Barcelona Cruise Port Guide, Things to Do, Shore Excursions

Montjuic Hill in Barcelona

Welcome to Barcelona cruise port!

Cosmopolitan. Artistic. Captivating. Whether you are a first-time visitor or have already been to Barcelona, you never get enough of it. The city has incredible energy and so many places to explore that one day in Barcelona is certainly not enough. However, if Barcelona cruise port is in your cruise itinerary, you’ll be able to see the majority of city highlights as the cruise terminal is situated close to the city center! In this informative article, you’ll read about:

    • Barcelona cruise port (Barcelona cruise terminal, getting around, helpful info & links)
    • Top 10 things to do in Barcelona port & Barcelona shore excursions

Visit our cruise port guides for Rome (Civitavecchia), Florence (Livorno), Naples, Cannes, Marseille, Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, Valencia, Malta (Valletta), Dubrovnik, Corfu, Taormina (Messina)

Barcelona Cruise Port

Barcelona is the capital city of Catalonia and one of the major Mediterranean cruise ports, located in the northeast of Spain. It is one of the busiest and most visited European cruise ports, particularly due to its proximity to the city center and its main attractions.

Barcelona cruise ship port consists of 9 terminals grouped around Port Vell marina, out of which 7 are cruise terminals. Depending on the size, cruise ships dock at Quai Adossat (Moll Adossat), which consists of 4 terminals (A, B, C, D), or at the World Trade Center (WTC), which has 3 terminals (South Terminal, North Terminal, East Terminal).

Two other terminals are Sant Bertran Wharf, used for ferry transportation between Barcelona and the Balearic Islands, and Maremagnum Port Vell which can accommodate large ships, but not cruise liners.

See Barcelona cruise port map on Google maps

Barcelona cruise port map
Barcelona cruise port © www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com

Quai Adossat Cruise Terminals

A, B, C, and D terminals (D is also called Palacruceros) are located around 3 km/1.8 miles (a 10-minute drive) from La Rambla, the tourist hub and one of the most famous boulevards in Barcelona. Quai Adossat is connected to the city by the bridge Porta d’Europa (Puente de la Puerta de Europa).

The cruise lines may organize shuttle buses (for an additional fee, usually about 13€ round trip) to transfer the passengers to the area of the World Trade Center, located a 5-minute walk from Christopher Columbus Monument, where La Rambla boulevard starts. These buses are wheelchair-users friendly, and you can purchase the tickets onboard or in the terminal buildings (depending on the cruise line). For guests who don’t want to take buses, taxis or a 20-40-minute walk to the city center are an alternative option.

The terminal buildings are equipped with modern facilities, such as duty-free shops, elevators, souvenir shops, a bar restaurant, an exchange office, public phones, restrooms, and ATMs. There is a taxi rank in front of each terminal, as well as a shuttle bus station and parking for tour buses. Given that Barcelona is not only a port of call but also a homeport, the terminals also feature embarkation/disembarkation facilities.

Barcelona cruise port - Quay Adossat cruise terminals, view from Montjuic Hill
Barcelona cruise port – Quay Adossat cruise terminals. Photo courtesy of Rene Cicero.

World Trade Center Terminals (WTC terminals)

South, North, and East Terminals are located at Moll de Barcelona, within a 10-minute walking distance from Columbus Monument and the start of La Rambla street. The three docks surround the modern, state-of-the-art building of the World Trade Center, and can accommodate cruise liners of moderate size. You can find public transport stations nearby as well.

The terminal buildings consist of duty-free and souvenir shops, an exchange office, and a small tourist information center. There are no restaurants or bars, as you can find those next door inside WTC. The terminals also feature embarkation/disembarkation facilities and suit the needs of guests with disabilities.

The cruise bus station is located near the terminals, so in case you can’t walk, you can take a round-trip ticket (prices starting at 3€), and the bus will drop you off at the Columbus Monument. Cruise buses don’t have fixed timetables – they depend on the arrival and departure times of the ships in port.

