cruise ship port in barcelona spain

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Barcelona (Spain)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Mediterranean - Black Sea

Local Time 2024-05-02 02:01

Port Barcelona cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Barcelona, Spain. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Barcelona cruise port is currently ranked the largest Mediterranean cruise port with turnaround operations (roundtrip itineraries) and the world's 4th busiest. Its harbor area is one of the world's biggest. By population (over 1,6 million) the city is ranked Spain's largest and Europe's 16th largest.

By the metro population (around 5,5 million) it is ranked EU's 6th largest (after Paris , London , Madrid , Ruhr, Milano ). The city is on the Mediterranean Sea, located between the mouths of two rivers (Llobregat and Besos).

IMPORTANT : Since October 22, 2023, cruise vessels are no longer allowed to dock at Muelle Barcelona Norte (northern port, near the World Trade Centre area) and instead are redirected to berth at Moll Adossat Pier (southern port) which was previously utilized by larger cruise companies like NCL-Norwegian , RCI-Royal Caribbean and MSC . As a result, disembarking cruise tourists instead of stepping directly into the city's historic downtown (10-minute walking distance) are transported via shuttle buses (~30 minutes drive distance) from the southern port to access the city center.

Barcelona cruise port

Barcelona Port (locode ESBCN) is ranked Europe's 9th largest containership port by annual traffic.

The Port's area (sized 10 km2 / 4 mi2) is divided into 3 zones - Port Vell, Commercial Port, and Barcelona Free Port ("Zona Franca de Barcelona", industrial/logistics port).

There is an ongoing enlargement project that will double the port's size by diverting the Llobregat river to the south.

• UN-LOCODE (United Nations location code) - ESBCN
• supported by excellent road, rail, and air infrastructure
• deep harbor water and berths (draft 11,5 m / 38 ft)
• sheltered harbor area
• access unrestricted by tides
• capability to accommodate 9 cruise vessels at a time

Each of the Port's international cruise ship terminals has air conditioning, public phones, lifts and escalators, currency exchange kiosks, duty-free shops, gift/souvenir shops, cafe-restaurant, taxi rank, bus shuttle to downtown.

The cruise port is accessible the whole year round - 24/7, 365 days a tear.

The best vantage points to observe the cruise port's traffic are the cable car (connecting La Barceloneta neighborhood, Ciutat Vella district), the Ferry Station and the Montjuic Castle.

Cruise ships usually arrive in Barcelona in the early morning (4, 5, 6, 7, 9 am) and in the early afternoon (at 1, 2, 2:30 pm) and depart from Barcelona in the late afternoon or in the evening (at 5, 6, 7, 8:30, 10 pm).

Port Barcelona's cruise operations contribute to the city's economy (as revenues) around EUR 796 million (USD 900M) annually. The cruise port adds EUR 413 million (USD 467M) annually to Catalonia's GDP (gross domestic product). This industry also supports 6760 local jobs and generates EUR 152 million (USD 172M) in government taxes. Each cruise vessel in Barcelona generates on average EUR 1 million (USD 1,13M) in sales, contributes EUR 0,5 million (USD 565,417) to Catalonia's GDP, and generates EUR 0,2 million (USD 226,131) in Gov taxes.

In 2014, at its 6 existing cruise terminals, the seaport handled 764 ship calls and over 2,36 million passengers, with an economic impact of EUR 257 million (spent on restaurants, bars, visiting museums, churches, also on transportation and city shopping). On February 5, 2014, Royal Caribbean announced that for the summer 2015 season the Allure of the Seas ship will be based in Europe and homeported in Barcelona. Starting May 24, the Allure's program had 25 voyages with a repeating 7-night round-trip itinerary visiting the ports of Palma de Mallorca , Marseille , La Spezia, Civitavecchia-Rome, Naples. Right after the RCI's announcement, the Barcelona Port announced its estimation for the Allure's additional 158000 passengers and expected spending of around EUR 17,5 million in the city.

