Your port guide to Barcelona

Renowned for its vibrant culinary scene, museums dedicated to great artists and Antoni Gaudí architecture, the capital of Catalonia is popular for good reason.

All the major cruise lines sail from Port de Barcelona, where there are seven cruise terminals. There is a blue shuttle, the Cruise Port Shuttle Bus, that runs between the piers and city centre in 10 minutes.

Much has been written about overtourism in Barcelona so choose a cruise in the shoulder or winter season to avoid summer crowds. Viking Cruises offers a 16-day Malta, Morocco and the Mediterranean sailing in December, which begins and ends in Barcelona aboard the 930-guest Viking Neptune. The sailing includes such ports as Casablanca, Seville, Algiers and Rome.

Meanwhile, Celebrity Cruises’ nine-night Italian Riviera and France round-trip itinerary from Barcelona aboard the 3260-guest Celebrity Ascent takes in Nice, Santa Margherita, Florence, Rome and Naples.

Come by Celebrity Ascent’s Sunset Bar for a sundowner. (Image: Michel Verdure)

Barcelona highlights

Most first-time visitors to Barcelona will gravitate towards La Rambla – one of the world’s greatest boulevards. Look up to admire the architecture of the Gran Teatre del Liceu and look down to appreciate the giant yellow, red and blue Joan Miró mosaic on the footpath.

Check out Barcelona’s iconic Gothic Quarter. (Image: Maxim Morales via Getty Images)

Of course, you will want to browse the 19th-century food market La Boqueria. From there, wander towards the nearby Gothic Quarter. here in the narrow streets, you’ll find the best of Barcelona’s Gothic architecture, and Old City cafes and bars.

Then, ramble over to the Picasso Museum and Moco Museum next door, featuring some of the greatest hits of modern art from Banksy to Basquiat.

See the joint Miró and Picasso exhibition at the Barcelona Picasso Museum.

Mercat dels Encants

Make your way to the glorious flea market Mercat dels Encants, also known as Mercat Fira de Bellcaire. Open Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, there are 500 stalls to peruse for books, vinyl records and vintage fashion. It’s a great place to chat with locals. Head here for opening at 9am, there’s coffee onsite.

Casa Vicens

Don’t line up at La Sagrada Família if time is tight. Visit Casa Vicens instead.

Casa Vicens was the first home of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona. (Image: David Cardelus)

The first home by the great architect of modernism was built between 1883 and 1885 and is tucked away on a side street of the Gràcia district. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed house opened as a museum in 2017.

The modernist house is Gaudí’s notable masterpiece. (Image: Pol Viladoms)

Casa Mila is also worth checking out: the last private residence designed by Gaudí is located on Passeig de Gràcia. Step inside for the price of coffee by heading upstairs to El Cafè de la Pedrera.

Where to eat and drink in Barcelona

Aborigens

Book in a food or wine tour with Aborigens for an in-depth journey into Catalan cuisine curated by two passionate journalists. Options range from tapas tours to day trips out of Barcelona for wine tasting and truffle and mushroom hunting. The company can also tailor tours to satisfy your deepest culinary pleasures.

Bar Cañete

Come dinner, book at the delightfully designed Bar Cañete, which offers deliciously fresh seafood such as razor clams, tuna tartare and Galician baby scallops.

Bar Brutal

Make your way to Bar Brutal where there’s a wall of wine with 700 selections to sample. The music here is worth lingering late into the night for.

Barcelona accommodation

Radisson Blu 1882

Named for the year construction began on Antoni Gaudí’s La Sagrada Família, Radisson Blu 1882 offers exceptional rooftop views of the one-of-a-kind cathedral. There are also bikes to explore Barcelona’s sights and a rooftop swimming pool.

Hotel Arts Barcelona

Prefer views of the Med? Book the five-star Hotel Arts Barcelona, which has two pools overlooking the sea and restaurant Enoteca Paco Pérez, which has two Michelin stars.

Cool off at the stunning infinity pool in Hotel Arts Barcelona.

Chic&Basic Born Boutique Hotel

Housed in a former palace, the aptly named Chic&Basic Born Boutique Hotel offers well-designed simple rooms (think: crisp white bedding and high ceilings) at a decent price.