Reus, located in the province of Tarragona in Catalonia, is a charming town that is often overlooked by visitors to the region. However, for those who decide to visit, Reus offers plenty of attractions for you to enjoy, especially if you are interested in architecture, history, and Catalan culture. Read on to discover my tips for planning a trip to Reus, including how to get there, where to stay, and the best things to do in Reus!
I’ll cover what to do in Reus first, then you’ll find the information on how to get to Reus and where to stay at the end of the article, so you can plan the perfect Reus itinerary for your trip.
The Best Things to Do in Reus
Reus is best known as the birthplace of the famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí (who designed the Sagrada Familia and many other iconic buildings in Barcelona. While Gaudí did not design any buildings in Reus, the city has numerous examples of Catalan modernist architecture designed by his contemporaries, such as Lluís Domènech i Montaner.
The city also has a long history of vermouth production, with some of the most famous vermouth brands in Spain based here in the city and the surrounding countryside. So, let’s discover how to make the most of the architecture and vermouth in Reus!
Top Tip
To make the most of a day or two in Reus, it’s best to plan your trip over a weekend to make sure the attractions and museums are all open. I arrived on a Sunday afternoon and found that most places were closed on Mondays – including a lot of restaurants, so plan my Reus itinerary wasn’t as jam packed as I’d hoped! But then I make these mistakes so you don’t have to! 😉
Gaudí Centre Reus
The Gaudí Centre is a modern museum dedicated to the life and work of Antoni Gaudí and is a fantastic introduction to his designs before you see them in Barcelona. I really enjoyed the museum, and visited first thing in the morning so had the place almost to myself.
While there are no buildings in Reus actually designed by Gaudí, the interactive exhibits show his creative process and the influence that nature had on his designs. Each exhibit has explanations in several languages, including English, and there are models of some of the key aspects of his most famous designs – kind of a Gaudí greatest hits exhibition!
Gaudí’s Birthplace
Although you can’t go inside the house as it is a private residence, you can see the outside of the house where Antoni Gaudí i Cornet was born, on 25th June 1852. There is a plaque outside that explains the house was owned by his mother’s family, and that his grandfather had a coppersmith’s workshop on the ground floor.
Nearby, there is a statue of Gaudí as a child, created by Reus artist Artur Aldomà as part of the 150th anniversary of Gaudí’s birth.
Casa Navàs
In the same square as the Gaudí Centre, Casa Navàs is a stunning modernist building designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner (who also designed the Palau de la Musica Catalana in Barcelona, among others).
What makes Casa Navàs special is the extraordinary preservation of its interior. While many modernist buildings have lost their original furnishings and decorative features over time, Casa Navàs remains almost entirely intact.
It was built between 1901 and 1908 for Joaquim Navàs, a wealthy textile merchant, and his wife Josepa Blasco. The house was intended not only as a private residence but also as a commercial space, reflecting both the prosperity and aesthetic ambitions of its owners.
As you step inside you are transported back to the early 20th century, with original furniture, stained glass, mosaics, tapestries, and intricate woodwork still in place. The entrance hall is particularly stunning with a gorgeous stained glass ceiling.
The exterior façade is just as impressive, with sculpted stone details, floral motifs, and large windows that let light flood the elegant interiors – perfect for displaying the textiles the family sold.
Casa Navàs was damaged by bombing during the Spanish Civil War in 1938, which destroyed its corner tower and part of the façade. There is currently work going on to reconstruct it based on historical photographs and documents, and I can’t wait to go back and see it fully restored!
Modernist Architecture Walking Tour – The Modernist Route
If Casa Navàs has given you a taste for modernist architecture, there are lots of other wonderful examples of Catalan Modernism to visit in Reus. Walk around the town exploring the beautiful buildings, or join a walking tour of the town to learn more about them.
In addition to Casa Navàs, key landmarks include:
- Institut Pere Mata – A modernist psychiatric hospital that resembles Montaner’s other masterpiece, the Hospital de Sant Pau in Barcelona. It is only open at weekends for a few hours so I didn’t get to visit, and I couldn’t find any more details about the visit aside from reviews on Google Maps here
- Casa Rull – Another fine example of Domènech i Montaner’s work.
- Casa Gasull – A stunning residential building showcasing Reus’s unique architectural style.
There is a trail to follow, and you can pick up a map at the tourist information office or check the information screen in the Gaudí Centre for a list of the places to see and a map. I always find drawn maps more difficult to follow than the maps on Google, so I saved all the places on the Modernist Route to my Google Maps which you can also view here.
If you take a look at the map, you can pass by more of the modernist buildings as you walk around Reus. Most of them you can only view from the outside anyway, so unless you are a huge fan of Modernism, it may not be worth going out of your way to see all of the buildings on the list.