On July 23, 2015, Carnival Corporation announced its agreement with Barcelona Port Authority to invest over EUR 46 million in building a second (private) cruise terminal at Moll Adossat (read more in the "Terminal" section). The facility was opened on May 5, 2018. On September 13, 2015, the cruise port had its day record for cruise tourists, handling a total of 26,770 passengers on 4 cruise ships visiting the port in a single day. These were the vessels Norwegian Epic , Nieuw Amsterdam , Vision OTS and Allure OTS .

Port's cruise passenger growth in the period 2010-2015 was as follows: 2010 (2,350264 million, growth of 9,06%), 2011 (2,658691 million, growth of 13,06%), 2012 (2,408618 million, -9,4%), 2013 (2,599363 million, growth of 7,9%), 2014 (2,364292, -9%), 2015 (2,540302 million, growth of 7,4%).

The port ended 2015 with more turnaround passengers (embarking in Barcelona) reporting 3,7+ million (a 7% increase). The number included regular ferry passengers (~1,1 million) and cruise ship passengers (~2,54 million). The biggest increase in passengers concerned those leaving on ships using Barcelona as a turnaround port (where the itinerary begins and ends). In 2015, the cruise port posted its highest-ever number of handled passengers (2,5+ million). In terms of home-ported ships, Barcelona was ranked Europe's second - following Port Venice .

In November 2016, Port Barcelona presented its "Air Quality Improvement Plan" - an initiative aiming to reduce bad emissions from port activities. The document involved 25 actions rolled out in 53 operations. Among the most representative actions are promoting the LNG fuel (liquefied natural gas) as an alternative for both marine vessels and road freighters. The policy offers discounts for cleaner ships and replacing the Port's service fleet with electric vehicles. According to statistics, port activities produce 7,6% of the city's average NOx concentrations annually and 1,5% of the fine particulates. Promoting LNG-powered ships , terminal machinery and trucks is one of the plan's highlights. LNG fuel cuts NOx emissions by 80% and eliminates soot, particles and SOx emissions. The environmental discounts are on port fees. Currently, the law allows a max 5% port fee discount for environmental reasons.

For season 2019, the cruise port had scheduled a total of 830 ship calls with estimated 3,2 million tourists.

In May 2021, MSC Cruises signed a deal for building an exclusive (for MSC ships only) terminal in Port Barcelona. The facility will be operated under a 31-year concession, includes an MSC investment of ~EUR 33 million (~USD 40,2M) and is planned for completion and inauguration in 2024.

In June 2022 the Port announced that starting in 2023, all visiting cruise ship tourists will pay an additional EUR 3 (12+ hours stay) and EUR 1 (fewer than 12 hours stay). The new port fees are added to the existing EUR 1,75 per person and are usually included in the cruise fares listed upon booking. For comparison, since 2019, Port Marghera-Venice charges EUR 10 port fee.

Port Barcelona statistics

FY2018 (fiscal) was a record year with significant growth in various sectors. Port's main trade is with China. Around 25% of all TEUs (containers shipped on large box ships ) passing through the port start or end in China. In 2018 also increased the shipping trade with Algeria (+45%), USA (+18%), India (+4,4%), Mexico (+12,6%), Vietnam (+27,5%), Thailand (+18,7%), Egypt (+14%). "Motorways of the Sea" (Mediterranean routes connecting to Italy and North Africa) goods shipping volumes increased 7%.

These Mediterranean lines connect Barcelona to the ports Civitavecchia-Rome , Genoa (Milan) , Savona , Livorno-Florence , Porto Torres (Sardinia Island) , Tangier (Morocco) , Algiers (Algeria) and La Goulette-Tunis .

• Liquid bulk (mainly hydrocarbons) grew 5,2% (to 15,2 million tons), LNG +3%, gasoline +12,6%, Biofuels +34,8%. Dry bulk cargo decreased 4,7%. Vehicle shipping decreased 3% (to 810,218 units). The port handled a total of 262,379 TEUs (+7,7%). Port's rail traffic increased 13,3%. Car transport by rail increased 11% (to 263,900 units).
• In 2018, the port handled total 4,4 million passengers (8,6% increase), including 1,4 million ferry (+2%) and 3 million cruise (+12%). Turnaround passengers grew 16%. Day-passengers grew 8%. Low-season cruisers increased 17% and were ~44% of all cruise passengers.

