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3 Days in Roman Tarragona – Plan the Ultimate City Guide

Explore Roman Tarragona with a 3‑day itinerary covering amphitheatres, forums, walls and UNESCO ruins. The perfect Tarragona guide and an easy day trip from Barcelona

by: Barcelona Travel Hacks Views: 8.8k

About Roman Tarragona (Tárraco)

Tarragona is one of the most rewarding destinations in Catalonia for history lovers, photographers and travellers looking for a coastal city with depth. Located 95 km south of Barcelona on the Costa Dorada, Tarragona is famous for having the largest collection of Roman ruins in Catalonia and some of the best‑preserved ancient monuments in Spain.

Founded in 218 BC as Tàrraco, the city became the first major Roman settlement on the Iberian Peninsula and later the administrative capital of Hispania Citerior. From here, Rome governed all of what is now Spain and Portugal. This long period of prosperity left Tarragona with an extraordinary archaeological legacy: amphitheatres overlooking the sea, circus vaults hidden beneath medieval streets, vast forum complexes, defensive walls, temples, necropolis sites and aqueducts that still stand today.

Modern Tarragona is a lively port city with a large industrial zone to the south, but the historic centre—set on a 160‑metre plateau—retains its Roman layout and medieval charm. Narrow streets open into sunny squares filled with cafés, tapas bars and local restaurants. Many of the Roman monuments are recognised as UNESCO World Heritage sites, and the city’s compact size makes it ideal for exploring on foot.

While you can visit the highlights as a Tarragona day trip from Barcelona, the city truly shines when explored over several days. This guide breaks Tarragona into three easy, walkable zones and shows you exactly how to experience the best Roman ruins, viewpoints, museums and neighbourhoods without rushing.

Below you’ll find a complete 3‑day itinerary covering the Part Alta, the lower city and port district, and the Roman sites beyond the walls. Each section includes practical tips, opening hours, walking routes and insider advice based on real on‑the‑ground experience.

How to Divide Tarragona into Walkable Zones

  1. Part Alta (Upper Town): The historic heart of Tarragona, built on a 160‑metre plateau. This area preserves the Roman administrative centre of Tàrraco and much of the medieval street layout. Here you’ll find the Cathedral, Roman walls, Praetorium Tower, Circus vaults, museums and many of the city’s best restaurants.
  2. Lower City & Port Serrallo: In Roman times this was the residential and commercial district near the harbour. Today it mixes modern streets with scattered Roman remains, modernist buildings and the working fishing neighbourhood of Serrallo. The port area is known for its seafood restaurants and maritime heritage.

It’s impossible to see all of Tarragona’s attractions in a single day. If you only have one day, focus on the Part Alta. For a deeper experience, follow the 3‑day itinerary below.

Tarragona Day Trip – Part Alta (Day 1 & 2)

Tarragona Day Trip – Part Colonial (Day 3)

Why Tarragona Is an Ideal Alternative (or Add‑On) to Barcelona

Tarragona is only one hour from Barcelona by frequent regional trains, making it an excellent alternative base or an easy multi‑day extension to a Barcelona trip. The connection is so convenient that you can visit the Sagrada Família or other major Barcelona attractions in the morning and still return to Tarragona for dinner by the sea.

The city offers outstanding value for travellers: accommodation and food are noticeably cheaper than in Barcelona, and the historic centre is compact, walkable and packed with three full days’ worth of Roman and medieval attractions. Tarragona also has train‑accessible beaches on both sides of the city, with golden sand and clear water along the Costa Dorada. For beach inspiration, see the dedicated guide to the Costa Dorada.

For families, Tarragona is especially appealing because PortAventura World—one of Europe’s largest theme parks—is just one stop away by train. This makes Tarragona a rare destination where you can combine UNESCO Roman ruins, Mediterranean beaches and a world‑class theme park without needing a car.

You can fly into either Reus Airport or Barcelona–El Prat Airport. From Barcelona, simply take a regional train from Barcelona‑Sants station to Tarragona, with frequent services taking about one hour.

Things to do and see Tarragona Part Alt

Things to do and see Tarragona Lower part

Map of Roman Tarragona (Tárraco)

Events in Roman Tarragona (Tárraco)

Tarragona hosts cultural events throughout the year, ranging from Roman historical festivals to traditional Catalan celebrations. A full, up‑to‑date calendar can be found on the Tarragona Tourism website. Below are some of the annual highlights.

