cultural proposals that Barcelona has on offer.

From virtual museum visits, talks, shows, concerts and more, we’ve put together this list that will lift your spirits and ensure Barcelona’s cultural soul stays strong during this time.

So, this evening instead of watching another Netflix series, why not gather together with your family or housemates, and check out some of the Catalan’s capitals brilliant cultural experiences from the comfort of your sofa. 

Virtual visits to museums

Despite the city’s museums having closed their doors during this period of confinement, you can still explore their corners with these virtual visits. From the Picasso Museum, the Barcelona Museum of Design, the Catalonia National Museum, the Museum of Modern Art and much more, pick your favourite and get lost in their diverse collections. Here you’ll find a list we’ve put together with links to access the virtual visits.

Virtual visits to museums - Culture of Barcelona
Virtual visits to museums – Culture of Barcelona

Barcelona e-library

The libraries of Barcelona have opened their shelves to the public during this extraordinary time to share their collections online. There are more than 100,000 titles available in Catalan, Spanish, English, French and German that you can lend virtually. Enjoy e-books, magazines, films, audiobook, documentaries and much more with your Catalan library card. Find out more here.

Barcelona Elibrary - Culture of Barcelona
Barcelona Elibrary – Culture of Barcelona

VIDA Festival live

If you’re like us, you’re already thinking about those long summer nights and outdoor festivals. We recommend checking out the “Vida at Home” cycle of concerts. The festival – which is scheduled to be held in Vilanova i la Geltrú this July – will be streaming live performances every day this week at 19h on their Instagram page. Enjoy acts from Ferran Palau, Enric Montefusco, The New Raemon, Núria Graham, and many more. 

Vida Festival Live - Culture of Barcelona
Vida Festival Live – Culture of Barcelona

Virtual Gaudí

If you were planning a trip to Barcelona and are craving the city’s masterpieces, here we have your Gaudí pick me up. Check out these virtual visits of La Pedrera and Casa Battló. These 360º tours are almost as good as the real thing! Get up and close to two of Gaudí’s masterpieces and discover the history of modernism in Barcelona from your home.

Virtual Gaudí

Opera in your living room

The Liceu theatre has launched a special initiative to bring its latest opera extravaganzas straight to your living room. Normally you have to get dressed up to go to the opera, but not any more! Don your favourite pyjamas and get ready for an evening of Madam Butterfly, Aida, Normaor Rigoletto. All you need to do is register at this link and enter the code ‘OperaEnCasa’ (OperaAtHome).

Opera in your living room
Opera in your living room

Science, art and technology

The Open University of Catalonia and the libraries of Barcelona have come together to offer a series of five videos that explore the relationship between art, science and technology. Put together by the OUC professor, Pau Alsina, this conference raises questions that have been explored throughout history to help us to understand more about the world around us and how we, as humans, create within it. Discover the conference here.

Open university of Catalonia

Find more exciting ways to spend your time at home with this programmeof cultural initiatives you can enjoy from home, put together by Barcelona City Council’s Institute of Culture.

Let us know, how have you been spending your time at home? 

10 virtual visits to Museums of Catalonia to discover without leaving home

Virtual visits to Museums of Catalonia, the Museu Dalí
Museu Dalí – Museums of Catalonia

1. Museu Dalí – Fundació Gala

Virtual visit here

2. Museu d’art Contemporani de Catalunya (MACBA)

Virtual visit here

3. Museu Picasso

Virtual visit here 

4. Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC)

Virtual visit here

5. Museu Egipci de Barcelona

Virtual visit here

6. CosmoCaixa

Virtual visit here

7. Museu Martítim de Barcelona

Virtual visit here

8. Museu Frederic Marès

Virtual visit here

9. Monestir de Pedralbes 

Virtual visit here

10. Museu del Disseny

Virtual visit here

We hope you had an amazing experience through these 10 virtual visits to Museums of Catalonia!

