5-Day Road Trip in Spain and France from Barcelona to Perpignan

Your unforgettable multi-country road trip in Spain and France begins the moment you arrive in the awe-inspiring town of Barcelona in Spain. You’ll check in at a top-rated hotel and stay in Barcelona for 2 nights.

Catch an early flight to Spain to enjoy as much time as possible exploring Barcelona before it’s time to hit the road and drive to your next destination. Discover the town’s rich history, breathtaking sights, and lively atmosphere with visits to the most popular attractions.

One of today’s main highlights is the unforgettable Parc de la Ciutadella. This outstanding urban park and travel destination inspires so many travelers each year. Garnering an average rating of 4.6 stars out of 5 from 68,100 travelers, a visit to the remarkable Parc de la Ciutadella is worth pages in your travel diary.

You’ll choose from the best hotels and places to stay in Barcelona. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the town.

Before this memorable day of your vacation comes to a close, treat your palate to a taste of Spain's delectable cuisine at one of Barcelona's best restaurants. After a nice meal, enhance your vacation experience by enjoying the local nightlife or unwinding with a drink or two in the town’s most recommended bars.

Indulge in an exquisite Bib Gourmand dining experience at Lasarte. Renowned for its prestigious 3 Michelin-star rating and an array of mouthwatering dishes, Lasarte consistently impresses foreign and local diners, garnering praise for its exceptional creative cuisine.

After your meal, continue your getaway at one of the hottest bars in the town, Viana Barcelona. This bar has an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,578 customers.

Alternatively, you can grab a few shots of your favorite drink and have an amazing night at the famous Hemingway Gin & Cocktail Bar. This incredible bar has a vibrant atmosphere and plays great music, worthy of its average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 893 customers.

La Whiskeria - Whisky & Cocktail Bar cannot be missed with its wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Around 743 bar lovers have given this place a seal of approval with their 4.7 out of 5 stars average rating.

Your multi-country road trip in Spain and France has only just begun. Brace yourself for more exciting days to come as you cross country borders in the comfort of your rental car and discover the most unique attractions, activities, and foods of each destination.

On day 2, you will wake up in Barcelona with an entire day of wonders ahead of you! You still have 1 night left in Barcelona before it’s time to get back on the road and continue your European tour across Spain and France.

Park Güell is a travelers’ favorite in Barcelona, and today you’ll have the opportunity to discover it too! This one-of-a-kind attraction is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 181,403 visitors.

In Barcelona, don’t miss Sagrada Família, a great minor basilica and place to see in the town. This outstanding attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 226,955 reviews. Going here means you’ll be in the great company of 4,527,427 other travelers who visit this attraction every year.

Check other top attractions in Barcelona off your list when you visit the wonderful Mercado de La Boqueria. This popular sight is an outstanding point of interest, rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 160,835 travelers.

Beyond the above-mentioned top sights, take the opportunity to visit the outstanding Magic Fountain of Montjuïc. This fountain and place of interest has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 85,986 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, the fantastic Montjuïc Castle awaits. This castle is a tourist hot spot, garnering an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 50,433 visitors.

We recommend checking out all the tours and activities you can add to your package. Embarking on a tour is an excellent way of learning something new in Barcelona, Spain.

As the sun dips under the horizon, freshen up and head out to discover the best dining spots in Barcelona. Check out our recommendations on where to wine and dine while seeing this marvelous destination in Spain in a new light. After dinner, head out to a bar to relax, mingle with the locals, and raise a toast to your unforgettable road trip vacation in Europe.

Elevate your experience by savoring a meal in El Nacional, a distinguished dining establishment in Barcelona. It has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, thanks to the positive reviews of 23,496 satisfied guests and a menu that’s committed to quality and flavor.

Another dining spot you shouldn't miss while in Barcelona is Paradiso. This popular restaurant’s appealing menu has garnered a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, thanks to the positive reviews shared by 3,403 happy diners.

If you’re in the mood for a drink, visit Cerveseria Catalana, one of the top bars in the town. An excellent place to unwind and enjoy a refreshing evening drink, Cerveseria Catalana has earned an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 14,751 customers.

Alternatively, you could enjoy a toast with locals and other travelers at Ciutat Comtal, a crowd-favorite. Around 12,951 customers have rated their experience at Ciutat Comtal an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

El Xampanyet belongs to the list of the best bars in Barcelona, and its ratings and reviews are proof of this claim. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,394 bar-goers.

Relax, recharge, and look forward to what tomorrow holds. The opportunities are endless with a European self-drive tour!

On day 3 of your multi-country road trip across Spain and France, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places to see in Barcelona in Spain and Perpignan in France. In the evening, you’ll end up in Perpignan, where you will stay for 1 night.

One of today’s main highlights is the unforgettable Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia. This outstanding catholic cathedral and travel destination inspires so many travelers each year. Garnering an average rating of 4.6 stars out of 5 from 62,263 travelers, a visit to the remarkable Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia is worth pages in your travel diary.

The fascinating Palau de la Música Catalana is another of the town's top attractions that will stir your curiosity. This concert hall and tourist destination boasts an average review score of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 40,217 travelers.

