7 Best Things to Do and See in Sitges

Discover the best things to do and see in Sitges if you are looking for a place to relax and have fun. The welcoming beach town is renowned for its Film Festival, LGBT Culture, and Carnival!

Additionally, Sitges is only 40 kilometers away from Barcelona and easily accessible by car and train, making it an ideal day trip destination.

Spend a pleasant day at the beach (more than 15!), explore the old town’s charming corners and narrow streets with whitewashed buildings, and try out the fantastic gastronomic variety throughout the city. In the evening, stroll along the promenade and watch the sunset from the scenic San Sebastian beach.

Best Things to Do and See in Sitges

#1 Visit the Cathedral of Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla

View of stairs leading up to the church of Sitges in Spain, with a blue sky and the sea in the background

You can only leave Sitges if you see the Sant Bartomeu i Sant Tecla cathedral, which symbolizes the seaside town and is, therefore, one of the best things to do and a must-see!

The Baroque-in-style cathedral, built in the 17th century, is named after the town’s patrons, Saint Bartholomew and Saint Tecla. Its location is beyond stunning, as you can enjoy the most incredible views of the promenade, the beach, the coast, and the sea from here!

Afterward, you can explore and get lost in the narrow, picturesque streets of white houses behind the cathedral and try the local gastronomy, or walk down towards the promenade and the beach. Moreover, it is the perfect place to enjoy daily life and the sunset!

Top food places nearby: Tavern Guria / Restaurant Chez Ana

#2 Walk through “El Rincón de la Calma”

White narrow street in the old town of Sitges, Spain.

The “Racó de la Calma” translates into “Calm Corner” and is surrounded by the Maricel Palace, Cau Ferrat, and Maricel Museum. It is probably the most symbolic place in the old town of Sitges!

With its privileged location next to the sea, you can take a beautiful walk along “Carrer de Fonollar”, connecting San Sebastian Beach with the Cathedral of Sant Bartomeu I Sant Tecla.

Walking through the whitewashed alleyway instantly gives you a feeling of tranquility and, therefore, is highly recommended.

#3 Explore Maricel Palace

Maricel Palace in Sitges with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea

The Baroque-style Maricel Palace is an emblematic building and of great historical interest.

With its antique furniture and colorful ceramic tiles, it is a real gem worth checking out and, unquestionably, one of the best things you can do and see in Sitges!

Exploring the monument’s different rooms feels like being in a fairy tale, especially the beautiful terrace on the first floor, which provides panoramic and breathtaking Mediterranean Sea views!

Check Opening Hours and Prices

TIP: Buy your tickets in advance since the site is only accessible on a guided tour

Top food places near Maricel Palace: Timo’s Bistro

#4 Relax at San Sebastian Beach

View of the beach and the Cathedral in the background in Sitges, Spain.

San Sebastian Beach is the most famous in Sitges thanks to its location, which offers privileged views of Sant Bartomeu i Sant Tecla cathedral.

The sand is fine, and there isn’t a lot of depth in the first couple of meters, making it an ideal place for swimming in the Mediterranean Sea.

In addition, during the summer, you can enjoy a cool drink and tapas (small appetizers) at a “Chiringuito” (beach bar), giving you the ultimate feeling of a pleasant summer beach day.

In the morning, you can go for a run on the promenade or go for a pleasant late-evening walk to watch the sunset. It is the most magical experience watching the sun go down, with the sky painted in blue and violet and the cathedral in the back.

Top food places by San Sebastian beach: Restaurant La Maror de Sitges / Restaurant La Marinada

#5 Go for a Drink at Sitges Port

Vivid port life with blue sky at Sitges, Spain

The Port of Sitges, known as “Aiguadolç”, is a spectacular place with a delightful and relaxed atmosphere, clearly making it one of the highlights and one of the best things to do and see in Sitges.

Its area is ideal for walking along the promenade, admiring the boats and yates, or simply having a drink at one of the bars while enjoying the sparkly reflections of the sea.

If you plan to spend a few days in the coastal town, staying in a hotel or renting an apartment in this area is a perfect choice since it lets you experience the port life’s atmosphere much better!

Top food places by the Port: Restaurant Casa Gallega / Sushi Restaurant Zekkei / Restaurant Villa Marina

#6 Learn more about the local Malvasia Wine

Is there anything better than sampling local produce in the town you are visiting? You can do so at the Malvasia Interpretation Center, located in the heart of Sitges!

They offer several types of visits, including the vineyard, with different tastings, where you will learn everything about the production and history of the sweet wine and, that way, get to know this grape variety.

