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What to see in London in 4 days
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Culture
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My advice is to experience Badalona without the rush or stress of big cities. What makes this place special is not just its monumental character, but its rhythm, its smell of sea salt, and that particular light the Mediterranean has in the mornings.
Let yourself go, sit on a bench facing the sea and enjoy the authenticity of a city that has known how to embrace its Roman past while continuing to look to the future from its shore.Other tourist guides near Badalona:
A city that tends to be overshadowed by the brilliance of Barcelona, Badalona is a much more interesting destination than you might imagine, with its own personality marked by its significant Roman heritage and its strong connection to the Mediterranean.
I always recommend Badalona as one of the things to visit in Barcelona, as they are only 10 kilometres apart, and without a doubt, it is well worth a visit, especially if you fancy enjoying yourself by the sea.In this guide, I will tell you what to see in Badalona, through a selection of places and activities that will allow you to discover the most important aspects of this coastal paradise. A tip? Explore it without rushing, letting the sea salt guide you along its promenades and allowing the history of ancient Baetulo to captivate you.
When listing things to do in Badalona, the first thing that comes to mind is that perfect balance between the weight of history, the freshness of the sea, and the pulse of local life. It is a destination that allows you to design a day tailored to your liking.
Tourism in Badalona has grown a lot in recent years, but without losing that neighbourhood and fishing village character that makes it so special, and which is reflected both on the Passeig Marítim and in the alleys of its most emblematic neighbourhoods that invite you to get lost in them.
And, if you're wondering what to do in Badalona for a weekend, you'll find an simply unbeatable cultural, gastronomic, and leisure offering. Even if you're short on time, you'll have no problem organising an itinerary that allows you to make the most of everything there is to see in the city in one day.
The Badalona Museum is one of the great must-sees during your visit. Much more than an exhibition building, it is the gateway to Baetulo, one of the most important Roman cities on the peninsula, founded in the 1st century BC.
What makes this place unique is that it allows you to walk beneath the current city streets to discover original Roman roads, incredibly well-preserved thermal baths, and remains of dwellings that make you understand, almost tangibly, what life was like over 2,000 years ago.
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The historic Anís del Mono distillery is not just a production centre, but an icon of tourism in Badalona. This modernist building, located on the seafront, is a prime example of Catalan industrial architecture from the late 19th century.
Visiting its interior is like travelling back to the era of great liqueurs, surrounded by fine wood and advertising posters that are design history. Booking a visit in advance is essential, as access is only possible via guided tours. Don't leave without taking a photo with the famous monkey statue located outside.
The Church of Santa María is the spiritual heart of Badalona's centre. Built on Roman remains and with a structure that has evolved since the 18th century, it stands out for its imposing facade and its bell tower, which dominates the skyline of the old town.
I always recommend stopping here when walking through the historic centre, to see the contrast between the tranquility of the surroundings and its incredible connection with the medieval past, with the hustle and bustle of the city.
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The Dalt de la Vila neighbourhood is, without a doubt, the most photographed corner of Badalona. It is the true origin of the city: a labyrinth of narrow, steep streets where silence is only broken by the sound of your own footsteps on the cobblestones. Walking through here is like stepping back in time, to a place where you truly feel the purest and most tranquil essence of the city.
The Centre is the beating heart of Badalona. Here the pace is different, and it's where you'll find traditional shops, terraces full of people, and local businesses. This neighbourhood offers you the perfect blend of modernity and tradition, making it ideal for immersing yourself in local life while enjoying an afternoon of shopping or gastronomy.
The Casagemes neighbourhood is a small residential gem that often goes unnoticed by tourists. Located by the sea and very close to Ca l’Arnús park, it stands out for its stately homes and relaxed atmosphere. It is the ideal area if you want to discover the friendlier and more stately side of the city, away from the crowds.
The Pont del Petroli is, probably, the most emblematic and 'sought-after' spot by photographers in Badalona. This old oil loading jetty has been repurposed as a pedestrian walkway and extends 250 metres into the sea, offering a unique perspective of the coast. My advice is to walk to the end of the bridge at sunrise or sunset: when you do, you'll understand why.
The Passeig Marítim is the city's grand salon. Kilometres of promenade along the sand used daily by the people of Badalona to exercise, walk their dogs, or enjoy an aperitif in the sun. It is the perfect place to observe the Mediterranean lifestyle in all its splendour: people on roller skates, swimming in the sea, and a row of palm trees accompanying you to infinity.
Considered the green lung of the city, the Parc de Can Solei i Ca l’Arnús is an oasis of biodiversity and romantic beauty. With its historic gardens, small lakes, and characteristic buildings (such as the clock tower), it is the ideal space to disconnect from urban noise. It is a park that invites reading, family picnics, or simply getting lost among its centenary trees.
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Although Badalona is a city with much to offer, its strategic location allows for several excursions to other small towns just a few minutes away.
A Gothic monastery hidden in the Serralada de Marina. It is a place steeped in mysticism where silence is absolute. It is said that the Catholic Monarchs received Christopher Columbus here after his first voyage to America. A highly recommended cultural visit if you are looking for something different.
A stone's throw from Badalona, this small town stands out for its stately atmosphere, its farmhouses surrounded by vineyards, and its tranquility. It is the ideal complement for a breath of fresh air and relaxation.
Right next door, Montgat retains the air of an old fishing village. Its beaches are known for being a bit quieter, and its old town, perched on a small hill overlooking the sea, is charming.
Located in the area of ancient Baetulo, the Casa dels Dofins is a Roman domus that allows you to see the luxury of the era up close. It owes its name to the beautiful dolphin mosaics that decorate the impluvium of the house. It is a very educational visit if you want to understand how the Roman elite lived in the area.
This archaeological site recreates what was a Roman domestic garden. Through careful lighting and well-preserved remains, the Jardí de Quint Licini helps you understand the importance the ancient Romans placed on outdoor spaces and leisure within the home.
If you want to go off the beaten path, Badalona has some tricks up its sleeve. You can sign up for the night tours organised by the museum to see the ruins in a different light, rent a paddleboard to see the Pont del Petroli from the water, or cycle along the coast until you reach the mouth of the Besòs river.
But, if you ask me for my favourite plan, it's the simplest: buy an artisan ice cream in the centre and walk along the promenade as the sun begins to set.
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Badalona's gastronomy has a purely Mediterranean DNA. You can't say you've been here without trying its fresh fish from the market or a good seafood rice dish by the beach.
The restaurants on the Promenade and the small establishments in the centre offer everything from creative tapas to traditional dishes like fideuà. And, of course, a final toast with a dash of Anís del Mono is a must.
If you are lucky enough to be in the city in May, you will experience the Cremada del Dimoni. On the night of May 10th, a large figure of a demon burns on the beach under a shower of fireworks. It is the most important and representative event in Badalona, a tradition that unites the entire city in an unforgettable festival of light and fire.
Badalona is a perfect destination for families. The little ones will be amazed by the stories of gladiators at the Roman Museum, they will enjoy running on the sand of its beaches or exploring the paths of Ca l’Arnús park. Furthermore, the city is mostly flat, which makes it much easier to stroll with prams or cycle.
If you plan to spend a couple of days in Badalona, here is my suggestion to enjoy the city:
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