Amazing Day Trip to Tarragona from Barcelona by Train

While Barcelona with its bustling city life, Gaudi architecture, and beautiful beaches has plenty to offer, sometimes a day trip outside the city can be just what you need to get a different perspective of Catalonia.

I was so impressed by my day trip to Tarragona from Barcelona. It’s easy to get there by train and the atmosphere of this historic coastal town is so different from Barcelona. I highly recommend adding this charming city to your itinerary when visiting Barcelona.

You can admire ancient Roman ruins, relax on the beautiful beaches, look for some amazing street art, and so much more.

How to Get from Barcelona to Tarragona

The easiest and most convenient way to get from Barcelona to Tarragona is by train. The journey takes only about 1.5 hours and trains run frequently throughout the day. This makes Tarragona one of the best day trips from Barcelona by train.

You can buy the train ticket online in advance or at the train station on the day of your trip. Either way, I recommend getting to the train station Barcelona Sants early enough since it’s quite big and you might need some time to find the right way.

Getting from Barcelona to Tarragona by Train

There are high-speed trains and regional trains going from Barcelona to Tarragona. It might be tempting to opt for the high-speed train as it only takes half an hour and is sometimes even cheaper than the regional train, but I highly recommend getting a regional train.

The high-speed train station, Camp de Tarragona, is quite far from the city center, with infrequent buses to the city center. I took the high-speed train to Tarragona and altogether it took me almost 1.5 hours from Barcelona Sants to Tarragona because I had to wait so long for the bus.

The regional train to Tarragona from Barcelona takes about 1.5 hours, it’s a more scenic route, you go past Sitges and Vilanova. And you don’t have to change as the regional trains stop very near to the center of Tarragona.

Best Things to Do in Tarragona

Once you arrive, there are plenty of things to do and see in Tarragona. Here are some recommendations for a perfect day trip.

Explore the Roman History of Tarragona

Tarragona is known for its well-preserved ancient Roman ruins. You can take a walk through the old town and admire the Amphitheatre, the Circus Maximus, and the Roman Forum.

Exploring this history is one of the things that makes Tarragona worth visiting. I was so impressed, before finding Tarragona I didn’t even know there were Roman ruins like that in Spain.

🤩 Learn more about the Roman times in Tarragona on a walking tour!

Relax on the Beautiful Beaches

Tarragona also offers a stunning coastline with beautiful beaches on the Mediterranean sea which are perfect for relaxing and reading a book, or for a refreshing swim. The most famous beach is Platja del Miracle, which is located just a short walk from the city center.

Keep in mind that the train tracks run between the city center and the beach and there aren’t that many crossing points, so make sure to plan your route accordingly.

Wander through the Old Town

Tarragona has a charming old town with narrow streets, picturesque squares, and colorful buildings. Take your time to wander through the streets and discover hidden gems such as quaint shops, and lovely cafes.

Don’t miss the catholic Cathedral of Tarragona, a beautiful example of Gothic and Romanesque architecture.

🤩 A private walking tour is the best way to explore the city center!

Look for Street Art

The city of Tarragona also has an impressive street art scene. As you explore the city, keep an eye out for murals and graffiti on buildings and walls.

One of my favorite pieces is at the Plaça dels Sedassos, one building on the square has a completely painted facade with different scenes on it, it looks very cool.

Another great place for street art in Tarragona is the old Fisher Quarter, El Serrallo, where you can find colorful murals and art installations.

Walk down La Rambla Nova

La Rambla Nova is the main street in Tarragona and it’s a vibrant pedestrian zone. It goes all the way from Plaça Imperial Tàrraco to the popular Mediterranean Balcony viewpoint, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the coast and the sea.

Along the way, you’ll find shops, cafes, restaurants, and some interesting statues. Don’t miss the statue of the human tower, which is a traditional Catalan sport. I’ve seen one of these towers in real life once in Barcelona and it was unbelievable.

🤩 A great way to see Tarragona is with a walking tour!

Vegan Food in Tarragona

Tarragona can not compete with the amazing vegan restaurants in Barcelona, but considering its size it’s quite impressive that Tarragona has 3 all-vegan restaurants/cafés. Unfortunately, only one was open during my visit, but this one was amazing!

I had a sandwich and an absolutely delicious chocolate croissant from La Veggiesseria. It’s a cute little vegan café, the perfect spot for a quick bite.

El Vergel is the main vegan restaurant in Tarragona for sit-down meals. There’s also a vegan cat café called La Gata Insubmisa. And there are also plenty of non-vegan restaurants with great options for vegans.

Final Thoughts: Best Day Trip to Tarragona from Barcelona by Train

Tarragona is a hidden gem just a short train ride away from Barcelona. From its ancient Roman ruins to its charming old town and beautiful beaches, this coastal city is definitely worth visiting.

Overall, my experience in Tarragona was incredible and I can’t wait to go back and discover even more of its hidden treasures.

So next time you’re in Barcelona, don’t hesitate to take a day trip to this amazing destination or add Tarragona to your Spain itinerary. You won’t regret it!

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