Keep an eye open as well for golden hexagonal plaques on the ground which mark each building on the modernist route, showing the name of the building, the architect and the date it was built.
Museu de Reus (Salvador Vilaseca)
This free museum offers a journey through Reus’s history, from prehistoric times to the present day. It features archaeological artefacts, Roman sculptures, and collections of 20th-century art. Check the opening times before you visit – it’s closed on Sundays and Mondays, so I missed out unfortunately!
Plaça del Mercadal
The main square of Reus, Plaça del Mercadal, is the heart of the city. Lined with beautiful modernist buildings, it’s the perfect spot to relax at one of the outdoor cafés, soak in the atmosphere, and admire the façade of Casa Navàs. The square also hosts local markets, festivals, and other cultural events throughout the year.
Prioral Church of Sant Pere
This Gothic-style church is one of the most important religious buildings in Reus. The Prioral Church and its bell tower have a special connection to Antoni Gaudí, as this is where he was baptised in 1852.
Its bell tower is a symbol of the town. Built in the late Gothic style, the bell tower stands at 62 metres tall, making it one of the tallest structures in the area, and you can climb the tower for panoramic views of Reus and the surrounding region. The interior of the church is also impressive, with beautiful chapels and sculptures.
Vermouth Tasting
Reus has a long tradition of vermouth production, and it is considered one of the best places in Catalonia to sample this iconic drink, a kind of fortified wine. Many local restaurants and bars offer a wide range of vermouths to try.
The Museu del Vermut (Vermouth Museum) is a unique spot where you can learn about the history of vermouth in the area while enjoying a glass or two, or you could visit a specific vermouth producer such as Vermuts Rofes.
I chose to have lunch and a tasty vermut at Vermuts Rofes, and I also popped into the large room at the back where you can see the huge barrels used to store the vermouth.
The Estació Enològica de Reus (Wine Station)
The Estació Enològica de Reus is a fascinating destination for wine enthusiasts interested in learning more about the history and production of wine in the region. This historic building, constructed in 1910, originally functioned as a research centre for viticulture and oenology, helping to develop the local wine industry.
It’s only open at weekends and you need to book your place online in advance. It’s free entry, or 3 euros to include a vermouth tasting.
Teatre Fortuny
Reus’s historic theatre is named after Mariano Fortuny, a famous painter and stage designer from the city. The theatre itself is a masterpiece of 19th-century architecture and regularly hosts concerts, plays, and cultural and dance performances.
The theatre is on Plaça de Prim, a lovely square with arched porticoes and a statue of General Prim on horseback in the centre. It’s a nice place to grab a coffee and do some people watching!
Walk Through Parc de Sant Jordi
If you want to take a break from city buildings, this park is a pleasant spot to sit among the trees. There are also elements influenced by modernism here too, like quirky mosaic benches and an elaborate fountain.
Wander the Streets & Shop
Reus has a great variety of small boutiques, artisan shops, and local markets. The pedestrianised streets around the centre are perfect for a leisurely stroll, where you can browse shops selling everything from fashion to Catalan crafts.
Festivals and Local Events
If you happen to be in Reus during one of its many festivals, you’re in for a treat. The Festa Major de Sant Pere in June is the town’s most important celebration, with parades, concerts, and traditional Catalan performances.
The Fiesta de Misericordia in September is another major festival, which includes traditional dances like the Ball de Diables (Devil’s Dance) and Gegants (giant puppets).
Day Trips from Reus
Reus is well-located for day trips to the surrounding areas. You can easily visit Tarragona with its Roman ruins, head to the Costa Daurada for some beach time, have a day out at PortAventura theme park or explore Montsant Natural Park for hiking and nature.
Where to Stay in Reus
I stayed at the Hotel Centre Reus which is a great combination of good value and a fabulous central location. This 3-star hotel has spacious, air-conditioned rooms with modern amenities and views of the Priory Church of Saint Peter.
Its location in the history centre means you are within easy walking distance of major attractions like Casa Navàs, and it gets great reviews for its mix of contemporary comfort and historical charm. ➡️Check prices & availability
If you’re on a tighter budget, Hotel Reus Park offers a comfortable stay just 12 minutes’ walk from the centre, providing easy access to the city’s attractions. Guests like its friendly service and value for money. ➡️Check prices & availability
For a family-friendly option, Brea’s Hotel is located around 20 minutes walk outside the city centre. This hotel is known for its spacious rooms, excellent cleanliness, and warm hospitality.
