Are you soon going on a cruise that makes a stop in Barcelona, Spain? If so, we’ve compiled a guide for everything you need to know about the Barcelona cruise port. Read on to ensure you understand the ins and out of the harbor and see the top attractions.
Port Overview
The Barcelona cruise port is Europe’s busiest cruise port, and it’s easy to see why.
Located in the northeast part of Spain, with its delicious eateries, vibrant nightlife, historic parks, and many cultural attractions, this city is an absolute must-see on any traveler’s list.
Port Vell is the busiest of the cruise terminals on the port island, but there are several others you might dock at depending on your cruise line.
Sightseeing & Activities
Conveniently located near Port Vell are many attractions that you won’t want to miss. Here’s a brief overview of each top attraction.
Catamaran Sailing
If you want to experience the beauty of Barcelona from the sea but in a smaller, more intimate, and private way than what you’ll get from docking from one of the largest cruise ships, then catamaran sailing is a must-do.
With a few available providers near Port Vell, you can cruise the Mediterranean waters, visit a nearby island, and enjoy a unique view of Barcelona.
Balloon Flying
Take a hot air balloon ride for an even more unique view of Barcelona. The region around Barcelona is relatively flat, so you’ll get stunning views of the whole city without obstruction. Plus, you may be able to customize your tour according to what you’d like to fly over.
Either way, it’s a great option for cruise ship guests who want to see as much of the city as possible in a short period.
Basilica of the Sagrada Familia
The Basilica of the Sagrada Familia is indisputably one of Barcelona’s most iconic monuments. The cathedral took over a century to construct and continues to be worked on today. And with a height of 170 meters, it’s the largest unfinished church on the globe.
Its stunning and intricate exterior, combined with its enormous scale, makes it a must-see attraction for a tourist visiting Barcelona, especially one intrigued by Antoni Gaudí’s work and architectural style.
Barri Gòtic
Located right near the port is Barri Gòtic – just a 10-minute drive to be specific – is Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. This part of the city is full of narrow streets and small squares and is home to some of the city’s oldest and most beautiful buildings. You can even walk along the Roman walls built in the 2nd century AD and imagine what life must have been like in ancient times.
Plus, with many small cafes and restaurants dotting the streets, you’ll be able to take a break and relax while enjoying some local flavors.
Passeig de Gràcia & Art Nouveau
Passeig de Gràcia is one of Barcelona’s most famous streets, and for a good reason. This grand avenue boasts some of the city’s most iconic modernist architecture, with buildings by renowned architects such as Antoni Gaudí, Lluís Domènech i Montaner, and Josep Puig i Cadafalch.
In addition to admiring the famous buildings, you can also visit the many upscale stores and boutiques that line the street. And if you want to book a hotel near this area before or after the cruise, Hotel Catalonia Square is a great option.
Picasso Museum and Miró Foundation
Picasso is one of Barcelona’s most famous sons, and the Picasso Museum, located in the city near Hotel Ciutat de Barcelona, pays tribute to his work. This museum houses one of the world’s greatest collections of Picasso’s works, with pieces from all periods of his career.
Not far away is the Miró Foundation, which houses the world’s largest collection of works by Joan Miró, another famous Catalan artist. Both museums are a must-see for those interested in cubist and modern art.
Montjuïc and Güell Parks
Montjuïc, located on a hill with the same name overlooking the city and sea, is a massive castle and park area with many attractions. Head to the Magic Fountain for an illuminated water show or explore the castle, which dates back to the 17th century.
Then there’s Güell Park, home to Güell Palace and some of Antoni Gaudí’s most impressive works. Here, you can explore the magnificent gardens, unique sculptures, and colorful mosaics that make this park such a sight to see.
Shopping & Food
Shopping and eating are two major activities for Barcelona tourists, and you’ll have plenty of opportunity for both right around Port Vell and other terminals.