Helpful info & links:

  • The port area is flat and wheelchair-accessible.
  • Barcelona city center is partially flat, however, some parts are hilly so make sure you wear comfortable shoes (ex: the area surrounding Sagrada Familia is flat, but to get there, you need to walk slightly uphill).
  • The currency in Barcelona (Spain) is EURO (€). ATMs and currency exchange are available at the cruise terminals and in the town. Local currency and credit cards are widely accepted. See the currency converter
  • If you are embarking on a cruise ship in Barcelona, especially if you’re coming from the US, make sure you come to Barcelona at least two days prior to the embarkation to avoid the inconveniences of jet lag. If you want to fully enjoy the city, you’ll need to come at least 4-5 days before your cruise starts. Check out the best hotels in Barcelona
  • Barcelona has an excellent public transport network which is primarily operated by TMB (Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona). Drassanes is the closest metro station, located at the foot of La Rambla. It serves the L3 line, which will take you to the majority of Barcelona’s attractions. To get to Sagrada Familia, you will need to change to L2 or L5 lines and get off at Sagrada Familia station. If you’re planning to get around Barcelona by public transport, it’s recommended to get Hola Barcelona Travel Card for 16.40€ (valid for 2 days, unlimited rides). You can check the timetables, fares and get extensive information on public transport’s official webpage https://www.tmb.cat/
  • Josep Tarradellas Barcelona AirportEl Prat Airport is the main Barcelona airport and is located around 15 km/9 miles (a 20-minute drive) southwest of Barcelona cruise port. The best way to get from Barcelona airport to the port of Barcelona is by taxi or a private transfer. Alternatively, you can take the Aerobus shuttle transfer which departs from the airport every 10 minutes and stops at Barcelona city center (three stops: Plaça Espanya, Gran Via-Urgell, and Plaça de l’ Universitat – Plaça Catalunya (terminus). The ticket costs 8.90€ one way and the travel time is 35 minutes. You can purchase the bus tickets online, from the driver (make sure you have coins or small bills), or at the ticket machine at the airport. Check out the private transfers from/to Barcelona cruise port
  • Barcelona Hop on hop off sightseeing bus tours are also available and the bus stop is located close to the cruise terminal. Three routes are offered and all include stops at the most iconic landmarks and attractions including the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, the Pedrera, Camp Nou, La Rambla, Montjuïc and many others. You can check out the Hop on Hop off Barcelona tours on Viator and Get Your Guide
  • Barcelona boasts a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and cool winters. For useful cruise packing tips, check out my article What to Pack for a Cruise in 2023 – Top 60 Cruise Essentials
  • Explore the best Barcelona tours and activities
  • Get cashback on travel services – Get a promo code!

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10 Best Things to Do in Barcelona Cruise Port

Before I share with you the top things to do in Barcelona, I invite you to sign up below and get my exclusive, insider  SHORE EXCURSION GUIDE FOR FREE!

1. Sagrada Familia

Antoni Gaudi, the Catalan architect and one of the major exponents of Catalan Modernism, dedicated 43 years of his life to La Sagrada Familia (The Church of the Sacred Family). The construction of this stunning architectural masterpiece began in 1883, and when Gaudi died in 1926, less than a quarter of the project was finished.

Obstructed during wars, the creation of the fascinating cathedral resumed after 1950 and is anticipated to be completed in 2026, commemorating the centenary of Gaudi’s death. Sagrada Familia architecture reflects his religious views and the whole temple is an ode to nature.

La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona.
La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona.
La Sagrada Familia Barcelona, the interior
Inside La Sagrada Familia

How to Get to Sagrada Familia from the Barcelona Cruise Port?

The distance between Barcelona cruise port (Moll Adossat cruise terminals) and Sagrada Familia is around 9 km/5.5 miles (a 20-25-minute drive). The taxis shouldn’t charge you more than 15-20€ per vehicle one-way.