  • Sona Flamenc (March): A month‑long programme dedicated to flamenco, featuring internationally recognised performers, local artists, concerts, workshops and exhibitions across the city.
  • Teatre Màgic Festival (April): Tarragona’s international festival of magic and illusionism, with shows for families, adults and fans of stage performance.
  • Tarraco Viva (May): Tarragona’s most famous event. The city’s Roman past is brought vividly to life with gladiator demonstrations, reenacted battles, Roman theatre, music, dance and daily‑life recreations inside the city’s ancient monuments.
  • Castells Exhibitions (June–September): Throughout the summer, Tarragona’s colles castelleres perform human tower exhibitions in plazas around the city. Castells are a UNESCO‑listed cultural tradition originating in Tarragona.
  • Gigantes Parade (August): During the festivities of Sant Magí, Tarragona’s patron saint, giant figures and big‑headed characters parade through the streets accompanied by music and dancing.
  • Santa Tecla Festival (September): Tarragona’s biggest annual celebration. For a full week the city fills with concerts, parades, castells, fire‑running correfocs and a spectacular fireworks display on the final night.
  • Concurs de Castells (October, even‑numbered years): The world’s most prestigious human tower competition, held in the Tàrraco Arena. Teams from across Catalonia compete to build the tallest and most complex towers. A must‑see if your visit coincides.
Sona Flamenc Magic Festival Tarraco Viva Tarragona Human Towers Sant Magí Parade Santa Tecla Festival Concurs de Castells

Tickets for Attractions Roman Tarragona (Tárraco)

The Roman museums and monuments in Tarragona are managed by two organisations:

  1. MHT – Museu d’Història de Tarragona
  2. MNAT – Museu Nacional Arqueològic de Tarragona

MHT Combined Ticket – €15

This ticket includes one visit to each of the following museum spaces:

  1. Roman Amphitheatre
  2. Roman Circus & Praetorium
  3. Casa Canals
  4. Casa Museu Castellarnau
  5. Roman Walls / Passeig Arqueològic
  6. Colonial Forum of Tàrraco

Individual entry to each site costs €5, so the combined ticket offers excellent value. You can purchase it at any of the participating ticket offices. The ticket does not expire; each time you visit a monument, staff will punch the corresponding section.


MNAT Ticket – €4

A single MNAT ticket grants access to both of the following museums:

  1. Paleo-Christian Necropolis
  2. National Archaeological Museum of Tarragona (MNAT)

Tarragona Cathedral Ticket – €11

The Cathedral of Santa Tecla is not included in the MHT or MNAT passes, so a separate ticket is required. The cultural visit ticket includes the cathedral, museum, cloister and the Roman remains beneath the cloister. It represents good value, and most visitors spend around 90 minutes here.

Free Walking Tour Tarragona

Explore the cobbled streets and historic landmarks of ancient Tarragona (Part Alta), beginning at the Roman Amphitheatre overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Wander through the medieval alleys of the Old Town, past Plaça de la Font and Tarragona Cathedral, discover the ancient Roman walls, and finish at the vibrant Mercat Central before enjoying panoramic views from the Mediterranean Balcony.

Read More & Book Free Walking Tour Tarragona
Free Walking Tour Tarragona
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Getting to Roman Tarragona (Tárraco)

Address: Tarragona, 43003

Catalonia is divided into four provinces: Barcelona, Girona, Lleida and Tarragona. The city of Tarragona is the provincial capital and sits on the Mediterranean Costa Dorada, about 95 km south of Barcelona. Frequent trains connect the two cities in around one hour, making a Tarragona day trip from Barcelona easy by train, bus or car.

  • By Train: The Renfe REGIONAL lines R14, R15, R16 and R17 all run directly to Tarragona city centre from Barcelona–Estació de França, Barcelona–Passeig de Gràcia and Barcelona–Sants.
    Important: Avoid high‑speed AVE, AVLO, Ouigo or Iryo trains, as these only stop at Camp de Tarragona, a station located 15 km outside the city centre.
  • By Bus: The Alsabus service runs from Barcelona Estació del Nord to Tarragona Estació d’Autobusos, located close to the city centre.
  • By Car: Take the C‑32 motorway south from Barcelona, which merges into the AP‑7. Exit at Junction 33 (Tarragona). A convenient place to park is Aparcament Municipal Saavedra, next to the Roman city walls.
Imperial Tarraco Parking

Where to Eat Roman Tarragona (Tárraco)

Plaça del Rei & Plaça del Fòrum (Near the Roman Ruins)

  • Gure Toki Restaurant: Basque cuisine, tapas and sandwiches. Plaça del Rei 4.
  • Home Run Restaurant: American‑style burgers in a casual setting. Plaça del Fòrum 10.
  • CaTabularium Restaurant: Tapas and small plates beside the Roman ruins. Plaça del Fòrum 8.
  • Tarakon Restaurant: Grilled dishes and cocktails with outdoor seating. Plaça del Fòrum 1.