This day is also your chance to see the amazing square, Plaça de Catalunya. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 175,036 travelers, a trip to this wonderful site promises a memorable experience.

The top-rated Casa Batlló, an outstanding catholic cathedral, is one place you should visit while in Barcelona considering its average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 125,060 travelers.

Explore the magnificent La Pedrera and discover what makes this local monument and wonder one of the best attractions in Barcelona. This popular sightseeing destination enjoys a rating of 4.6 stars out of 5 from 85,188 travelers.

After soaking in Barcelona’s unique atmosphere, jump back into your car with a full heart, and drive in the direction of your next destination: Perpignan, France. Expect your car journey to last a minimum of 2 hours 15 min.

Your destination has so much to offer to all kinds of travelers. Discover more about this place and add more excitement to your vacation in Barcelona in Spain by embarking on popular tours and excursions. Joining tours will give you a deeper understanding of Perpignan’s history and culture while meeting other adventurers like you.

It’s time to check in at a top-rated stay in Perpignan. Choose a hotel where you can gently let go of the day’s excitement and enjoy some peace and relaxation.

In the evening, prepare to be amazed by Perpignan’s regional flavors and culminate your day with a toast. We’ve curated a guide to the city’s culinary and nightlife hotspots to enhance your experience during your multi-country vacation in Spain and France.

Make sure to book a table at O Shannon, a popular restaurant in Perpignan. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of food lovers. Its commitment to culinary excellence is evident in its 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 188 satisfied guests.

For a sip of relaxation, head over to O'Flaherty's, a top-notch spot in the city scene. Whether you're unwinding solo or with pals, O'Flaherty's has charmed many with its 4.4 out of 5-star rating, as attested by 1,082 happy guests.

Or, join the buzz at Arena Bar, where locals and fellow explorers gather for good times and good chats. Arena Bar captures hearts with its 4.3 out of 5-star rating, drawing acclaim from 361 merry-makers.

And don't miss out on Les Brunettes: bar et restaurant, another local party gem in Perpignan. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 258 reviews, highlighting its charm and popularity in the area.

As the night falls in Perpignan, take a moment to savor the experiences of the day. Wash away your fatigue with a drink, or lay back and relax at your hotel, and look forward to another thrilling day of your multi-country journey across Europe.

Dive into day 4 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across Spain and France. Today you will jump into the car and make your way to Carcassonne in France and Barcelona in Spain, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Barcelona. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Carcassonne today.

Barcelona’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Perpignan behind. This drive usually takes around 4 hours 27 min.

Make the most of your vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Carcassonne has in store for you.

There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your adventure in Spain. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

An exhilarating day of exploring and driving will have you longing for a comfortable bed at the end of the day. Fortunately, Barcelona’s top hotels offer a lovely retreat at day’s end. Choose from options ranging from budget to luxury.

By dinnertime, you’ll be ready to savor the tastiest bites and enjoy lively vibes in central Barcelona. From mouthwatering restaurants to happening bars, we've got the inside scoop on where to eat and drink at this stop on your multi-country road trip across Spain and France.

Reserve your spot at Craft Barcelona, a popular local restaurant in Barcelona. This culinary hotspot and its flavorful dishes have left a lasting impression on guests. Its dedication to culinary mastery is reflected by its 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 2,166 satisfied guests.

Make it a priority to experience Casa Amalia during your stay in Barcelona. This popular local restaurant offers an unparalleled menu, with a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, by 1,365 discerning guests.

Explore the culinary wonders of Grill Restaurant, a popular local gem in in Barcelona. Its enticing menu promises a journey through flavors that will leave a lasting impression. Renowned for its impeccable service, it boasts a 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 1,083 satisfied guests.

Spend the night with your favorite cocktail in hand at Paradiso. This bar is among the most recommended in the town, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,403 customers.

Embrace relaxation as you toast to a fantastic night at Bobby's Free. This popular bar in Barcelona is a local favorite with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,003 customers.

Relax, recharge, and look forward to what tomorrow holds. The opportunities are endless with a European self-drive tour!

On day 5 you have reached the last destination of your European road trip. Catch one last glimpse of Barcelona before it’s time to leave.

Depending on how much time you have before your departure, you may want to engage in some last-minute shopping or souvenir hunting. Get some unique items to remind you of your great European road trip across Spain and France. If shopping isn’t your thing, visit some of the lesser-known attractions you have yet to discover.

Make the most of your final day in Spain by visiting Barcelona’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Your stay’s proximity to the town’s retail haven invites an unhurried and unforgettable exploration of its variety of stores and establishments.

Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Spain.

Something that makes Barcelona the perfect holiday destination is that the town offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding triumphal arch, Arc de Triomf. This local gem has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 77,887 visitors.

Get a last taste of Spain’s tasty traditional food. Choose from a curated list of the best local food and drink spots in Barcelona and enjoy what may be your last vacation meal of this trip. Look forward to recreating these distinct culinary experiences in your own kitchen later to remind you of your unforgettable road trip across Spain and France.

The time has come to say farewell to Barcelona for now. You will realize that you’re traveling home with more than you came with as you look back at your 5-day European road trip in Spain and France with fond memories. Safe travels!