Making the most of Barcelona
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Barcelona is Europe’s busiest cruise port.
Arriving
Barcelona Airport is about 13 km from the city centre. Trains and buses run frequently into town, but reaching the cruise terminal requires a couple of changes and a final walk, so a taxi is the best option. The journey takes about 35 minutes and is unlikely to cost more than €40. Groups of 4 or more may consider a private transfer with Barcelona-airport-transfers. Luggage storage is available only at terminal 1 for intercontinental flights or at…
Barcelona cruise terminal and getting around
The port begins and ends many Mediterranean cruise itineraries. Its seven operating terminals, docks and facilities lie close to the city centre, at Port Vell, at the southern end of the famous Ramblas. The seaport terminal is a 10-minute walk from the Ramblas. As several cruise terminals operate in the port, those using one farther away may prefer a taxi or shuttle bus to the Columbus Monument at the Ramblas’ southern end. The monument is also the convenient point from which to continue into the city. The…
The port shuttle runs from the cruise terminals to the Columbus Monument at the foot of Las Ramblas. Called Cruiser T3, it is often known as the Blue Port Bus. It costs €3 per person or €4.50 return, and T10 tickets are not valid. Drassanes, on line L3, is the nearest Metro station, a 2-3-minute walk from the monument where the shuttle stops. The bus is wheelchair friendly.
A taxi to Placa de Catalunya, with its well-known shops, costs around 15 Euro; from there, walk slightly downhill along the Ramblas to the harbour. The return taxi fare is 2.10 Euro higher because of port charges, and should not exceed this.
Port authorities inspect hand luggage before entry to the modern terminal, leaving time to buy alcohol at the competitively priced duty-free shops before boarding. Carry-on bags are not checked again when boarding the ship.
In spring 2018, Carnival Corporation opened a terminal designed for its next-generation ships using eco-friendly Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). Barcelona receives ships from eight Carnival brands year-round: AIDA Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises (U.K.), Princess Cruises and Seabourn.
Printable map.
Barcelona sits at the forefront of architecture, intellectual life and style. Its draws include the Picasso Museum, palm-lined avenues, striking Gaudi buildings, a revitalised beachfront and late-night clubs. Spain’s Catalonia-region capital is one of the country’s, and perhaps Europe’s, most beautiful and lively cities. Its contrasts are especially visible in the meeting of Gothic spires and modern curves.
Barcelona’s distinct neighbourhoods are surprisingly walkable and easy to reach by bus or Metro, or on foot in comfortable shoes. Las Ramblas has produce and flower stalls, a historic opera house and an intriguing open pet market. During its many fiestas, whether for a saint’s day or a seasonal change, the city fills with colour, music and excitement for every age. Its traditions range from Spanish and Catalan to those unique to the city…
Museum details.
Barcelona’s Picasso Museum is essential for understanding Pablo Ruiz Picasso’s formative years. Its permanent collection contains more than 3,500 works, revealing both the young artist’s genius and his close relationship with Barcelona, formed in adolescence and youth and maintained until his death. Picasso and his friend Jaume Sabartés ensured that the city holds this youthful work by one of the twentieth century’s most significant artists.
Getting around
Hire a bike or join an English-speaking Fat Tire Bike Tours Barcelona excursion to see key sights: the Gothic Quarter and cathedral, the Old Harbour and Columbus statue, Ciutadella Park, Sagrada Familia, Olympic Port and Gaudi’s monuments. Well-marked seafront cycle lanes lead past busy ports and beaches to the medieval streets of the old city. Those willing to face traffic and a few hills can cross the city, and more bike lanes are planned. A guide and map…
Sea kayaking runs from late April to October. Take the minibus from Barcelona city centre and, within a couple of hours, paddle the emerald waters, coves and bays of the Costa Brava.
A hop-on hop-off tour is a useful way to see Barcelona’s monuments and principal sights quickly, particularly for first-time visitors or those with little time. It offers an easy overview of the city’s leading tourist attractions and lets passengers stop at places of interest along the route.
Among its tours, the Barcelona Tourist Office offers 4 English-speaking guided walks. These include a Gourmet walk, covering the history of Barcelona cuisine and some flagship restaurants and food outlets, with samples of their products.
For an aerial view, helicopter and hot-air balloon tours take in the Mediterranean, the Collserola mountain range and other landmarks. The Montjuic cable car offers another bird’s-eye perspective; tickets are sold on board. Its entrance is not far from the harbour—follow the cables to find it. Cable cars do not operate in high winds, so look up to see whether they are running. A small guidebook is useful in a city with so much to see.
Tourist information is available.
Nearby places
Nova Icaria, Bogatell, Mar Bella and Barceloneta are Barcelona beaches, each with a promenade lined by restaurants and cafés.
Further afield:
Food and shopping
Barcelona has around 35,000 shops and the well-known 5 KM shopping line. It runs from the top of the Ramblas through Placa de Catalunya, along Passeig de Gràcia and up Avenue Diagonal. Much of the route is pedestrianised, making it pleasant to wander from shop to shop without traffic. La Boqueria, on the Ramblas, is a colourful food market that also sells other goods and souvenirs.
The Ramblas also leads to the Gothic Quarter, Barcelona’s medieval district. Here, fine restaurants and outdoor cafés sit alongside shops that specialise in colourful, high-quality ceramic goods, making it another rewarding place to browse.
The Ramblas is also the world’s most pickpocketed area.
Money
The Euro.
Staying connected
Barcelona offers free city Wi-Fi and work is under way to cover the whole city, though coverage is not yet complete. Reception around the Ramblas is generally good.
Fire brigade, police and ambulance: telephone 112.
Opening Hours and
Typical shop and business hours are Monday to Saturday, from 9.30 to 13.30 and again from 16.30 to 20.00.
Large shopping centres and department stores open continuously from 10.00 to 21.00 or 22.00. In December, they sometimes open on Sundays.
In high season, shops in coastal cities are usually open after 22.00.
Pharmacies open from 9.30 to 13.30 and from 16.30 to 20.00. Major cities have some pharmacies open 24 hours. A rotating late-hours schedule is published in newspapers and posted at every pharmacy for reference.
Museums are generally closed on Mondays.