Things to Do in Figueres: Dalí’s Museum and More
Figueres is one of the best day trips from Barcelona. Located only an hour away from the Catalan capital by the fast train, it is a fantastic place to spend a day or two.
You have probably heard about the Dalí Theatre and Museum. The famous artist was born and lived in the city, and has converted his house into a spectacular museum.
However, Figueres is much more than that. There is a monumental fortress, beautiful church, charming Old Town and plenty of interesting sculptures.
Visit Dalí Theatre and Museum
Most tourists visit Figueres for its renowned Dalí Theatre and Museum. Salvador DaIí lived here for five years and was buried in its crypt. The complex includes an old theater that Dalí reconstructed.
The museum showcases the largest collection of Dalí’s works in the world. It’s a fantasy land that gives an insight into the artist’s vivid imagination through sculptures, paintings, collages and mechanical installations.
There are also works of other artists that belonged to Dalí’s personal collection. The entrance ticket also includes access to the jewelry room. Don’t forget to visit the building from the outside. The Torre Galatea with giant eggs is impressive!
Explore the Castell de Sant Ferran
From Torre Galatea take the Pujada del Castell and walk uphill to Sant Ferran Castle. The 18th century fortress is the largest man-made structure in Catalonia, and one of the largest fortresses in Europe.
You can visit the 320,000 m2 fortress on your own with a free audio-guide and a map. Another option is a guided group tour that take approximately 1,5 hours.
There is also a 30-minute tour of cisterns (also called the Water Cathedral) on a boat, and a one-hour bike tour of the moat.
Visit the Saint Peter’s Church
Go back to the Old Town and visit the beautiful Saint Peter’s Church (Sant Pere de Figueres). It’s not clear when it was built, but it was first mentioned in 1020.
The original Romanesque church was probably built over an early Christian church. In 14th century it adhered its current Gothic appearance. However, the neoclassical façade is from 1578.
Many historic events took place here. The Spanish king Felipe V got married here with his first wife Maria Luisa Gabriella of Savoy in 1701. Dalí was also baptized, received his first communion and was buried here.
Walk around the Old Town
The Old Town of Figueres is the oldest part of the city. It grew around the Saint Peter’s church and its square, Plaça de l’Església.
The modern center of the Old Town is the Plaça Ajuntament where the Town Hall is. Also worth visiting are the Plaça de les Patates, and the Birthplace of Salvador Dalí (Casa natal).
Some of Figueres’ best restaurants are in the Carrer de la Jonquera, behind the church. Bon Profit Figueres is popular for patatas bravas, Bocam for the beef stew, and El Raco De La Xeli for paella.
Stroll along La Rambla
You have to walk along the elegant La Rambla de Figueres. It’s a typical Catalan Rambla, a tree lined street built over a stream, with a pedestrian island in the middle.
The street was built in 1831, by covering a small stream near the medieval city wall. It received its current appearance after the grand renovations of 1917-18.
Some of the city’s most elegant buildings surround the street. The most important one is the Albert Terrades House, former Hotel París and now the Toy Museum of Catalonia. The Museu de l’Empordà is a step away.
Admire the Numerous Sculptures of Figueres
Figueres is packed with outstanding sculptures, both classical and contemporary. You should not miss the Homenatge a Francesc Pujols, in front of Dalí’s museum, and Homenatge a Newton, next door.
On la Rambla there are two wonderful sculptures. The first one is dedicated to Narcís Monturiol, Figueres native who invented the submarine. The second one is a monument to Salvador Dali known as La Cara d’en Dalí.
Other two sculpture we suggest visiting are the Sant Jordi i el Drac on Plaça Catalunya, and the Monument on Plaça Josep Pla that depicts a spiral notebook.
Visit the Municipal Theatre
Figueres has another theater well worth visiting. The Teatre Municipal El Jardí has been the city’s main theater since its opening in 1916.
Originally it hosted cinema, theater, opera and zarzuela performances. It was a popular meeting place up until the 1970s. In 1983 the municipality bought the building and it was thoroughly renovated in 1991.
Today the building hosts theatre, dance, circus, music, family shows and, sometimes even opera. You can find the full program here.
If You Have More Time
If you have an extra time, consider visiting the whole Dalí Triangle. Apart from Dalí Theatre and Museum, it also includes Dalí’s home in Portlligat and Gala Dalí Castle in Púbol.
If historic towns are your thing, go to Besalú. The beautiful medieval town is only 25 km (15 miles) away from Figueres. It is famous for its 12th-century bridge and 11th-century Monastery of Sant Pere.
Another great option is spending a few hours or a whole day in Girona. The city hosts an impressive medieval old town and beautiful parks. Its highlights are the Eiffel’s bridge, the Cathedral and the Arab baths.
Where to Stay in Figueres
Though you can easily visit Figueres as a day trip from Barcelona, we suggest spending a night or two in this charming city. Most tourists leave in the afternoon, so you will have the city for yourself.
We always stay at the lovely Hotel Divino & Aparthotel, just off La Rambla. We love its Dalí inspired interior and the rooftop bar with a pool.
Another great option is Hotel Duran, on the other side of La Rambla. If you prefer staying in a fully furnished apartment, we highly recommend the C&C Apartments.
