Things To Do
in Granollers

Granollers is a historic Catalan town just northeast of Barcelona, known for its lively market life and well-preserved old town. The town functions as the capital of the Vallès Oriental and serves as a gateway to the scenic Montnegre-Corridor and Montseny areas. Its cobblestone streets, elegant arcaded buildings, and bustling Plaça de la Porxada reflect a rich trade history dating back to the medieval era.

Visitors can enjoy cultural sites, local Catalan cuisine, and a relaxed regional atmosphere with easy access to Barcelona by train.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Begin your day by wandering through the charming streets of Granollers' historic center. Visit the iconic Church of Sant Esteve, admiring its impressive architecture and peaceful surroundings. Stop by a local bakery to savor a traditional 'coca de llardons' with your morning coffee.

afternoon
:

After lunch, head to the Granollers Museum, where you can learn about the city's rich history and cultural heritage. Explore the various exhibits, including archaeological finds and contemporary art. Take a leisurely stroll through the nearby Parc de l'Estació, enjoying the lush greenery and picturesque scenery.

evening
:

In the evening, dine at a local restaurant, sampling Catalan dishes such as 'escalivada' or 'calçots'. After your meal, enjoy a leisurely walk through the illuminated streets, taking in the vibrant atmosphere. Complete your night with a drink at a cozy bar, soaking in the local nightlife.

day 2
Market Day and Culinary Delights
morning
:

Start your day at the Granollers Market, where local vendors sell fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and cured meats. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere as you browse through colorful stalls and chat with friendly locals. Don't forget to pick up some ingredients for a picnic lunch later!

afternoon
:

After enjoying your picnic at Parc de l'Estació, join a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Catalan dishes. A local chef will guide you through the process, sharing tips and tricks along the way. Enjoy the fruits of your labor as you feast on your culinary creations.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to a local taproom to sample a selection of Catalan wines and craft beers. Engage with the knowledgeable staff to discover pairings that enhance your meal experience. Cap off your evening with a visit to a local flamenco show, where you can appreciate the passionate performances.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee$2-4
🚌Public transport one-way ticket$2-3
🥐Pastry$1-3
🧺Basic groceries (weekly)$40-70

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Compact town with easy access to Barcelona and nature
  • Excellent weekly market and local cuisine
  • Smaller nightlife compared to Barcelona
  • Limited high-end dining options in some neighborhoods
  • "Bon dia" - Good morning
  • "Si us plau" - Please
  • "Gràcies" - Thank you
  • "On és el lavabo?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Quant costa?" - How much is it?

Places to Visit in Granollers

Visit one of these nice places.

La Porxada

Iconic 17th-century market building in Plaça de la Porxada, perfect at sunrise or golden hour.

Sant Esteve Church Tower

Historic church with a tall bell tower and façades along the narrow lanes of the old town.

Old Town Streets

Cobbled lanes and arcaded walkways around Plaça de la Llibertat provide texture-rich photos.

Parc de Can Borrell and riverside views

Parks and riverside paths offering calm nature scenes and reflections.

Culinary Guide

Food in Granollers

Granollers sits in Catalonia’s culinary heart, where market-fresh produce, seafood from the coast, and robust regional flavors come together. Expect simple, ingredient-driven dishes, regional wines, and plenty of opportunities to sample tapas and baked goods in casual settings.

Granollers Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Esqueixada

Fresh salt-cod salad with tomatoes, onions, and olive oil.

Must-Try!

Escalivada

Fire-roasted peppers, eggplant and onions, often served with olive oil.

Coca de Recapte

Catalan flatbread topped with vegetables and sometimes anchovies.

Calçots with romesco

Seasonal green onions grilled and served with romesco sauce.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercat de Granollers

Historic market hall and daily stalls offering seafood, vegetables, and local snacks.

Climate Guide

Weather

Granollers has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Spring and autumn bring comfortable temperatures and pleasant conditions for outdoor activities. July and August can be very warm, while January is usually the coolest month. Rain is more common in autumn and spring, with summer thunderstorms possible.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greeting

Greet with a polite bon dia or hola; in casual settings, a handshake or light kiss on both cheeks among friends.

Dining

Dining is relaxed; share plates when possible and sample local specialties.

Punctuality

Arrive on time for meals, but socializing often lingers after.

Safety Guide

Safety

Granollers is generally safe for visitors. As in any urban area, stay aware of belongings in crowded markets and on public transport. The city center is well lit at night, but use common sense and avoid poorly lit areas after dark.

Tipping in Granollers

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not obligatory; rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is common in restaurants and cafes.

Payment Methods

Cash and major credit/debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common; small establishments may prefer cash.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures, blooming landscapes; ideal for strolling markets and outdoor cafes.

Summer

Warm to hot days; carry water and use shade; occasional thunderstorms; beach trips nearby.

Autumn

Pleasant weather with harvest markets and wine-tasting events.

Winter

Mild to cool, rare frosts; fewer crowds; great time for museum visits and cozy eateries.

Nightlife Guide

Granollers at Night

The nightlife in Granollers tends to be low-key compared with Barcelona. Bars and cafés cluster around the historic center and near the train station area, offering tapas, craft beers, and local wines. Clubs are more limited, but there are venues with live music and seasonal events, especially on weekends. For a broader night out, easy day trips to Barcelona’s vibrant nightlife are common.

Hiking in Granollers

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Montseny Natural Park

A UNESCO Biopshere Reserve with forest trails and scenic viewpoints a short drive away.

Parc Natural del Montnegre i el Corredor

Forest trails and the coastal range; good for day hikes and picnic spots.

Airports

How to reach Granollers by plane.

Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN)

Main international airport serving the Barcelona region; about 30-40 minutes by car or train from Granollers depending on traffic.

Girona–Costa Brava Airport (GRO)

Regional airport offering connections to Europe; longer transfer to Granollers.

Getting Around

Walkability

Granollers is fairly walkable in the historic center, with compact streets and dense cafes. The old town is best explored on foot, while car access is convenient for day trips. There are pedestrianized squares and well-connected public transport to outside neighborhoods.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Granollers has a strong family presence with good schools and parks.

Students and Professionals

Close to Barcelona and universities; a commuter population.

Residents and Local Catalan Culture Enthusiasts

A mix of locals who maintain strong regional traditions.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

Local clubs and casual play are popular; watch a match at local stadiums or play at community fields.

Basketball

Indoor courts and local leagues accessible to visitors.

Tennis

Public tennis courts and clubs in the area.

Transportation

Traffic

Travel by train via Renfe Rodalies is reliable for city-to-city trips; road traffic can be heavier during morning and evening peak hours. Parking in the historic center can be challenging; use public transport or park-and-ride options where available.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Granollers.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Choose plant-based dishes like escalivada, coca de recapte, and seasonal vegetables; many places offer veggie options and salads.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Granollers is covered by the public system; there is a general hospital in the town (Hospital General de Granollers) and multiple clinics. International travelers can access emergency services at local hospitals; bring your insurance card and travel documents. Pharmacists are common and can provide basic over-the-counter meds.

Discover Spain

Read more in our Spain 2025 Travel Guide.

Spain Travel Guide