Explore Badalona, a coastal town near Barcelona. Discover Roman ruins, medieval and industrial heritage, shopping streets, beaches, local food, vibrant markets, nightlife, and festive Christmas events.
How to Get There: Easy Transport Options from Barcelona
Getting to Badalona is easy, fast, and versatile. Whether you prefer public transport, biking, or a casual drive, it’s a smooth trip from Barcelona:
- Metro: Line 2 (Purple Line) connects central Barcelona to Badalona Pompeu Fabra in about 25 minutes from Passeig de Gràcia or Plaça Catalunya.
- Train: Rodalies R1 takes ~20 minutes from Barcelona Sants or Plaça Catalunya to Badalona, offering scenic coastal views.
- Tram: Lines T5 and T6 reach areas near beaches and the Pont del Petroli.
- Bus: Several lines link Barcelona to Badalona (~30–35 minutes depending on traffic).
- Bicycle: Coastal cycling lanes allow a ride of ~45–50 minutes from the city center.
Tip: Badalona is compact and walkable. Once you arrive, you can explore on foot or rent a bike for a full-day experience.
Where to sleep in badalona: hotels and hostels
4‑Star / Higher‑Rated
- Hotel Marina Badalona – 4★ style hotel by the port with sea views and modern amenities, including restaurants, spa options, and event spaces.
- Hotel Badalona Tower – 4★ hotel with 14 floors, modern design, terraces, gym facilities, and good metro/train links to Barcelona.
3‑Star / Mid‑Range
- Hotel Miramar Badalona – Well‑reviewed hotel near central Badalona, comfortable rooms and good base for exploring the city and coast.
- Can Mir Badalona – Boutique‑style hotel with a local feel and very good guest ratings.
Budget / Guesthouse
- Hostal Badaloní – Affordable guesthouse with good reviews and basic comfort.
- Hostal Solimar – Budget option with simple rooms, ideal for short stays.
- Barcelona Corona Hostal – Highly rated hostel‑style accommodation in Badalona, good for budget travelers.
Introduction
Badalona is a hidden gem along Catalonia’s coast, just minutes from Barcelona. Its charm lies in a combination of rich history, industrial heritage, shopping areas, beaches, vibrant markets, and lively nightlife.
Visitors can explore Roman ruins, medieval streets, and modernist industrial buildings, stroll along Calle del Mar and nearby shopping streets, relax on family-friendly beaches, wander through markets and artisan fairs, enjoy local cuisine and craft beer, and experience authentic nightlife at places like Carpa Titus.
Whether you’re a history lover, foodie, shopper, beach-goer, or party enthusiast, Badalona offers a full-day or half-day experience outside the hustle of Barcelona.
History of Badalona
Badalona’s history spans over 2,000 years, making it one of the most historically rich towns near Barcelona.
Roman Era
Originally Baetulo, Badalona was a thriving Roman settlement strategically located on the Mediterranean coast.
The Badalona Roman Museum (Museu de Baetulo)
- Importance: Preserves Roman city remains and provides a glimpse into daily life 2,000 years ago.
- Size: ~4,000 m² of archaeological and exhibition space.
- Highlights: Roman baths, mosaic floors, forum, reconstructed houses.
- Why visit: One of the most important Roman archaeological sites in Catalonia, showing urban planning, architecture, and social life.
Visitors can see layers of history, including commercial spaces, public squares, and residential streets, which allow a clear understanding of how Roman towns were organized.
Medieval Badalona
During the Middle Ages, Badalona grew around churches, monasteries, and fortifications, forming a structured medieval core with streets, plazas, and artisan workshops.
- Monastery of Sant Jeroni de la Murtra: Founded in the 14th century, it was a center of religious, cultural, and educational activity.
- Significant event: In 1493, Christopher Columbus met the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, at Sant Jeroni de la Murtra, before reporting on his first voyage to the Americas.
- Medieval life: Agriculture, fishing, and crafts shaped daily life, while monasteries influenced education, governance, and religion.
Industrial Heritage
From the 19th century, Badalona became an industrial hub:
- Textile factories: Produced fabrics for domestic and international markets.
- Other industries: Soap, chemicals, and food production.
- Anís del Mono Factory: Founded in 1870, its modernist building remains a cultural landmark.
Industrialization brought population growth, urban expansion, and a working-class culture, still visible today in neighborhoods and traditions.
Tip for visitors: Walking through the historic streets and industrial areas, you can see layers of history—from Roman mosaics to medieval streets and industrial-era buildings.
Visiting Dalt la Vila (Old Town)
Dalt la Vila is Badalona’s historic quarter, featuring narrow streets, charming squares, and medieval architecture.
- Historic streets and squares: Cobblestone alleys with artisan shops and small plazas.
- Local events: Summer and Christmas festivals bring streets alive with music, crafts, and performances.
Tip: Explore slowly to fully appreciate the architecture, hidden corners, and medieval history.
Shopping in Badalona
Calle del Mar and surrounding streets form Badalona’s main shopping district.
