2 Easy Day Trips from Barcelona by Train: Tarragona & Girona
Just outside Barcelona, you’ll find two easy day trips that feel very different from the city. A short train ride takes you to Tarragona and Girona — two places near Barcelona that are quieter, more local, and easy to explore. I found both cities more relaxed and charming than I expected.
Imagine cities that feel like living movie sets: walk along ancient city walls, explore Roman ruins, step onto Game of Thrones filming locations, and soak in vibrant Catalan culture.
Honestly, I enjoyed these two places even more than Barcelona. They felt far quieter than the typical tourist spots and full of small, memorable moments.
Go see for yourself and create your own opinion. Come back and tell me what you think!
Tarragona
Only 30 minutes from Barcelona, the ancient city of Tarragona offers Roman ruins set against the backdrop of a vibrant, modern atmosphere. You can explore rich history while taking in beautiful seaside views — all in a place that still feels full of life.
How to visit Tarragona? You can take a train from Barcelona and visit Tarragona as a day trip. Or, consider staying in Tarragona for a night or two. It’s a great travel base to see other great cities and towns in Spain.
EXPLORE TARRAGONA IN THIS VIDEO – I’ll give you a walk through of Tarragona and it’s one of the best ways to get a feel for what to expect before you go.
Top Things To Do In Tarragona?
🏛Visit the Roman Amphitheatre – A stunning seaside Roman ruin dating back to the 2nd century.
🧭 Walk the Mediterranean Balcony (Balcó del Mediterrani) – A scenic lookout with sea views and the famous “Touch the Iron” rail.
🧱 Explore the Roman Circus & Praetorium – Underground tunnels and towers where Roman chariot races once roared.
🏖 Relax at Playa del Miracle – The city’s main beach, right below the old town, perfect for sunbathing or a dip.
🏰 Tarragona Cathedral – A mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles with panoramic views from the bell tower.
🍷 Enjoy tapas in the Old Town (Part Alta) – Wander cobblestone streets and enjoy local food and wine in lively squares.
Visit Plaça de la Font. This plaza is lively with restaurants, bars and it’s a central plaza for locals and visitors alike. It also has a lively night scene, but nothing too crazy! Try a vermouth at one of the bars, it’s a local favorite!
Girona
If you’re in the mood for medieval charm, Girona is a must. Just under 40 minutes from Barcelona by train, this city feels like stepping back in time — complete with cobbled streets, colorful riverside houses, ancient walls, and hidden corners that seem frozen in time.
But what really stood out to me is how different it feels from Barcelona. It’s quieter, more relaxed, and easy to explore without feeling rushed.
One of my favorite experiences was walking along the medieval city walls. I also couldn’t believe it was completely free. There’s something pretty special about walking on something that’s been part of the city’s history for centuries. It’s simple, but it ended up being one of the highlights for me.
Girona is also compact, which makes it perfect for wandering. You can stroll cobblestone streets, cross the bridges over the river, and find quiet corners without trying too hard. The colorful houses along the Onyar River give the city its well-known look, but the real charm is just walking around and taking it all in.
How to visit Girona? Hop on a train from Barcelona — the high-speed AVE train gets you there in about 38 minutes. It makes for an easy and worthwhile day trip, or you could even spend a night or two and explore at a slower pace.
Top Things To Do In Girona:
🏰 Walk the Medieval City Walls – Climb up for panoramic views of the old town and surrounding hills. It’s one of the best ways to see the city from above.
⛪ Visit Girona Cathedral – With its impressive staircase and massive Gothic nave (the widest in the world), this spot is a must. Game of Thrones fans, you’ll recognize it immediately.
🌉 Cross the Eiffel Bridge (Pont de les Peixateries Velles) – A striking red iron bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel, offering a perfect view of Girona’s colorful riverside houses.
🌀 Wander the Jewish Quarter (El Call) – One of the best-preserved in Europe. It’s quiet, maze-like, and full of character.
🖼 Stop by the Arab Baths – A Romanesque-style bathhouse dating back to the 12th century. It’s small but beautiful and worth a quick visit.
🍦Try the famous gelato at Rocambolesc – Created by one of the Roca brothers (from the world-renowned El Celler de Can Roca). It’s fun, delicious, and a little quirky.
🧭 Explore Plaça de la Independència – A popular square surrounded by arcaded buildings and full of restaurants and cafés. Great for people-watching with a coffee or a glass of wine.
🍩 Try a xuixo – This famous local pastry is filled with sweet cream and dusted with sugar. It’s a Girona classic and a must-try if you have a sweet tooth!
Whether you’re looking to stroll medieval streets, or just soak up some local charm away from the busy pace of Barcelona — Tarragona and Girona are both easy, rewarding trips that show a different side of Catalonia.
Each city has its own vibe, its own rhythm, and its own little surprises. If you have the time, I really recommend adding at least one (or both!) to your travel plans. Let me know which one you liked more — or if you discover any hidden gems I should check out next time!
