Barcelona, Spain cruises
Barcelona port guide.
Providing the perfect way to soak up the many sights and sounds of Barcelona life, a cruise will allow you to explore the city’s abundance of exciting attractions, exquisite examples of Spanish cuisine including mouth-watering tapas, and many historic landmarks. And, as the sun goes down, the city truly comes alive, with an array of restaurants, bars, clubs and entertainment venues.
Here’s our guide to everything you need to know about this magnificent city.
Top landmarks and sights in Barcelona.
Barcelona is bursting with tourist attractions, museums, iconic landmarks, parks, and other attractions. It’s safe to say there’s plenty to do and see.
Whether you spend your days exploring Sagrada Familia, the holy cathedral designed by Antoni Gaudí and Barcelona’s number one attraction, visit the iconic FC Barcelona Camp Nou stadium, or soak up the bustling streets of Las Ramblas, you’re sure to leave with fond memories.
Other top sights include Parc de Montjuïc and the Magic Fountain, Palau de la Música Catalana, and the Boqueria Market. And, if you’re looking to immerse yourself in some contemporary art and street art, make sure that you head to The MACBA, Barcelona’s cutting-edge contemporary art museum. This museum is one of the most well-regarded institutions of its kind in the whole of Europe
Barcelona culture and history.
Barcelona is a fascinating place. The city’s culture stems from 2000 years of history, which can still be seen throughout the city today. Barcelona is also a bilingual city where Catalan and Spanish are both official languages and widely spoken.
Natives are incredibly proud of their regional identity, culture and language, so you can expect to enjoy a fascinating insight into the city’s history and traditions. The winding streets, busy event calendar, and the beautiful buildings enchant visitors from all corners of the world. And, when it comes to music and festivals, there’s always something to celebrate in Barcelona, with processions, parades, festivals and parties being part and parcel of everyday life in the city.
As well as traditional street parties, there’s also a plethora of famous rock and dance festivals that take place every year, including Sonar Festival, Primavera Sound and Cruilla.
Eating and drinking in Barcelona.
Barcelona’s cruise port is home to some incredible restaurants and eateries where you can sample traditional Spanish dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re looking to tuck into your favorite tapas on a stunning sun-drenched terrace, sample a traditional Spanish menu in beautiful surroundings, or people-watch in the sunshine with a refreshing drink, there’s a huge choice of eateries, many of which are no more than an 11-minute walk from the port. You will also find lots of cafes selling a delicious collection of ice cream – perfect for cooling down after a busy day exploring.
Shopping in Barcelona.
Barcelona is a fantastic shopping destination. In the city’s shopping streets, you’ll find everything from designer shops and boutiques, to popular high street shops, such as Mango and Zara. The Portal de l’Àngel, just off Placa de Catalunya, is where you will find shops selling exclusive brands, or head to Plaça de Sant Josep Oriol for designer boutiques and handicraft shops. And if you’re looking for well-known designer brands such as Gianni Versace and Gucci, make sure you visit Avinguda Diagonal.
La Rambla is the place to be if you’re on the hunt for souvenirs, bookshops, flower stalls and cowboy boots. Corbeto's Boots, is a western shop with more than 60 years of history, and is renowned for its fabulous cowboy boots and western accessories. Of course, like any Spanish city, the markets in Barcelona are the most authentic way to go shopping, including Boqueria Market.
Transport in Barcelona.
Barcelona has some fantastic transport links, making it easy to travel in and around the city, as well to and from Barcelona Port.
Reliable transport links in the area include the Metro, FGC and Tram, which all provide a quick and easy way to explore the city. There’s also a fleet of over 1,000 fully adapted buses that serve all areas of Barcelona, as well as plenty of taxis should you need one.
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to add a new and exciting dimension to your Barcelona travels, you can always choose to hop on a bike and discover the city this way.
Barcelona port facilities.
Barcelona is one of Europe’s leading tourist destinations for both local and international visitors. As a result, the port is perfectly equipped to accommodate the needs of the city’s many visitors, all year round.
Positioned to service cruise traffic for both Barcelona and the region of Catalonia, the port operates five public cruise terminals and has increased cruise passenger traffic to become the largest cruise port in Europe. It’s also the fourth largest in the world!
The port’s facilities include well-equipped terminals, security forces and the very best health and safety processes.
Top tips for visiting Barcelona.
Before any trip to Barcelona, remember to familiarize yourself with the things that you should and shouldn’t be doing in the area. Here are just some of them:
- Be sensitive to the politics of both Barcelona and Catalonia
- Book your La Sagrada Familia ticket before your trip
- Use the multi-day metro cards to save on transport
- Watch your purse – although Barcelona is a safe city, the area is notorious for pickpockets
- The Picasso Museum and the Barcelona City History Museum are both free on Sunday afternoons and evenings
The best time to visit Barcelona is definitely during the summer months.
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