Sabadell: Museums, Festivals and Tips
Many visitors zoom past Sabadell on their way to Barcelona. That’s a shame, because this lively Catalan city has plenty to offer. Locals once nicknamed it the “Spanish Manchester”, thanks to its booming wool mills. Today, those old factories sit beside museums, parks and relaxed cafés. Moreover, Sabadell lies only 19 km from Barcelona, so it works well as a day trip. However, you may want to stay longer. Sabadell also feels authentic, because locals outnumber tourists. Best of all, the crowds stay small, so you can explore at your own pace. In this guide, you’ll find the best sights, festivals, hotel areas and travel tips.
What to see and do
Start with the Torre de l’Aigua, the city’s most famous landmark. The city completed this water tower in 1918 to store and share water from the Ripoll river. It towers over the skyline, and guided visits let you step inside. Afterwards, wander to the Campanar de Sant Fèlix. This bell tower dates from 1738 and stands beside a church that began in the 15th century. Guided tours run here too, so check the museums’ website for dates.
Next, dive into the city’s story at the Museu d’Història de Sabadell. It sits in the Casa Casanovas, a former factory house. Displays move from archaeological finds to the textile boom. Then visit the Museu d’Art de Sabadell, inside the Casa Fà brica Turull. Here, you’ll see works by local artists and peek inside a wealthy textile family’s home.
History fans will also love the Casa Duran on Carrer del Pedregar. Builders finished this manor house in the late 16th century, and it still feels like an old farmhouse. Today, it also houses the tourist office, so you can ask for local tips and join guided visits.
Dinosaur fans should head to the Museu de l’Institut Català de Paleontologia Miquel Crusafont. The collection holds more than 170,000 fossil specimens. Two permanent rooms trace fossil mammals and the age of the dinosaurs. A fossil restoration lab and audiovisuals bring the exhibits to life.
When you need fresh air, head to Parc de Catalunya. A large lake lets you hire a boat. Meanwhile, the miniature train, the Trenet de Sabadell, delights children. Spread out on the lawns and enjoy a picnic.
For a hillside escape, climb to the Santuari de la Mare de Déu de la Salut. The park around it holds a medieval hermitage and a Roman villa site. Walking here doubles as a history lesson.
Between sights, soak up the atmosphere on Plaça del Doctor Robert. The town hall and Sant Fèlix church frame this lively square. Later, stroll along Passeig de la Plaça Major at dusk, when locals fill the cafés. Finally, follow the Ruta dels Vapors, a trail of old industrial chimneys. They rise like modern obelisks, and each one recalls the wool boom.
Local festivals and traditions
Sabadell loves a party. The Festa Major takes over the city in early September. It opens with a parade carrying the Penó, the city’s flag, to the town hall. Later, giants, beasts and the Ball de Diables fill the streets. Children enjoy their own mini correfoc. Meanwhile, the Castellers de Sabadell build human towers in Plaça de Sant Roc. Concerts, fairground rides and even a half marathon complete the fun. Better still, the Torre de l’Aigua, the bell tower and Casa Duran open for special visits.
Spring brings the Aplec de la Salut, which locals treat like a second Festa Major. Families head up to the Santuari de la Mare de Déu de la Salut in a wooded park. There, you’ll find giants, music and castellers. It usually takes place in May, and special buses help you reach the hill.
Winter has its own treats. The Cavalcada dels Reis d’Orient rolls through the city on the evening of 5 January. Carnaval arrives in February, with parades and the burning of King Carnestoltes. On carnival night, little angels also descend from the Sant Fèlix bell tower.
Finally, watch the sardana, Catalonia’s traditional circle dance. Local cobla bands play it during the Festa Major, and you can join the circle.
Where to stay
Sabadell works well as a day trip, but staying lets you enjoy the relaxed evenings. First, decide what you want from your visit, because each area has its own feel.
The city centre around Plaça del Doctor Robert and Passeig de la Plaça Major suits first-timers. The Sant Fèlix bell tower, the museums and plenty of cafés sit within easy walking distance. It also sits close to the Mercat Central, the city’s food heart. Evenings feel lively here, so it’s great for live music too.
For a local feel, try the Grà cia district. This traditional neighbourhood keeps its working-class charm, and neighbours greet each other by name. Moreover, the FGC station Can Feu-Grà cia keeps Barcelona within easy reach.
Families will love the area around Parc de Catalunya. The lake, the lawns and the miniature train sit on your doorstep. Quieter streets also mean better sleep.
If you plan day trips, stay near a train station. Sabadell has several FGC and Rodalies stops, including Plaça Major and Sabadell Centre. So, you can reach Barcelona in about 40 minutes. Wherever you stay, book early for the Festa Major in early September. Search properties with Free Cancellation on Booking.com.
For more detailed information and recommendations, read Where to Stay in Sabadell for tips to suit your budget and holiday style.
A major part of any holiday is food, so read Where to Eat in Sabadell for our tips on places for you to enjoy the local cuisine.
If you want more help planning what to do during your visit, read our 3 Day Itinerary for Sabadell. If you want to see and do even more, read our Best Day Trips from Sabadell to explore more.
How to get to Sabadell
The nearest major airport is Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport, about 28 km away. From there, take the Rodalies R2 train to Barcelona Sants and change to the R4. The whole journey takes about 75 minutes. Alternatively, hop on the Aerobus into Barcelona and continue by train. Check flights and Buy Tickets with Booking.com.
Trains from Barcelona are quick and simple. Rodalies line R4 serves Sabadell Centre. It leaves from Plaça de Catalunya, Arc de Triomf and Sants, and takes 35 to 40 minutes. Alternatively, FGC line S2 runs from Plaça de Catalunya to Sabadell Plaça Major in about 45 minutes. Both lines run every 15 to 20 minutes. Check Train Schedules and Buy Tickets on Omio.
Buses also link Sabadell and Barcelona if you prefer a direct ride. Check Bus Schedules and secure your seat on Omio.
Prefer to drive? You can hire a car at the airport. Hire a car with Discovercars. From Barcelona, take the C-58 motorway towards Sabadell. The drive covers about 19 km and takes around 30 minutes. Traffic can build at rush hour, so plan ahead. Already in Spain? Get directions.