Here are the best dining options near the port:
- Maná 75 – excellent paella in a spacious setting
- Barceloneta – fine dining with harbor views
- Cecconi’s Barcelona – upscale Italian restaurant with great seafood
- Amades Restaurant – intimate, friendly space with delicious tapas
- Cremat 11 – hip brunch spot a short drive away from the port
- Tucco Real Food Born – casual, cozy spot for empanadas, kinds of pasta, and sweets
And here are the top places to shop near the port:
- Mercado de La Boqueria – a huge, vibrant market for both tourists and locals
- Maremagnum – spacious shopping center for clothes, electronics, food, and more
- Arenas Mall – massive shopping mall with great stores, tasty restaurants, and nice views
- CC Moda Shopping Port Olímpic – relaxed shopping near the port
- Tienda Maritima – souvenir shop right next to the port
- El Corte Inglés – luxurious department store with top-notch brands
Other Things To Do
If you have quite a bit of time to add more activities, are planning on staying in a hotel after the cruise, or simply want more options to choose from once you get there, here are a few other amazing things to do near the Barcelona cruise port.
Parc de Montjuic
You can’t miss this amazing park of green space located in the Avinguda de l’Estadi. With over 1,800 acres of rolling hills, gardens, and fountains, this park is a must-see if you want some nature and fresh air in Northern Europe. Plus, it’s only a 10-minute drive from the Barcelona cruise port, so you’ll be able to be back in time when your ship is ready to leave.
Cathedral of Barcelona
The Cathedral of Barcelona, also known as the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, is an eye-catching Gothic cathedral built between the 13th and 15th centuries. You can take guided tours or simply marvel at its beauty. It’s a 7-minute drive from the Port of Barcelona and close to many other attractions that will likely be on your list, so it’s a super convenient addition to your itinerary.
La Rambla
This famous promenade runs between Plaça de Catalunya and the Christopher Columbus monument, making it one of the busiest streets in Barcelona and Europe in general. You can find a variety of food stalls, street performers, boutiques, and souvenir shops along the way. Plus, it’s only an 8-minute drive or a 50-minute walk from the port, making it an easy and convenient option for travelers who want to explore Barcelona.
Barcelona History Museum MUHBA
If you want to learn about Barcelona in a convenient setting and comprehensive way, look no further than the Barcelona History Museum MUHBA.
It’s a 48-minute walk or 7-minute drive from the port, and there, you can learn so much about the historical heritage of Barcelona from the Roman era to the present day.
Currency
The official currency of Spain is the Euro (EUR), which is currently converted from about 1.10 USD to 1 Euro.
Most countries in Europe use the euro, so if you’re doing a Euro-trip, you’ll find this currency exchange even more helpful.
Many travelers to Europe exchange their currency into EUR at the airport, but if you’re coming from the Barcelona cruise port, it’s best to use one of the many ATMs you’ll see when you get off the ship. Plus, ATMs give you a better exchange rate than exchange offices.
Credit cards are widely accepted, but if you’re paying in cash, remember that you can barter with the vendors, as it’s an expected custom in Barcelona.
How To Get To Downtown Barcelona From the Cruise Port
If you have more time, book a downtown hotel, or simply want to explore the downtown Barcelona area, you can get there from the cruise terminals by taxi or shuttle bus.
Using a taxi is the fastest option, as a car will get you to downtown Barcelona in about 20 minutes from the cruise terminals. The fare will be around €15-€20, depending on where you’re going.
A shuttle bus may take around 30-40 minutes but only cost €3.
Cruise Lines That Sail Here
This port is one of the most active in the Mediterranean Sea and Europe at large, and it caters to a range of different cruise lines, including the following:
- Royal Caribbean International
- Celebrity Cruises
- Princess Cruises
- Holland America
- MSC Cruises
- Seabourn Cruise Line
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Regent Seven Seas
- Oceania Cruises
- Viking Ocean Cruises
- Costa Cruises
- Azamara Cruises
- Windstar Cruises
- Cunard Line
- Silverseas Cruises
- Virgin Voyages
- Sea Cloud Cruises
- Explora Journeys
- Ponant
- Lindblad Expeditions
- Disney Cruise Line
If you’re cruising around Europe and want to stop at the Barcelona cruise port, we hope this information has been useful. It’s one of the best cruise destinations in the world, and you can easily combine it with an island hopping tour.
Whatever you choose to do, we hope you have the best time on your trip!
