Top 13 things to do and attractions in Besalu

They were closed because February is the low tourist season. I didn't know about this until I eqnquired on the day at the tourist information office as to why the chuch was closed.

€1 to turn the lights on to see though the windows?! Hardly encouraging the faithful to engage with Christ.

Wonderful experience dining in the courtyard of the main church in the Monastery of Basalu.

Not worth going inside. The Romanesque church of Sant Pere was consecrated in 1003.

A must visit if you are you in Besalu. The land train will also take your there.

Impressive Medieval stoned church, from a previous monks' monastery.

Nice place for people who like ancient small towns.

total disappointment! Terribly hot in all floors, even in a cloudy day and not so hot outside. Musty smell in all rooms. While we were there we were sprayed with a smelly product! This terrible smells plus the heat left us with terrible headache! All you will see is a few rooms with stamps, illustrations and clothes. NOT REALLY SUITABLE FOR KIDS. “Experience what is like to be a circus artist” - a promise NOT delivered in any way… Not even the Faquir is like the photo in the promotional leaflet… This place could me amazing, IF HAVING any type of videos, interactions and other educational material. ANSWERING TO CIRCUSLAND REPLY: As you can see from my previous reviews, my kids are used to visit museums. Usually great experiences. I did said at reception how many adults and kids we were. And we did pay all the entries, be careful with slander… Since you mentioned: it’s an abuse to consider children only up to the age of 9 y.o. Children are widely considered up yo 12 y.o. Again, an evidence that you are not child friendly. We followed other persons to the patio, which had door opened. I guess you will offend the other customers too. If you had air conditioning, consider install new ones, because it was insanely hot! (Maybe that’s why the patio door was open …) Please take feedback to improve, not to offend your customers. If your museum is more suitable for adults loving circus, which I can understand, please advertise accordingly. You will see previous reviews, from other customers, aligned with what I have just written here. Continuous improvement is an art…

A beautiful exhibit. Took me back to my childhood. The space is carefully thought out. Display information in English, too. The place is home to an incredible collection of circus memorabilia.

Interesting museum, but a bit disappointed. The knife throwing promised on the poster is not possible. There wasn't even a knife to just pretend and take a picture. There is a toilet that acts a little bit like an optical illusion, but my friends didn't experience the illusion.

The best place for circus fans in the world! Thank you so much! <3 Lusesita & Matteo

I liked it very much, a very (unexpected) interesting experience! 🙃

Lots of fun. Great collection

Wow! Better and more interesting than I expected!

Honestly one of the best meals I’ve ever had. Easily rivals Michelin Star food. The setting is stunning, the staff are very attentive and knowledgeable and the food is simply incredible.

It was my first time trying a Michelin star restaurant. I would say I expected more of an experience but overall the food was good and the place is cozy. I love how they used olive oil on the dessert which was something new for me to taste. Overall a nice experience if you are visiting Besalú.

Wonderful. From the food to the service, everything was perfect. Do not miss this. We got the menu. So good! Our waitress was so professional, she was the best. We had never received such an amazing level of service. Her name was Kiara. The way the staff worked together was inspiring, it was so impressive to see them working in such harmony. Add to this the perfect view of the Besalu bridge and you get an amazing experience, coupled with the superb food - it is worth every penny. I would go back to Besalu just to eat there again and try all the items on the menu. I highly recommend anyone who visits this area to invest the time and the effort to come and visit this awesome place. It will; being you closer to each other and comfort you in ways food usually cant. Kudos to the team - all of you. You guys are awesome. The food was fantastic.

A wonderful family owned restaurant, in the center of Besalu and in business since 1981. You can sit indoors but the terrace has great views of the medieval bridge. They have a dinner menu out of which you can choose starter, main and dessert for 45 Euros pp without drinks. Definitely worth the experience. We had chicken filled cannellonis as starter, sweet sour rabbit (speciality of the house) and cheese cake with coffee cortado. Enjoyed all the dishes, great dinning experience!

