Figueres; the city of Dalí

Discover the surprising Figueres

Figueres is the capital of the Alt Empordà and a delightful city for a day trip during your holiday on the Costa Brava. Of course, this is the birthplace of Salvador Dalí, but Figueres has more: cozy squares, shops, markets, terraces, good restaurants én één of the most impressive forts in Europe.

The center is compact and therefore ideal to explore on foot. Start with coffee on a terrace, visit Dalí, stroll past the shops and end with tapas or an extensive lunch. That's how we like to see a day in Figueres.

In the footsteps of Salvador Dalí

In Figueres, you really can't avoid Dalí. The absolute eye-catcher is, of course, the Teatre-Museu Dalí, the striking museum with the huge eggs on the roof that Dalí himself designed.

But also look around outside the museum. Dalí was born here, was baptized in the Església de Sant Pere next to the museum, and various places in the city still remind you of his life.

Since 2023, you can also visit his birthplace: Casa Natal Salvador Dalí. It is not a traditional art museum but a modern audiovisual experience that allows you to get to know the young Salvador, his family, and his life in Figueres better.

Do you want to discover more special stories about him?

Read also: 10 unique facts about Dalí
Read also: The three museums of Dalí

Look for the small Dalí details along the way

It's the details that make a walk through Figueres fun.

On the Rambla, you will find artworks that refer to Dalí and in the Museu del Joguet de Catalunya – the toy museum – you will find toys from his childhood. The museum even has Don Osito Marquina, the teddy bear that belonged to Anna Maria and Salvador Dalí.

And take a look at the gold-colored bread shapes on the facade of the Dalí museum. Bread played a special role in his art. Then step into Flequers Maia, a traditional bakery in Figueres that is also involved in Dalí-inspired treats.

This way, you encounter Dalí in the most unexpected places.

Strolling along the Rambla and through the old town

Even if you're not into Dalí, Figueres is fun to walk around for a few hours.

The Rambla forms the lively heart of the city, with shops, cafés, and terraces. Then walk into the smaller streets and squares of the old town. Around Plaça de l'Ajuntament and Plaça de les Patates, you will find atmospheric facades, terraces, and plenty of places to sit down for a while.

Figueres is also a great shopping city. You will find well-known Spanish brands, smaller boutiques, and specialty stores, and because the center is compact, almost everything is within walking distance of each other.

To the market in Figueres

Do you want to experience Figueres in a Spanish way? Then go to the market.

On Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, the fruit and vegetable market is held in the center. In addition to fresh vegetables and fruit, you will find flowers, plants, and local products.

On Thursday, there is also a larger market with clothing, among other things.

Market days and locations can change, so check the current information before you leave if you are going to Figueres specifically for the market.

Read also: The best markets on the Costa Brava

Castell de Sant Ferran – enormous and surprisingly fun

Had enough of Dalí for a while? Then Figueres has another surprise: Castell de Sant Ferran.

This enormous 18th-century military fort is located just outside the center and is among the largest fortifications in Europe. The size alone is impressive: huge walls, courtyards, underground spaces, and gigantic water reservoirs.

You can visit part of the fort independently, but there are also more extensive tours where you discover places you wouldn't otherwise see.

Especially with slightly older children, we find this a fun change after a museum visit.

Time for a bite and a drink

For food and drink, you're in the right place in Figueres. Around the Rambla and in the streets of the old town, you will find plenty of tapas bars, restaurants, bakeries, and terraces.

We love to start the day with breakfast or coffee around Plaça de l'Ajuntament. From here, you can easily walk into the center.

For tapas, Txot's has been a well-known address in Figueres for years. And if you just want a nice pizza or pasta after the Dalí museum, La Tagliatella is practically next door.

But also look in the smaller side streets. That's often where you'll find the places where you end up staying much longer than planned.

Our tip

Are you going to Figueres especially for Dalí? Don't make the mistake of getting back in the car right after the museum.

Start in the morning at Casa Natal Salvador Dalí and then walk through the center to the Teatre-Museu. Along the way, you can pop into Flequers Maia and be sure to take something delicious with you. After the museum, find a terrace for a long lunch, and you'll still have plenty of time to shop or head to Castell de Sant Ferran.

And do you have children with you? Then the toy museum can be a surprisingly fun extra stop.

Figueres is sometimes a bit overshadowed by its most famous resident, but give the city itself a chance. It's the combination of Dalí, Spanish city bustle, markets, shops, terraces, and good food that makes Figueres so fun for a day out.

Figueres; Culture, coziness & a touch of Dalí

Dalí, atmospheric squares, Spanish markets, nice shops, and of course delicious food: Figueres has everything for a surprisingly fun day out. Walk through the historic center, discover special stories, and enjoy the real Spanish city life along the way.