If you already took a city break to Barcelona, loved it and wanted a little more, then maybe you should choose Reus for your next city break. Reus is a bit like Barcelona’s little sister, who may be less well known, less flamboyant, but actually has plenty going on for those who take the time to get to know her. Particularly if you loved Barcelona’s awesome Gaudi architecture, and spent most of your trip in the city’s art galleries and exploring Barcelona’s vast modernist heritage, Reus will definitely tick your boxes.
Situated just over 100km west of Barcelona, down the coast past Sitges, Reus was the birthplace of Gaudi, the King of Barcelona’s architecture. As such, it is unsurprising that the city is home to the Gaudi Centre, an interactive museum dedicated to the work of the man himself. You will also find evidence of Gaudi’s early work around the city, particularly buildings that he designed for friends.
Whilst Reus is packed with all the great cuisine, bars and architecture of Barcelona, one thing it doesn’t have on its neighbour is the beaches. Nonetheless, nearby seaside resorts of Tarragona and Salou are no more than twenty minutes’ drive away. Reus is often simply used as a gateway to these nearby beach locations, as well as for Barcelona, as many tourists fly into Reus as opposed to Barcelona airport, taking a shuttle or taxi to their destination. This means that the city of Reus often gets overlooked by holidaymakers who just see it as a means to an end. It also means, however, that the streets of Reus are significantly less crowded than other city break destinations, especially Barcelona, which is practically crammed with visitors over the summer months.
If you’re coming to Reus, you may need a few pointers to help you find your feet in this fabulous city. Of course, visit the Gaudi Centre, as well as the Salvador Vilaseca Museum and the Museu d’Art i Historia de Reus. Take in all the galleries and museums you can, as well as the awe-inspiring architecture of the Institut Pere Mata, the Church of San Pedro and Bofarull Palace, with, of course, plenty of stops for beer and tapas! There is also a fantastic street market on Mondays and Saturdays at Carrer Prat de la Riba, which is well worth checking out.
Even if you are flying into Reus with the intention of moving on to Salou, Tarragona, Cambrils or Barcelona, it is worth taking a few hours out to explore this city, perhaps on your way back after your holiday, with a couple of hours free before your flight. Its friendly, relaxed ambiance is as close as you’ll get to Barcelona’s bustling beauty, minus all the crowds.
