Things to do in Tarragona Spain

1. Visit the Amphitheater

On the coast lies Tarragona's most striking landmark, namely the remains of the Roman amphitheater. An Amphitheater from the 2nd century BC. that used to provide space for more than 15,000 spectators during gladiator fights. The beautiful location by the sea was ideal for the supply of exotic animals for animal fights at the time. The amphitheater can also be visited for a small entrance fee and is the number 1 of the things to do in Tarragona Spain.

2. Rambla Nova & Mediterranean Balcony

The Rambla Nova is Tarragona's most famous street. This street of more than a kilometer long goes right through the center of the city. A well-known work of art along the way is the "Monumento a los Castellers", which shows an important Catalan tradition of the human towers. The Rambla Nova ends on the sea side at the so-called "Mediterranean Balcony" (Balcó del Mediterrani), from where you have a magnificent view over the sea, harbor and the amphitheater of Tarragona.

3. Tarragona Cathedral

The "Catedral de Santa Maria", built between the 12th and 14th centuries, stands at the highest point in Tarragona and is not to be missed on the city's skyline. Originally a Roman temple stood on this site. Next to the cathedral is a monastery with a beautiful inner garden, which also includes a museum (Museo Diocesano) with some of the cathedral's art treasures (address: Pla de la Seu, 5 euros entrance).

4. Roman aqueduct (Pont del Diable)

The largest Roman remnant is the aqueduct (Les Ferreres), also called the Devil's Bridge (Pont del Diable), and at the time it carried water from the Francoli River to the city. This aqueduct is located four kilometers outside the city on the AP-7 and is especially interesting to visit (for free) if you have a car.

5. Visit more Roman excavations

In addition to the Roman amphitheater, you will find many other excavations from the Tarraco period around the old center, such as:

Roman circus: The "Circo Romano de Tarraco" used to be the racecourse of Tarragona city. Only a small part of this enormous Roman circus (325 meters long and 25,000 spectators) can be visited, as most of it is still hidden under houses. However, the underground spaces are beautiful to visit.

Praetorium: The Praetorium, or the King's Castle, is a Roman tower on the Provincial Forum square (1st century) and later transformed into a royal palace (12th century). At the time it was connected to the circus via underground corridors.

Plaça del Fòrum: In this square, formerly called the forum, you can still find some remnants of the Roman period, such as some pieces of wall.

City walls: Part of the city walls in Tarragona can be walked. There is an archaeological route to follow, where you will automatically walk over part of these city walls.

6. Casco Antiguo & Plaça de la Font

The old center of Tarragona city is a nice area to wander quietly through the narrow, pedestrian and sometimes steep streets. You will find the cathedral at the highest point, you can still see pieces of the old city walls and the Plaça de la Font is the most pleasant square in the center of Tarragona. On this lively square you will not only find the town hall, but also many terraces, restaurants and bars.

7. Port Aventura

The largest amusement park in Europe (119 hectares) is located just a few kilometers from Tarragona. Port Aventura World contains, among other things, two amusement parks (Port Aventura and Ferrari land), a fantastic aqua park and various hotels. The theme park Port Aventura is itself made up of six worlds (more info). An absolute must with children. From Barcelona you can easily book a day trip to the theme parks via this website.

8. Plaça dels Sedassos

Street art can be admired in many places in the center of Tarragona Spain. Most tourists come to Plaça dels Sedassos square for the striking 1995 mural.

9. Mercado Central

The more than one hundred year old market hall is located on the Plaça de Corsini. The fresh market in this modernist building is a nice place to go for a walk or to have lunch during the day.

10. El Serallo

El Serallo is a cozy and charming fishing area near the port of Tarragona. A nice neighborhood to walk through, to eat fish or to view the luxury yachts in the harbor.

11. Things to do: Beaches of Tarragona

There are several beaches around Tarragona city, which are popular due to the mild Mediterranean climate and the fine golden sand. The 500-meter-long city beach "Platja del Miracle", at the foot of the amphitheater is the most famous beach to visit.

12. Archaeological museum

Currently (February 2023) the archaeological museum at Plaça del Rei is closed for renovation. In the museum you will learn more about the history of the city and about excavations from the Roman period (more info).