Really nice location in Besalu. We were seated under the arch on the Teraza. The waitress was very good and attentive. I had the house specialty of sweet and sour Rabbit and it was superb. My wife got the risotto and it was undercooked and not very flavorful. The cheesecake was quite different and also was somewhat bland. All in all we enjoyed the ambiance and our visit to Besalu.

Incredible location. Excellent staff. Desserts amazing. Had all the ingredients to be a five star experience except … the starters and main dishes were really average. If they could improve this it would be literally be a perfect lunch experience.

Delicious food in a fantastic location with views of the old bridge. Family run restaurant, really friend and efficient staff. We came in a bit blind, not realising that there was a set menu at 50€ a head that people usually order from. We ordered from a la carte as there were dishes that we wanted to try that didn't come in the menu, though they had no issue with us ordering a half menu for our little daughter, even though it wasn't advertised. The rabbit was delicious, I'd recommend it!

We went on a Saturday for lunch, it’s 26€ per person with all you can eat and drink restaurant. They have different stations, including meat, potato, fish, cooked/braised meat, vegetables, ham, drinks and fruit/desert/ice cream. I would say they provide enough choices for food-wise. As for drinks, they only have water(still and sparkling), wine(red and white) and 3 flavours of slushy. The great thing about dining here is that if you choose table in the garden, then you get the view of the bridge, which was what we got, and it’s very beautiful.

The Catalan dishes felt good enough and satisfying, offering local flavors without being overly fancy. Service was efficient. A good choice if you're looking for a reliable and unpretentious taste of traditional cuisine.

Riquisimo! the food was super delicious, very big choice of fish, seafood and meat!also the service is on top level - very polite and helpful managers, waiters and other staff. we had a little confusion about number of people in our reservation, because the friend´s child joined us unexpectedly, however the manager solved the issue very professionally. so that in fact we had a possibility to enjoy this wonderful lunch! many thanks and good luck to your Team! will definitely return!

all you can eat buffet, 19.90 Euro incl drinks, coffee and desserts. March 2024. friendly team, nice terrace with great view, food quality and tastes very average, pity they can't cook a bit more tasty, would not increase food costs( I can judge that as a former restaurateur myself) , variety of items large, clean set up, drinks include beers, wines, soft drinks etc

we had a nice experience in this restaurant. it is always crowded and a queue outside for the people who did the reservation. the experience was surprisingly. from the salad to meat which they have grilled meat, jamon, pasta, fruits, cakes chocolate fountain, ice cream until to unlimited drinks from sodas, wine, cava upto coffee which is really good deal for a buffet. but most of all we do enjoyed the typical Catalan in the buffet. the quality of the food is really good. the staff are really nice. a must try buffet restaurant in Besalu.

Was disorganised on arrival with seating even though we waited to be seated by the staff we were left standing for a while and then moved without explanation, wine choice poor, quantity not quality, staff ok but not very attentive. Price ok, food is traditional but the least good so far in this region, not as tasty as similar meals had elsewhere but good portions. Nice view in the garden overlooking the bridge, more chaos when it came to pay the bill, but at least it was right when they "found it". Good for families.

Quite possibly the best and most perfect buffet place in all of Europe. Unending selection, all of it good, and can't beat the view. Returning.

(Translated by Google) A good viewpoint of Besalú. (Original) Un bon mirador de Besalú.

(Translated by Google) It is very well preserved, both the sacred heart and the surroundings. You can see from up there in Besalu the sanctuary of the Mother of God of the Mountain. If it's a clear day you can even see the beach. I liked getting there by bike and finding the geodesic vertex of Puig Cornador. (Original) Esta molt ben conservat tant com el segrat cor com l entorn es pot veure desde alla dalt besalu el santuari de la mare de deu del mont fins I tot si estigues un dia clar es podria veure la platja m agradat arribar-hi amb bicicleta I trobar el vertex geodesic del puig cornador

(Translated by Google) There is a good view from the top, but the road to get there from Besalú does not kill much. (Original) Hi ha bona vista des de dalt, però el camí per arribar-hi des de Besalú no mata gaire.

