Free walking tours in Reus and what to see

Must-sees

Reus is the birthplace of Antoni Gaudí, and you notice it as soon as you arrive. The Gaudí Centre, on Plaça del Mercadal, is the logical starting point: it explains his work and his links with the city. On the same square are the town hall and Casa Navàs, by Domènech i Montaner, one of the best-preserved Modernista interiors in Catalonia.

The Modernisme Route takes in more than twenty buildings in the centre, such as Casa Rull and Casa Gasull. Close by rises the priory church of Sant Pere, its bell tower visible from almost everywhere in the old town. The shopping streets, the market and the vermouth tradition round off a visit made on foot and at an easy pace.

Free tours and guided visits

Free tours in Reus usually focus on Modernisme and Gaudí. You pay what you wish, and they cover the old town, El Mercadal and the main houses of the late 19th-century merchant class. Among paid visits, the guided tour of Casa Navàs is worthwhile, as is the Institut Pere Mata, the old psychiatric hospital also designed by Domènech i Montaner. Reus is also a starting point for trips to Tarragona, the Priorat wineries and Poblet Monastery.

How long to spend

One day is enough to see the essentials. Spend the morning at the Gaudí Centre and on the Modernisme route, and the afternoon at Casa Navàs or the Institut Pere Mata, finishing with a vermouth in the centre. To make the most of the area, add a second day for Tarragona or a trip to the Priorat.

Where to stay

The most practical choice is to stay in the centre, around El Mercadal and the shopping streets. The Modernista buildings, the restaurants and the bus station are all within walking distance. The area near the train station works well if you plan to travel on to Tarragona or Barcelona, and is a little quieter at night.