The city of Figueres (Costa Brava, Spain) is the birthplace of Salvador Dalí and an interesting place to visit. These are the best things to do in Figueres.
About Figueres
Located in northeastern Spain, Figueres is a charming city known for its rich history, culture, and art. As the birthplace of famous surrealist artist Salvador Dalí, Figueres attracts thousands of tourists every year who want to immerse themselves in the unique atmosphere and beauty of this city.
Why should you visit Figueres? Not only does it offer an insight into Dalí’s mind, but it is also a special journey through Spanish traditions, with cozy squares, charming alleys, and local delicacies waiting to be discovered. In short, Figueres has something for everyone and is a must-see during a vacation in the Costa Brava. In this blog post, I will show you some of the most beautiful sights in Figueres and share some practical tips.
Things to do in Figueres
What to do in Figueres? Although it’s not a big city, you won’t be bored! These are the most beautiful sights and the best things to do in Figueres and its surroundings.
Teatre-Museu Dalí
An absolute must-see when visiting Figueres is the famous Teatre-Museu Dalí (Dalí Theater-Museum). This is also the reason I visited Figueres itself, because I find the artist’s works very interesting. Designed by Salvador Dalí himself, this unique museum houses the world’s largest collection of the artist’s works.
The building itself is an artwork with lots of interesting sights. In the rooms, you can admire his surreal masterpieces. It feels like a special journey through the life and work of Dalí. He is even buried in the museum.
Tip! The Dalí Theater-Museum is the most popular attraction in Figueres and it might take a while to reach the entrance tanks to a long line of art lovers that want to visit the museum. Therefore, it’s smart to buy your ticket in advance so you can skip the line. Order your ticket for the Dalí Theatre-Museum here.
Església Sant Pere
Església Sant Pere is a beautiful Gothic church and is an important religious monument in Figueres. Dating back to the 14th century, this church feels like a haven of peace amid the bustling city life. Its location next to the Dalí Museum adds to the contrast.
Inside, the somewhat plain interior is undoubtedly striking, but it makes the brightly colored stained-glass windows stand out more. There are also several beautiful works of art and altarpieces on display in the church. Of course, the Església Sant Pere also has a connection to Dalí, as the artist was baptized here.
The birthplace of Dalí
One place I, unfortunately, missed during my visit to Figueres but is definitely on my list for next time is Casa natal d’en Salvador Dalí, or the birthplace of Dalí.
Located in the old town of Figueres, this picturesque house is where the famous surrealist artist came into the world on May 11, 1904. The building itself is a visual feast with its traditional Catalan architecture. As you wander through the rooms, you will learn more about Dalí’s early life.
Original objects, family photos, and memorabilia offer a tangible connection to the artist’s younger years. The birthplace is more than a historical site; it is a window into the formative years of a genius.
Check the official website for tickets and opening hours.
Parc Bosc
If you’re looking for relaxation, and nature during your Figueres city trip, Parc Bosc is the perfect place to visit. This beautiful city park features green spaces, walking paths, and playgrounds for children. A nice place to enjoy a picnic or take a quiet walk.
Castell de Sant Ferran
For lovers of history, a visit to the impressive Castell de Sant Ferran (Sant Ferran Castle) is well worthwhile. This eighteenth-century fortress was once the largest military building in the world and offers breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings. Join a guided tour to learn more about the castle’s fascinating history.
Admission is €5 per person. Check the official website for opening hours.
Museu del Joguet de Catalunya
If you are interested in toys and games, this museum is for you! The Museu del Joguet de Catalunya displays an extensive collection of historical toys from different eras. A fun and educational experience for young and old alike.
The museum is currently closed for renovations. The expected opening date is March 15, 2024. Check the website for more information.
Spot the works of art on the street
What particularly surprised me myself was the large number of works of art you find in the streets of Figueres. Among the historic buildings, modern sculptures are frequently found, which gives an incredibly nice effect. Extraordinary to discover them!
