15 Amazing Things to Do in Tarragona, Spain

Tarragona is a charming city located on the Mediterranean coast of Spain. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful beaches, it’s no wonder that it has become a popular tourist destination.

I took a day trip from Barcelona to Tarragona and loved it. It was like traveling back to the Roman Empire. The Amphitheater by the ocean is just stunning, but there’s more to Tarragona. It’s also where Spain’s human towers began, one of the most unique sights I’ve ever seen!

In this guide, I will share the best things to do in Tarragona so that you can make the most out of your visit.

Best Things to Do in Tarragona Spain

1. Admire the Amphitheater

The most popular attraction in Tarragona is undoubtedly the Amfiteatre de Tarragona, also known as the Roman Amphitheater. Built in the 2nd century AD, this impressive structure could hold up to 14,000 spectators and was used for gladiatorial games and other events.

Today, visitors can walk through the ruins of the amphitheater and imagine what it would have been like during its prime.

No matter if you want to go inside or not, having a look at the amphitheater with the Mediterranean Sea in the background is a must-do in Tarragona.

🤩 Learn about the ancient history of Tarragona on a walking tour!

2. Explore More Roman Ruins

Aside from the amphitheater, Tarragona is filled with other Roman ruins that are worth exploring.

The Circ Roma or Roman Circus was once a chariot race track and now stands as an archaeological site. You can also visit the Roman Theatre and the Colonial Forum, which was the city’s main square during Roman times.

You can also wander next to the ancient city walls, which still stand tall after centuries. All these ruins give you a glimpse into Tarragona’s past.

🤩 Visit as many historic sites as you want on this customizable walking tour!

3. Wander Through the Old Town

One of my favorite things to do in any European city is get lost in its old town, and Tarragona is no exception. The narrow streets of the Part Alta (old town) are lined with charming buildings, small shops, and cozy cafes.

Step through the Portal del Roser, one of the gateways to the old town, and take your time exploring the winding streets. Sooner or later you’ll find yourself in front of the Tarragona cathedral.

🤩 I love this walking tour for the knowledgeable guide!

4. Visit the Cathedral of Tarragona

Located in the heart of the old town, the Catedral de Santa Tecla is an impressive Gothic and Romanesque cathedral that dates back to the 12th century.

It’s worth going inside to admire its stunning architecture, colorful stained glass windows, and beautiful cloister.

🤩 I love this walking tour for the included entrance ticket to the cathedral!

5. Have a Look at the Painted Facade

The most beautiful house facade in Tarragona’s old town is at Placa dels Sedassos. All the windows and doors are painted. And there are so many details to explore.

Take your time to admire the facade, you can even have a drink at a café right next to it while you look at the facade. I just love street art, so I highly recommend to not miss this work of art.

6. Walk Down Rambla Nova

For a taste of modern Tarragona, head to Rambla Nova, the city’s main boulevard. It’s like the overrated Las Ramblas in Barcelona just nicer. The walkway in between the streets is lined with benches, trees, and market stalls if you visit at the right time.

You can also find some interesting statues and fountains along the way like the Monument to Roger de Llúria, at the very end of the boulevard.

🤩 Visit all the top sights in Tarragona on a walking tour!

7. See a Human Pyramid

One of the most unique and impressive traditions in Tarragona is the human pyramid, also known as castells. Every year in September during the Santa Tecla Festival, teams compete to create the tallest and most intricate human pyramid.

If you don’t get a chance to see a real-life human tower, you can at least see the statue of one at Rambla Nova.

I saw a human pyramid in Barcelona and it was absolutely amazing! It’s incredible that you can make such a high tower with humans. You can see them creating a tower by climbing on top of each other layer by layer. It was so fascinating to see.

8. Enjoy the View from the Mediterranean Balcony

Located right next to the amphitheater, the Balcó del Mediterrani, or Mediterranean Balcony offers scenic views of the coastline and the sea. It’s a great spot to take some photos and relax while taking in the beautiful scenery.

9. Relax at the Beach

Tarragona is also known for its gorgeous beaches, with crystal clear waters and golden sand. The most popular beach is Playa del Miracle, which is easily accessible from the city center.

When I visited Tarragona on a day trip from Barcelona in March it wasn’t quite warm enough for the beach, even though some people did swim in the ocean. I ended up walking along the beach and it was so beautiful.

10. Shop at the Central Market of Tarragona

For a taste of local life and some fresh produce, head to the Mercat Central de Tarragona or Central Market. You can find all sorts of fruits and vegetables here.

It’s also a great spot to pick up some souvenirs like olive oil, or wine. Plus, the building itself is worth seeing, with its Art Nouveau style.

11. Eat the Best Vegan Croissants in Town

If you’re looking for the best vegan cakes and pastries in Tarragona, look no further than La Veggiesseria. I had a sandwich and a croissant there and the croissant was absolutely amazing. I just wish I had gotten a bigger one as I only had a mini one as dessert.

You can either have your sweet treat inside the café or take it to-go and enjoy it in one of Tarragona’s beautiful parks. I had my croissant in the Camp de Mart park which is located just outside the Roman walls.

12. Look for Street Art in Barri del Serrallo

The Barri del Serrallo neighborhood is known for its seafaring history. But it’s also a great place to find some unique street art.

Take a stroll through the neighborhood and see what pieces you can discover, from colorful murals to creative installations.

13. Have a Drink at a Plaça

One of my favorite things to do in Spain is have a drink at one of the many outdoor plazas. Tarragona has plenty of them, and they are the perfect place for people-watching and soaking up the local culture.

Some of my favorites include Plaça de la Font, Plaça del Fòrum, and Plaça del Rei. Just find a spot with some outdoor seating, order a drink, and enjoy the atmosphere.

14. Visit the The Ferreres Aqueduct

Located just outside of Tarragona, the Pont del Diable or Devil’s Bridge is a well-preserved Roman aqueduct that was used to supply water to the city.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to check out the aqueduct but I found a really cool mural of it in the center of Tarragona.

15. Explore the Surrounding Area of Tarragona

While Tarragona itself has plenty to offer, the surrounding area also has some beautiful spots worth exploring.

For those looking to add a little adventure or relaxation to their visit, consider exploring the nearby mountains and vineyards.

Alternatively, you can hop on a train to Sitges for a day trip to enjoy its beautiful beaches and vibrant art scene.

Final Thoughts: Tarragona Things to Do

Whether you’re interested in the Roman history of Spain, or just looking for a relaxing getaway, Tarragona has got you covered.

You can see the top attractions in one day in Tarragona but when you want to spend more time on the beach you can easily spend multiple days in this charming coastal town.

Tarragona is definitely a must-visit destination in Spain. Make sure to add it to your travel plans for an unforgettable experience!

🤩 Visit all the Tarragona tourist attractions an hidden gems on a walking tour!

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