Stand at the far end of the Pont del Petroli and the whole sweep of the coast opens up in front of you, from Badalona's own shoreline to Barcelona beyond. It is a short walk out over the water, and it tells you most of what you need to know about this city: Roman foundations under a modern street plan, a working seafront, and a strong local identity that has survived being absorbed into the Barcelona conurbation.
Badalona suits travellers who have already seen Barcelona and want a day or two on its northern edge, and anyone interested in Roman archaeology, coastal walking or Catalan festival culture. The city is easily reached by Renfe train, metro, bus and the Trambesòs line, so it works as a base as well as a day trip.
This guide covers the sights and experiences the sources describe, followed by a one-day plan and answers to common questions.
Top things to do in Badalona
1. Pont del Petroli
Built as a dock for unloading oil products from ships and renovated in 2009, the Pont del Petroli is now a dock for public and scientific use. From the far end you get a wide panoramic view of Badalona's and Barcelona's coast, and a weather station sits on the structure.
It is a popular spot for maritime walks, for couples and for fishermen at night. At the dock's entrance you will find a statue of Anís del Mono, an ape with Darwin's face holding a bottle of Anís del Mono.
2. Badalona Museum
Beneath the museum building you can visit the remains of the Roman city of Baetulo, including baths, part of a road and a group of shops. The museum also holds a collection rich in archaeological materials from its own excavations, along with objects from other eras covering art, everyday life, crafts and industry.
It is close to the L2 subway line, and buses B3, B4, B9, B17, B22, B25, B27, B29, B30, B31, B44, N9 and N2 also serve it. Pair it with a walk through the centre, where the modern city was built over the old Roman one.
3. Sant Jeroni de la Murtra
This monastery was built in the 15th century in a valley of the Marina mountain range, and its landmark feature is Gothic architecture. The paths through the mountain range around the monastery, and to and from the city, are common easy hiking routes for locals.
Combine the visit with a walk on those paths rather than arriving by road alone. The monastery is on Camí a Sant Jeroni de la Murtra.
4. Beaches of Badalona
Only interrupted by the port, the continuous beach of Badalona is crowded with locals every day during summer. Surfing, kayaking, boat-sailing and wind-surfing are practised all year round.
Come in the evening during the May festivities, when the maritime promenade fills for the Cremada del Dimoni and the fireworks are launched from the beach.
5. Festivities of Saint Anastasi in May
In May, for the celebration of Saint Anastasi, the patron saint of Badalona, activities and festivals are organised across the city, with the most important celebration on 10 May. From 18:00–19:00 and on into the night, people gather at the maritime promenade for the popular Cremada del Dimoni, joined by a pyro-musical performance with fireworks launched from the beach around the devil.
Many official and unofficial events run through the month. Notable ones include Correfocs preceded by water-runs, live music around the city, Sardanes dancing sessions at the maritime promenade, a meeting and performance of Giants and Big-Heads from local and neighbouring towns, the Trobada dels Puntaires at the maritime promenade, and the Festa Baix a Mar, a sardine-eating event on the beach that typically concludes the month. The most popular concert usually takes place at Turó d'en Carig, a hill next to the Màgic mall.
6. The annual town festivity on 15 August
The annual town's festivity is held on 15 August and features musical events around that date. Events similar to those of May take place, including fire-runs, sardanes and giants and big-heads, along with an official speech by a public figure and fireworks on the 15th.
If you are in the city in mid-August, plan your evening around the fireworks and the speech.
7. Basketball at Pavelló Olímpic de Badalona
A basketball match of Joventut de Badalona, the city's main professional basketball team, takes place every weekend at the Pavelló Olímpic de Badalona, also known as the Palau Municipal d'Esports de Badalona. On weekdays the pavilion is used as training grounds for the club's younger teams and for the wheelchair basketball team.
The pavilion is at 143-161 Ponent, with the Gorg subway stop nearby. It also serves as a live music venue for international bands.
8. Filmets Festival
Filmets Festival is an international short film festival held every year in November at the Teatre Principal and the Teatre Zorilla, both in the centre. The first edition was held in 1969.
Teatre Zorilla is at 17 Canonge Baranera and Teatre Principal at 41 Francesc Layret. Both venues also host stand-up comedy, which has grown in popularity in Badalona, with performances at beach bars in summer and in pubs, night-clubs and theatres all year round.
9. Badalona Dracs
The Badalona Dracs play American football in Spain's highest division, and in the 2017 season were one of six participants in the Big Six of the best European club teams.
Check the fixtures if your visit coincides with the season and you want to see the city's other high-level team sport.
If you only have one day
Morning. Start at the Badalona Museum, where you can walk through the remains of the Roman city of Baetulo beneath the building, then continue into the centre. If you are visiting in May or around 15 August, check the festivities programme before you set out, since events run through the day and into the night.
Afternoon. Head for the Pont del Petroli and walk out to the far end for the panoramic view of the coast, looking out for the statue of Anís del Mono at the entrance. Follow it with time on the Beaches of Badalona, which run continuously except where the port interrupts them.
Evening. Return to the maritime promenade and the seafront. In May this is where the Cremada del Dimoni and the pyro-musical performance take place; at other times it is simply a good place to end the day. If you are visiting in November, look for the Filmets Festival at the Teatre Principal or the Teatre Zorilla instead.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Badalona from Barcelona?
Badalona has a Renfe train station on the R1 line from Barcelona to Mataró–Blanes, and there are also links to Barcelona via the TMB metro and bus system and the Trambesòs line. The city also has a harbour.
When is the best time to visit for festivals?
May is the month of the Saint Anastasi festivities, with the main celebration on 10 May and events running throughout the month. The annual town's festivity falls on 15 August, and the Filmets Festival takes place in November.
Can I visit Roman remains in Badalona?
Yes. At the Badalona Museum you can visit the remains of the Roman city of Baetulo underneath the building, including baths, part of a road and a group of shops, alongside the museum's archaeological collection.
Is there anywhere to walk outside the city centre?
The paths through the Marina mountain range around Sant Jeroni de la Murtra, and to and from the city, are common easy hiking routes for locals.
Work out which month you can travel, check whether the May or August festivities fall in your window, and start building your days around the seafront and the Roman remains.