It’s particularly popular among families due to its accommodating staff and comfortable amenities, and there are buses to get into the city if you don’t want to walk. It’s also a great option if you have your own car as there is plenty of parking. ➡️Check prices & availability
You can also find some nice apartments on Booking.com if you prefer to have more space or some self-catering facilities.
Where to Eat in Reus
VÍTRIC
VÍTRIC is a stylish modern tavern tucked away on a quiet pedestrian street in central Reus. Run by a young chef returning to his roots after working in renowned kitchens, the restaurant offers a fresh take on Catalan cuisine. With an open kitchen and bright, welcoming interior, VÍTRIC serves a mix of inventive small plates and à la carte dishes that combine traditional flavours with contemporary techniques.
Ferran Cerro Restaurant
This elegant restaurant in the heart of Reus is ideal for those seeking a more refined dining experience. Ferran Cerro, the chef-owner, brings creativity and precision to every dish, offering a seasonal menu that reimagines Catalan classics. The atmosphere is intimate and the service attentive, making it a top choice for food lovers and special occasions.
Vermuts Rofes Restaurante
This historic restaurant is housed in a former vermouth factory dating back to 1890, offering a unique dining setting steeped in local tradition. The menu focuses on Mediterranean cuisine with a Catalan touch, and the venue often features cultural events or tastings. I had a nice meal here and a very tasty vermut!
Museu del Vermut Restaurant
Located inside a museum dedicated to the history of vermouth, this unique venue offers more than just a meal. It serves Mediterranean and European dishes in a vintage-style setting surrounded by fascinating displays. A great place to sample local food and drinks, especially if you’re keen to learn about Reus’s connection to vermouth production.
La Marieta Platets i Tapes
For a relaxed and sociable meal, La Marieta is a fantastic tapas spot popular with both locals and visitors. The menu features a wide range of Catalan-style small plates, perfect for sharing. It’s a cosy and welcoming place where you can enjoy familiar favourites and try a few surprises, all at reasonable prices.
Amarena
Don’t leave Reus without getting a gelato from Amarena. They have a wide range of flavours, including locally sourced options such as hazelnut or torró (nougat), and vegan flavours too. For a more traditional dessert, head to Gelats i torrons “Xixona”, which has another excellent selection of ice cream flavours and torrons (nougat).
Where is Reus & How to Get There?
Reus is around 100 kilometres southwest of Barcelona, approximately 15 kilometres inland from the Mediterranean coast and close to the city of Tarragona and the seaside resort of Salou on the Costa Daurada.
Flights to Reus Airport
Reus has its own airport, Reus Airport (REU), which is served by several airlines offering flights primarily to and from the UK and Ireland as well as a couple of European destinations.
Airlines that fly to Reus include Ryanair, Jet2, EasyJet, TUI Airways and Vueling Airlines. The majority of flights are scheduled during the spring and summer months, so if you are travelling during the off-season you will have fewer options.
There are buses from Reus airport to the city centre, which cost €3 per person (payable with exact change in cash or a credit card). These are often coordinated to match the flight times, but not always! When I arrived on a Sunday arrived I would have had to wait 2 hours for a bus, so I took a taxi to the city centre, which cost €25.
Spending a night or two in Reus is a great way to start your trip if you are planning to explore more of Catalonia or Spain – and then continue to Tarragona, Salou, Barcelona and beyond, travelling by bus, car or train.
Trains to Reus
If you’re already in Spain, Reus is well connected by train. The main station in Reus is Estació de Reus in the city centre, which is served by several regional lines connecting Reus to cities like Barcelona, Tarragona, Lleida, and Zaragoza.
There are direct trains from Barcelona which take around 1 hour and a half, depending on the Barcelona station you travel from. The regional trains depart from Barcelona Estació de França and also stop at Passeig de Gracia and Barcelona Sants.
Most of the trains are regional, which means you can’t pre-book seats on these trains, they can only be bought from the station, although it’s worth checking the schedule in advance. You can check times on the Renfe website, which will tell you which trains you can book and which have to be bought at the station. Omio is another useful website where you can buy some tickets in advance.
Buses to Reus
You can also catch a bus to Reus from Barcelona, although buses are less frequent, take longer than the train and are more expensive, so I would recommend the train instead of the bus!
Private Transfers
Another convenient, if more expensive option is to book a private transfer from Barcelona to Reus, either pre-booking a service, taking a taxi or booking an Uber. Prices vary depending on the time of day and traffic – when I looked at Uber, I had a quote of €150 for the trip, or you can pre-book a pick-up through GetYourGuide here or Viator here.
I hope this has helped you realise that Reus is worth visiting, there are some really special things to do in Reus that make it worth a day trip or spending a night here to enjoy more of the stunning architecture and delicious food and drink!