Useful tips:

  • I personally don’t recommend booking a cruise ship shore excursion to Sagrada Familia. Some excursions offer only the exterior view of the Cathedral, and some of them go inside. I’ve done both, and in both cases, the tours were rushed and I didn’t get to see much. In addition, the given free time is usually very limited, so if you want to enjoy time at the cathedral, I suggest you come on your own.
  • If you are coming on a shore excursion, keep in mind that there is no bus parking around Sagrada Familia. Instead, tour buses drop the passengers off a few blocks away, and you need to walk at least 10 minutes slightly uphill to get to the Cathedral. This is challenging for guests with walking difficulties and stressful because you need to stick with the group all the time.

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  • For the best photo ops of Sagrada Familia, go to Plaça de Gaudí park in front of the cathedral.
  • The surrounding area is large and beautiful, it is packed with cafes, street sellers, parks, and restaurants. The Cathedral is so huge and impressive that you’ll need at least 10 minutes just to go around it and admire its imposing architecture.
  • If you want to properly visit Sagrada Familia, book the tickets in advance (skip the line tickets), book a private/customized guided tour, or a premium guided tour in a small group. Allow yourself at least 1 hour inside the Cathedral, and 1 hour to wander around as the surrounding area is beautiful and offers extraordinary views of Sagrada Familia.

See the list of the best Sagrada Familia tours and activities

2. Casa Batlló

Located on one of main Barcelona’s shopping and business avenues – Passeig de Gràcia, in the heart of the Eixample district, Casa Batlló is another Gaudi’s masterpiece and one of the finest architectural examples of Gaudi’s personal approach to Catalan Modernism.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Passeig de Gràcia was a prestigious place where wealthy families used to live. That’s how a rich textile industrialist Josep Batlló decided to buy an old house for his family in the middle of the avenue. He wanted his house to be unique and distinct, and he hired Antoni Gaudi in 1904 to redesign the house in an audacious and innovative architectural style that would make his house stand out among other houses on the avenue.

Casa Battlo Barcelona
Casa Batlló

Casa Batlló is locally known as Casa dels Ossos (House of Bones) and Casa del Drac (House of the Dragon), due to its curving, skeletal shapes and design, and astonishing façade resembling the bony jaws of a surreal, fantastic beast. Casa Batlló’s roof resembles a back of a dragon and features a turret with a cross, which symbolically represents St. George, the patron saint of Catalonia, killing the dragon.

Casa Batlló has been declared a World Heritage Site and today belongs to different owners. A part of it is a museum open for visitors, while the majority of the rooms in the building have been rented out for multiple purposes, such as company offices and event places.

Casa Battlo, view from the bus

How to Get to Casa Batlló from Barcelona Cruise Port?

Casa Batlló is situated around 5.5 km/3.5 miles from Barcelona cruise port (Quai Adossat cruise terminals). It takes a 1-hour walk, or a 20-minute driving distance to get there. If your ship is docked at the World Trade Center cruise ship terminals, the distance is around 3 km/1.8 miles, and to get there you can either take a 40-minute walk or a 15-minute taxi ride.

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Useful info:

  • If you are planning to visit Casa Batlló, I recommend you book a combo tour with La Sagrada Familia, as the distance between these two Gaudi’s masterpieces is around 2 km (a 20-minute walk). I suggest you walk because traffic can be dense and if you go by car, it can take up to 15 minutes.
  • Cruise ship shore excursions normally don’t include the Casa Batlló interior visit, but some tours include a stop in front of the building and a visit from the exterior.
  • I think the best way to properly visit Casa Batlló is to visit it on your own, or with an independent tour operator who can provide you with a customized, private guided tour, or a tour in a small group. However, if you go on your own, make sure you have a skip-the-line ticket as you don’t want to waste your time queuing in front of the museum.

Explore the best Casa Batlló tours and activities

3. Casa Milà (La Pedrera)

Casa Milà is another of Gaudi’s controversial artworks located only a stone’s throw from Casa Batlló – on the famous Passeig de Gràcia avenue. It was built between 1906 and 1912 for Pere Milà and his wife but changed several owners throughout the 20th century.