Pla de la Seu (Near Tarragona Cathedral)

  • Restaurante La Cuineta: Mediterranean home‑style cooking. Carrer Nou del Patriarca 2 bis.
  • Frida Restaurant: Mexican cuisine with colourful décor. Carrer de les Coques 1 bis.
  • Restaurant Casa Balcells: Mediterranean dishes served on a terrace facing the cathedral. Pla de la Seu 5.
  • El Ceibo Bar: Tapas and cocktails in a lively square. Plaça de la Font 8.

Plaça de la Font (Near Tarragona Town Hall)

  • Quattros Restaurant: Excellent tapas, skewers and pinchos, plus a €17 three‑course lunch menu. Plaça de la Font 2.
  • Restaurante Mediterráneo Sentits: Salads, tapas and grilled meats. Plaça de la Font 25.
  • Istanbul Restaurant: Upmarket Turkish cuisine and kebabs. Carrer de Sant Domènec 26.
  • El Ceibo Bar: Tapas and cocktails. Plaça de la Font 8.

Barri del Serrallo (Tarragona Port)

  • El Pòsit Restaurant: Seafood specialities with meat and salad options. Moll de Pescadors 25.
  • Varadero Restaurante: Seafood, grilled meats and salads. Carrer de Trafalgar 13.
  • Octopussy Restaurante: Seafood restaurant specialising in octopus dishes. Carrer de Trafalgar 5.
  • Arrosseria El Serrallo: Paella, seafood and grilled meats. Carrer de Trafalgar 1.
  • L’Àncora del Serrallo: Paella, fish casseroles and grilled dishes. Carrer de Trafalgar 21.
  • Ca l’Eulàlia Restaurant: Paella, seafood and grilled meats. Plaça del Bisbe Bonet.
Gure Toki Restaurant Home Run Restaurant Tabularium Restaurant Tarakon Restaurant La Cuineta Restaurant Frida Restaurant Restaurant Casa Balcells Quattros Restaurant Restaurante Mediterráneo Sentits Istanbul Restaurant El Ceibo Bar El Pósit Restaurant Varadero Restaurante Octopussy Restaurant Arrosseria El Serrallo Restaurant L'Àncora del Serrallo Restaurant Ca l’Eulàlia Restaurant

Documents for Roman Tarragona (Tárraco)

Click on any of the PDF thumbnails to view in full screen and download

Weather for Roman Tarragona (Tárraco)

What to take with you for a Roman Tarragona (Tárraco) Day Trip

For a Tarragona day trip I pack a small 10L rucksack with a fleece jersey, and if the weather forecast predicts rain, a lightweight waterproof poncho.

Bring headphones if you plan to use the audio guides in the museums.

Wear comfortable shoes with good grip. The Roman sites and the medieval streets of the Part Alta have uneven cobblestones, steps and worn stone surfaces.

Not all attractions in Tarragona are fully adapted for reduced mobility. Each monument has different access conditions, so click into the individual attraction pages to read the specific accessibility notes before your visit.

Wikiloc Walking Routes for Roman Tarragona (Tàrraco)

tar01 - Roman Tarragona (Part Alt)

tar01 - Roman Tarragona (Part Alt)

A city walk in Tarragona (part Alt) that covers the main Roman Museums that are part of the MHT (Museo Historico de Tarragona).

Transport: Regional Fare: €20.10 Distance: 5.21 Difficulty: Easy
What is Wikiloc?
tar01 - Roman Tarragona (Part Baix)

tar01 - Roman Tarragona (Part Baix)

A city walk in Tarragona (part Baix) that covers the main Roman Museums and Port Serrallo area

Transport: Regional Fare: 2€0.10 Distance: 6.69 Difficulty: Easy
What is Wikiloc?

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Where to stay in Roman Tarragona (Tàrraco)

How much does a Roman Tarragona (Tárraco) Day Trip Cost?

Description Adult Adult Discounts Child Child Discounts
Return Renfe Regional Train Ticket from Barcelona € 16.10 € 16.10
MHT Combined Ticket (Amphitheatre, Circus & Pretorium, Casa Canals, Roman Wall Passeig Arqueològic, Casa Castellarnau, Colonial Forum) € 15.00 Students, Over 65 years, Disabled. €7.50 € 7.50 Free for undrer 12 years
Tarragona Cathedral € 5.00 Students, Over 65 years, Disabled. €4.00 € 3.00 Child under 16 years
Pont del Diable viaduct return bus fare € 3.40 € 3.40
Tarragona Modern Art Museum (MAMT) € 0.00 € 0.00
Early Christian cemetery of Tárraco € 4.00 Students, Over 65 years, Disabled. €2.00 € 0.00 Child under 16 years
Tarragona Port Museum € 0.00 € 0.00
Museo National Archaeological de Tarragona € 4.00 pensioner, students €2 € 0.00 Free for under 16 years olds
€ 47.5 Adult Total € 30 Child Total

Things to do and see Near Roman Tarragona (Tárraco)

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