If you are an art lover you will be interested in these articles too about Museums of Catalonia

Street Art in Barcelona – Where to find the best Street Art spots in Barcelona

Best Museums in Barcelona – Guid for Art Lovers

6 great reasons to visit the neighbourhood of Gràcia

The neighbourhood of Gràcia has become synonymous with Barcelona and it’s most likely that if this is your second or third trip to Barcelona, you’ve already fallen under its spell.

Located in the northern part of the city, a 20-minute walk from Plaça Catalunya along the city’s famous Passeig de Gràcia will take you into the heart of this charismatic district.

For those of you that are yet to discover its charm, we’ve put together this article explaining just why we love the neighbourhood of Gràcia area of Barcelona so much. From things to see and do, to its history and local traditions, this small guide will ensure that you won’t miss out on a thing.

A plaza in the Barcelona neighbourhood of Gràcia

Its village charm

Gràcia first emerged as a small rural community with three convents and a small population. It wasn’t until around the 19thcentury that Gràcia began to grow, becoming the most important village in the area thanks to its agricultural production.

In 1850 it was established as a municipality with 13,000 habitants, but it wasn’t until 1897, with almost 67,000 habitants, that it became part of Barcelona itself. Gràcia was flourishing yet it still lacked basic services and facilities. Over the years it has become the thriving hub it is today, boasting markets, cultural, sports and historical centres, medical services and schools.

Its cobbled streets and enchanting squares

Despite being located a stone’s throw away from the centre of Barcelona, the streets of the neighbourhood of Gràcia still conserve that charming allure often only found in small villages. 

Stroll along its streets lined with flowering trees, take a break in one of its many squares with a freshly brewed cup of coffee, or explore the Plaça de la Vila square with its 19th-century bell tower and Plaça de la Virreina with its beautiful stone church.

The Festes de Gràcia

Every August the streets of the neighbourhood of Gràcia come alive with locals and tourists alike. The Festa Major de Gràcia constitutes a weeklong celebration in which the streets of this charming area are decorated with recycled materials in every colour.

The residents of many streets and squares in the neighbourhood come together as a community to choose a theme of their own for their respective streets in a fun-filled family-friendly event that cannot be missed. Read more about this tradition in one of our past articles here.

Neighbourhood of Gràcia, a street decorated to look like Moscow Red Square

Alternative stores and independent boutiques

Gràcia is home to a plethora of shops that sell locally made products, ethical goods and gifts galore. With something for everyone, after exploring its streets, why not browse its second-hand book stores with faded armchairs, discover its designer boutiques with clothes designed in Barcelona or choose a custom-made piece of jewellery at one of its many workshops.

Casa Vicens

Opened to the public only a few years ago, many still don’t know that Gràcia boasts its very own piece of Gaudí. Constituting great architect’s first project, Gaudí was commissioned to build Casa Vicens as a summerhouse for the family of the same name. 

This wonderful building will surprise you with its range of influences from far and wide, its varied palette of colours and its spectacular design.

Neighbourhood of Gràcia - Casa Vicens

The history beneath your feet at Plaça del Diamant

On first glance, Plaça del Diamant may appear to be just your normal square, however if you look a little closer you’ll discover the history it houses. 

Underneath the square is a bomb shelter that was built during the Spanish Civil War with a capacity for 200 people. Tickets are only €3 and must be booked in advance. 

Plaça del Diamant - Neighbourhood of Gràcia

We hope you love the area as much as us! Let us know, what’s your favourite thing to do in Gràcia?

Bomb Shelters in Barcelona: Complete guide

Bomb shelters in Barcelona? Yes, almost 82 years on, you’d never know that Barcelona was once the target of repeated and systematic airstrikes during the Spanish Civil War. 

It’s 16 March, 1938, and 41 hours of non-stop bombing is about to be unleashed on the city. Over three days, there were 670 deaths and 1,200 wounded during the Bombing of Barcelona by the Italian Aviazione Legionaria Italiana, upon the orders of General Franco and Mussolini. 

With attacks every three hours, the panic and terror was real. Luckily, over 1,400 bomb shelters were constructed in the city primarily by Barcelona’s very own citizens. Men were tasked with the construction, whilst women and children excavated the labyrinth of underground tunnels.