For 2018, Port Barcelona reported 4% increase in net turnover - EUR 173,5 million (USD 198 million), 8% increase in profit - EUR 53,7 million (USD 61,3 million) and 4% increase in cash flow - EUR 102,5 million (USD 117 million).

APM Terminals (global container terminal operator) operates under the concession port's container terminal. In 2019, APM Terminals Barcelona invested ~EUR 47 million in equipment (29x new straddle carriers/trucks, 2x new Super PostPanamax gantry cranes, 1x Reefer Rack with refrigerated container plugs) to improve terminal's efficiency and productivity. Also in 2019 APM increased terminal's reefer (refrigerated TEU-container) capacity by 31% (to a total of 632 reefer connections) and launched online real-time TEU tracking (on its website).

Cruise itineraries to and from Barcelona Spain

Follows a list of destinations visited by cruise ships leaving out of Barcelona:

• Mediterranean itineraries on cruises out of Barcelona port visit the largest ports of Italy, France, Greece, and Turkey. Feature destinations are also the French Riviera and the Italian Riviera (coastal regions with top-luxury resorts).
• The most commonly operated are 7-day round-trips. One-way itineraries from Barcelona end up in Civitavecchia-Rome , Genoa , Piraeus-Athens , Venice , Istanbul .
• Most of the Canary Islands itineraries leaving roundtrip from Barcelona also visit North Africa (Morocco) and Funchal (Madeira Island) often combined with other ports in Spain and Portugal.
• Short-break (Mini Cruises) from Barcelona to Genoa are 2-nights / 3-days long. They are operated by MSC Cruises ships and visit Marseille France .
• Among the most visited Mediterranean island ports are Mallorca, Sicily, Corsica, Malta, Sardinia.
• World Cruises from Barcelona are offered mainly by Costa Cruises ships. The itineraries are usually eastbound (via Suez Canal ) and visit ports in Southeast Asia, South Pacific (Australia, New Zealand), South America.

Ship relocation voyages (RepositionCruises.com) are one-way itineraries from Barcelona to the largest ports of the UK, Holland, Denmark, as well as to the Canary Islands. Eastbound routes (transiting the Suez Canal) may end up in ports in Asia ( Dubai , Singapore , Hong Kong ) and even in Australia ( Sydney NSW ) on longer "around the world" itinerary segments.

Westbound Transatlantic crossings (on ship relocations out of Barcelona) are offered in the Fall (starting in late September - early October through the end of November). Among the special destinations that may be visited is Bermuda. The disembarkation could be in NYC New York, in some of the large Florida ports, also in Bridgetown (Barbados) , Fort de France (Martinique) , even in Havana (Cuba) . The longest Transatlantic cruises out of Barcelona are on Costa ships repositioning from Europe to South America. They offer disembarkation in either Brazil ( Rio De Janeiro , Santos-Sao Paulo ) or Argentina ( Buenos Aires ).

Barcelona cruise terminal

Port Barcelona has a total of 8 cruise ship terminals, 4 ferry terminals, and 2 large yacht marinas. There are restaurants and cafes at most of the terminals.

(NEW) Catalonia Cruise Terminal G (Royal Caribbean)

In January 2024,  RCG/Royal Caribbean Group became the solitary contender/only bidder for Barcelona Port's newest Cruise Terminal G. The bid was placed by the consortium "Catalonia Cruise Terminal G" including RCG and CTI/Cruise Terminals International Ltd (2022-founded, London England UK-based company that owns, develops and manages cruise port infrastructure).

The approval for Terminal G was granted in April 2024.

RCG will co-fund the project (total budget EUR 85 million/USD 92M), start the construction works, and also will be the managing company of Terminal G, scheduled for completion/inauguration in 2027-Q1.

The modern facility encompasses an area of 54000 m2 (581250 ft2) including a dock/quay with length 450 m (1476 ft), which allows berthing for the world's most colossal cruise vessels .