La Pedrera means “The stone quarry”, referring to the undulating quarry-like stone façade that consists of massive blocks of limestone and twisting wrought-iron balconies. There are different interpretations when it comes to the building: the official version says that Gaudi’s La Pedrera was inspired by a mountain, whereas there are theories that the façade symbolizes the waves of the Mediterranean Sea.

In 1984, La Pedrera was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and two years later was bought by Caixa Catalunya, a Spanish Bank that restored the building and brought back some of the original decorations. Nowadays, a total of 4.500 square meters spread over the five floors can be visited, including an apartment and a splendid rooftop offering spectacular views of the city.

La Pedrera, Gaudi's masterpiece
La Pedrera

How to Get to La Pedrera from Barcelona Cruise Port?

The driving distance between La Pedrera and Barcelona cruise port (Moll Adossat cruise terminals) is 6.5 km/4 miles or a 15-20 minute drive. If your cruise ship is docked at the World Trade Center cruise terminals, the driving distance is around 4 km/2.5 miles or less than a 15-minute drive.

Useful tips:

  • If you are planning to visit La Pedrera, the best way to visit it is together with Casa Batlló, because the distance between the two buildings is only 500 m, or less than a 10-minute walk.
  • Cruise ship shore excursions normally don’t include La Pedrera’s interior visit, only the exterior.
  • To avoid waiting in line, you can book skip-the-line La Pedrera tickets online.
  • For opening hours, check La Pedrera’s official website.

Check out the best La Pedrera tours

4. Park Güell

Sitting proudly on Carmel Hill and overlooking the city of Barcelona, Park Güell is one of Gaudi’s major works and a true gem among his masterpieces. The large park where architecture and nature come together was originally constructed between 1900 and 1914 for the Spanish entrepreneur Eusebi Güell as private property, but soon after that opened its doors to all visitors as a public park.

Park Guell in Barcelona cruise port
Park Guell. Source: Pixabay.com

The park features a multitude of organic forms and shapes inspired by Gaudi’s political and religious views, including a lot of mythological and natural elements. You’ll admire mosaic-covered buildings, sculptures, lush vegetation, and breathtaking views over Barcelona, as well as the Gaudi House Museum (Casa Museu Gaudi), a former residence of Gaudi, where you can get an amazing insight into the architect’s life and works. Park Güell was listed as World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984.

How to Get to Park Güell from the Barcelona Cruise Terminal?

The distance between Park Güell and Barcelona cruise port (Moll Adossat cruise ship terminals) is 13 km/8 miles (a 35-minute drive). If your cruise ship is docked at the World Trade Center, the distance between is around 7 km/4.3 miles or a 25-minute drive.

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Useful tips:

Explore the best Park Güell tours and activities

5. La Rambla

The famous La Rambla street is a must-see place in Barcelona. For cruise passengers, it is easy to get around as La Rambla is located within a walking distance from the ship. La Rambla is a tree-lined, 1.2 km/0.75 miles long pedestrian promenade (although there are narrow parallel streets used for traffic) that connects Plaça de Catalunya square and the Columbus Monument, located at Port Vell – a waterfront harbor that is part of the port of Barcelona. It is a tourist-packed street full of shops, street restaurants, souvenir kiosks, street performers, and a great number of attractions.