Despite over thousands of air-raid shelters being built, still many of Barcelona’s population struggled to find shelter. In these cases, the metro tunnels and stations were also used as makeshift shelters, with the station at Universitat being an example of this. 

We propose an alternative route that is often overlooked by tourists and locals. If you’re looking for route that will open your eyes to Barcelona’s history, this is it!

Refugi 307

One of the largest and most fascinating shelters in the city, Refugi (Shelter) 307 is located at the foot of Montjuïc mountain. It was the neighbourhood of Poble Sec that was one of the city’s most badly affected areas.

Get ready to discover over 400 metres of narrow tunnels with space for up to 2,000 people, plus a kitchen, bathroom facilities and even a pharmacy.

There are guided visits ever Sunday morning at 10.30 in English, 11.30 in Spanish and 12.30 in Catalan. Tickets are €3.50 and prior booking here is necessary.

Bomb shelters in Barcelona - Refugi 307
Refugi 307 – Bomb shelters in Barcelona

Carrer Nou de la Rambla, 175

Refugi Antiaeri de la Plaça del Diamant

Around 90 shelters were built in the neighbourhood of Gràcia, with the Plaça del Diamant Air-raid Shelter being the most well known, with 250 metres of tunnels and capacity for around 200 people. 

It was discovered in 1992 during the construction of a power station in the square, thanks to which it was restored and opened to the public in 2006. 

Guided visits include a tour of the underground shelter with actors playing the roles of locals seeking shelter in order to survive the bombing. Visits in Spanish and English (upon request) are every second Sunday of the month and can be booked here

Plaça del Diamant

Bomb shelters in Barcelona  - Plaça del Diamant
Bomb shelters in Barcelona – Plaça del Diamant

Refugi del Palau de les Heures

Despite being the smallest air-raid shelter on our tour, this one is, without a doubt, the best preserved. Discover its 40 metres of tunnels lit by the same lights that were used over 80 years ago, thanks to its restored electrics system.

Located at this stunning palace in the north of the city, the shelter was constructed specifically to protect the then President of the Government of Catalonia, Lluís Companys. Visits can be arranged by contacting the University of Barcelona, the current owners of the building. 

Passeig de la Vall d’Hebron, 171

Bomb shelters in Barcelona - Palau de les Heures
Bomb shelters in Barcelona – Palau de les Heures

An additional tip to complete the tour: One of the most devastating events during the attack was when a bomb was dropped on the corner of the streets Balmes and Gran Vía, hitting a truck filled with TNT. Today, you can visit a cross in the place where it fell in memory of those killed and wounded during these days that Barcelona will never forget. 

Let yourself be amazed by these never-ending underground tunnels beneath the streets of Barcelona.

Barcelona is replete with history, don’t miss it on your next visit!

8 Best viewpoints in Barcelona

Looking for best viewpoints in Barcelona? Barcelona is a beautiful city that is full of many interesting and peculiar sights, but one of the best ways to see Barcelona and truly be able to appreciate it is from above. Here we’ve compiled a list of the eight best viewpoints in Barcelona, so you can truly appreciate this wonderous and vibrant city in all its glory, taking in its unique skyline.

Best viewpoints in Barcelona

Mirador d’Horta

On the road from Cerdanyola to Horta, you will find this little observation deck with a sweeping view of the city to the left, and the district of Horta right in front spreading all the way to the Mediterranean Sea. One of the quirkiest features of this dazzling spot, and one of the best viewpoints in Barcelona, is a little wooden swing – if you get the angle just right you can take an original looking picture where it looks like you’re swinging out over the whole city.

best viewpoints in barcelona - Mirador d'Horta - Viewpoint Barcelona
Best viewpoints in Barcelona – Mirador d’Horta

Mirador de Colom

You may have seen the giant Columbus Monument that stands proudly at the end of La Rambla, but did you know you can actually go up it? Built in 1888 in tribute to Christopher Columbus, the column houses a lift that will take you up 51 metres to the top for just €5.40. Based on the columns positioning, you will get a unique view of the city, with the mountain of Montjuïc to one side, the Olympic Marina to the other, and the bustling craziness of La Rambla and the Gothic quarter behind you.

