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In the heart of the Empordà region lies Figueres, a city where art, history and the extraordinary imagination of Salvador Dalí come together. Just a short journey from Barcelona, it offers the perfect escape from the city and a chance to discover a different side of Catalonia. In fact, discovering Figueres without encountering something related to Dalí is almost impossible, as his legacy remains at the heart of the city’s identity. 

If you’re planning a day trip allow at least half a day to explore the main attractions, or a full day if you want to visit several museums and experience the city at a more relaxed pace.  

1.Toy Museum  

The Toy Museum features toys dating from the late 19^th century to the present day, including traditional Catalan toys and pieces donated by renowned figures such as Salvador Dalí, Federico García Lorca, and Joan Miró. Each floor explores different themes, from animals and outdoor play to travel, while a special space is dedicated to Dalí’s childhood and adolescence, with references to Figueres and Cadaquès. Having received multiple awards, the museum has become an international reference in the world of toys and games. 

Address: Carrer de Sant Pere, 1, 17600 Figueres, Girona 

Prices: General admission: €8 

Reduced admission: €6.50 

Opening Hours: 

January 1st to June 24th and September 11th to December 31st 

Tuesday — Friday 

10:30 – 18:00 

Saturdays 

10:30—19:00 

Sunday and Monday: closed 

June 25th to July 31st 

Open every day of the week 

Monday to Sunday 

10:30 — 19:00 

August 1st to September 10th 

Monday to Sunday 

10:30 — 19:30 

2.Empordà Museum  

For a broader look at the region’s artistic heritage, the Empordà Museum brings together archaeology, sculpture, Catalan painting and contemporary art. Its collection explores the people, landscapes and traditions that have shaped the identity of Figueres and the wider Empordà region.  

Works by artists connected to the area, including Salvador Dalí, place his art within a wider cultural context and make the museum an interesting complement to the city’s more Dalí-focused attractions.  

Admission is free with a Dalí Theatre-Museum ticket and on the first Sunday of every month. 

Address: La Rambla, 2, 17600 Figueres, Girona 

Prices: General Admission: €5  

Reduced Admission: €2.50 

Opening Hours: 

Tuesday-Saturday 

10:00h — 19:00h 

Sundays and public holidays 

10:00h — 14:00h 

Closed on non-holiday Mondays 

3.Casa Natal Salvador Dalí  

Casa Natal Salvador Dalí offers a fascinating insight into the artist’s childhood, family and early influences. Located in the house where Dalí was born, the museum takes visitors on an immersive journey through his early life using images, holograms, talking windows and video mapping. This interactive experience reveals a more personal side of Dalí and explores the people and places that helped shape the artist he would later become. Admission is free if you already have a ticket for the Dalí Theatre-Museum. 

Address: Carrer Monturiol, 6, 17600 Figueres, Girona 

Prices: 

General Admission: €15 

Reduced Admission: €9 

Opening Hours:  

1 June – 30 September: 

Monday – Sunday 

10:00 h — 19:00 h 

1 October – 31 May: 

Tuesday – Sunday 

10:00 h — 19:00 h 

Last admission: 18:00 
Closed on Mondays, except public holidays and the day before public holidays. 

4.Teatro-Museo Dalí  

No visit to Figueres would be complete without stepping inside the Dalí Theatre Museum. Designed by Dalí himself, the museum is considered his final great work and offers an experience that goes far beyond a conventional art gallery  

The building stands on the site of Figueres’ former Municipal Theatre which was destroyed during the Spanish civil war. Dalí transformed its ruins into an extraordinary space dedicated to his artistic vision, and the museum officially opened in 1974. 

The museum is also home to Dalí’s tomb, where the artist is buried and features the permanent Dalí Jewels exhibition, showcasing his imaginative jewellery designs.  

Dalí’s eclectic collection ranges from his earliest artistic experiments to some of his most iconic Surrealist creations and later works. Highlights include Galarina, The Basket of Bread, and extraordinary installations such as the Rainy Taxi and the famous Mae West Room. 

Among these imaginative spaces, the Mae West installation transforms Dalí’s 1935 painting The Face of Mae West into a three-dimensional space. Inspired by the Hollywood actress who fascinated Dalí, the room uses objects such as a red sofa, paintings and a giant wig that come together from a specific viewpoint to create a surreal portrait of her face. The space also features the impressive Palace of the Winds ceiling painting.  

Address: Plaça Gala i Salvador Dalí, 5, 17600 Figueres, Girona 

Prices: General Admission: €18.50 

Reduced Admission: €15 

1 January – 22 March 
Tuesday – Sunday 
10:30 h – 18:00 h 

23 March – 31 May 
Tuesday – Sunday 
09:30 h – 18:00 h 

1 June – 30 June 
Tuesday – Sunday 
10:30 h – 18:00 h 

1 July – 31 August 
Monday – Sunday 
09:00 h – 20:00 h 

1 September – 30 September 
Tuesday – Sunday 
09:30 h – 18:00 h 

1 October – 31 December 
Tuesday – Sunday 
10:30 h – 18:00 h 

Important: Last admission is 45 minutes before closing, and the exhibition rooms begin to close 15 minutes before the museum closes. Opening days may vary on certain Mondays and public holidays. 

5.Follow the Dalí Route  

If you want to discover all of these highlights in one easy trail, follow the ant symbols marked on the pavement through Figueres. This self-guided route takes you through the city’s historic and commercial centre, connecting key landmarks linked to its history, culture and strong connection to Salvador Dalí. Starting at the Figueres Tourist Office, the trail is a great way to explore the city at your own pace while discovering Dalí’s childhood, local heritage and the main attractions that make Figueres such a unique destination. 

6.Getting to Figueres  

Figueres is easy to reach from Barcelona by train, making it a convenient option for a day trip. High-speed services connect Barcelona Sants with Figueres Vilafant while regional trains run to Figueres station, which is closer to the city centre. Journey times and fares vary depending on the service, so it’s best to check the latest schedules and fares on the Renfe website before travelling. 

Travelling by bus is another option. Sagalés operates services between Barcelona and Figueres, with departures from Barcelona’s Estació del Nord. 

A visit to Figueres is a chance to look beyond the ordinary and experience the creativity, imagination and eccentricity that made Dalí so unique. In his own words, “A true artist is not one who is inspired, but who inspires others”. Decades later, his creativity continues to inspire visitors around the world.  

If you want to continue following in Dalí’s footsteps, head to Cadaqués and nearby Portlligat, where the artist lived and worked for many years.