Reus Travel Guide-33 Things To Do In And Near Reus
Reus city centre is awash with gorgeous architecture. Although the town’s main claim to fame is being the home town of Gaudi, it has heaps more to offer than this alone. In parts of the centre, beautiful buildings are so frequent, that you just turn your head and another one is staring you in the face. It has that wonderful feeling of being protected by the mountains, but with the sea only a short distance away. So although strictly speaking it falls into the inland category, you’re not far from the coast at all.
Located 10 km from where the sea laps onto the shoreline of the Costa Dorada, Reus has its own small airport only 3 km from the town centre. This is serviced by the likes of Ryanair and other budget airlines. However heaps of passengers who use these airlines have no idea of the beauty of the city itself, and just head off to nearby seaside towns. The closest beach is at Salou, but there are plenty of other ones also to choose from, such as La Pineda and Cambrils. Alternatively the fabulous city of Tarragona is only 14 km away, which is around a 15 minute drive or so.
Find out about how Reus feels and looks, and check out 33 things that you can do in or near Reus.
My first time in the city centre of Reus was in late August, and apart from the amazing architecture, I was really struck by the amount of lovely shops. Quite a few of these shops also had some outdoor displays of their stock, no doubt there to tempt you to come in to buy, but at the same time adding to the buzzy street atmosphere.
About
I had seen photos online of Plaza de Prim, but of course they can’t translate the majesty that surrounds you, when you are in the square in person. For me the pleasure of just having a cup of coffee in the square is enough of an excuse to go to Reus, although there are plenty more.
One reason that many people visit the town of Reus, is to follow in the footsteps of Gaudi. There is a route that you can walk along, that lets you trace where he was born, baptised, and spent his childhood and youth, and incorporates a visit to the Gaudí Centre. Also the city is part of a four-part destination route, which also takes you to places where other creative geniuses have spent time – so you could follow in the footsteps of Picasso, Miro and Casals. Learn more by clicking on the Route of the Four Geniuses.
Lovers of modernism also flock to the city, to visit the modernist buildings that make up the city’s Modernism Route. In reality you don’t even need to do the route, although of course it would be very nice to do it if you’ve an interest in modernism or architecture. Once you get into the central part of the city, you’re more or less tripping up over modernist buildings anyhow.
Things To Do
Architectural Interest
1. Ajuntament de Reus – Reus Town Hall
Plaça del Mercadal, 1, 43201 Reus
You have to admire the fact that so many towns both in Catalonia and the Valencia community has lovely town halls. Sometimes you’ll see this even in some of the smaller villages, and is city like Reus, the Town Hall is one of many buildings should be admired. The original building on the same site dated back to the 16th century.
2. Plaça de Prim – Prim Square
Although this is not where you’ll find the Gaudi Centre, this square tends to be one of the most photographed locations in Reus. Guess why??
3. Plaça del Mercadal
If you’ve already ticked number 1 off this list of things to do in Reus, then you’ll have been to Plaça del Mercadal. Whatever is your first or main reason to go there, don’t forget to just hang out and take in the beauty.
4. Antic Hospital de Sant Joan Reus – Old Hospital of Saint John Reus
In the book written by Sr. Pere Anguera, about the history of the hospital from 1240 until 1990, it states that little was known about the hospital in the early days, except for that primitive hospital did exist in the year 1244. Right up until the 16th century the income of the hospital depended on those who were kind enough to leave donations. However later by the 18th-century there was a proper management system in place.
5. A Giant Celebration – Statues For The Being The City of Giants In Catalonia In 1993
In a way I prefer not to tell you about this one, because kind of fun just stumble upon these statues. The tradition of giants across Catalonia is absolutely huge, excuse the pun, and these statues celebrate Reus being the city of giants in Catalonia, in the year 1993.
6. Salou Dancing Fountains
Making the short 9 km journey to Salou for one of the evenings of your holiday, is just worthwhile purely to see the Salou Dancing Fountains. Officially known as the Font Illuminosa Salou – The Illuminated Fountain – this performance includes 210 variations of light, water and music. Check it out here at Salou Illuminated Fountain.