Mirador de Colom - Barcelona viewpoints
Best viewpoints in Barcelona – Mirador de Colom

Mirador de Sarrià 

Collserolla park, the natural beautiful hilly park that surrounds Barcelona is an area you should visit if you want to get away from the city for a breath of fresh air. It is at the gateway to this park that you will find Mirador de Sarrià, for a spectacular view of the sprawling metropolis framed by nature. About 250 metres high, this viewpoint takes a little walking but there is also the option to take a cable car up to enjoy the view. Once you are up there it is worth exploring the rest of the natural park as well for a nice day trip without leaving the city.

best viewpoints in barcelona - Mirador de Sarrià
Best viewpoints in Barcelona – Mirador de Sarrià

Mirador Torre de Collserola

If you’ve ever looked up toward the magical site of the Cathedral that sits at the top of Tibidabo, there is no doubt you have also seen the telecommunications tower that stands just to the side of it. The tower stands at 288 metres tall, making it the highest structure in the city. That combined with the fact that it’s high up on a hill above Barcelona, you can just imagine the kind of views it provides. Climb to the tenth floor to reach the observation deck where you can enjoy these spectacular views for just €5.60. 

best viewpoints in barcelona - Mirador Torre de Collserola
Best viewpoints in Barcelona – Mirador Torre de Collserola

Mirador Turó de la Rovira

More commonly known as Bunkers del Carmel and known to be one of the best viewpoints in Barcelona, this is a fantastic viewpoint of the city to go and relax with some drinks and snacks. A beautiful vista of the city laid out in front of you, the relaxed atmosphere here, where you may find yourself surrounded by locals, is the perfect spot for a date – as long as they’re not put off by the short climb. Mirador Turó de la Rovira is also not a place short of history as it contains the remains of an anti-aircraft bunker that was used to defend Barcelona from air attacks during the Spanish Civil War, as well as the remains of a shantytown, that was closed in 1990.

best viewpoints in barcelona - Mirador Tuó de la Rovira - Búnkers del Carmel
Best viewpoints in Barcelona – Mirador Turó de la Rovira or Bunkers del Carmel

Mirador from the Castle of Montjuïc

An old military fortress that stands atop Montjuïc mountain, with roots dating as far back as 1640, the view from the top is almost as spectacular as the location itself. Some 173 metres above sea level, from here you can see the city and sea stretching in front of you in all its glory. If you don’t fancy the climb up the hill, don’t worry as there are fun cable cars you can get to the top.

best viewpoints in Barcelona - Mirador Montjuïc Castle
Best viewpoints in Barcelona – Mirador Castle of Montjuïc

Mirador at Las Arenas

Located in Plaça Espanya, you will find Las Arenas shopping mall, its unique round structure because of its former incarnation as a bull fighting arena. Rather than just shopping here, the mall also has an option to take a lift up to the roof for an interesting 360-degree view of Barcelona. If you want a more relaxed visit you can visit the first floor of the viewpoint which hosts a number of bars and restaurants, which allow you to enjoy the view while having a drink or even dinner. 

best viewpoints in barcelona - Mirador las arenas
Best viewpoints in Barcelona – Mirador Las Arenas

Mirador at Jardins de Miramar

Another viewpoint that stands atop Montjuïc is the Jardins de Miramar. From here you can see all of the city sights starting with the neighborhood of Poble Sec located just below the mountain and then spreading all the way to the outer edges of the city. This spot can be especially nice at sunset on a clear day when the setting sun casts a golden hue over the city. If you’re looking for something a little more relaxed, why not stop off at Terraza Martínez, a trendy Mediterranean restaurant that’s the perfect location for lunch or a drink with a view. 

best viewpoints in barcelona - Mirador Jardins de Miramar
Best viewpoints in Barcelona – Mirador Jardins de Miramar

Whatever it is you’re looking for, be it a viewpoint set in a beautiful natural setting, or a place to relax with a drink and take in the beautiful city, with our list of the best viewpoints in Barcelona, you can be sure to have an amazing experience. 

