The Top 10 Activities to Enjoy in Figueres, Spain

If you’re seeking a restful vacation filled with exquisite food, engaging activities, and beach access, all enveloped in a town rich with artistic heritage, Figueres is a destination you shouldn’t miss on your Spain itinerary. Continue reading to discover the must-see attractions in Figueres, organized based on how I’d recommend prioritizing them, whether you have a day or a week to explore.

⏰ If you’re short on time, this full-day tour from Barcelona comes highly recommended and includes stops in both Girona and Figueres.

Salvador Dali, the iconic surrealist, was born in Figueres, and the city holds a special place in his heart. Before his passing, he collaborated with the local mayor to design the Salvador Dali Theatre Museum, intended as a lasting tribute to his work and his final resting place.

The museum experience is truly unique. Upon entering, you’re greeted by a grand courtyard featuring a black car (don’t forget to place a one-euro coin in the black box to see a surprise!) topped with a striking bronze sculpture of a woman surrounded by golden figurines. Inside, you’ll navigate through an intricate maze of rooms showcasing various Dali works, from the grand to the minuscule, without any audio guides or significant signage—just room numbers to help you explore. This freedom allows you to immerse yourself in Dali’s mind and principles as you marvel at each creation.

After exiting through the gift shop, you can also visit the separate Dali Jewels exhibition, included in your ticket. Here, you’ll find stunning jewelry pieces designed by Dali, including the famous Ruby Lips and the Eye of Time crafted in platinum and diamonds.

For ticket purchases, it’s best to buy them online from the official website at least a week in advance, as the most sought-after entry times tend to sell out quickly. A casual visitor typically spends around 90 minutes in the museum, while devoted Dali enthusiasts may linger for up to three hours. Hold on to your ticket for potential discounts or free entry to various other attractions in town.

The visit to Salvador Dali’s birthplace (Casa Natal Salvador Dali) is quite a contrast from the Dali Theatre Museum experience. Here, each moment is expertly curated. This museum employs multimedia elements to guide you through Dali’s life within the home where he spent his early years.

Chronologically, you can follow his transformation from the son of a diligent notary into a world-renowned artist known for his flamboyance and commercial savvy. The narrative unfolds through audio soundtracks accessible in several languages via an audio guide, alongside video storytelling. Expect to spend two to ten minutes in each room absorbing Dali’s journey before moving on. Although the visit is structured, it is engaging and skillfully blends education with entertainment.

Present your Dali Theatre Museum ticket to receive a €6 discount on admission. Typically, booking is not necessary, although tickets are available online. The visit lasts about 75 minutes, and while you can leave early if needed, you must adhere to a timed schedule in each room. 

Castell de Sant Ferran is the largest man-made monument in Catalonia and boasts the title of the largest double-walled castle in Europe. Despite its significant size, this impressive structure lacks a rich historical background, as it was constructed mid-1700s as a military barracks rather than a royal residence. It took about half an hour just to explore a portion of the vast premises before realizing I hadn’t even stepped inside yet!

During my visit, I walked along the designated route that showcased barracks, a former church, bastions, and stables. While the scale of the castle is fascinating and surely captivates military enthusiasts, visitors drawn primarily by Dali may not find it as compelling. I also opted for an additional underground cistern tour by boat for €2, which led us down into expansive cisterns that can hold nearly 10 billion liters of water—an intriguing experience but not for those uncomfortable in confined, dark spaces.

With heat hovering around 37°C, I decided to take a taxi for €10 to the castle, avoiding the uphill walk, and enjoyed a much cooler walk back to town afterward. This choice proved wise as many arriving on foot seemed worn out from the heat.

The Toy Museum of Catalonia features two floors brimming with exhibits that chronicle the evolution of toys worldwide over the past two centuries. From model trains to quirky dolls and Bauhaus blocks to Barbies, there’s something for everyone. The museum particularly highlights toys from Catalonia and Spain but also showcases selections from as far afield as Taiwan.