(Translated by Google) We went up in 3 hours or so...and down in 2 hours...a fantastic experience climbing up there...mission accomplished and happy to have arrived...we prayed and had a sandwich for lunch that we carried in a light backpack...how beautiful It's my beloved Besalu...how beautiful all of Spain is...I miss all its places😔 (Original) Subimos en 3hs más o menos...y bajamos en 2hs... una experiencia fantástica escalar hasta allí... misión cumplida y alegres de haber llegado ...rezamos y almorzamos sándwich que llevamos en una ligera mochila...que bello es mi amado Besalu...que bella es toda España...Extraño todos sus lugares😔

(Translated by Google) Very beautiful (Original) Muy bello

(Translated by Google) Spectacular view of Besalu. (Original) Vista espectacular de Besalu.

(Translated by Google) Very good views on a clear day you can see the sea it is a very beautiful nature and landscape tour (Original) Molt bones vistas un dia clar pots veure el mar es un recorregut molt bonic natura I paisatge

Very interesting medieval place to visit in this part of Spain, the bridge along with the city gives very pleasant walking experience although it will take max 1h and you can leave Besalu to go see something else ;)

Very beautiful medevil city.

(Translated by Google) Magnificent village visited with a guide. Worth the detour. (Original) Magnifique village visité avec un guide. Mérite le détour.

(Translated by Google) Old bridge of Besalú, medieval. (Original) Pont vell de Besalú, medieval.

(Translated by Google) Beautiful population! Full of magic and charm... When you walk through its streets and alleys, you expect that at any moment you will see a dragon or a knight in armor. I recommend it, you will travel to the past (Original) Bella poblacion! Llena de magia y encanto... Cuando caminas por sus calles y callejuelas, esperas que en cualquier momento veas un dragón o un caballero con su armadura. Lo recomiendo, viajarás al pasado

(Translated by Google) I LOVE going out to this beautiful village of Besalu 🤗 (Original) J'ADORE faire une sortie dans ce magnifique village Besalu 🤗

(Translated by Google) Beautiful... It is a town with a lot of charm and very well preserved... Besalú is to be enjoyed... Walking through its streets and its spectacular entrance bridge. (Original) Precioso... Es un pueblo con mucho encanto y muy bien conservado... Besalú es para disfrutarlo... Paseando por sus calles y su espectacular puente de entrada.

(Translated by Google) It was closed (Original) Estaba cerrado

(Translated by Google) Every modernist to Olot. (Original) Cada modernista a Olot.

(Translated by Google) Good (Original) Bien

(Translated by Google) Dream wealth (Original) Ricon de ensueño

It's a very picturesque Romanesque bridge. Free to cross and nicely lit up at night. The town of Besalú is nice and it is worth staying overnight if you can.

Beautiful medieval old town worth visiting if you want a day trip from Barcelona. It's a nice change from the coastal cities and has different things to explore than the usual beach vibes.

Impressive view and cizy village for a stroll. Good value terraces. A must see. Half day is enough with lunch or drinks

Lovely spot in Besalu with the perfect vantage point of aeeing the medieval city and the Besalu bridge. Our dogs also loved walking around

Pont de Besalú is the iconic bridge connecting historic Besalú to the rest of Cataluña. The history of the bridge’s origins are somewhat unknown - however documentation of the bridge is known to exist from early in the 11th century. Defensive towers were added to it later and yet to this day it welcomes visitors from around the world to and dazzles them as the visitors enter historic Besalú.

A visit to pretty Besalu is a must. It's very picturesque, great bridge and a beautiful church. Wish I'd had time to spend longer there.

There are plenty of information signs around the town covering the bridge, the old 10th century tower ruins and even early electrical hydro power plants.

