Port Focus: Barcelona
Emma Mackey
5 things to do in the Catalan capital
Welcome to Spain’s most visited city! A popular starting and finishing point for many cruise itineraries, the historical capital of Catalonia is jam packed with galleries, museums and attractions. Set between a mountainous backdrop and the Mediterranean sea, Barcelona is perhaps best known for its unique architecture, incredible food scene and urban beaches, offering something for every kind of traveller. Here’s a handful of things you can get up to during your time onshore.
1. Visit La Sagrada Familia
Synonymous with Barcelona, La Sagrada Familia is a must-see when you’re in town. Arguably Antonio Gaudí’s most magnificent masterpiece, the large Roman Catholic church has been under construction for more than 130 years, and won’t be fully completed until the early 2030s. This year marked a major milestone for La Sagrada Familia however, with the Tower of Jesus Christ completed in February, making it the tallest church in the world at 172.5 metres.
2. Explore more of Gaudí’s designs
If you’re an architecture aficionado then you may want to dedicate more time to some of Gaudí’s other wonderful and whimsical designs. Popular attractions include Casa Batlló with its iridescent dragon-shaped rooftop and swirling tile work, the UNESCO-listed Casa Milà and the iconic Park Güell. Home to a waving balcony, colourful guard’s house and colourful tile mosaics, all set against Barcelona’s skyline, it’s perhaps one of the most known scenes the city has to offer.
3. Wander the Gothic Quarter
The oldest and most atmospheric part of the city, Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter is teeming with small alleyways, hidden plazas and historic buildings. When strolling about you’ll stumble across century-old shops, charming cafes and the beautiful La Catedral – the city’s central place of worship. The famous La Rambla boulevard, a pedestrian street that runs through the centre of the old town, also runs along the western edge of the Gothic Quarter.
If you’ve tagged a few days on in port with a cruise & stay package, the Gothic Quarter is well worth an evening of exploration, where dimly lit streets combine with dramatic ancient buildings for a mysterious and enchanting experience.
4. Take the Montjuïc cable car
Get a bird’s-eye-view of Barcelona on the Montjuïc cable car, enjoying a unique vantage point of landmarks like La Sagrada Familia and the Camp Nou stadium. The journey culminates at Montjuïc Castle, a defensive fortress that treats visitors to incredible panoramic views across the city. There’s plenty more to see too, including the Olympic Park, as well as numerous gardens and museums. Rising from Plaza d’Espanya, you'll see the grand sets of stairs and fountains cascading down from the magnificent palace housing the National Art Museum of Catalonia.
5. Sun yourself on one of Barcelona’s beaches
You can’t really go wrong with the beach, and Barcelona’s sandy swathes are a great place to relax, unwind and swim in-between sightseeing. Boasting 5km of coastline and a total of 9 beaches, there’s plenty of choice for every type of traveller. Head to Nova Icària (located next to the Olympic Port) for family-friendly facilities, beach volleyball and a watersports centre. Sant Sebastià is conveniently located near the city’s port and boasts a range of upscale restaurants. Barceloneta Beach, the most famous of the bunch, is known for its golden sands, palm-fringed beachfront and expansive views of the Mediterranean Sea.
