Introduction
Barcelona is Spain’s second-largest city and the capital of the autonomous community of Catalonia, a defiant and independent region of Spain, which has a distinct culture, language, and history. Situated on Spain's southern coast, its climate is perfectly Mediterranean, sea breezes chasing away the heat. It’s the perfect location for a vacation, spending time by strolling the boulevards, shopping, relaxing at a café, sampling Spanish fare for dinner, and visiting fantastic sights.
You Choose The Cruise
There's an extensive range of cruises available which stop at many diverse destinations. The most popular is a trip around the Western Mediterranean. Alternatives include the Canary Islands, North Africa, or longer trips to the Eastern Mediterranean and Greek Islands. A typical Western Mediterran cruise would call at ports like Valencia, Palma de Mallorca, Marseille, St Tropez, Monaco, Portofino, Livorno, Amalfi, Sorrento, and Civitavecchia. For a complete listing of cruises departing from Barcelona, see cruises from Barcelona.
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| A map of the Port of Barcelona |
Barcelona Cruise Terminals
Ships berth at Port Vell. The area has become a tourist attraction in its own right with a large Maremàgnum shopping mall with a fun IMAX theater, and Europe's largest aquarium. Port Vell leads directly onto Las Ramblas, the main Barcelona street packed with cafes and entertainment that leads into the heart of the city. Las Ramblas is alternately called the singular form, La Rambla.
The port has 8 terminals at Port Vell, split into 3 locations.
Adossat Quay
Cruise Terminals A, B, C and D are located at the Adossat Quay and are furthest away from the city. Terminal D is also called Palacruceros. Shuttle buses make the short trip from these cruise terminals to the start of Las Ramblas.
Cruise Terminals A, B, C and D are located at the Adossat Quay and are furthest away from the city. Terminal D is also called Palacruceros. Shuttle buses make the short trip from these cruise terminals to the start of Las Ramblas.
World Trade Center Terminals N, S
There are 2 terminals in the World Trade Center or WTC pier which are called North, and South. The East quay provides an extra berth. From these it is an easy walk to Las Ramblas.
There are 2 terminals in the World Trade Center or WTC pier which are called North, and South. The East quay provides an extra berth. From these it is an easy walk to Las Ramblas.
Port Vell Quay
Across from the World Trade Center Terminal. This ferry terminal is only occasionally employed for cruise ships.
Across from the World Trade Center Terminal. This ferry terminal is only occasionally employed for cruise ships.
Each terminal possesses a dedicated taxi rank. Other information
For the port website, see Port Of Barcelona.
Sightseeing in Barcelona
Barcelona takes at least a week to tour, many days longer than the single day cruise ship passengers have. Be sure to include well-known destinations such as La Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's much photographed church, the medieval Barrio Gothic district, and the Picasso museum. Don't forget to head up to Montjuic for a wonderful view over the whole of the city and the surrounding hills and ocean.
Las Ramblas
A fabulous promenade leading from Port Vell to Placa de Catalunya, right in the middle of old Barcelona. It's packed with cafes, shops, florists, street entertainers, and Boqueria, a charming market. Halfway up Las Ramblas is the Gran Teatre del Liceu, Barcelona's magnificent opera theater. Las Ramblas ends at the Placa de Catalunya, a huge square surrounded by shops and cafes.
A fabulous promenade leading from Port Vell to Placa de Catalunya, right in the middle of old Barcelona. It's packed with cafes, shops, florists, street entertainers, and Boqueria, a charming market. Halfway up Las Ramblas is the Gran Teatre del Liceu, Barcelona's magnificent opera theater. Las Ramblas ends at the Placa de Catalunya, a huge square surrounded by shops and cafes.
Barcelona's funkiest church was designed by the famous Gaudi. Work began in 1883, and the imaginative building is only now nearing completion. Don't miss features like the nativity-themed facade, the mosaic bell towers, and massive doors representing faith, hope and charity.
Barri Gotic
In Barcelona's gothic quarter, the buildings date back to the 13th century. The streets are narrow and winding and packed with busy life. Art lovers will enjoy the Museu Picasso, showcasing the works of Picasso. Another must-see is the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia, a magnificent example of early-European architecture.
In Barcelona's gothic quarter, the buildings date back to the 13th century. The streets are narrow and winding and packed with busy life. Art lovers will enjoy the Museu Picasso, showcasing the works of Picasso. Another must-see is the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia, a magnificent example of early-European architecture.
The Museu d'art Contemporani de Barcelona
This shining white glass and concrete building towers over Old Barcelona. The Contemporary Art Museum collection, beginning around 1950, includes many works from Catalan, by artists like Antoni Tapies and works by International names such as Miguel Barcelo.
Gaudí realised a fantastic house with undulating, lifelike curves for the property developer Pere Milà Camps. La Pedrera was Gaudi's last work before dedicating all his time to the Sagrada Família.
Parc Guell
A real treat for Gaudi fans, Parc Guell is a pleasant town park. The planting is imaginative and colorful, but the number one attraction are Gaudi's buildings, such as faux temples and mosaic seats.
A real treat for Gaudi fans, Parc Guell is a pleasant town park. The planting is imaginative and colorful, but the number one attraction are Gaudi's buildings, such as faux temples and mosaic seats.
The area of Montjuic rises 700 ft above the city's port and is filled with boutiques, galleries, cafes and museums. Don't miss the Museu Arqueologic which showcases a diverse range of items from prehistoric cultures from Catalonia and the Balearic Isles. Another super art museum is the Museu Nacional d'art de Catalunya, which highlights Romanesque works.
Getting to the Port
From the City to the Port
Walking
The WTCcruise ship terminals are the nearest to the foot of Las Ramblas, being approximately a 5-minute walk. However, the Adossat quay cruise ship terminals, A, B, C, and D, are a lot further and you need to catch a shuttle bus named the Blue Bus, which picks ups at the memorial to Christopher Columbus and deposits you at Adossat dock.
Metro
The Drassanes station (Green Line, L3) is no more than five minutes by foot from the Christopher Columbus memorial.
Taxi
It's easy to take a taxi from Barcelona's center to the port. This is not expensive, cost around eight euros, and fast, generally under a quarter of an hour. .
Walking
The WTCcruise ship terminals are the nearest to the foot of Las Ramblas, being approximately a 5-minute walk. However, the Adossat quay cruise ship terminals, A, B, C, and D, are a lot further and you need to catch a shuttle bus named the Blue Bus, which picks ups at the memorial to Christopher Columbus and deposits you at Adossat dock.
Metro
The Drassanes station (Green Line, L3) is no more than five minutes by foot from the Christopher Columbus memorial.
Taxi
It's easy to take a taxi from Barcelona's center to the port. This is not expensive, cost around eight euros, and fast, generally under a quarter of an hour. .
By bus
Catch the Aerobusline A1 from terminal 1, line A2 from terminal 2 to Placa Catalunya in Barcelona, service approximately every 10 minutes, then travel by metro to Drassanes. From Drassanes walk to the statue of Christopher Columbus. Get on the Blue bus to take you to your cruise terminal.
Taxi
The quickest method for travelling from the airport to the port is a taxi. The trip takes about 25 mins and will cost you about thirty euros in total. The cost will include per-bag supplements and additional airport and cruise terminal levies.