7. La Masia Catalana Salou – The Catalan Farmhouse
Regardless of what time of year your holiday is, the Catalan Farmhouse in Salou is also worth a visit. During the summer season there is quite a lot going on there, and a Christmas you can see the live nativity scene there. Find out more here at the Catalan Farmhouse Salou.
8. General Prim Statue – Plaça de Prim – Prim Square Reus
You don’t want to miss the striking figure that the statue of General Prim strikes in the square in his honour.
9. Fortuny Statue
Just around the corner you can see the statue in honour of Marià Fortuny i Marsal – the best known Catalan painter of his time, at home and internationally, who was more commonly called Marià Fortuny or Mariano Fortuny.
10. House Where José Tapiró y Baró Was Born
José Tapiró y Baró was a close friend of Fortuny’s and another great Catalan painter. You can see the house where he was born also in Reus.
Beaches
11. Tarragona Beaches
Have you ever sunbathed and swam with an amphitheatre in the background? If not then why not head off to the wonderful city of Tarragona to check out its beaches. It’s only 14 km away from Reus, so click here on Tarragona Beaches to check them out.
12. Salou Beaches
Alternatively if you prefer an obviously super lively holiday resort town, then Salou could be your cup of tea …or pint or two of beer, as might be the case in a place like this. It’s a mere 9km from Reus. See the resort’s beaches by following the link for Salou Beaches.
13. Cambrils Beaches
A very popular choice with Irish families is the port town of Cambrils. You can find lovely beaches there, plus a Mc Donalds that’s in a great location, just looking at the promenade and sea. See the Cambrils beaches here – they are around 12km from Reus.
14. La Pineda Beach
Another good spot for a fine beach of around 2.5km in length is La Pineda, also not far away from Reus, at around 14km. At some spots you can lose yourself in the glorious smell of pine trees at La Pineda Beach.
Churches
15. Església Prioral de Sant Pere de Reus – Priory Church Of St. Peter Reus
This is a striking church which has great architecture, and it’s not too far away from the Gaudi Centre. It has gorgeous stained glass, was built between 1512 and 1569.
Museums
16. Salvador Vilaseca of Reus Archaeological Museum
Calle Raval de Santa Anna, 59, 43201 Reus – Phone: +34 977 010 660
Here you can see items such as ceramics from the 16th and 17th centuries, Baroque religious statues, Gothic panels, plus remains from different periods, such as the Roman and prehistoric eras. The collection takes you on a journey of the history of this fine city.
Theme Parks
17. Port Aventura Salou
The famous Port Aventura is hardly any distance away from Reus – around a 10km journey. To find out more about the theme park that in 2012, won the award of being Europe’s Best Amusement Park, follow the link Port Aventura Salou.
18. Aquopolis Costa Dorada- La Pineda Platja
Only 14km from Reus you can visit the water park, which is just be the beach in La Pineda Platja, click here for details.
Modernist Routes
19. Casa Gasull Reus – Gasull House
Carrer de Sant Joan 29
Designed by the amazing prolific architect Lluís Domènech i Muntaner , in collaboration with his son Pere Domènech i Roura, this modernist house was built in 1911 for the oil trader, Pere Gasull i Roig.
20. Gaudi Centre Reus
Plaça del Mercadal
Whether you came to the city of Reus because of Anton Gaudí or not, it would be something close to a crime to spend time there and check out the Gaudí Centre. Right in the heart of the old historic part of city, is centred that pays tribute to the city’s most famous son, allowing you to tap into his genius and engage your senses.
21.Gaudi Route Reus
Ideally if you have enough time, you should do the Gaudi Route in Reus, which will take you to where he was born, baptised and places where he spent his childhood and youth. It also takes in the Gaudí Centre. Click here to find out more.
22.Casa Navàs – Navas House
Corner of Carrer de Jésus
Another creation of the prolific architect Lluis Domenech i Montaner, Casa Navàs was built between the years of 1901-1908. The best craftsmen of the time were involved and it has not (as yet in 2014) undergone any refurbishment work.
23. Insitut Pere Mata – Peter Mata Institute
Outskirts of town
Built between 1897 and 1912, Institut Pere Mata in Reus was designed by Lluis Domenech i Montaner., as the area’s psychiatric hospital. It’s listed as a modernist architectural BCIL and specifically, the pavilion is a Distinguished Cultural Asset of National Interest ever since 2013
24. Casa Pinyol
Plaça Mercadal
This is a modernist building by the architect, Pere Caselles I Tarrats, which was built in 1910.
