Where to Stay in Barcelona Before a Cruise (Best Areas + Hotels)

LAST UPDATED July 25, 2025 BY Katarina Komazec

I just got back from a cruise that started in Barcelona, one of the busiest cruise ports in the Mediterranean.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Barcelona before a cruise, especially if it’s your first visit, I highly recommend spending at least a day or two in the city before or after your trip. There’s so much to see and do, and one quick visit hardly does it justice.

Because Barcelona is a large city, knowing where to stay in Barcelona before a cruise can save you time, money, and hassle, especially when you need to manage cruise check-in times, luggage, and sightseeing.

Based on my recent trip and several past visits, this guide will walk you through the best neighborhoods, their connection to the port, and some top hotel picks in each.

👉 And if you’re looking for things to do while you’re in Barcelona, be sure to check out my Barcelona Cruise Port Guide — it’s packed with top attractions, tips for getting around, and everything you need to explore the city like a pro.

This post contains affiliate links for hotels, tours and services in Barcelona. If you book through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting my work! 🙂

Why It Matters Where You Stay Before a Cruise

Choosing the right area to stay in Barcelona before your cruise isn’t just about picking a nice hotel — it’s also about cutting down on travel time, saving money, and avoiding unnecessary stress. Here’s why:

Distance to the Port

Barcelona’s cruise port has two main terminals: World Trade Center (WTC, used mostly by smaller ships) and Moll Adossat (used by large cruise liners).

The WTC terminal is about a 10-minute walk from La Rambla, which runs through the Gothic Quarter and connects to Plaça de Catalunya, the city’s main square.

For larger ships docked at Moll Adossat, a cruise shuttle runs from the WTC terminal to the Moll Adossat terminals, with the ride taking around 5 to 10 minutes by bus and costing €3 one way.

While Barcelona has an excellent metro and bus network, staying farther from the city center, even if hotels are cheaper, can be time-consuming and inconvenient, especially on embarkation day.

That’s why areas like the Gothic Quarter, Plaça de Catalunya, Port Vell, and Barceloneta are among the best places to stay before or after a cruise.

They offer easy access to the port, great public transport, and plenty to see and do right outside your hotel.

Airport and Transit Access

Barcelona El Prat Airport is located only about 11 km from the cruise port, so getting into the city is fairly easy. If you’re heading directly to the port, taking a taxi is the most convenient option, especially if you’re carrying luggage or traveling with others.

However, if you’re staying in the city and not in a rush, the Aerobus is a budget-friendly and reliable option.

It runs 24/7 and connects the airport with Plaça d’Espanya (near Sants) and Plaça de Catalunya, which are both central and well-connected. Tickets cost €7.45 one way or €12.85 round-trip.

For larger groups, however, taking a taxi can often work out cheaper than buying several individual bus tickets.

When I visited, my hotel was on La Rambla, so I got off at Plaça de Catalunya and walked about 10 minutes to my hotel, which was super quick, easy, and affordable.

Luggage and Early Check-In Considerations

Cruise passengers often arrive with bulky luggage and early flight times, and hotel check-ins in Barcelona typically don’t start before 2:00 p.m.

Choosing a hotel that offers luggage storage or early check-in can make a big difference, especially if you want to explore the city before heading to your room.

👉 Insider tip: And if your hotel doesn’t offer luggage storage, no worries — there are several luggage storage facilities around the city, including one at Plaça de Catalunya, where I stored my bags during my last visit. It’s a convenient option that lets you enjoy the city hands-free before or after your cruise.

Staying in a central area also gives you more to do while you wait for your room: explore the Gothic Quarter, grab tapas nearby, or just relax at a café.

Where to Stay in Barcelona Before a Cruise: Best Neighborhoods

When deciding where to stay in Barcelona before a cruise, it’s important to consider how close you want to be to the port, public transport, and city attractions.

Each neighborhood offers its own vibe and advantages depending on your priorities.

Port Vell & Barceloneta 🏖️

If you’re looking to stay as close as possible to the cruise terminals, this area is hard to beat.

With beautiful harbor views, easy access to the beach, and plenty of restaurants and bars nearby, it’s a great choice for cruisers who want to enjoy the seaside atmosphere before or after their cruise.

Just keep in mind that it’s a popular tourist area, so prices tend to be higher, especially during peak season.

Some great hotel options in this area include:

• Eurostars Grand Marina – A 5-star hotel located right at the World Trade Center, within walking distance or a short taxi/shuttle ride to the cruise terminals. It has spacious rooms, a rooftop pool, and great views of the port.
• H10 Port Vell – A stylish 4-star hotel near the marina with a rooftop plunge pool and modern design, just steps from Port Vell.
• Hotel 54 Barceloneta – A smaller, modern hotel just a short walk from the Barceloneta beach, with a lovely terrace and helpful staff, ideal if you want to stay close to both the sea and the port.
• W Barcelona – The well-known sail-shaped hotel by the beach, great if you’re after a more upscale stay with sea views and easy access to the port.

Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) 🏰

This historic neighborhood is one of the most iconic parts of Barcelona, home to the Barcelona Cathedral, lively plazas, and winding medieval streets.

This district is centrally located, just a 15-minute walk from the WTC cruise terminal, and close to La Rambla and Plaça de Catalunya. It can get a bit noisy in the evenings, but it’s a great area if you want to be in the heart of the city.

I stayed here during my last visit at a small hotel, Hostal Paris, right across from La Boqueria Market. It was clean, decent, and the location was central.