Initially, three companies - NCL/Norwegian ,  Viking OCEAN  and  Virgin Voyages - planned to participate in the bidding process. However, as the process resumed, Royal Caribbean remained the sole bidder.

One of the tender's stipulations was that the partner/participating entity could not hold a controlling interest in Terminal G.

Until 2024, through its subsidiary Creuers del Port de Barcelona, RCG held a 38% stake in Barcelona Port Investment - the entity that manages Barcelona's cruise terminals A, B, and C (at Adossat Dock), along with World Trade Center's two terminals. The remaining 62% were owned by the Turkish company Global Ports Holding/GPH. Since 2023, GPH is the sole proprietor of Creuers del Port de Barcelona's shares as RCG opted to divest its stake (38%) to ensure compliance with the Terminal G tender's conditions.

(NEW) MSC Cruise Terminal

In May 2021, MSC was approved to build an exclusive (for MSC Cruises ships only) terminal.

The facility will be operated under a 31-year concession (2024 through 2055), sized 11670 m2 (125620 ft2) and designed by Ricardo Bofill.

The new MSC Cruise Terminal project is budgeted ~EUR 33 million (~USD 40,2M).

Construction works started in June 2021, with planned completion and inauguration in 2024.

Port Vell (Maremagnum) cruise terminal "M" (Old Port Barcelona)

The Port Vell port complex includes a fishing port, 2 yacht marinas, 1 cruise ship terminal, ferry terminal. Terminal M ("Maremagnum", near the World Trade Center) is for both ferry and cruise vessels. It has 3 small piers - named "South Pier" (S), "North Pier" (N) and "East Pier" (E). All terminals are designed to serve smaller ships. Their location is near the World Trade Center (which has a dedicated cruise parking area) and the Eurostars Grand Marina Hotel.

The Maremagnum terminal (aka "Port Vell terminal") is the port's smallest and the most central as location. The terminal is a short walking distance from the old city. The walking distance from here to La Ramblas street is some 10 min. There is a tour bus stopping at Portal de la Pau (at the harbor's end of Las Ramblas).

The Port Vell area has the Maremagnum (shopping mall, nightlife complex), the IMAX Port Vell (cinema complex) and the famous Aquarium Barcelona (with over 8000 fishes and 11 sharks kept in 22 seawater basins).

Moll Adossat Pier (Palacruceros) cruise terminal

At Adossat Pier are located 4 terminals - at berth A, berth B, berth C, berth D (Palacruceros). They have the biggest distance from downtown. Here berth most (including the largest) cruise ships. This dock handles over 85% of the visiting ships. There is a blue bus shuttle between the Port and the city center (Las Ramblas).

Moll Adossat Barcelona (or Muelle Adosado in Spanish) is the port's biggest wharf and also the newest cruise terminal. At this long quay can be berthed 4 large vessels simultaneously.

In October 2013 was announced a plan for the expansion of Terminal D and the building of a new Terminal E serving ships with capacity 4500+ passengers.

(NEW) Carnival's "Helix Cruise Center" terminal (Barcelona Adossat)

At the end of April 2017, the world's largest cruise shipping company Carnival Corporation released renderings of its new cruise terminal at Barcelona Adossat. The facility was named "Helix Cruise Center" and inaugurated on May 5, 2018, as Europe's newest passenger terminal.

• The new terminal (cost EUR 46 million / USD 55 million) is designed to handle Carnival's largest ships, among which are the new class LNG-powered vessels .
• The facility is designed by Batlle I Roig Arquitectura, sized 12,500 m2 (134,550 ft2). Paired with an existing facility, it represents Europe's largest (combined) passenger terminal.
• Building's design company is "Battle I Roig". The plans show a modern architectural style featuring straight lines, minimalistic concepts, a contemporary and comfortable environment.
• Construction works officially started in July 2016 and were completed in May 2018.

