What to do in on a port day In Barcelona
Barcelona is a popular European cruise port and also my favourite port to embark from. There are dozens of daily flights from the UK into Barcelona making it accessible and the perfect place to spend a couple of days pre or post cruise. However if you are just stopping in port for a day and wondering what to do in Barcelona? It is super easy to navigate with lots to see and do for families with Children of all ages.
Can you walk to Las Ramblas from the cruise terminal in Barcelona?
Yes it is a 10 minute walk to get to the bottom of Las Ramblas from the World Trade Center cruise ship terminal. However some of the other terminals are 10-20 min walk, or there are always taxis available if you don’t fancy the long walk.
What are the best things to see in Barcelona with kids, what are the best Barcelona shore excursions?
For the city lovers amongst us, Barcelona has so much to offer families, we have visited many times and there is always something new and exciting to see.
If you are travelling with little ones a great way to get out of the Barcelona heat is to visit the aquarium.
Barcelona aquarium is the largest aquarium in the world. There are many tanks demonstrating the amazing aquatic wildlife living off the shores of Europe and more tropical climes. Each has a display board with an explanation in several languages about the environment that had been recreated and what lived there. Making this the perfect place to explore and cool off.
However if you kids are football fans head to Camp Nou
And the FC Barcelona shop (which is located on Las Ramblas) And don’t worry, if you are not a fan there is a champagne bar to sample. Tours start from €25 per person and I would recommend booking in advance. I have it on good authority from the Christie boys that this is an amazing experience. The champagne was pretty good too.
You can not visit Barcelona without going on the Gaudí Trail.
Antoni Gaudí was a Barcelona-based Spanish architect whose free-flowing works were greatly influenced by nature. His works are nothing short of breathtaking. And there are signs of this inspirational man all over the city.
A great way to see his works is jumping on City Tour Bus. They start at €16 euro for a child’s day ticket and although they seem pricey it is a great way to get around the whole city in a day. With commentary to point out important historical sights. Stopping of a Park Güell, Sagrada Familia and many more incredible locations. ( Top tip book fast track tickets in advance for Sagrada, the queues are always crazy)
Check out Claire’s post for more amazing ideas for things to see in Barcelona, or Click here for Barcelona Bus routes.
If you have a little time in your hands get out and see the real Barcelona, take a wine tour or head to the some of the stunning beaches the region has to offer such as Vilianova beach. Or check out the views from Calella’s lighthouse, and ensure your kids get the chance to ring the lighthouse bells! If visiting in the summer check the website for special events which take place to entertain the whole family.
Hotels Near Barcelona Cruise Port?
If you are sailing from Barcelona there is a vast selection of hotels to suit all budgets for families.
If you are looking for a seaside location then our editor Claire recommends the AC Hotel Gava Mar which is located 5km from Barcelona Airport and 17km from the city.
Her family also loved the Leonardo city centre hotel where they stayed before joining a Mediterranean cruise on Carnival Vista. This hotel is a two minutes walk from Las Ramblas, which is ideal for seeing the sights with our two pre-schoolers.
I found the Novotel City Hotel is the perfect cool pad to stay with teens, with an ultra cool rooftop pool and spacious rooms. The Novotel City is location opposite and small shopping centre with bars and restaurants and steps away from the tram stop so you can explore the city.
For romantic stays without the kids the Casa Fuster is a stunning boutique hotel right at the top of Las Ramblas, affording great views of the city from the rooftop bar. It is surrounded by high-end stores and restaurants making it the prefect place to kick off your cruise.
What is the weather in Barcelona?
Click for a detailed weather report here. Or the graph below highlight average temperatures in Barcelona for the whole year, which is useful for planning your next cruise.
Where Can I Eat In Barcelona?
There are so many restaurants hidden away in Barcelona. If you staying up near Casa Fuster there are some incredible restaurants to check out. But my favourite place to dine in Barcelona is Les Quinz Nits which is based on a stunning square dotted with bars restaurants and some days a locals market called Placa Reial which is just off Las Ramblas.
Is there a supermarket close to the port in Barcelona?
There are many supermarkets near the port should you need to top up on supplies such a nappies, wet wipes and sun-cream check here for a list of supermarkets in Barcelona.
Where can I find a chemist in Barcelona?
Or if you need to find the nearest Chemist to the post in Barcelona click here.
Hope that helps on your port day in Barcelona happy cruising.
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