Enjoying beer at La Rambla with friends
Enjoying some lunch & beer time at La Rambla with friends

You can find some important buildings on La Rambla avenue:

  • Palau Güell, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a beautiful palace that Gaudi designed for Eusebi Güell.
  • Palace of the Virreina, a baroque palace hosting museum exhibitions and cultural events.
  • The Liceu Theater, Barcelona’s 19th-century opera house.
  • The Teatre Principal, the oldest theater in Barcelona dating from the 16th century.
  • La Boqueria, one of the most visited and popular markets in Barcelona where you can find a large selection of goods, such as meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, cheese, and much more.
  • Plaça Reial – La Rambla hides beautiful side alleys and squares, among which Plaça Reial is the most famous one. It is a bustling 19th-century square featuring tall palm trees, a fountain, and street lamps designed by Gaudi, full of restaurants, nightclubs, and cocktail bars open until late at night.
  • To the east of La Rambla is the Gothic Quarter, the old town, another must-see landmark in Barcelona.
Plaça Reial
Plaça Reial

How to Get to La Rambla from Barcelona Port?

The distance between the Barcelona cruise terminal (Moll Adossat cruise terminals) and La Rambla is less than 3 km/1.8 miles. To get there, you need to take a shuttle bus or a cruise bus (“blue bus”) that will get you to the Christopher Columbus Monument, where La Rambla starts. From the World Trade Center terminals, you can get to La Rambla on foot in less than 10 minutes (the distance is around 650 m).

Useful tips:

  • You don’t need a shore excursion to take you to La Rambla. The best way to explore it is at leisure, on your own. La Rambla is close to La Boqueria Market, the Gothic Quarter, and Plaça de Catalunya, so you can visit all three attractions on the same day.
  • When in La Rambla, keep your eyes open because there are many pickpockets.

Check out La Rambla tours and activities

6. Mercado de la Boqueria

La Boqueria market is located at La Rambla street. It is a large, indoor public market offering an amazing selection of foods, including fish, seafood, meat, vegetables, fruit, cheese, beverages, and a great number of shops and street stalls selling freshly squeezed juices, candy, nuts, quick bites and so much more. This place is absolutely awesome and a must-see Barcelona attraction!

La Boqueria market, Barcelona cruise port
La Boqueria Market
La Boqueria candy stall, Barcelona cruise port
La Boqueria candy stall – My favorite!

Useful tips:

  • Some cruise lines offer food tours that include a visit to several markets and food tasting. This is a good option if you feel more comfortable being on a cruise ship shore excursion, but if you are confident to go on your own, feel free to do so.
  • If you want to have a truly local experience, either do it on your own, book a customized tour, or a small group tour where you truly get to enjoy the full food-tasting experience.

Explore La Boqueria Market tours and activities

7. Plaça de Catalunya

Plaça Catalunya or Catalonia Square (Plaza de Cataluña) is a large square and a central hub often considered as Barcelona city center. It is located at the northern end of La Rambla street, and a 10-minute walk from the Gothic Quarter.

The square covers a spacious area of 50.000 square meters and consists of a wide range of statues, fountains, sculptures, and decorative art. This is where important city streets and avenues meet, such as Passeig de Gràcia, a famous avenue where La Pedrera and Casa Batlló are situated. The square is surrounded by hotels, restaurants, shops, bars, designer boutiques, and its most popular and photographed attraction is the flocks of pigeons that you can spot swimming in the fountain.

Plaça de Catalunya in Barcelona cruise port
Plaça de Catalunya. Source: Pixabay.com

How to Get to Plaça de Catalunya from Barcelona Cruise Port?

The distance between Barcelona cruise port (Moll Adossat cruise terminals) is around 5.5 km/3.4 miles or a 15-minute drive. If your cruise ship is docked at World Trade Center, the distance is 2.8 km/1.7 miles or less than a 10-minute drive.

However, the best and shorter way to get there is by walking because Plaça de Catalunya is located at the end of La Rambla avenue. That way, you can visit both La Rambla and Plaça de Catalunya, and time permitting, you can also visit Mercado de la Boqueria and the Gothic Quarter.

As for the shore excursions, most of the cruise line shore excursions pass by Plaça de Catalunya, but I don’t think that any of them gives you free time at the square. That’s why the best way to explore it is on your own, with a Hop on hop off sightseeing tour, or with a customized, private tour.

