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What to see in London in 4 days
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Culture
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When I think of things to do in Mataró, the first thing I highlight is its incredible versatility. It's the perfect destination whether you're a culture lover, seeking a few days of relaxation with the sound of the waves in the background, or looking to get lost on a zero-kilometre gastronomic route.
Tourism in Mataró has grown intelligently, leveraging its excellent connection with Barcelona while maintaining a much calmer, family-friendly, and authentic essence.
The activities in Mataró are endless, allowing you to explore its historic centre, follow in the footsteps of brilliant architects, or simply let the afternoon drift by as you relax on its extensive golden sandy beaches.
If you're wondering what to do in Mataró on the weekend, you'll find everything from traditional markets and curated routes to sea experiences. There are options for all tastes and ages.
The Basilica of Santa María is the great spiritual and historical beacon of the city. Although its origins date back to the 11th century, the current building is a Baroque and Neoclassical gem that holds an invaluable treasure inside: the Capella dels Dolors.
This chapel, masterfully decorated by Antoni Viladomat, is considered one of the finest examples of Catalan Baroque painting. Entering it is like stepping into a time capsule where art and devotion merge spectacularly.
More than just a museum, the Nau Gaudí is the first work built by a young Antoni Gaudí. A former cotton-bleaching factory where the genius first experimented with his famous parabolic arches.
Today, it is the home of the Bassat Collection of Contemporary Art, but the real spectacle is looking up and understanding that a revolutionary architectural movement that would change the world was born here. It is, without a doubt, the most iconic stop for tourism in Mataró.
The Mataró City Hall, in the lively Plaça de l’Ajuntament, bears witness to how the city has evolved since the 16th century. Its facade and interior halls reflect the prosperity of a Mataró that pioneered the industrial revolution (don't forget that the first train in the peninsula departed from here!).
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The historic centre is the soul of Mataró. It's a genuine pleasure to get lost in its pedestrian streets, where traditional shops coexist with squares full of terraces. Here, Roman, medieval, and Baroque architecture blend within a few square metres.
The Eixample district of Mataró is elegance personified. Following the growth model of the late 19th century, this area boasts some of the finest Modernista houses in the city. It's the ideal zone for a stroll with your gaze upwards, seeking details in wrought iron, ceramics, and reliefs on the balconies that showcase the artistic prowess of the era.
The Rocafonda neighbourhood offers a different, more diverse, and multicultural perspective. It's a vibrant area that showcases the Mataró of the 21st century, a place where local identity is enriched by new voices and where you can find authentic popular cuisine far from the conventional tourist trails.
Plaça de Santa Anna is the living room of Mataró's residents. It's a spacious square, surrounded by historic buildings and shops, where something is always happening. It's the perfect spot for a break, to order a coffee, and simply observe the city's hustle and bustle before continuing your route.
Parc Central is the city's large green lung and an example of urban design. With its wide tree-lined avenues, play areas, and picnic spots, it's the perfect place if you want to escape the asphalt for a while.
The Passeig Marítim is, for many, the crown jewel. A long promenade by the sea connecting the port to the quieter beaches. It's the ideal setting for running enthusiasts, cycling, or simply walking with the sea breeze on your face.
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Just a ten-minute drive away, Argentona is famous for its ceramic tradition and its "Festa del Càntir". Its shaded streets and fountains make it an ideal peaceful retreat.
A corner that combines the charm of an inland town with a privileged coastline, Cabrera de Mar is perfect if you're looking for archaeological remains (like Burriac Castle) and hiking trails with sea views.
Known for its exclusivity, its marina (Port Balís), and its exquisite gastronomy (don't leave without trying its famous coca de Llavaneres), Sant Andreu de Llavaneres will add that touch of distinction to your trip.
Located in a former Renaissance building, the Mataró Museum is where all the pieces of the puzzle come together. From findings from the Roman city of Iluro to exhibitions on the textile industry that drove the region's economic development, it's an essential visit to understand the city's identity.
Besides being the museum's main headquarters, Can Serra is a building worth visiting in itself. Its stately architecture provides the perfect setting for the permanent collections that narrate the city's history in an engaging and very visual way.
If you're looking for something more than the typical tourist visit, you can get creative in Mataró. I recommend following the Modernista Route, which will lead you to discover hidden gems like Casa Coll i Regàs. Another option is to explore the remains of Roman Iluro hidden beneath modern buildings.
Something more active? Enjoy the nautical activities at Mataró Port, where you can do everything from sailing to scuba diving. But, if you ask me, the best original plan is to "have a vermouth" in one of the old wineries in the centre. That's where you'll truly get to know the character and people of Mataró.
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The table in Mataró is served with local produce. Here, the Maresme Pea (the "green pearl") and fresh fish arriving directly from the coast are king. You can't leave without trying a good Suquet de peix (fish stew) or one of the rice dishes cooked in the restaurants along the Maritime Promenade, always paired with wines from the DO Alella.
If you have to choose a date to visit the city, make it the end of July for Les Santes. It's the Fiesta Mayor par excellence and has been declared a Heritage Festival of National Interest.
Watching the "Familia Robafaves" (the city's giants) dance among the crowd is a truly moving experience that perfectly encapsulates the pride of being from Mataró.
Mataró is a very "family-friendly" city. The beaches are wide and safe, Parc Central has fully equipped play areas, and many of the museums offer educational workshops where children can play at being Roman archaeologists or Modernista artists. Furthermore, it's a convenient, flat destination that's very easy to enjoy with the little ones.
Have 48 hours? Here's the winning combination to enjoy Mataró and see the most important sights without rushing:
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The best advice I can give you to enjoy Mataró is to experience it with all five senses. It's not a city of isolated monuments, but of sensations: the smell of the sea, the sound of the local market, the detail of a Modernista stained-glass window, or the taste of a drink overlooking the Mediterranean.
Let yourself go, wander aimlessly through the Eixample, and end the day by the waves. Because, when it comes to what to see in Mataró, the key is really to discover an authentic, proud, and welcoming Mediterranean way of life that will make you want to return.
Other tourist guides near Mataró:
If you've arrived here, it's because you're looking for what to see in Mataró, and before anything else, I'll tell you that you're about to discover a city with a powerful and unique personality on the Catalan coast.
Halfway between its deep seafaring tradition, a clear Modernista legacy, and a purely Mediterranean atmosphere, Mataró is one of the best things to do in Barcelona. A destination that isn't just visited, but savoured without any rush.
In this guide, I'll tell you what to visit in Mataró so you can discover every secret the capital of Maresme holds.
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