Free walking tours in Vilafranca del Penedès and what to see

Must-sees

Vilafranca del Penedès is the capital of the Alt Penedès and one of the benchmarks of Catalan wine. Its old town revolves around the basilica of Santa Maria, a Gothic church whose bell tower you can climb to see the town and the vineyards. Opposite is the Palau Reial, home to the Vinseum, the museum of Catalan wine cultures, with exhibits on the history of winemaking and the area’s art.

Vilafranca is also one of the cradles of the castellers. Human towers rise in Plaça de la Vila during the big festivals, and on the rambla you will see a monument dedicated to them. Strolling the Rambla de Nostra Senyora and the central streets reveals stately homes and some Modernista buildings. Around town, the vineyard landscape is dotted with wineries that open their doors to visitors.

Free tours and guided visits

Vilafranca has no regular free walking tours or fixed activities on the big platforms. The usual format is a visit to the Vinseum and the tourist office’s suggestions, which include routes around the centre and the climb up the bell tower. For wine, many Penedès wineries run their own tours with tastings, and excursions from Barcelona combine the area with Sant Sadurní d'Anoia.

How long to spend

Half a day is enough for the centre, the basilica and the Vinseum. If you want to visit one or two wineries, give it a full day. With a weekend you can add Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, the capital of cava, or head down to the coast at Sitges, half an hour away.

Where to stay

The best option is to sleep in the centre, near the rambla and Plaça de la Vila, to get around on foot and have dinner without the car. Another very appealing option is the rural stays among the Alt Penedès vineyards. If there is no room, Sant Sadurní d'Anoia or Sitges have more choice and good connections.