- Shops and boutiques: Fashion, shoes, accessories, local crafts, and souvenirs.
- Ambiance: Pedestrian-friendly streets with a lively and vibrant atmosphere.
- Hidden gems: Side streets offer artisan shops, specialty stores, and unique local products.
Tip: Visit in the afternoon or early evening for window-shopping, and take breaks at nearby cafés or snack bars.
Beaches and Seaside Walks
Badalona’s coastline offers sandy beaches and scenic promenades:
- Platja de la Barca Maria: Calm waters, ideal for families.
- Platja del Pont del Petroli: Popular for walking, jogging, and photography.
Pont del Petroli
Originally part of an industrial pier system, now a pedestrian walkway with panoramic Mediterranean views. Visitors enjoy sunsets, jogging, or cycling along the promenade.
Tip: Combine a stroll along Pont del Petroli with a visit to shopping streets or cafés for a relaxed day.
Local Markets, Festivals, and Christmas in Badalona
Weekly Markets
- Montigalà Park (Fridays): Fresh produce, baked goods, clothing, and crafts.
- In front of Màgic Badalona (Saturdays): Clothes, accessories, toys, antiques.
- Other neighborhood markets:
- Gorg: Weekend market with clothing, electronics, toys.
- Centre Badalona: Street fairs during festivals featuring artisan products.
Tip: Arrive early for the best selection and bring cash.
Christmas in Badalona
- Tallest Christmas tree in Spain: Main square attraction for visitors.
- Christmas markets: Crafts, festive foods, and gifts.
- Ice skating rinks: Seasonal, perfect for children.
- Activities for kids: Workshops, puppet shows, festive performances.
- Christmas lights: Streets, squares, and promenades glow with thousands of lights.
Tip: December is the best time to experience Badalona’s festive charm.
Industrial Heritage: Anís del Mono Factory
- Modernist building founded in 1870
- Produces Spain’s iconic anisette
- Photo-worthy exterior, reflecting Badalona’s industrial past
Tip: Check guided tour schedules for an inside look at production and history.
Food & Drinks
Where to Eat
Badalona offers a fantastic gastronomic scene, from sophisticated restaurants to beachside chiringuitos, pizzerias, and gourmet tapas. Highlights include:
- Bonna Boca: Creative cuisine in a cozy setting.
- L’Esmolet: Local specialties with a modern twist.
- Espai Versátil: More sophisticated, ideal for special occasions.
- Sucamar: Perfect for traditional paellas and rice dishes.
- Antara: Mediterranean cuisine with fresh products.
- Espai Cassual: Relaxed atmosphere with varied dishes.
- Sotavent: Excellent daily menu at a good price.
- La Costa Badalona: Mediterranean dishes right by the sea.
- La Cala de Gineto: Classic seafood and fresh fish restaurant.
- Bistrot 1954: Gourmet tapas, ideal for tasting innovative flavors.
Additionally, there are many other beachside chiringuitos, pizzerias, and bars, making Badalona a true paradise for food lovers.
Where to Drink
- Cervecería 4 Pedres: Craft beer in a relaxed, local-favorite atmosphere.
- Other bars: Vermouth, Catalan wines, cocktails, and tapas for a casual drink.
Tip: Combine a walk along the beach or shopping streets with a meal or tapas in one of these local spots.
Nightlife in Badalona
Pubs and Carpa Titus
- Popular with young people from all over Catalonia
- Offers live music, DJs, and dancing
- Affordable for all budgets
- Tardeo on Saturdays: Afternoon socializing with drinks and tapas starting around 5–6 PM, continuing into the night.
Tip: Arrive early for tardeo, then dance into the night for a fully authentic experience.
Walking and Cycling Routes
Suggested route:
- Badalona Roman Museum → Roman heritage
- Dalt la Vila → medieval streets and squares
- Shopping streets → Calle del Mar and surrounding boutiques
- Anís del Mono Factory → industrial heritage
- Pont del Petroli & beaches
- Markets or Christmas events (seasonal)
Optional: Rent a bike to explore the promenade and coastal areas efficiently.
Summary and Tips
- History & Culture: Roman Museum, Monastery, Columbus connection, industrial heritage
- Shopping: Calle del Mar and adjacent streets, artisan shops, boutiques
- Beaches & Views: Platja de la Barca Maria, Pont del Petroli
- Food & Drinks: Restaurants, chiringuitos, tapas, seafood, pizzerias
- Markets & Festivals: Montigalà, Màgic Badalona, Gorg, Centre Badalona
- Nightlife: Carpa Titus & tardeo Saturdays
- Photography: Roman ruins, Anís del Mono, Pont del Petroli sunset, Christmas lights
Tip: Only 10–15 minutes from Barcelona by train or metro, perfect for a day trip.
Exploring Badalona with Bcityng
Private tours with Bcityng offer personalized experiences, connecting history, gastronomy, shopping, beaches, markets, and nightlife. A guided tour ensures visitors see hidden gems while understanding the culture and stories behind each location.