How to spend your last hours in Barcelona: plans near the airport or train stations

Make the most of your final hours in Barcelona! If you’re about to say farewell to the Catalan capital but still have a few spare hours before catching your flight or train, there are some perfect plans waiting for you. Near the airport or the city’s main stations, you’ll find a handful of great activities to end your trip on a high note.

Instead of waiting around at the airport or a station, why not make the most of that last stretch of time with a unique experience? Whether your flight leaves from El Prat Airport or your train from Sants Station, there are nearby options that are well worth your time and highly recommended for squeezing every last drop out of your visit.

At Lugaris, we’ve got just the ideas to help you say goodbye to the city with a smile. Don’t miss them!

Visit El Prat de Llobregat: nature and tapas near the airport

Just 10 minutes from Barcelona El Prat Airport lies El Prat de Llobregat, a town that will surprise you with its natural surroundings and easy-going vibe. It’s the perfect option if you don’t want to stray too far from the airport.

Start with a stroll through the Llobregat Delta, a wetland area with marked trails, birdwatching hides, and quiet spots to disconnect from the city buzz. The route is easy and offers a fresh perspective on Barcelona’s natural landscape—you’ll be amazed!

After your walk, there’s nothing better than enjoying some tapas in El Prat’s town center. The area is known for its potablava chicken (a native breed) and locally sourced produce. Grab a seat at one of the traditional terrace bars and soak up the relaxed atmosphere.

And if you feel like wrapping things up with a seaside coffee, head to El Prat Beach—broad and peaceful even in high season. It’s a great spot to watch planes take off as you enjoy the Mediterranean breeze.

Stroll through Montjuïc: views, gardens, and culture near Sants

If you’re leaving from Sants Station or El Prat Airport, Montjuïc Hill is one of the best places to say goodbye to Barcelona in style. Here, you’ll find a perfect mix of nature, culture, and sweeping city views.

Start your visit with a walk through the Joan Maragall or Laribal Gardens, filled with fountains, sculptures, and shady pathways. Then head up to the Mirador del Alcalde or Montjuïc Castle, where you’ll enjoy one of the most stunning panoramic views of the port and Barcelona’s skyline.

If you’re into art, stop by the MNAC (Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya), housed in the majestic Palau Nacional. Or, if you’d rather just unwind, sit on the steps in front of the Magic Fountain—especially magical if you catch one of its light and water shows (check the latest schedule).

Montjuïc also boasts several terrace cafés and restaurants where you can enjoy a drink or bite before heading off. Some even offer luggage storage so you can relax hands-free.

Still looking for a place to stay in Barcelona? At Lugaris, you’ll find beachside apartments and great apartment options in Poblenou. And if you’re planning a longer visit, we also offer long-stay apartments in Barcelona.

Tapas in Poble-sec: local bites just steps from the station

If you’ve got limited time before catching your train from Sants Station, the Poble-sec neighborhood is a brilliant spot to take a break and soak up some of Barcelona’s charm. Nestled between Montjuïc and Paral·lel, this area blends old-school taverns with modern eateries that appeal to both locals and visitors alike.

One of the highlights here is Carrer de Blai, a lively pedestrian street packed with pintxo and tapas bars. Many of them serve montaditos at very reasonable prices—ideal for a quick bite or a casual, fuss-free meal. You’ll find everything from classic Spanish favorites like tortilla and croquettes to more creative options with international flair.

The neighborhood itself has a special vibe too, with narrow streets, quiet squares, and vibrant street art giving it a unique and inviting character.

Shopping for souvenirs in Les Corts: convenient and close-by malls

Still haven’t picked up a souvenir before heading to the airport? Les Corts is a great spot for some last-minute shopping—it’s well connected to both the airport and Sants Station, making it a smart and stress-free final stop.

This neighborhood is home to some of Barcelona’s most practical and comfortable shopping centers, including:

• L’Illa Diagonal – A sleek, modern mall with fashion stores, souvenir shops, bookstores, gourmet products, and supermarkets. Perfect for grabbing something stylish and useful without going out of your way.
• El Corte Inglés Diagonal – A classic go-to with high-quality products, excellent customer service, and a wide selection that includes fashion, perfumes, food, and Spanish design items.
• Pedralbes Centre – A quieter shopping hub with select boutiques and cozy cafés—ideal for a relaxed coffee break.

The Les Corts area is also lovely for a stroll, with pedestrian-friendly streets, charming plazas with outdoor seating, and a peaceful, laid-back vibe. If you’re looking to avoid the busy city center, you’ll love this neighborhood.

Unwind at Castelldefels Beach: sun and sea close to the airport

If you’d rather spend your last hours in Barcelona with your toes in the sand and the sound of the sea in the background, Castelldefels is the perfect choice. Just 15 minutes by train from El Prat Airport, this seaside town offers a long stretch of fine sand, great connections, and fewer crowds than the beaches in central Barcelona.

It’s the ideal place to lie in the sun, take a walk along the seafront promenade, or enjoy a drink with a sea view. Castelldefels is a quick getaway that lets you truly relax before your journey. The beach is fully equipped with showers, boardwalks, and beach bars (chiringuitos), and nearby you’ll find restaurants and cafés serving everything from tapas to paella with stunning beach views.

If you’ve got a bit more time, you can also rent a bike or explore the coastal path, which winds through pine trees, sand dunes, and sea views. Plus, the train station is just steps from the beach, so you can head back to the airport or the city in no time.

Catch a quick exhibition at CaixaForum or the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion

If you’re in the mood for a cultural plan before heading home, make your way to CaixaForum Barcelona or the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion. Both are located next to the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, just a few minutes from Sants Station by metro or taxi.

CaixaForum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions of art, photography, and design, with engaging formats that are ideal for quick visits. You’ll also enjoy wandering through its modernist building and relaxing on the café terrace.

The Mies van der Rohe Pavilion, on the other hand, is a modernist masterpiece. Small but striking, it can be explored in under half an hour and offers a truly unique architectural experience.

Both venues offer an artistic and cultured way to say goodbye to Barcelona, with easy access to transport so you can get to the airport or Sants Station without stress.

Have a drink with a view

Is there a more elegant way to end your trip than raising a glass while taking in one last view of the city? Barcelona has several rooftop terraces that are perfect for a final drink before heading to the airport or station.

• Terrace 83.3 (Hotel Royal Passeig de Gràcia) – One of the highest rooftops in the Eixample district, offering panoramic city views and a relaxed atmosphere. Ideal for a glass of wine or a cocktail in a cosmopolitan setting.
• B-Pool (Hotel Barceló Sants) – Located literally above the train station, this modern terrace offers drinks, background music, and the unbeatable convenience of being just steps from your platform.
• Montjuïc viewpoints – If you’re after a free, alternative option, Montjuïc features local lookout points with stunning views of the port and the sea. Bring your own drink, perch on a stone wall, and soak in the scenery.

Book your apartment in Barcelona with Lugaris

Spending your final hours in Barcelona before your flight or train can still be a lot of fun! The Catalan capital offers plenty of nearby plans around the airport and main stations, so you can enjoy your last experiences without stress or rushing.

And if you want to make the most of every minute in total comfort, book your stay at Lugaris apartments in Barcelona. Located in popular, well-connected areas of the city, they give you the freedom to get around easily and end your trip just the way you deserve: relaxed, comfortable, and with all the amenities you need.