Plaça de l’Ajuntament
The central square of Figueres is in the middle of the old town and this is the perfect place to enjoy local life and the vibrant city life. Here you will find cozy cafes, restaurants and stores where you can enjoy delicious dishes and local specialties.
Plaça del Mercat de Figueres
Do you love markets and enjoy seeing where the locals shop? Then visit the Mercat Municipal on Plaça del Mercat de Figueres. This is a half open, half covered market, where you can buy fresh produce such as vegetables, fruits, fish, and meats. Also, be sure to sample some local delicacies to treat your taste buds!
Take a day trip to Girona
The beautiful city of Girona is just 40 kilometers south of Figueres and this is truly a picture to behold. You can get wonderfully lost in the narrow streets of this medieval city, especially the Jewish quarter is a maze with a different surprise on every street corner.
The imposing cathedral defines Girona’s skyline and it too is great to see. It is not surprising that the cathedral and the streets of Girona were used as a filming location for the series Game of Thrones, as it really feels like you are going back in time here.
Read more: 10 things to do in Girona
Tip! Would you like to discover all the filming locations? Then join this Game of Thrones tour.
Take a day trip to the coast
The coast of the Costa Brava is incredibly beautiful with cozy fishing villages, beautiful coves, and hidden beaches. If you want to escape the city for a while, you can very easily take the train from Figueres to Llançà (only 25 minutes) to enjoy the Mediterranean sun with a nice breeze.
This is also a good destination for hiking enthusiasts, as along the coast runs the scenic Camí de Ronda, and you can also go on beautiful walks in the mountains of Serra de Rodes.
Figueres has much to offer if you are looking for a fun city break that combines art, history, and relaxation. These tips will give you a good starting point to make the most of your visit to this beautiful city. Have fun!
Best hotels in Figueres
As you can see, Figueres is a nice base for a vacation in the Costa Brava and it is highly recommended to stay here for a few nights. These are some fine hotels in Figueres:
- Hotel Pirineos (4⭐) – This is one of the nicest hotels in town with beautifully decorated, spacious modern rooms.
- Hotel Duran (4⭐) – Fine hotel located in a great location near the Dalí Museum. Fun detail: Dalí himself liked to eat a bite at this hotel’s restaurant.
- Hotel Mas Bosch 1526 (4⭐) – Are you looking for an extra special accommodation? Located about 4 kilometers outside Figueres, this rural hotel is truly a beautiful oasis. It has a garden with a swimming pool and you have beautiful views of the hilly countryside from every angle.
Check out Booking.com for more options, availability, and prices.
Book a trip to Spain
Would you like to visit Figueres and explore the Costa Brava or other beautiful regions in Spain? Book your trip now!
✈️ Plane tickets – The nearest international airports to Figueres are Girona and Barcelona. Check WayAway to find the best deals and get cashback on plane tickets.
🚆 Travel to Spain by train – Spain is very well accessible by train from other European countries. Check Rail Europe for train times and tickets.
🚘 Rental Car – Although public transport is quite well organized in Spain (I traveled through Spain using public transportation many times), it is still useful to have a rental car. This makes it even easier to get to the more rural interesting places and gives you more freedom. Check Rental Cars to find the best deals.
💊 Travel insurance – Having good travel insurance will give you peace of mind. Check Insubuy to find the best travel insurance that fits your needs.
🎡 Tours and activities – There are a lot of fun tours and activities in the Costa Brava. Check Get Your Guide to find the best-guided tours and activities.
Read more about the Costa Brava and Spain
Looking for more tips for a Costa Brava vacation and want to see more of Spain? These travel guides provide even more travel inspiration:
I travel to Spain several times a year, as it is one of my favorite destinations in Europe. That is why you can find a lot of information about traveling to Spain on this website. You might like to read these articles as well:
- 20 Fun things to do in Costa Brava
- The perfect Costa Brava itinerary for a 1 or 2 week road trip
- 18 Best things to do in Pamplona Spain
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