This blog post was originally posted on February 17, 2015, and was updated on February 3, 2018.
Docking in Barcelona? The Barcelona cruise port is among the most important in Europe, and it’s no wonder why.
This exciting Mediterranean capital is teeming with things to do. Full of sights to see and culture to soak up to the max. From its rich, ancient history to beautiful Modernist architecture to mouthwatering tapas and fantastic seafood—this city has got something for everyone! Read through this guide to be prepared for the magical day you dock ship in the Barcelona cruise port.
The Basics of Barcelona Cruise Port
The Barcelona cruise port lies at the foot of Ciutat Vella, or Barcelona’s old city center. It has three main piers.
- Moll Adossat: Most cruise ships stop here. It’s 30-40 minutes walking to the city center. Depending on temperatures, time of day or if you are carrying luggage, it can be a bit strenuous. There is a blue shuttle, the Cruise Port Shuttle Bus, that runs between the piers and city centre.
- Moll Sant Bertran and World Trade Center: These two piers are a bit closer and only 10-20 minutes walking to the city center. Furthermore, you can hop on the blue bus if you prefer.
Currency: The currency in Barcelona is the euro. It’s been that way since 1999, but you might still hear older folks talking about pesetas, the previous, forever-nostalgic currency in Spain.
Language: There are two co-official languages in Barcelona: Spanish and Catalan, though many people speak at least a conversational level of English.
Weather: Barcelona has a generally mild climate with cool winters, warm summers and a lot of sun. The weather is at its best between May and October, though August can be quite hot. It sometimes peaks at 34 degrees Celsius (95 Fahrenheit) with unbearable levels of humidity. Therefore, make sure to pack accordingly!
Gastronomy: The Mediterranean cuisine of Barcelona involves a lot of legumes, fresh fruit and vegetables, and fish. Of course, we are in Spain, so your healthy dose of pork products like sausages and cured meats are never lacking either. In any case, there is a lot to love about eating in Barcelona, whether it be casually hitting up several tapas bars or going on a food tour. We could go on for days, but as we’re just getting into the basics, read our full post on where to eat in Barcelona.
Getting Around
Barcelona is an easy city to manage, if even for a day! Public transport is clean, well-connected and efficient, and the city center is perfect for exploring by foot.
Subway: The subway is organized by colors and numbers. If you are planning on taking the subway multiple times, buy a 10 trip pass for approximately €10. Alternatively, you can buy a one-day, unlimited pass for slightly less. Both are great options if you plan on taking the metro more than three times, as one trip can cost more than €2.
Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus: Barcelona has a great hop-on-hop-off bus that is perfect for taking advantage of little time. With several different routes and buses running every ten minutes, it’s an easy way to see the city.
Bicycle: Let your legs do the work while you explore beautiful Barcelona on a bike! Though it’s no Amsterdam, Barcelona is well-equipped with bike lanes, boulevards, and coastlines. The city is full of bike rental shops and many are near to the Barcelona cruise port also!
Sightseeing
1. Sagrada Familia: Possibly one of Catalan modernist architect Antonio Gaudi’s most famous works, this basilica has been under construction since 1883 (and won’t be finished until 2026!).
2. Las Ramblas: In reality, this central, tree-lined vein that cuts through the old city center of Barcelona is actually five connected streets in one, hence the colloquial term, Las Ramblas.
3. Catedral de Santa Eulalia: Barcelona’s immense and imposing Gothic Cathedral.
4. La Pedrera: On the emblematic Passeig de Gràcia boulevard, one of Gaudi’s masterpieces.
5. Casa Batlló: Down the road from La Pedrera, another modernist gem by Antonio Gaudi.
6. Parc de la Ciutadela: Barcelona’s flavorful yet pristine urban park, perfect for a picnic or a stroll.
7. Park Güell: Another work of Gaudi worth visiting, this trippy park sits on a hill in the north of Barcelona and has some spectacular views.
8. Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar: This humble basilica in the Born was built in the mere span of 30 years by the neighbors and fishermen who lived here.
9. Font Magic de Montjuic: The magic fountain of Montjuic puts on a light, music and water show at night, making a pretty fantastic spectacle in the stately Plaça de Espanya.
10. Mirador de Colom: At the foot of La Rambla, one of Barcelona’s most emblematic monuments and viewpoints, Christopher Columbus pointing towards the sea.
Shore Excursions
1. Modernist Marvels: Map out a route of Antonio Gaudi’s most famous masterpieces around Barcelona. This will take you from lamp posts in the Gothic to residential homes in the Eixample.
2. Strolling by the Sea: Barceloneta is one of the city’s most happening areas. A fusion of old-school, fishermen fare, but with cosmopolitan beach vibes also! Thi is what makes this seaside stretch so special. It’s also just a short walk from the Barcelona cruise port.
3. Views and Culture atop Montjuic: The small hill of Montjuic is one of Barcelona’s most prized possessions. Filled with lush gardens, gorgeous museums and spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea.
4. Worth-the-Travel Day Trips: If you have the time, visiting the Monastery of Montserrat is well-worth the trip. Find other popular day trips near Barcelona here. Better yet why not join us for a delicious winery tour and lunch too!