The new terminal is located at Adossat Wharf. Currently, this berthing is used by 8 of Carnival's all 10 brand companies. The terminal is used as both destination (call port) and homeport (for Barcelona turnaround operations). Carnival expects to handle here 1+ million passengers annually after the opening of the new (2nd) terminal.

This terminal has its own pier-side parking facility (max capacity 300 vehicles) dedicated to embarking passengers.

The new terminal is exclusively used by Carnival Corporation ships (only) as the company was granted with exclusive concession rights to operate the facilities. In addition to the new cruise terminal in Barcelona, Carnival Corporation also operates exclusive terminals at ports Puerta Maya (Cozumel Mexico) , Grand Turk Island , Mahogany Bay (Roatan Island, Honduras) , Amber Cove-Puerta Plata (Dominicana) , Long Beach (California USA) , plus 2 private Caribbean islands (in the Bahamas) - Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays .

World Trade Center

The World Trade Center has two terminals – pier South and pier North. Those terminals provide easy Las Ramblas tours. There is an overflow area at the East berth.

San Bertran cruise terminal

The port's Sant Bertran wharf is a terminal for the ferry and small-sized cruise vessels. It is used for docking of smaller cruise ships only during peak season.

The building's interior size is 2200 m2 (23680 ft2). The wharf's width is only 12 m (40 ft). The berth's length is 255 m (837 ft) allowing max ship length of 220 m (720 ft) and a max draft of 11 m (36 ft).

The distance from San Bertran to the city is 400 m (1310 ft).

Port Barcelona Ferry Terminals

The port has 3 terminals dedicated to ferry shipping traffic:

• Terminal Drassanes is operated by Balearia .
• Terminal Ferry de Barcelona is operated by Trasmediterranea .
• Grimaldi Terminal Barcelona is operated by GNV-Grandi Navi Veloci .

Each of the ferry terminals has a ticket office, air conditioning, public phones, cafe-restaurant, taxi rank, and provides short-term parking for check-in passengers (before embarkation).

Long-term parking is not permitted (only drop-off areas).

Long-term parking is available at the World Trade Center (phone number 0034 93 508 80 62), at Valet Parking Cruceros (phone number 0034 93 511 37 44) and at Parking Viajeros (phone number 0034 618 70 79 70).

The port's ferry terminals are with convenient underground (metro) and bus connections.

• Picasso museum: the best artworks of Picasso.
• Montjuic: see all the city, its countryside and the ocean from a vantage point. There is a good view of the two industrial Barcelona port terminal.
• La Sagrada Familia: Gaudi designed that iconic church in 1883. The building has big doors that show charity, hope, and faith. The towers and the frontage are designed with mosaic work.
• La Rambla: breathtaking promenade which connects the old Barcelona’s heart with Port to Placa de Catalunya. The famous street offers shops, cafes, lively food markets, street performers and here is situated the Gran Teatre del Liceu, the opera theater of Barcelona.
• Palau Guell: a 19th-century palace designed by the famous Antoni Gaudi
• Barri Gotic: enjoy the old-world experience in the narrow pavement streets with shops, galleries, restaurants, and bars. Here you will find the Picasso museum and the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia.
• La Pedrera: the last work of Antoni Gaudi before Sagrada Familia was made for Pere Mila Camps, a property developer.
• Barceloneta: situated across Port Vell, an ex-fishing port. Enjoy a clean and sunny beach surrounded by houses in a bright colour. The gamblers can spend some time at the Gran Casino de Barcelona.

Barcelona tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

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Barcelona Cruise Port - Creuers Terminals, is composed of 5 Terminals. North and South Terminals are located in the World Trade Center, while the other three; Terminal A, Terminal B and Terminal C are located on the "Adossat" dock, crossing the "Porta d'Europa" bridge.

Barcelona Cruise Port has obtained the "Safe travels" stamp, as safe infrastructures preventing COVID-19.

Granted by the World Travel & Tourism Council, the leading global association in the sector.

Barcelona Cruise Port certified with the "Responsible Tourism" distinctive, by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism of Spain.

Barcelona Cruise Port is divided into different terminals. We analyze in detail the characteristics of some of the most important.