Day Trip to Salvador Dalí Museum from Barcelona

Shall we go on a day trip to Salvador Dalí Museum? North of Barcelona lies the sleepy town of Figueres. On first glance it may not seem that different to other Catalan towns, with its quaint squares and local cafés and restaurants. Yet this seemingly normal town is the birthplace of the master of surrealism: Salvador Dalí.

For visitors to Barcelona who wish to escape the crowds and delve into Dalí’s sublime mind, we’ve put together this small guide for a surreal day-trip for the whole family.

Salvador Dalí museum - Dalí Figueres

History of the Salvador Dalí Theatre-Museum

Dalí travelled the world as an artist, conquering Spain, France and the US, yet Figueres always held a place in his heart. It was this reason that he chose it as the home for his museum.

It was in 1974 that the town’s old theatre – which was destroyed in the Civil War – was reopened to showcase a large selection of his art. Dalí wanted a place where visitors could immerse themselves in his diverse range of work. He supervised the entire design and reconstruction to ensure his wishes were fulfilled, staying at a nearby hotel.

The result, as you will discover, was a flamboyant, indescribable space that goes beyond what any other local artist achieved. This is Dalí’s legacy as a surrealist and will surely be the most original and unique museum you ever visit.

Visiting the Salvador Dalí Theatre-Museum

From the famous eggs perched on the museum’s rooftops to Dalí’s very own black Cadillac where it rains, Dalí’s aim was to astound, amaze and amuse. 

Every room and every piece proposes a question to the visitor and we are sure you will come up with your own conclusions about Dalí’s works. Discover the Mae West room designed with the actress’s facial features. Look out for pieces dedicated to Gala, the love of his life. Stare in wonder at the Oscar statues.

A ticket to the museum cost €14 for adults and are free for under 8s. We’d recommend saving 2–3 hours for the visit to ensure you make the most of this surreal experience. Museum opening times vary depending on the season (peak season 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.) and exhibition rooms close around 15 minutes before the actual closing time. There is also the option to book a guided tour with an expert guide, who will share stories about Dalí’s life, the inspiration behind his theatre-museum and its most eccentric and bizarre pieces.

Salvador Dalí Museum
Salvador Dalí Musum

Exploring Figueres

Aside from the town’s top attraction, Figueres itself is also worth exploring. Look a little closer and you might be surprised – there is a little bit of Dalí to be found on every street corner. If you decide to stay a little longer after your surreal trip, take a wander through its cobbled streets and discover its emblematic churches, the Plaça de Gala y Salvador Dalí and the Rambla de Figueres, and the Toy Museum of Catalonia (where you will get 30% discount on entry with your Dalí theatre-museum ticket). You won’t be disappointed!

How to get there

Figueres is located close to the city of Girona and around 140 km away from Barcelona.

Getting there by public transport is relatively easy. Take the train to the Figueres-Vilafant railway station from Barcelona Sants station and, in a short journey of 55 minutes, you’ll be in Figueres. Return tickets start from €30 depending on the train service (Ave or Avant). The museum is about 10 minutes walking distance from the station.

If you prefer to take the bus, Sagalés coaches offer services from Barcelona El Prat Airport or Barcelona Estació del Nord, which take just under 3 hours. Tickets cost €20 each way and you’ll take either bus 602 or 603.

If you’ve hired a car, take motorway AP-7 towards France and take the Figueres exit. Then head towards Figueres city centre.

Check out the opening times and ticket prices, book online and find out all you need before you visit the Dalí theatre-museum here.

The Dalí museum is a flamboyant and spectacular experience not to be missed!

And remember, If you are planning to visit Barcelona, We’ve got what you need! Long term and short term apartment rentals in Barcelona: Here at BizFlats, we are proud to offer you quality apartments located across Barcelona city: www.bizflats.com