Despite many displays being behind glass, the museum offers a thoughtfully designed interactive guide for children. In one room, there’s a glass walkway suspended atop thousands of dice, where kids are challenged to find specific colored and numbered dice.

Visit Figueres on Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Saturdays to experience its market days. I explored the Saturday markets located around Plaça del Gra and Plaça Catalunya, which emphasize fresh, local produce alongside dairy, meats, and flowers. Additionally, there’s another market on Thursdays a few blocks away focused more on clothing.

As is common in European markets, arriving early ensures you get the best selection of products, as vendors tend to leave if they run out of stock.

The historical center of Figueres is a flat and compact area that provides a perfect backdrop for leisurely strolls. The city is home to stunning Modernist buildings, most marked with small signs detailing their architectural and historical significance (Google Translate might be handy for non-Catalan speakers). You’ll also find contemporary artworks peppered throughout, some referencing Dali and others tackling historical themes.

Throughout the center, quaint squares invite passersby to relax on benches or enjoy a meal on a terrace. Summer evenings bring live music to some squares, transforming them into vibrant gathering spots.

Located just in front of the Salvador Dali Theatre Museum, Saint Peter’s Church is free to enter and holds the distinction of being where Salvador Dali was baptized and took his first communion. The oldest components of this building date back to the 11th century, although it underwent significant renovations during the late Middle Ages.

Admission to the Emporda Museum is complimentary if you present your ticket from the Salvador Dali Theatre Museum. The museum features a mix of classical and contemporary art exhibits, in partnership with the Prado Museum in Madrid. During my visit in Summer 2026, there was a temporary exhibition showcasing the works of local photographer Melitó Casals (Meli), a collaborator with Dali and other Spanish artists. The permanent collections are organized thematically, likely rotating as new works come in.

Most visitors typically spend between 30 minutes to an hour exploring the museum’s offerings.

Speaking of unforgettable experiences, my visit to the Technology Museum of Emporda was certainly distinctive! When I arrived on a July day, I was the only visitor. After paying the €4 entrance fee, a staff member took me on a tour of over 3,000 historical mechanical artifacts, from typewriters to clocks, providing explanations in Spanish, even with my clear indication of not speaking the language. I found myself chuckling as I tried to avoid being stuck on this unexpected tour, which lasted about 90 minutes, far longer than I would have preferred if I had had the chance to roam freely.

This private museum doesn’t offer discounts for Dali Theatre Museum ticket holders, and it operates on very limited hours, typically Thursday to Saturday from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. It’s worth checking their website as they might be closed for the entirety of August 2026.

I chose to stay in Figueres for several days as a convenient base for exploring the surrounding areas. Without a car, I focused on accessible excursions via train and bus.

Day Trip to Girona

Although I didn’t take the train to Girona from Figueres this time, it’s a short R11 commuter train ride, offering a brilliant opportunity to walk along the historic city walls, explore Game of Thrones filming locations, and indulge in local cuisine ranging from Michelin-starred restaurants to delightful pastry shops.

Day Trip to Roses

Convenient weekday buses depart promptly from Figueres to the charming seaside town of Roses, which is just an hour away. It shines during the summer with its two-kilometer stretch of beautiful beachfront, ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and boating. A detailed guide to what to see and do during your Roses day trip is available at the link.

Day Trip to L’Escala and Sant Marti d’Empuries

I was encouraged by the tourist information office to take a day trip to L’Escala and Sant Marti d’Empuries, two delightful seaside towns connected by a scenic coastal trail. Midway along this path, you’ll encounter the Empuries Ruins, the sole archaeological site on the Iberian Peninsula housing relics from both Greek and Roman civilizations. I’m currently developing a guide on how to make this bus trip from Figueres—stay tuned for updates!

Day Trip to Cadaques

Although I intended to visit Cadaques, the local bus schedule made it impractical. The bus departs Figueres at 8:15 AM with just two return options later in the day, so I opted to pass. However, if you’re driving, it’s a stunning destination that many combine with a trip to Roses since both are only about thirty minutes apart.

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