Barcelona to Figueres: A Dali-Inspired Day Trip

Last Updated on 26th June 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

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For those who are fans of all things unusual, quirky, and downright weird when it comes to artworks, a visit to the town of Figueres from Barcelona is an absolute must.

Easily one of the top excursions from the Catalonian Capital among visitors to the region, once in Figueres you’ll soon become enthralled by the charm of the town, not to mention the cultural attractions and many cafés of this fairly sleepy settlement.

Here’s your ultimate guide on taking a day trip from Barcelona to Figueres, including insider tips and the best tours to the area!

Introducing Figueres: The Spanish birthplace of Dalí

Situated just half an hour from the Spanish border with France, Figueres has its own distinctly unique vibe. After all, though the birthplace of Dalí is still technically situated in Spain, I soon found the weather (as well as other nuanced details) to be entirely different from those of other nearby destinations, such as the Catalonian capital city of Barcelona.

Figueres itself is nestled in the foothills of the Pyrenées mountains, a magnificent landscape that has long been associated with fantastic castles, and of course, as being Cathar Country.

Easily explored over the course of a day or two (more on that later), you can’t go wrong by dedicating at least a day or two to exploring all that this small town of just under 50,000 residents has to offer.

Top things to see and do in Figueres

Teatro Museo Dalí

Hands down, the number one thing to do in Figueres is the Dalí Theatre-Museum. Situated close to the church and in the very heart of the old town, where the maze of cobbled lanes and little brasseries are largely pedestrianised, this complex of buildings is sure to surprise and amaze you in equal measure.

If you’re not taking a guided tour to Figueres, then be sure to book your tickets in advance (full details here) as the queues to purchase entrance tickets can soon become hours long!

Sant Ferran Castle

Presiding high above the rest of the town (in a position which once limited the way in which Figueres could expand), Sant Ferran Castle is one of the best-preserved 18th-century forts in the entirety of Europe. And at a cost of just €3,50 to enter (and even less for those with concessions), the quality of the experience is well worth the nominal fee!

Museu del Joguet de Catalunya

One of the more whimsical things to do in Figueres during your visit to the town would be a trip inside the toy museum. A trip down memory lane for some, this fantastic cultural space boasts a collection of over 4000 pieces, with some toys dating as far back as 3000 BCE!

Església de Sant Pere

One of the most beautiful Romanesque churches I’ve been lucky enough to see on my travels can be found in Figueres, in the form of Saint Peter. Situated steps away from the Dalí Theatre-Museum, this church dates back to the 14th-century, though its roots date back several centuries prior.

Explore the attractions of the town on a self-guided walking tour

If you’re looking to enjoy the best of Figueres, then my free walking tour will show you all of the main attractions the town has to offer over the course of a few hours. See the full walking itinerary here.

How far is Figueres from Barcelona? How to travel from Barcelona to Figueres

Since Figueres is a little bit further away from Barcelona than some of the other day trips you can take from the city, I recommend visiting for one of three reasons; firstly, if you’re an art lover and a fan of Dalí, then this is an absolute must, next, if you’re en route to elsewhere (i.e. into the Pyrenées) then a stop here makes sense, and finally, if you enjoy slow travel like myself, then be sure to book an overnight stay in the town!

To visit the town as a day trip to Barcelona, you’ll need to set aside an entire day of your trip. The train journey takes just shy of two hours each way, and the cost of a ticket is around €10 each way. You can check ticket prices, times, and book them in advance here.

For those who love independent travel and seeing the attractions of a city at their own pace, taking a self-guided excursion from Barcelona is the best option. This way, you can enjoy all of the Figueres attractions at your own pace, not to mention the fact that you can return later or earlier depending on how much you wish to see!

Figueres day tours, trips & excursions from Barcelona

Of course, if you’re looking for a stress-free way to enjoy the Dalí Theatre-Museum as a day trip from Barcelona, then a guided day trip or excursion from the city is an absolute must. For those looking to see the best of Figueres in one day, then there are several tours and options available;

From Barcelona: Girona, Figueres and Dalí Museum Day Tour

If you wish to see both Girona and Figueres, as well as the Dalí Museum, then this tour from Barcelona packs plenty into the 11-hour excursion. As well as a visit to the medieval town of Girona (where some of Game of Thrones was filmed), this excursion includes a guided walking tour of Girona, as well as fast-track entrance into the Dalí Museum. Check prices and availability here.

Girona and Figueres Full-Day Tour with Hotel Pick Up

For those who are looking to visit both Girona and Figueres as a day trip from Barcelona, then this guided tour also includes a hotel pick up option. The tour lasts for eight hours and includes highlights such as the historic sites of Girona, as well as Figueres (i.e. the birthplace of Dalí).

Groups are capped at 8, so as to enhance the personalised experience. Please note that, unlike the above ticket, this ticket does not include entry into the Dalí museum. Check prices and availability here.

From Barcelona: Figueres 5-Hour Dalí Museum Tour

If you’re short on time, then this half-day tour from Barcelona may well be the excursion for you. Unlike the above tours (which also visit Girona), this day trip is focused solely on Figueres. Included in the visit is a guide, hotel pick up, high-speed train tickets, and admission to the Dalí Museum. Check prices and availability here.

Salvador Dalí Tour from Barcelona with Hotel Pick Up

If you’re looking to see a little more Dalí then simply Figueres, then this tour from Barcelona is for you. On this full-day trip, you’ll soon discover the ‘golden triangle’ of Dalí. Included is a visit to Figueres, a trip to the picturesque village of Cadaqués, and the fishing community of  Portlligat. Check prices and availability here.

Barcelona: Full-Day Costa Brava and Dalí Museum Tour

As well as a trip from Barcelona to Figueres, this tour from the Catalonian capital offers the chance to enjoy some of the prettiest ports and fishing villages that the Costa Brava has to offer.

Taking place over eleven hours, highlights of the excursion include the medieval village of Pals, the quaint village of Calella de Palafrugell, and of course, a visit to Figueres. Check prices and availability here

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