8. The Gothic Quarter

The Gothic Quarter, or Barri Gòtic in the Catalan language, is the historic heart of the old city of Barcelona, located near La Rambla avenue and Plaça de Catalunya. Although the name of the quarter refers to the Middle Ages, the whole quarter was completely restored in the late 19th and early 20th centuries which gave the old buildings a brand new, neo-Gothic look. A large portion of the quarter is closed to regular traffic (open only to taxis and service vehicles) and consists of pedestrian streets, squares, and several remarkable historic landmarks.

The iconic landmark is Barcelona Cathedral (the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia), an imposing Gothic cathedral that was originally constructed from the 13th to 15th centuries. It features an extraordinary, late 19th-century neo-Gothic facade, a sumptuously decorated interior, and a beautiful, verdant, geese-filled cloister that you can see on your tour. The cathedral offers audio tours and is well worth visiting inside.

Barcelona Cathedral - Gothic Quarter
Barcelona Cathedral
The imposing interior of the neo-Gothic Barcelona Cathedral
The imposing interior of the neo-Gothic Barcelona Cathedral
Barcelona Cathedral cloister
Barcelona Cathedral cloister

Barcelona Cathedral dominates a large square – Placita de la Seu, surrounded by hotels, restaurants, shops, and souvenir stores. The square is connected with Plaça de Catalunya by a pedestrian promenade Avinguda del Portal de l’Angel. You can reach the square in a 10-15 minute easy walk. At a stone’s throw from the Cathedral, you can find several other attractions and historical landmarks:

  • The ruins of the Roman and Medieval city walls.
  • Barcelona’s History Museum at Plaza del Rey.
  • Gaudi’s Exhibition Center, a modern museum housed in a medieval building.
  • The 14th-century Gothic Basilica de Santa Maria del Pi dominates a lively Plaça del Pi, a charming open-air market and area filled with tapas bars and cafes.
  • Palau de la Generalitat de Catalunya, a beautiful palace with a Renaissance façade and a seat of the government.
  • Ajuntament de Barcelona, a 14th-century Barcelona City Hall with a Gothic façade and an art gallery.
  • Picasso Museum features a vast collection of Picasso’s masterpieces and artworks.
  • Jewish quarter, located within the Gothic Quarter, and Sinagoga Major, an ancient synagogue built in the 3rd and 4th centuries and one of the European oldest synagogues.

How to Get to the Gothic Quarter from the Barcelona Cruise Port?

The distance between the Gothic Quarter and Barcelona cruise terminal (Moll Adossat cruise terminals) is 4.4 km/2.7 miles or a 10-minute drive. To get there, the best way is to take a shuttle bus/cruise bus from your terminal to the Christopher Columbus monument and walk 10 minutes to the Barcelona Cathedral and the Gothic Quarter (800 m). If your cruise ship is docked at World Trade Center terminals, you can simply walk 15 minutes to the Gothic Quarter.

Check out the best Gothic Quarter tours and activities

9. Montjuïc Hill

Montjuïc hill is another must-see area of Barcelona offering the best and absolutely spectacular views of the entire Barcelona. The hill overlooks a harbor and covers a large area that consists of monuments, museums, a palace, a castle, a multitude of botanical gardens and much more!

The view of Barcelona from the National Art Museum of Catalonia, Montjuïc Hill
The view of Barcelona from the National Art Museum of Catalonia, Montjuïc Hill

The best way to get there is by taxi, with a shore excursion, or by cable car. There are two cable cars in Barcelona: the Port Cable Car and the Montjuïc Cable Car.

Port Cable CarTelefèric del Port, starts from San Sebastiàn Tower (Torre Sant Sebastià), located near Barceloneta Beach and a 20-30-minute walk from the World Trade Center, and ends at Miramar Gardens viewpoint on the Montjuïc hill, at an altitude of around 60 m. The Tower of Jaime I, located halfway, by the World Trade Center, is closed. The cable car ride lasts around 10 minutes and is 1.3 km (0.8 mi) long. From this viewpoint, you get to see the harbor and part of the city. For more information, check out the Telefèric del Port official website.

