Travel Guide To Reus, Spain
If you’re planning to visit Reus, Spain, our guide to the stunning Catalan city shares the best things to do, where to sample local vermut, and a few restaurant recommendations.
By: Lesley Stewart | February 2025
Reus, Spain is without doubt one of the best towns to visit in northeast Spain. A relatively hidden gem, its historical centre is small, compact, and less visited than other towns on the nearby Catalan coast.
Yet, amongst those in the know, Reus is a must-see city.
Known for its incredible art, lively boulevards, and notable dining scene, Reus has a lot to offer visitors. With pockets of modernist architecture a reminder of the city’s artistic past, much of the town is more contemporary than other historic corners of northeast Spain like Tarragona.
But from Reus, you can get a taste of everything this region offers, including a traditional town in Catalonia.
Reus is only 15 minutes from historic Tarragona and 1.5 hours from Barcelona, making it an easy day trip or weekend getaway. Equally, it makes a fantastic base for exploring Catalan’s western side if you want something local and charming.
I’m lucky to have spent a day and lively evening in the town on a recent visit to the region. And I can honestly say I loved every moment.
The vermut bars, the Gaudí architecture, its rich history, the charming plazas and pretty corners make it a perfect stop on any itinerary in Costa Daurada, Spain. It is a beautiful town, offering an escape from the busier towns and buzzy beach resorts that often overshadow it.
In this guide to Reus, I’ll share the best places to stay, things to do, and a few restaurant recommendations and where to sample local vermut.
Where to stay in Reus
Hotel Centre Reus: for the best modern hotel in the city.
Hotel Mas La Boella: for the best for luxury, idyllic country house stay.
H10 Imperial Tarraco: for the best stylish, chic hotel in nearby Tarragona.
If you’re planning a trip to Reus, don’t miss my 7-day Costa Daurada itinerary and guides to spending the best day in Tarragona, Cambrils, and Salou!
Best Things to do in Reus, Spain
1. Spend Time In the historic centre
If there’s one thing we loved most about Reus in Spain, it was wandering the historic centre. Like any charming town in Spain, the experience always begins with a proper walk, getting lost in the streets and discovering plazas and hidden corners.
I’d advise to do so for a few hours and follow the winding alleys and narrow streets. Unlike Barcelona or Malaga, it’s a compact old town, and you can’t get too far until you meet one of Reus’s lively squares. Reus doesn’t necessarily have grand museums, but there are culturally important sights to explore and a few sights worth seeking are Plaça del Mercadal and Plaça Prim.
This plaza was once the commercial centre of all Catalonia, and it is suitably grand with opulent archways and glamorous facades. Though not all buildings from Reus’s golden age have survived, it’s still an elegant spot to explore.
For a peek into what Reus used to look like, visit Foto Niepce; a small photography museum, it’s a treasure trove of historic gems.
Equally unmissable is Plaça del Mercadal. This is where you’ll find some of the town’s most famous buildings such as the City Hall, the Gaudí Centre and Casa Navàs.
Grab a coffee, vermut, or tapas from the iconic Café de Reus. Or, for lunch, deliciously stuffed pastries from Empanada Club. You’ll find both in side streets just behind the square.
2. Casa Navàs
An astonishing Gaudí-inspired merchant's home from 1901 sits on Plaça del Mercadal. It’s utterly fascinating, and you can book a tour to see the opulent interior. It’s one of the most important historic buildings in town and one of the best examples of the Modernist architectural style for which Reus is so famous. So worth taking a look.
Tickets for Casa Navàs cost €13 per person (free for under 8s) and run regularly from 11am daily. Book in advance here.
3. Follow the Modernist Route
The historic centre of Reus is dominated by modernist buildings, an architectural style that emerged in Catalonia in the early 20th century. These buildings are defined by their ornate detailing and nature-inspired designs. They are, in short, unique and captivating.
There are around 80 such buildings scattered across the city centre. If you, like me, are happy seeing the highlights, I suggest visiting the most notable: Casa Navàs, Casa Rull, Casa Gasull and the Pere Mata Institute.
But if you’d like to explore more architectural wonders from this period, you can book a walking tour at the Reus tourist information office. This will take you to and inside many buildings you won’t find on a standard map. Tours last around 2.5 hours and cost €120 per group.
Alternatively, follow the “Ruta del Modernisme” on your own; 29 buildings have been combined into a free tour. Pick up a map at the tourist information office or download it here.
As a final note, these buildings were heavily inspired by Reus-born Antoni Gaudí, a legendary Spanish architect whose most famous work is the Sagrada Família in Barcelona. In Reus, you can visit The Gaudí Centre - a biographical museum in Plaça del Mercadal dedicated to the creator.
4. Prioral de Sant Pere
Built in the 16th century, this church connects the modern city with its historical past,and it features a blend of Renaissance and Gothic styles.
The Esglesia Prioral de Sant Pere (Prioral de Sant Pere or Priory church of Sant Pere Apòstol) was originally the only parish church in Reus. Today, it is one of the most highly-visited monuments in the city - and for good reason.
It also has one of the most impressive exteriors, and as you pass through its multiple archways, it gives a definite “wow” moment.
If you want to venture inside the church, there are tombs, a spectacular main nave and high altar, beautiful frescoes, decorative elements, and intricate stonework. There are seven floors to climb, but the stairs (which inspired those in the Sagrada Familia) lead to a 360-degree view of the entire city of Reus. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Barcelona.
Hours vary but typically are from 10:30 to 13:00 and 16:30 to 20:00. Entry is €2 to visit the church and bell tower.
5. Sample Local vermut
If you want a break from strolling and architecture, make time to sample another of the town’s famous exports - the local vermut.
Surrounded by vineyards, there are over thirty local vermut producers of the Spanish version of vermouth, which has a delicious mulled wine-like sweetness. The locals drink this aperitif in the afternoon (it also pairs well with cured meats and olives). But I think it makes for the perfect sundowner.
In the historic centre, there are many excellent bars serving vermut. But I recommend nearby Cafe de Reus. If you can, sit in the bar area and watch a steady stream of tapas and cocktails whizz by.
How to get to Reus, Spain
From the UK: Most major UK airports offer regular flights to Reus airport. From the airport, it's a straightforward 10-minute drive into the town centre. Alternatively, a private taxi from Reus Airport into the town will cost around €15.
From Tarragona: Reus is easy to visit from Tarragona, and the best option is to go by train. Some trains are faster than others, but most will get you to Reus train station in around 20 minutes. From there, it’s a 10-minute walk or a short taxi ride to the old town.
From Barcelona: Barcelona to Reus is around a 1.5-hour drive, but if you want to skip the car, the best option is by train. You’ll want to book your tickets with Renfe in advance. Some trains are faster than others, but direct trains will get you from Barcelona-Sants to Reus train station in around 2 hours. From there, you can take a 10-minute walk or a short taxi ride to the old town.
Note: This trip was sponsored by Jet2Holidays and the Costa Daurada Tourist Board, but all opinions are very much my own.
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