Located just 17 kilometers from the bustling heart of Barcelona, Sant Cugat del Vallès offers a serene escape, boasting its own unique charm. This enchanting town embodies the quintessential spirit of Catalonia in a quaint, small-town setting.
In this guide, I’ll take you through the best things to do in Sant Cugat del Vallès. We’ll explore the hidden gems and the must-see attractions that make this place so special. I’ll also share tips on how to maximize your experience. So, come along on a short yet exhilarating journey from the dynamic energy of Barcelona to a tranquil world brimming with discoveries and unexpected delights.
About the author, Vicki: As someone who proudly calls Barcelona home and has spent years delving into every nook and cranny of this vibrant city, I’m excited to share my favorite spots and insider tips with you. From bustling landmarks to quiet, hidden alleys – Join me as I reveal the best of Barcelona, including those off-the-beaten-track gems that make this city truly unique.
What to find out in this post
Sant Cugat del Vallès
SANT CUGAT INFO BOX
Where to stay in Sant Cugat: El Sant Cugat (4-star hotel in a green environment) or Hotel Venture Sant Cugat (3-star hotel with good value for money)
The most popular activities & tours in Sant Cugat
Walk through the historic center
Hiking in nature
Getting there: S1, S2, or S6 from Barcelona
Transportation: walking or by car
Want to rent a car? You can find great deals on RentalCars.
Sant Cugat Must-Have: Practical Spanish Travel Dictionary or Catalan Travel Dictionary
Sant Cugat del Vallès (Sant Cugat for short) is a city northwest of Barcelona with about 90,000 inhabitants. Although Sant Cugat was still a small town until some time ago, more and more people are moving to this place (For comparison, around 20,000 people lived here in the 1970s).
The city is becoming increasingly popular with locals and tourists as rents continue rising in Barcelona. The first church in the region dates back to the 4th century, and the city still provides a medieval atmosphere.
How to get from Barcelona to Sant Cugat del Vallès
Duration from Barcelona: approx. 30 minutes
Price: Zone 1 Ticket (€ 2.55 or € 1.22 with T-Casual ticket)
Getting to Sant Cugat from Barcelona is very easy. Just take an FGC (Ferrocarrils de Generalitat de Catalunya) line S1, S2 (direction Sabadell Parc del Nord), or S6 from one of the stations in Barcelona (e.g., Plaça Catalunya, Gràcia, or Provença (Diagonal) up to the Sant Cugat stop.
You can check the exact timetable on the official website of Rodalies Renfe Catalunya.
The best Things to do in Sant Cugat del Vallès
The Monastery of Sant Cugat
Opening hours: Tue – Sat: 10.30 am – 1.30 pm & 4.00 pm – 7.00 pm (/Jun-Sep: 5 – 8 pm); Sundays: 10.30 am – 2.30 pm// Church: 9.00 am – 12.00 pm & 6.00 pm – 8.00 pm
Entrance fee: free of charge / Audioguide: 6 €
The monastery of Sant Cugat is probably the city’s most important sight. Many visitors come here solely for a visit to the monastery. This is understandable because the abbey, its church, and especially the beautiful courtyard are definitely worth a visit.
The monastery and its bell tower were built in the 11th century from the remains of a Roman fortification, which stood here since the 4th century. Construction continued until completion in the 18th century.
Inside the monastery is now a museum that houses a general exhibition and a traveling exhibition. Both displays will also feature movies. Although the films are in Catalan, they have English and Spanish subtitles.
The real highlight of the monastery, however, is the beautiful courtyard. Just walk a bit through the old narrow corridors and admire the impressive architecture of this monastery.
Several times a month, concerts take place here in the evening. More information can be found on the official Homepage of Sant Cugat.
Plaça de Sant Pere
This small square is located in the heart of the city, just a short distance from the monastery. It is the perfect place to enjoy a few tapas and a cold beer while watching the locals go by.
Our recommendation: Try the tasty tapas (for example, Patatas Bravas) at ChiBarri.
The square provides the typical Catalan atmosphere with its medieval walls and independence flags hanging from many buildings.
This is where you can also find the market of the city.
El Mercat Vell – The market of Sant Cugat
Opening hours Mercat Vell: Depending on the stand. Market hall: Mon: 09 am – 2 pm; Tue – Sat: 09 am – 11 pm; Sun: 09 am – 4 pm.
Entrance Fee Mercat Vell: free of charge
On the market, located in front of and in an old Modernist house on the Plaça de Sant Pere, you will find everything a traditional Catalan market should offer. Be sure to be a bit hungry, as walking through the market’s aisles is almost impossible without finding something you would like to try.
There is something for every taste – from fresh fruit and vegetables, high-quality sausage and cheese to gourmet dishes such as steak or fish. But foreign specialties such as Japanese, Argentinean, and Mexican can also be found here.
Stroll through the old town
While Barcelona’s old town offers more choice, the narrow streets of downtown Barcelona are usually overcrowded. Strolling through the city center of Sant Cugat is much more relaxed.
Such a walk through the city center is not only relaxing but with its many small boutiques and shops, you can undoubtedly find something beautiful that will remind you later of this day trip from Barcelona.
The Museums of Sant Cugat
Another attraction of Sant Cugat is its museums. In addition to the monastic museum we have already mentioned, there are two other museums in St. Cugat.
Modernist Wine Cellar
In the impressive modernist building designed by architect Cèsar Martinell, there is an exhibition on winemaking.
Cal Gerrer – House Museum
Opening hours Cal Gerrer House: May-Sep: Tue – Fri: 10.30 am – 2 pm & 5 pm – 8.00 pm, Sat & public holidays: 10.30 am – 3 pm & 5 pm – 8.30 pm, Sun: 10.30 am – 3 pm// Oct-Apr: Tue – Fri: 10.30 am – 2 pm & 5.00 pm – 8 pm, Sat & public holidays: 10.30 am – 2.30 pm & 5 pm – 8 pm, Sun: 10.30 am – 2.30 pm
Entrance fee Cal Gerrer House: € 7
Tickets Cal Gerrer House: at GetYourGuide online or on-site
It’s hard to believe, but here in Sant Cugat is the only European museum dedicated to the famous actress Marilyn Monroe. Here, you can discover exhibits and information about the life of this famous Hollywood Star. There are also two other exhibitions in this museum.
The Comic and Illustration Museum of Sant Cugat
Opening hours Comic Museum: Tue – Fri: 4 – 8 pm, Sat: 10 am – 2 pm & 4 – 8 pm, Sun & public holidays: 10 am – 2 pm; closed on Mondays
Entrance fee Comic museum: € 8
Tickets Comic Museum: at GetYourGuide online or on-site
Another interesting museum in the city is the Comic Museum. As the name suggests, exhibits from the world of comics await you here. Learn more about the history and development of comics and their language over more than 100 years.
Enjoy nature
Not only Sant Cugat itself but also its beautiful surroundings invite you to enjoy this town. You can either go on your own or join a tour. You can go for a walk, ride a horse, or ride a bike. Even a place to play golf can be found.
More Barcelona?
Be sure to check out our detailed Barcelona Itinerary and sightseeing Guide.
No accommodation yet?
Here, you will find our ultimate Barcelona accommodation and neighborhood guide.
More Catalonia trips?
Also, read about these great day trip destinations in Catalonia from Barcelona.