The site of the Jewish Synagogue of Besalú is emotional and moving for anyone who can imagine the daily life of the Jews of Besalú, the interactions, social integration and religious separation out of piety -- a piety that Chrstians would have done well to emulate -- with everyone in the community. It is emotional if we are strong enough to imagine the moment things got worse, when the Jews of Besalú were forced to leave everything and move to Girona, a city which they hoped would provide some safety, even if only for a short while. The Synagogue remains, the classroom for the young boys, the upper level for the women, the room for Torah study, and the assembly area, are all exposed and free to visit, with plenty of places to sit and read your siddur and remember. The Mikvah is locked and requires purchasing a guided tour ticket, which costs less than 2 euros. Well worth doing. Our guide proved to be very educated and sensitive to the history, and made the private tour part of the wonderful experience. Visit Besalú, you will love it.

Absolutely amazing to see the Mikveh (=Jewish Ritual Bath) is such good condition. It was built circa 1264 and remained in use for about 150 years.

Incredible historical site. I highly suggest reaching out to the tourism office in Besalu if you want a tour of the Mikveh, as they only open it at odd hours.

Very small village. Bridge is probably the only really impressive thing u are going to find there

This is a pretty small town with middle ages streets, bridge, tower, houses and church. The most fascinating spot however is the Jewish purification ceremonial bath (mikvah). In contrast to the synagogue on top of it, the bath, which was built below is very well preserved. This place gives a dramatic feel of that time (see photo attached). Highly recommended. The dour to the mikvah is locked, so to get in, one must set up a tour with a guide (in advance) at the tourist information office, which is situated at the other side of the bridge.

Very interesting history in a scenic spot

Only accessible through guide, otherwise locked. Worth it!

Església de Sant Vincenç de Besalú is a church that dates back to the later half of the 10th century. It is considered to be a mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. It is located in Besalú’s historic center and can easily seen when exploring the rest of Besalú; alone it is average.

It goes against Christianity to charge patrons to enter a church. They have blocked off the entrance with a woman sitting right at the front saying there is a fee to step inside. The things I have seen out here I have never encountered in any other country I have visited. Anything odd goes. Expect to pay money to enter. They also don’t allow photos if you haven’t paid. They make a tourist trap even in the house of God. How incredibly immoral of them.

Beautiful little church. There was a really cool crown of thorns chandelier. Too bad it wasn't lit up.

I love this church!

The main church in the village by the biggest square, surrounded by a lot of bar/restaurant with outdoor seating

Beautiful church

(Translated by Google) It is worth paying the €1.00 to enter. A Romanesque church and some curiosities to discover (Original) Val la pena pagar el 1,00€ per entrar-hi. Una església romànica i alguna curiositat a descobrir

Impressive ruins of a 11th century church. Hidden in the forest of the highest mountain in the region.

Absolutely stunning ruins. Great van parking spot nearby to sleep overnight.

Wow! Breathtaking views!

Lovely ruins in lovely surroundings

Worth a visit indeed

Expectacular

(Translated by Google) Simply an essential visit before going up to the Sanctuary of the World. (Original) Senzillament una visita imprescindible abans de pujar al Santuari del Món.

An interesting exhibition showing 15th-century medieval life. It was very useful to be able to scan a QR code and have all the explanations available in English to read or as an audio. I look forward to returning on my next visit to Besalu.

Beautiful exposition where you get to see the medieval history of Besalú. It's an interesting experience you get to do in Besalú!

Very impressive ! Good exposition and kind people

Very friendly host. If you come to Besalu, it is worth seeing!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Incredible Work! The Exposició S.XV – Alma Cubrae was seriously impressive. Everything was made by hand, and the amount of detail is just insane. The website was super informative too — great explanations and awesome history lessons. Huge respect to the team for pulling this off.

Very interesting exhibition, and an opportunity to take photos and touch some armour. Our 7 year old love it and was really interested.

A fantastic value visit - for €3 you see an array of silicone figures dressed in armour and other medieval wares, complete with detailed explanation of the items. The owner gives a detailed explanation of the first few mannequins which are so impressive. Very good value for money and incredibly interesting.