Things To Do
in Cardedeu
Cardedeu is a small Catalan town in the Vallès Oriental, about 30–35 km northeast of Barcelona, blending Modernist architecture with a relaxed small-town atmosphere. It has a compact historic centre with pleasant pedestrian streets, weekly markets and family-run shops, and is a commuter hub for people working in Barcelona. The surrounding countryside opens onto gentle hills and farmland with easy access to natural parks like Montseny, making it a good base for day trips into nature.
Cardedeu is known for friendly locals, Catalan culture and a slower pace of life compared with nearby big cities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Cardedeu's train station from Barcelona, settle your luggage at a local guesthouse, and grab a coffee on Plaça de l’Església. The scent of freshly baked croissants and Catalan crema accompanies your first taste of this charming town. Locals greet you warmly, setting the tone for an immersive Spanish escape.
Enjoy a light tapas lunch at a family-run taverna near the market. Stroll through narrow cobblestone streets, browsing artisanal boutiques and admiring tiled facades. Pause at the central fountain to plan your week with a map in hand.
Dine on classic escalivada and cured ham paired with a glass of local Penedès wine. Watch the sun dip behind the Pyrenees from a rooftop terrace. Finish the night with música en vivo at a cozy bar in the old quarter.
Begin with a guided walking tour of Cardedeu’s medieval core, discovering ancient walls and gateways. Learn stories of Roman settlers and medieval merchants from a passionate local guide. Snap photos of well-preserved stone architecture bathed in golden light.
Visit the town’s museum in the former convent of Sant Sebastià to view archaeological finds and traditional costumes. Relax with a bocadillo and iced té in a shady square nearby. Chat with artisans making ceramics and leather goods at pop-up stalls.
Sample traditional fideuà at a rustic restaurant famed among locals. Take an evening stroll to spot the illuminated bell tower of Santa Maria church. End the night with a walk along tree-lined Rambla Verdaguer, enjoying the gentle breeze.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (café or cortado) | $2.50-3.50 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (bar) | $2-4 |
| 🚕Taxi start / short ride | $4-8 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (double, per night) | $70-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to Barcelona while retaining a relaxed small-town atmosphere
- Good access to natural parks and hiking (Montseny)
- Strong local Catalan culture and markets
- Compact, walkable historic centre with family-run eateries
- Limited late-night entertainment compared with nearby big cities
- Fewer high-end dining options and boutique hotels in town
- Public transport can be crowded during commuter hours
- Some services and shops close on Sunday afternoons or holidays
- "Bon dia" - Good morning / Hello (Catalan)
- "Gràcies / Gracias" - Thank you
- "Si us plau / Por favor" - Please
- "On és l'estació? / ¿Dónde está la estación?" - Where is the station?
- "Un cafè, si us plau / Un café, por favor" - A coffee, please
- "Disculpi / Disculpe" - Excuse me / Sorry
Places to Visit in Cardedeu
Visit one of these nice places.
A photogenic medieval-to-modern church and the surrounding square offer architectural details, street life and golden-hour light for portraits and town scenes.
Walk the central streets to capture colourful Modernist details, balconies, and traditional shopfronts that tell the town's history.
Fields, orchards and low hills around Cardedeu provide pastoral landscapes, sunrise/sunset vistas and seasonal colours.
On clear days, vantage points on the town's outskirts frame the Montseny massif—good for wide-angle landscape shots.
Food in Cardedeu
Cardedeu Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Toasted bread rubbed with tomato and olive oil—ubiquitous as a starter or side, found in almost every bar and restaurant.
Must-Try!
Typical Catalan grilled pork sausage served with white beans; a hearty local classic available in traditional eateries.
Roasted peppers, aubergine and onion dressed with olive oil—served as a starter or side dish in many restaurants and taverns.
A Catalan crème brûlée-style dessert flavored with lemon and cinnamon; popular in local restaurants and pastisseries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local market day (typically weekly) sells seasonal fruit and vegetables, cheeses, cured meats and local pantry items—excellent for picnic supplies and sampling regional produce.
Small bakeries and kiosks sell sweet pastries, savory empanadas and bocadillos (sandwiches) ideal for a quick snack or coffee break.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A common informal greeting is two kisses on the cheek (one each side) among acquaintances; handshakes are typical in formal situations. Use 'Bon dia' (Catalan) or 'Buenos días' (Spanish) to start interactions.
Catalan is widely used and valued—showing basic respect by using Catalan greetings or asking if someone prefers Catalan is appreciated. Spanish is also commonly understood.
Meals are eaten later than in some countries (lunch around 14:00, dinner after 21:00). Be polite, say 'gràcies'/'gracias' and avoid loud behaviour in residential areas at night.
Safety
Tipping in Cardedeu
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory: rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% in restaurants for good service is common. Small change for bar staff or café servers and taxi drivers is typical.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in shops and restaurants; carry some cash for small vendors, markets and rural services. Contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly supported.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, blooming wildflowers and pleasant hiking conditions. Expect occasional rain; it's a great time for outdoor activities and fewer crowds than summer.
Hot and dry with peak temperatures in July–August; town life moves outdoors to terraces in the evening. Bring sun protection and plan midday indoor or shaded activities.
Cooler weather, colourful foliage in nearby hills and harvest season; pleasant for hiking and local food events. Rain becomes more frequent later in the season.
Generally mild days but chilly nights; occasional frost and snow in higher nearby mountains (Montseny). Off-season prices and quieter streets—pack layers for variable conditions.
Cardedeu at Night
Hiking in Cardedeu
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with trails for all levels, forested ridges, viewpoints like Turó de l'Home and varied ecosystems—about a short drive from Cardedeu.
Rocky landscapes and dramatic cliffs with routes to La Mola and other viewpoints; good for more rugged hikes and panoramic photos (accessible by car).
Easy, family-friendly walks following streams and country lanes around Cardedeu—ideal for short outings, birdwatching and photography.
Airports
How to reach Cardedeu by plane.
Main international airport serving Barcelona, about 35–45 km away. Accessible by train, bus or car (approximately 40–60 minutes depending on traffic).
Smaller international airport north of Barcelona, useful for some low-cost carriers and nearer to the Costa Brava (about 60–80 km). Reachable by car or regional buses.
A regional airport south of Barcelona serving mainly seasonal and charter flights; further away (over 100 km) and less convenient than BCN or Girona for Cardedeu access.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-standing residents who speak Catalan, with deep roots in the region and community life centred on family and local traditions.
Professionals who live in Cardedeu and commute daily to Barcelona or nearby industrial centres—this group shapes demand for good transport links.
A smaller but growing group of international residents and retirees attracted by proximity to Barcelona and quieter lifestyle.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the area; many local amateur teams and youth clubs, and strong fan culture for FC Barcelona throughout Catalonia.
Road and mountain cycling are popular for both commuting and leisure, thanks to quiet country roads and varied terrain.
Local clubs and residents take advantage of nearby parks and trails for running, trekking and outdoor fitness.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Cardedeu.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasingly available: many vegetable-based tapas (escalivada, pimientos de padrón), salads, and pasta/rice dishes. Markets are great for fresh ingredients if you self-cater; ask staff for 'sense carn' (without meat) or simply use Spanish/Catalan terms to explain.
Vegan choices are more limited in traditional places but trending cafés and some restaurants offer plant-based dishes. Bring snacks if you have strict requirements and check menus in advance.
Awareness of gluten-free diets is growing; many restaurants can adapt dishes, but cross-contamination may occur—carry gluten-free essentials if you are highly sensitive.