Montjuïc Cable CarTelefèric de Montjuïc, connects the bottom and the summit of the Montjuïc hill. The ride starts at Parc de Montjuïc and the cable car goes directly to Castell de Montjuïc (Montjuïc Castle) without making any stops. On the return route, the cable car offers an optional stop at Mirador de l’Alcalde and ends at Parc de Montjuïc. The ride is short but offers truly breathtaking views of the botanical gardens, the harbor, and the city. For more information, visit the Telefèric de Montjuïc official website.

How to Get to Montjuïc Hill from Barcelona Cruise Port?

The distance between Barcelona cruise port (Moll Adossat cruise terminals) and both Telefèric de Montjuïc and Telefèric del Port is around 5.5 km/3.4 miles or a 10-minute drive. If your cruise ship is docked at World Trade Center terminals, both Telefèric del Port and Telefèric de Montjuïc are around 3 km/1.8 miles away or less than a 10-minute drive.

If you decide to skip the cable car, you can simply catch a taxi at the cruise port and reach the major Montjuïc Hill attractions in less than 15 minutes, and then explore the area on foot. If you want to properly visit Montjuïc Hill, you need at least a half-day, but if you want to take a glimpse of it, you might consider booking one of the tours.

Useful tips:

  • The cruise lines offer shore excursions going to Montjuïc Hill but keep in mind that you will have a very limited time on the hill. There is a large bus parking at the National Art Museum of Catalonia, where the buses usually drop the passengers off. The free time given here is no longer than 20 minutes, which allows you to admire the stunning views of Barcelona and take some awesome pictures, but no more than that.
  • If you stay several days in Barcelona, save one full or at least a half-day for Montjuïc Hill, as there are so many beautiful places and attractions to see. However, if you decide to visit more of Montjuïc Hill in one day, I highly suggest you take a Hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus ride (the buses stop at Montjuïc Hill) or book a tour in a small group/customized tour.
  • Explore Montjuïc Hill tours and activities
  • Book Telefèric de Montjuïc tickets online
National Art Museum of Catalonia and the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc below
National Art Museum of Catalonia and the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc.

10. Barceloneta Beach

Playa de la Barceloneta, or Barceloneta Beach, is a long, busy public beach equipped with facilities such as chair and umbrella rentals, showers, water sports, wi-fi spots, cafes restaurants, bars, and much more. It is a bustling, urban area packed with both locals and tourists, offering beautiful views of the harbor and the lively surrounding area. It is a perfect way to spend a couple of hours if you want to soak up some Mediterranean sun.

Barceloneta Beach
Barceloneta Beach

How to Get to Barceloneta Beach from the Barcelona Cruise Port?

The distance between Barceloneta Beach and World Trade Center terminals is around 2.5 km/1.5 miles. If you go by taxi, the ride lasts less than 10 minutes, and if you decide to walk, you’ll need around 30 minutes to get from your cruise terminal to the beach. The distance between the Barcelona cruise port (Moll Adossat cruise terminals) is around 5 km/3.1 miles. It takes 10-15 minutes to reach the beach by car, and if you walk, it takes 1 hour.

You can either take a taxi or bus 59 at La Rambla – Santa Mònica (1325) stop and get off at Pg Marítim – Pepe Rubianes (1606) stop. The journey takes less than 15 minutes by bus.

Useful tip: It might be challenging to find taxis at Barceloneta Beach for the way back to the ship. You need to book a taxi via the app or pre-book the transfer to the port. For more information on taxis in Barcelona, click here.

Wrapping Up

Exploring the main attractions of Barcelona is the highlight of the visit, but if you opt for the day trips, you may want to have a look at Get Your Guide and Viator offers.

Visit our cruise port guides for Rome (Civitavecchia), Florence (Livorno), Naples, Cannes, Marseille, Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, Valencia, Malta (Valletta), Dubrovnik, Corfu, Taormina (Messina)


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