Recommended hotels:

• Lamaro Hotel – Also known as the iconic Colón Hotel, Lamaro Hotel is a modern 5★ property with stylish rooms. It sits directly opposite the cathedral in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, offering some of the most iconic views in the city.
• Hotel Suizo – Clean and modern 3★ in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, steps from La Rambla.
• The Barcelona Edition – A stylish 5★ option near the quarter, with a rooftop bar and modern design.

El Raval 🛍️

El Raval is a lively, multicultural neighborhood located right next to the Gothic Quarter and just off La Rambla.

It’s one of the more budget-friendly areas in the city, with plenty of small hotels, bars, and restaurants.

While it offers great access to both the airport (via nearby Plaça de Catalunya) and the cruise port, it does have a bit of a reputation for feeling less safe at night, especially on side streets.

Recommended hotels:

• Andante Hotel – A modern, affordable hotel with a rooftop pool and good metro access.
• Hotel España Ramblas – A boutique 4★ hotel just steps from La Rambla, with elegant rooms and a rooftop bar.
• Barceló Raval – Stylish 4★ hotel with panoramic views and a central location near MACBA.

Plaça de Catalunya & Eixample (Sagrada Familia) 🏙️

If you’re only staying in Barcelona for one night before or after your cruise, this area is one of the most convenient.

Plaça de Catalunya, located in the Eixample district, is the city’s main transport hub with direct Aerobus service to the airport, multiple metro lines, and easy access to the cruise shuttle.

You can take the L3 metro to Drassanes station at the bottom of La Rambla, then walk about 10 minutes to the shuttle stop near the WTC Terminal.

Eixample is also home to famous sights like the Sagrada Família and Passeig de Gràcia, which is a great option if you want a central, well-connected base.

The only downside is that the area, especially around Plaça de Catalunya and La Rambla, can be noisy, particularly during peak tourist season.

Recommended hotels:

• 45 Times Barcelona (formerly Iberostar Paseo de Gràcia) – A 4★ hotel with modern rooms, a rooftop pool, and unbeatable views over Plaça de Catalunya — still listed under the Iberostar name on some booking sites during the rebranding.
• Catalonia Ramblas 4* Sup – A cruisers’ favorite thanks to its central location just off Plaça de Catalunya. The hotel offers spacious rooms, a relaxing pool area, and easy access to both the port and top city attractions.
• H10 Catalunya Plaza – A stylish 3★ hotel right on the square, close to transport and shopping.
• Hotel Continental Barcelona – Located on La Rambla, with 24/7 snacks and rooms overlooking the street.
• Praktik Èssens – A boutique 3★ hotel on Passeig de Gràcia, with thoughtfully designed rooms and a quiet atmosphere inside despite the busy area.
• Sercotel Rosellón – A modern hotel just steps from the basilica, featuring a rooftop terrace with one of the best direct views of Sagrada Família in the city.

Sants / Montjuïc 🌿

This area offers a practical base if you arrive by train or need to reach the port early.

Sants station (Sants Estació) is one of the city’s main transport hubs and sits close to Plaça d’Espanya, another key connection point for metro, buses, and the Aerobus to the airport.

Nearby Montjuïc hill rises above the cruise port and features a large green space with walking paths, gardens, the Montjuïc Castle, and the scenic cable car (Telefèric de Montjuïc).

It’s a quieter part of the city, less touristy, with fewer restaurants, but ideal if you prefer a peaceful stay with easy access to both the port and public transport.

Recommended hotels:

• Hotel Acta CITY47 – A comfortable 3★ hotel close to Sants, with spacious rooms and good value.
• Barceló Sants – A modern hotel located directly above Sants station, ideal for quick train or port access.

My Tips & Pre- and Post-Cruise FAQs

If you’re still unsure where to stay in Barcelona before a cruise, think about what matters most, whether it’s convenience, budget, or sightseeing, and choose the neighborhood that fits your needs best.

When should I arrive before my cruise?

Arrive at least one day early to avoid travel delays and make embarkation easier, but if you want to explore the city, plan for at least two full days.

Should I book my hotel early or last minute?

Book early for the best hotels and prices; last-minute deals are rare during peak season.

What if my hotel doesn’t offer luggage storage or early check-in?

Choose hotels that offer luggage storage or early check-in for more flexibility. If not, you can find luggage storage facilities in main transit hubs like Plaça de Catalunya.

How do I get to the cruise port from the city?

The main metro stop near the port is Drassanes, served by the L3 (green) line. From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the WTC terminal, where the cruise shuttle operates for €3 per person one way. Taxis are faster if you have luggage, while the metro and shuttle offer cheaper options.

How do I get from the airport to my hotel or the cruise port?

The easiest and fastest way is by taxi, especially if you have luggage or are traveling in a group. A taxi ride typically costs around €30 to €40, depending on traffic.

For a more affordable option, the Aerobus runs 24/7 between Barcelona Airport and key city points like Plaça de Catalunya and Plaça d’Espanya, with tickets costing €7.45 one way or €12.85 round-trip. From these stops, you can use the metro and the cruise shuttle to reach the port.

Final Thoughts: Which Area Is Best for You?

If convenience is your priority, Port Vell is hard to beat. For sightseeing and soaking up the city’s history, stay in the Gothic Quarter or around Plaça Catalunya.

Families or anyone wanting a quieter stay will feel comfortable in Eixample. And if you’re on a budget, El Raval or Sants offer good value without sacrificing location.

Knowing where to stay in Barcelona before a cruise can make all the difference in having a stress-free, enjoyable start or end to your trip. Choose the neighborhood that fits your needs, and you’re already one step closer to a great cruise experience.