In all our terminals you can find information points (GIC - Guest Information Center) to answer queries in order to visit the city without missing a detail.

Barcelona Cruise Port

Creuers del Port de Barcelona

World Trade Center - Terminal Sud

Moll de Barcelona s/n

08039 Barcelona - Spain

10 Amazing Things To Do In Barcelona Cruise Port + Port Guide

Welcome to Barcelona cruise port! (Post updated: 2024)

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)
• 10 best things to do in Barcelona port & Barcelona shore excursions

Visit our cruise port guides for  Marseille , Palma de Mallorca , Ibiza , Alicante , Cartagena , Valencia

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.

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) to transfer the passengers to the area of the World Trade Center, located a 5-minute walk from Christopher Columbus Monument, where La Rambla 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.

World Trade Center Terminals (WTC terminals)

South , North , and East Terminals are located at Moll de Barcelona, within a 10-minute walk 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.

Getting Around Barcelona Port

• 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.
• 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 before 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 my article on the 15 Best Hotels near Barcelona Cruise Port
• 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 17.50€ (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 Airport – El 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. The travel time is 35 minutes and the fare is reasonable. 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
• Cruise lines sailing to/from Barcelona Spain include Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Oceania Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line, and Princess Cruises .
• Explore the best Barcelona tours and activities

10 Amazing Things to Do in Barcelona Cruise Port

Before I share the best things to do in Barcelona, I invite you to grab your copy of the “ Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide” , the most comprehensive guide to 45 Mediterranean cruise ports (including Barcelona) , packed with practical information, expert tips & unforgettable experiences! (PDF format/200 pages)

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.

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 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.

From Drassanes metro station, you can take metro line L3 and change to L2 or L5 to go to Sagrada Familia. You need to get off at Sagrada Família metro station and the entire journey takes about 15-20 minutes.

You can also book a shore excursion through your cruise line or with an independent tour operator . If you decide to come on your own, you must book the skip-the-line tickets in advance. 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.

Explore 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 of Gaudi’s masterpieces and one of the finest architectural examples of Gaudi’s approach to Catalan Modernism.

The house belonged to a rich textile industrialist Josep Batlló who 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 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 the 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 Batlló is situated around 5.5 km/3.5 miles from Barcelona cruise port (Quai Adossat cruise terminals). To get to Casa Battlo, take the L3 metro line at Drassanes and get off at Passeig de Gràcia Station . A taxi ride takes about 20-25 minutes.

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).

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. Also, 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 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 20 th 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.

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.

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.

To get to La Pedrera, follow the same instructions as for Casa Battlo, as the two buildings are located close to each other. If you want to visit both buildings inside, it’s recommended to do it one after another.  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.

Check out La Pedrera tours and activities

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.

The park features 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 a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984.

The distance between Park Güell and Barcelona cruise port (Moll Adossat cruise ship terminals) is 13 km/8 miles (a 35-minute drive).

To get to Park Güell, take the metro line L3 and get off at Lesseps stop , from where you will need to walk for an additional 20 minutes. Instead of walking, you can walk 150 m to the bus stop and take bus H6 to the park.

Cruise lines normally don’t offer shore excursions to Park Güell, so the best way to visit it is either on your own (make sure you book a skip-the-line ticket ) or with an independent tour operator .

Explore 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 walking distance of 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.

You can find some important buildings on La Rambla Avenue, such as Palau Güell , Palace of the Virreina, Liceu Theater ,  Teatre Principal, Plaça Reial, and 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.

To the east of La Rambla is the Gothic Quarter , the old town, another must-see landmark in Barcelona.

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).

When in La Rambla, keep your eyes open because there are many pickpockets .

6. Mercado de la Boqueria

La Boqueria market is located at La Rambla.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!

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, 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 and designer boutiques, and its most popular and photographed attraction is the flocks of pigeons that you can spot swimming in the fountain.

The distance between Barcelona cruise port (Moll Adossat cruise terminals) is around 5.5 km/3.4 miles or a 15-minute drive. The best and shortest way to get there is by walking because Plaça de Catalunya is located at the end of La Rambla.

