Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, Spain, is a popular stop on many Mediterranean cruise itineraries. Knowing what to do in Barcelona Cruise Port can be hard if you are only there for one day. We have visited Barcelona for years, and each time we go, we try something different, as when disembarking from a cruise, you are only there for one day.
Top Things To Do In Barcelona Cruise Port For When Your Cruise Ship Docks
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Out of all the cities in Europe, Barcelona is one of our favourites. In fact, I have lost count of how many times we have visited. As you’ll likely only have a few hours to explore, it’s important that you create a brief plan on which shore excursions or attractions you want to visit to avoid missing out on the best gems of Barcelona. We have covered everything from our visits to Barcelona and brought it all here for you to explore.
Visit Sagrada FamÃlia
The Sagrada Familia Cathedral is one of Spanish architect Antoni GaudÃ’s most famous and impressive creations. Construction of the Sagrada Familia began in 1882. And still to this day, it isn’t finished; they’re hoping to have it completed by 2026, just in time for the 100th anniversary of GaudÃ’s death.
Both the exterior and interior of the cathedral are absolutely breathtaking and showcase Gaud۪̉s unique architectural style. To get inside the Sagrada Familia, you will need to purchase tickets. However, we highly recommend booking in advance because tickets on the day are extremely hard to come by.
Explore Park Güell
Another popular Gaudà landmark in Barcelona that all tourists should visit is Park Güell. The Park Güell has a few interesting and unique features—particularly the main terrace, terrace walls, colonnaded footpaths, and tiled mosaics. Although Gaudà didn’t actually design the houses that sit in the park, he did live in one of them. That house is now a Gaudi museum.Â
Stroll Along La Rambla
La Rambla is one of Barcelona’s most famous streets, filled with restaurants, souvenir shops, bars, and pubs. Stretching for just under a mile long, you can walk the entirety of La Rambla in under 30 minutes. But that time could be multiplied tenfold depending on how many sangrias you stop to drink. However, be careful with handbags and wallets as there can be lots of pickpockets in this area.
Enjoy the Beach at Barceloneta
Barceloneta Beach provides visitors with 2.5 miles of sand and sea, making it a popular spot for families visiting Barcelona. With bars, restaurants, and cafes lining the beach, Barceloneta Beach is a great spot for lunch. Or an hour or two of relaxation, whatever you prefer! You could easily spend the whole day here or get a cable car up the mountain for views of the city.
Wander Through the Gothic Quarter
The Gothic Quarter is, for the most part, a pedestrian-only area with narrow streets amongst five-story buildings. Stretching from La Rambla to Via Laietana, the Gothic Quarter is an interesting area to explore and is even home to the Barcelona cathedral and the Palau de la Musica Catalana—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are lots of smaller tapas bars to grab a bite to eat in this area as well as street are covering some of the walls.
Barcelona Cathedral Views From the Roof
Within the Gothic quarter, numerous tranquil plazas beckon, providing serene havens to unwind and savour the ambience with a glass of sangria. Barcelona Cathedral, right at the core of this district, is a prominent highlight. The immense Cathedral boasts a captivating courtyard adorned with lush greenery and, intriguingly, a congregation of geese. You can also pay to go up the Cathedral for views from the roof!
Marvel at Casa Batlló
Another must-visit Gaudà site is Casa Batlló, which is one of the architect’s most recognisable pieces of work. In 1900, Josep Battlo purchased the house and, just a few years later, gave Gaudà free rein over its design. Ultimately, Josep wanted a house that was completely different from anything else in the city. And boy, did Gaudà make that happen.
With irregular oval windows, sculptured stonework, mosaic tiles, and a roof that is likened to that of a dragon, the Casa Batllo is a true work of art that draws in visitors from all over the world. Like many other Gaudi buildings in the city, the Casa Battlo is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We took a tour on our recent trip. Top tip: take the early tour for fewer crowds and incredible morning light.
Watch the Magic Fountain Show at Montjuïc
Originally built for the World Fair in 1929, the Magic Fountain of Montjuic puts on a display of colour, light, motion, music, and of course, water. With 3620 jets and the ability to produce 7 billion light water combinations, the fountain is an excellent free activity in the city of Barcelona. You can also walk up to Montjuic Castle for fabulous views of Barcelona and the sea.
Visit the Picasso Museum
Picasso is one of the world’s most famous painters. Although he is known for his colourful abstract art, the Picasso Museum is actually home to some of his early realism pieces that he painted when he was just a teenager.
Take a Cable Car to Montjuïc for Panoramic Views
One of the best ways to see Barcelona from afar is to take the cable car to Montjuïc. Elevating you 270 feet up the hillside, the cable car offers panoramic views of the entire Barcelona region. You’ll also see iconic landmarks like the Sagrada Familia and the port where your cruise ship will be docked.Â
Climb to the Top of Montjuïc Castle
The Montjuïc Castle is a spectacular fortress that is perched on top of Montjuïc Hill. Dating back to the 17th century, the castle once played a significant role in Barcelona’s history. Now, however, it offers a glimpse into the city’s military heritage.
Watch a Football Match at Camp Nou (FC Barcelona’s Stadium)
There really is no better attraction for soccer fans than watching a match at Camp Nou (FC Barcelona’s Stadium). Of course, whether a match is on really depends on the exact date and time you dock in Barcelona. But even if you can’t get tickets to a match, you can still take a tour around the stadium and the Barca Museum.
Try Local Tapas and Traditional Catalan Cuisine
You can’t visit Spain and not indulge in tapas—it would be criminal! Tapas are small plates of food that come together to create a full meal. And as Spain is the birthplace of these delectable dishes, you’ll find some of the best-tasting tapas imaginable.