Top food places near Malvasia Interpretation Center: Café Bloom

#7 Experience Carnival in Sitges

Woman in an opulent pink carnival costume in Sitges, Spain

The Carnival of Sitges is one of the oldest in Catalonia and one of the biggest in Spain.

During this time, there are countless events, activities, traditional dances, drag shows, live music, concerts, and fireworks all over the town.

Although the date changes yearly, it will always start on Fat Thursday. Tradition has it that the King of Carnival, King Carnestoltes, opens the celebration and allows all attendees unlimited fun.

The seaside town transforms into a lively and colorful world for a week, where bars and nightclubs host endless parties, and many people celebrate on the beach.

However, the highlight of the carnival celebration is the parade, which has up to 50 floats and where you will see people dressed in pretty costumes.

TIP: Book accommodation well in advance if you plan to visit Sitges during Carnival, as rooms sell out quickly during these dates!

Museums in Sitges

Browse through the list below for some of the best museums in Sitges, and check entrance fees, opening hours, and location.

Cau Ferrat Museum

The Cau Ferrat Museum, also known as the Temple of Modernism, was founded in 1893 by the artist Santiago Rusiñol. It became a public museum in 1993. Perfect for everyone interested in painting, ceramics, sculptures, and drawing. The museum also holds works by famous artists like Casas, and Picasso.

General Entrance:

10,00 € (includes access to the Maricel Museum)

Opening Hours:

November – February: Tuesday to Sunday (holidays included) from 10.00 to 17.00

Closed on Mondays

March – June: Tuesday to Sunday (holidays included) from 10.00 to 19.00

Closed on Mondays

July – September: Tuesday to Sunday (holidays included) from 10.00 to 20.00

Closed on Mondays

October 1 to October 31: Tuesday to Sunday (holidays included) from 10.00 to 19.00

Closed on Mondays

Address: C. de Fonollar

*Note: Entrance fees and opening hours may change. For updated information, please check the official website of Museus de Sitges.

Maricel Museum

The Maricel Museum has a complete artistic collection from the 10th century to the Realism to offer. The museum’s visit begins on the building’s second floor with sculptures and altarpieces from the Romanesque and Gothic periods. Then, in Charles Deering’s former room on the first floor, you will find an exquisite selection of paintings (Arellano) and furniture from the 17th and 19th centuries.

General Entrance:

10,00 € (includes access to the Cau Ferrat Museum)

Opening Hours:

November – February: Tuesday to Sunday (holidays included) from 10.00 to 17.00

Closed on Mondays

March – June: Tuesday to Sunday (holidays included) from 10.00 to 19.00

Closed on Mondays

July – September: Tuesday to Sunday (holidays included) from 10.00 to 20.00

Closed on Mondays

October 1 to October 31: Tuesday to Sunday (holidays included) from 10.00 to 19.00

Closed on Mondays

Address: C. de Fonollar

*Note: Entrance fees and opening hours may change. For updated information, please check the official website of Museus de Sitges

Stämpfli Foundation

If you are interested in contemporary art in Catalonia, I recommend visiting the Stämpfli Foundation. The building is located at the town hall square of Sitges. It counts about 90 works by several artists from all over the world.

General Entrance:

5,00 €

Opening Hours:

March, April, May, June, and October: Saturdays and Sundays from 10.00 to 17.00

July, August, and September: Saturdays and Sundays from 10.00 to 20.00

January, February, November, and December: Saturdays and Sundays from 10.00 to 14.00

Address: Plaça de l’Ajuntament, 13

*Note: Entrance fees and opening hours may change. For updated information, please check the official website of Museus de Sitges

Romantic Museum

The Romantic Museum is located in a neoclassical building built in 1793. The building is also known as the Can Llopis because of its first owner, Manuel Llopis i Falc, whose family has been one of the most significant ones in Sitges. The museum’s main floor opened in 1949 to the public, and the structure and decoration of the original house are fully preserved. Later, the ground floor, the garden, the cellar, and the library also opened to the public.

General Entrance: n/a

Opening Hours:

Special Opening Hour Days

August 23, from 10.00 to 14.00

September 22, from 10.00 to 14.00

December 24, from 10.00 to 14.00

December 31, from 10.00 to 14.00

Closed on: January 1 and 6 / May 1 / August 24 / September 11 and 23 / December 25 and 26

Address: Carrer de Sant Gaudenci, 1

*Note: Entrance fees and opening hours may change. For updated information, please check the official website of Museus de Sitges