My wife and I will be in Barcelona for 4 nights in early October. We plan on setting aside one day for an excursion outside the city, perhaps to Montserrat. Are there other places that are highly recommended.

You could also do a day trip within the city itself by going to Montjuic (Jewish mountain) right in the centre. Spectacular views of both the city and the sea from the castle on the top, and Montjuic in general is lots of museums, theaters, 1992 Olympic sports arenas and greens. Take the Teleferic up here (or bus or taxi or walk): http://www.telefericdemontjuic.cat/en/

Two of my favourite restaurants in town are at the foot of Montjuic. La Perla is as genuine and traditional as it gets, only open for lunch (until about 5pm). http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...Catalonia.html

And I had one of the best meals in my life in close by Xemei a few months ago. The Bigoli en salsa Veneciana is unlike anything I've ever tasted before: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Lvcjtoh0tU

Went to Xemei late at night after seing out of this world Rocío Molina in Mercat de les Flors some 300 meters away (in the so called Theater city): http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/...el-teatre.html

A "day trip" to Montjuic could start with an early lunch at La Perla, then up to the castle on the top with the Teleferic, then take the 20-25 mins fine walk down to the beautiful Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium. After that perhaps a glass or cup of something in close by, tranquile and secluded La Font del Gat (http://www.lafontdelgat.com/) before a visit to the mind-blowing Miró museum just up the road. Prepare for a theater performance or concert in one of the venues in the Theater city in the fine little cafe in the Teatre Lliure, and round the night off with food from heaven in Xemei.

Given the natural and cultural richness of the Montjuic area, there are of course innumerable variants of this plan. All of Montjuic: http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/...-montjuic.html

You should also know that at the bottom of Montjuic, you'll find the very local atmosphere Poble Sec district with it's many great tapas bars and restaurants.
http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/...%20bodega.html

I really did enjoy Montserrat and spent most of the day on that trip, but I didn't get there at the crack of dawn and wasn't in a hurry. If you do go there, this tourism website has excellent information on the transportation options and how to navigate them
http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.c...rat-spain.html

I went to Plaza Espanya and did it myself. One thing I really liked a lot of there was their fine arts museum, which is excellent. They have a lot of good paintings from local artists, I think I liked it more than those in Barcelona. If you take one of the half day tours, their itinerary is very limited and you won't be going to that museum. http://www.montserrat-tourist-guide....ontserrat.html

Haven't been there myself but family members went to Girona as a daytrip and love it for the Roman ruins history and "quaintness".

Tarragona is, I believe, another option...

I am going to be in Barcelona from October 19 to the 24th. These are all great ideas.
Is anyone else going to be there at that time? Maybe we can have a GTG.

Just a follow up. I read that there is a cave up on the mountain in Monserrat with access from a fernicular . Anybody been there and is it worth going to

We are going to be in Barcelona the last of September and have booked a day trip with Viator to see three medieval villages. Look at their site for more suggestions.

If you do go to Montserrat, which IMO is about a couple of hours on site, call at San Sadurni d'Anoia on the way back. It's the Cava town for Spain, much like Epernay is to Champagne in France. You can visit some of the big producers, like Cordonui or Freixenet, or one of the smaller ones like Juve y Camps (my favourite Cava). You'll need to book via the facebook page as I believe the website is down for redesign at the moment.

It appears that the old site is availble, if aq little slow:

http://www.juveycamps.com/ingles/index.htm

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