Discover Reus with the family: what to see and do in a day
Reus is a city with great tourist appeal thanks to its architecture, vermouth, cuisine and shopping, making it the perfect place to spend a day, just a 20-minute drive from Cambrils. It is particularly well known for its Modernist heritage and for being the birthplace of Antoni Gaudí, but it is also a very pleasant city for a leisurely stroll, exploring local shops and enjoying its squares and terraces.
Reus has medieval origins and is the capital of the Baix Camp region. Although it currently has over 100,000 inhabitants, Reus is not yet overrun by tourists. We suggest a tour of Antoni Gaudí’s hometown, which will surprise you with some of the town’s most interesting spots, including places designed for the whole family to enjoy.
Reus Oenological Station
The Reus Oenological Station is a complex of buildings designed by the architect Pere Caselles and built in the early 20th century. It is an example of Modernist industrial architecture, set against the backdrop of the wine sector’s recovery following the crisis caused by phylloxera. Although it was established in 1905, it was not officially opened until 1910. At the time of its construction, it was the largest of its kind in the country and boasted the most modern technology and facilities.
Today, part of the complex is linked to the Catalan Institute of Vine and Wine (INCAVI), whilst another part of the buildings houses the Baix Camp Regional Council. It is one of two oenological analysis centres in Catalonia, alongside the one in Vilafranca del Penedès.
The market used to be held in the Plaza del Mercadal. It is a meeting place with numerous café terraces and shops, and is also home to some of the city’s most iconic buildings, such as the Town Hall, Casa Navàs and the Gaudí Centre. The square hosts the city’s main cultural and festive events, such as the San Pedro Town Festival at the end of June.
Plaza del Mercadal is the gateway to the city’s old town, which extends around the Priory Church of San Pedro.
Casa Navàs: a jewel of Modernism
Casa Navàs is one of the most important Modernist buildings in the city of Reus. It was designed by the Catalan architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner and built between 1901 and 1908, commissioned by its owners, Joaquim Navàs Padró and Josepa Blasco Roura. It is situated on a corner between Plaça Mercadal and Carrer de Jesús, next to Carrer Major.
Casa Navàs is exceptional because it retains much of its original decoration and features from the Modernist period. A visit offers an insight into how a bourgeois family from Reus lived in the early 20th century.
Gaudí Centre: discover the most famous architect
Reus is the birthplace of Antoni Gaudí, and the Gaudí Centre is an interpretation centre dedicated to the architect’s life and work, featuring audiovisual resources, scale models and interactive displays. It is particularly interesting if you are visiting Reus with children, as it offers a more hands-on approach to architecture.
As well as the 1,200 m² exhibition space, the Gaudí Centre building also houses the Tourist Office, a shop and a restaurant.
Modernist stroll through the centre of Reus
Reus has around 80 listed buildings along the Modernist Route, many of which can be seen simply by strolling through the centre. They are easily identifiable thanks to a plaque situated in front of each building’s façade. The following buildings are highlights of the Reus Modernism Route:
- Casa Rull, by Domènech i Montaner.
- Casa Gasull, also by Domènech i Montaner.
- Casa Laguna, on Carrer de Monterols.
- Casa Serra, by Joan Rubió.
- Various buildings on Carrer de Monterols, Carrer de Llovera, Raval de Santa Anna…
The streets in the city centre are bustling with commercial activity, featuring shops from various sectors and local businesses.
Sant Jordi Park: a break with the children
Sant Jordi Park in Reus is one of the city’s largest and most centrally located green spaces. Situated in Plaza Alcalde Anton Borrel, you’ll find children’s play areas, an iconic bronze sculpture of Sant Jordi by Joan Rebull, a small climbing wall and a pond.
It’s the perfect place to stop off during a day out in Reus with children
A culinary break in Reus
Reus boasts a culinary tradition rooted in the area’s agricultural heritage and products that are integral to its identity. During your visit, you can take the opportunity to enjoy a vermouth, have a meal or buy some of the area’s most typical products, such as:
- Reus hazelnuts: These form part of the agricultural tradition of the Baix Camp and feature prominently in both sweet and savoury dishes.
- Menjar Blanc de Reus: A traditional dessert made mainly from almond milk, sugar and starch.
- Siurana PDO olive oil: Its proximity to the production areas means it is commonly found in shops and restaurants in Reus.
- Reus vermouth: A gastronomic staple that forms part of the city’s social tradition. With over a century of history, there are still various producers today, ranging from historic brands to more recent ventures. You can sample it at the Vermouth Museum.
Tips for visiting Reus with children
- At Plaça Mercadal and the Navàs House: Turn the visit into a game to spot flowers, animals, mosaics and decorative motifs on their façades.
- A visit to the Gaudí Centre takes between 40 minutes and an hour, depending on the children’s interest.
- Sant Jordi Park: Perfect for taking a break
- Take some water and a snack with you for the walk.
- If you’re using a pushchair, a stroll through the city centre is a practical option, as the streets are flat.
- We recommend buying tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
Reus is an excellent choice for rounding off a holiday on the Costa Daurada with a unique day trip. Just a 20-minute drive from Cambrils, you can discover some of the city’s main attractions in a single day, combining culture, cuisine, shopping and moments of relaxation.
After exploring the city, you can return to any of our seafront hotels in Cambrils and enjoy their beaches and Mediterranean atmosphere.