25. Casa Rull
Carrer de Sant Joan 27
Casa Rull is another modernist building by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, constructed in 1901.
26. Escoles Prat de la Riba
L’avinguda Prat de la Riba 36.
This was built by Pere Caselles i Tarrats, in 1911.
27. Escorxador (now the library)
Carrer de l’Escorxador
The sign can still be seen at the top of the building that shows it was the slaughter house. It was designed by Pere Caselles i Tarrats, in 1899.
28. Estació Enològica – Onelogy Station
Passeig Sunyer 4 – 6
Another marvellous modernist building by Pere Caselles i Tarrats, built between 1906 to 1910. It certainly looks like an interesting place to work, studying all aspects of wine …
29. Casa Munné
Raval Martí Folguera 2
Casa Munné was designed by Pere Caselles i Tarrats, in 1904,
30. Casa Sardà
L’avinguda Prat de la Riba, 41
Also by Pere Caselles i Tarrats, in 1896
31. Casa Marco
Raval Santa Anna 23 – 25
Casa Marco is by Pere Domènech Roura, from the year 1926,
32. Xalet Serra
Carretera de Castellvell
The Serra Chalet is by Joan Rubió i Bellver, designed in 1911,
Where to Sleep
Where to Eat
Events
Markets
33. Reus Central Market
Located almost opposite to the old hospital of St. John, Reus’ Central Market has been serving customers since 1949. It’s a big market, that measures 3915m2 and also has another 443m2 for storage and fridges.
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday 08:00 a 14:00, Friday 07:30 to 14:30 and 17:00 to 20:30. Saturday 07:30 a 15:00
I’ve never been to Reus but I’ve heard a lot about it. The artchitecture looks stunning – so traditional. Although I have to say I’m not so keen on the look of the Gaudi Centre from the outside. Was there much opposition to that?
Quick ‘heads up’: the link to Port Aventura Salou (I suspect our kids would want to pay a visit there!) is broken because it has http tagged on the end.
Thanks Paul for the comment and heads up. I do agree entirely about the Gaudi centre. I remember feeling a bit repulsed and disappointed the first time I saw it….not sure if there was opposition, but in my opinion there should have been.
Being a Gaudi fan, I was delighted to read more about Reus. This is a definitive guide to a beautiful city and you have gone to a huge effort to share all of this information with us. Thank you. We will be using this when we get to visit.
Thanks Paula, I am really glad that you will be able to use the information that I’ve included in the guide. I am also a big Gaudà fan, but love both art and architecture in general. I would love to hear how you get on whenever you manage to visit.
Whoa what an impressive guide. This is so detailed, thanks so much for putting this together. Aquopolis Costa Dorada- La Pineda Platja seems to be the place you’d find me 🙂
Thanks Erin, really glad that you like it! 🙂 Aquopolis Costa Dorada- La Pineda Platja is a good spot for a family for sure.
The churches and the courtyards, cities with such gorgeous surroundings I love and this is picture perfect, something to gawp at every which way!
Absolutely Anna…or just sit on the main square and have a coffee and people watch! 🙂
The first thing I noticed when reading this review of Reus is the list of things to do is endless…I could imagine that you simply wouldn’t have enought time to experience all of these awesome attractions. I am a huge lover of fine architecture and this city is clearly full of this. Definitely added to my list of places to visit!
Cheers Chris. Yes there’s absolutely heaps you could do, but as I said to Anna to sit in the Plaza Prim, enjoy the architecture and people watch over a coffee.
What a comprehensive guide to the area, I would love to visit this gorgeous city.
Yes it would definitely be somewhere that you would enjoy Noel.
Just wanted to say how much I love the re-design and the addition of the map is a god send. My geography is appalling and this really helps.
Kathryn, thanks so much. It is not 100% but for our next stage there and thereabouts. I have another level planned, but everything takes a lot of time for the guy doing it….mostly cos he has a lot of clients. 🙂 I love the designs of yours, so I am very happy with this feedback. Thanks again 🙂