A Relaxing Monday in Tarragona

Unexpectedly Perfect Day Trip from Barcelona

When you think of a day trip from Barcelona, Tarragona might not be the first name that comes to mind. But sometimes, the best experiences are the ones that don’t go to plan. That was precisely the case when we headed to Tarragona on a quiet Monday, expecting Roman ruins but discovering something even better: a peaceful, picturesque city full of charm, history, and surprise highlights. We changed our itinerary, and I forgot to check that Tarrafgona was open, but all the Roman ruin sites are closed on Monday. We think it was the best mistake and made for a great day.

Getting to Tarragona: Easy Train from Barcelona

We left Barcelona around 9 AM and caught a direct train from Sants station to Tarragona, but at the time of our visit, we had to change to a bus halfway due to some flood damage. This did not add much to the trip, and in just over an hour, we were at Tarragonas Station and couldn’t have been simpler. We bought tickets at the station, but you can purchase online through the Renfe website. The views from the train gave us a lovely preview of the coastline we’d be exploring later.

Wandering the Old Town: Streets Full of Story

Before I tell you about our day, here’s a little context: Tarragona, once called Tarraco, was one of the key cities of Roman Hispania. Established in the 3rd century BC, it became a prominent provincial capital under Augustus. Its coastal location made it a powerful political and commercial centre; the Roman remnants scattered through the city are a testament to that. Over the centuries, Tarragona evolved through Visigothic and Moorish periods into the medieval era, blending layers of history that still shape the streets today.

Once in Tarragona, we walked from the station to the historic centre. Even without a formal itinerary, the city invites you to wander. Rambla Nova is dotted with statues, fountains, and shade trees. We started our self-guided audio tour by Voice Maps at the Mediterranean Balcony—a scenic viewpoint that instantly set the tone for the day: calm, beautiful, and unrushed. This fantastic audio tour brought the ruins, history and city to life.

We passed the Roman Amphitheatre, which is closed on Mondays but is still impressive from the outside. The views over the sea were breathtaking, and we forgot we were missing anything.

From there, we continued through the Upper Forum and Placa del Rei, where Roman ruins peek through modern streets. Pilon Street (Carrer dels Pilons) added a splash of colour with its painted bollards, a charming open-air art gallery.

Tarragona Cathedral: The Soul of the City

The real surprise came when we stepped inside the Tarragona Cathedral. This magnificent Romanesque-Gothic structure became the emotional heart of our day. With soft light filtering through stained glass and the peaceful hush of the cloisters, it offered a moment of quiet reflection.

We spent far longer here than we expected. The combination of soaring arches, historic chapels, and the adjoining Diocesan Museum made this a true highlight. We would be remiss if we did not mention the Cloister; it was one of the best we have been blessed to visit.

Opening Hours: Mon–Sat 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sun 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Admission: €5 (includes cathedral, cloister, and museum)

Strolling Between Eras in Tarragona

We wandered through medieval lanes to the Rose Gate and the Antiga Audiència from the cathedral. Though many historical sites were closed for the day, the joy was in the walk itself—Tarragona is made for slow exploration.

Antiga Audiència Opening Hours: Tue–Sat 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM & 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM; Sun 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM; Closed Mondays

Admission: Free

Carrer dels Pilons: Always open, free to explore

A Quick Peek at the Roman Past

 

Even though the Roman Circus and Praetorium Tower were closed, we paused at their entrances to admire what we could see. The sense of ancient grandeur still lingers.

Roman Sites Opening Hours: Tue–Sat 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Sun 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM; Closed Mondays

Admission: €5 combined ticket (includes Amphitheatre, Circus, Forum, and Praetorium)

Local Life at Plaça de la Font & Mercat Central

We ended our visit with a coffee at Plaça de la Font, the beating heart of local life. Known for its connection to the Castells (human towers), it’s also a lovely place to sit and watch the world go by.

Before returning to the train, we quickly stopped at Mercat Central. Though quieter in the afternoon, it gave us a taste of local flavours and seasonal produce.

Mercat Central Opening Hours: Mon–Sat 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM; Fri also 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Admission: Free

Final Thoughts: Tarragona A Day Without Expectations

Tarragona surprised us on a Monday in the best way. Yes, many of the Roman sites were closed, but that allowed us to slow down and soak in the city’s other treasures. From colourful streets to a cathedral that truly moved us, it became one of our favourite day trips from Barcelona.

So, if your plans shift or you need a day to breathe, Tarragona is waiting. And honestly, it might turn out even better that way. Our other big takeaway is that if you want to explore the ruins, I would stay overnight and take your time; there is so much to take in.

If you’d like to see more of our day and the peaceful highlights that made it special, watch our video—it’s a gentle visual journey through Tarragona’s quieter side.

More from Us