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 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.

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
• The 14th-century Gothic Basilica de Santa Maria del Pi
• Palau de la Generalitat de Catalunya
• Ajuntament de Barcelona, a 14th-century Barcelona City Hall
• Picasso Museum
• Jewish quarter  and Sinagoga Major , one of the European oldest synagogues.

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 Gothic Quarter tours and activities

9. Montjuïc Hill

Montjuïc Hill is another must-see area of Barcelona offering the best and most 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 best way to get there is by taxi, with a shore excursion, Hop on Hop off bus , or by cable car. There are two cable cars in Barcelona: the Port Cable Car and the Montjuïc Cable Car . Both cable car base stations are located within a 10-minute drive from the cruise port. They cover different routes and you can check all the details on the official web pages:

• https://www.telefericodebarcelona.com/
• https://www.telefericdemontjuic.cat/

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 .

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.

• Explore Montjuïc Hill tours and activities
• Book Telefèric de Montjuïc tickets online

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.

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. It might be challenging to find taxis at Barceloneta Beach on the way back to the ship. You need to book a taxi via the app or pre-book the transfer to the port.

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How to arrive:

The Airport of Barcelona is about 13 km from Barcelona center. Trains and buses have frequent schedules to the center, but since you have to change a couple of times and also to walk the last part to the terminal, the best option for traveling from the airport to the cruise terminal is to catch a taxi. Taxis are quick and not expensive. The journey will take about 35 min's by taxi. The journey from the airport to the port is unlikely to cost you more than €40. If you are a group of 4 or more you might consider a private transfer with Barcelona-airport-transfers . Luggage storage is only possible at terminal 1 (intercontinental flights) or at train station Sants Estacio (directly connected to the Airport and Plaça de Catalunya.

The Cruise Terminal of Barcelona and getting around:

The port is the starting and arrival point for many Mediterranean cruise itineraries. The seven operating terminals, and the various docks and facilities, are at a short distance from the city center. The terminal is at Port Vell in Barcelona which is at the Southern most end of the famous Ramblas. The seaport terminal is only 10 min's walk from the Ramblas. However, since there are several cruise terminals at the port and if you are in one of the terminals which are further away from the Ramblas you may catch a taxi or the shuttle bus, which will take you to Monument Christopher Columbus which is at the Southern most end of the Ramblas. The shuttle bus service runs from all port terminals down to the monument.

There is a port shuttle bus that goes from the cruise terminals to the Columbus Monument at the bottom of Las Ramblas. The bus is called Cruiser T3 but is often referred to as the 'Blue Port Bus'. The fare is €3 per person, €4.50 return. You cannot use a T10 ticket on this bus. The nearest metro station is Drassanes which is on line L3. It is about 2-3 minutes walk from the Columbus Monument, where the shuttle bus stops. The bus is wheelchair friendly.

A taxi is a good bet (around 15 Euro) if you want to go to Placa de Catalunya with its famous stores and stroll back, slightly downhill, over the Ramblas towards the harbor. Taxi back will be 2.10 euro more, due to port charges. Do not pay more than that as cabbies make you believe.

As your hand luggage is checked by the port authorities itself before entering the modern terminal, there is ample of opportunity to stock up on your favorite alcoholic beverage in the competitive priced tax-free shops before boarding. No carry-on bags will be checked when boarding the ship.

In spring 2018, Carnival Corporation opened a new terminal, which is designed to accommodate Carnival's next-generation ships, powered by eco-friendly Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). Ships from eight Carnival brands -- AIDA Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises (U.K.), Princess Cruises and Seabourn -- visit Barcelona throughout the year.

Printable map to take along.

Hotels near the Cruise Terminal

Cruise calendar for this port.

Check here for festivals and events in Barcelona when you are in port.

Watch a destination video

Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers

Port Location on Google Maps

Monthly Climate Averages for Barcelona Spain Cruise Port

Sightseeing:

Barcelona balances itself on the cutting edge of architecture, intellectual life, and style. Among the city's unique delights is its Picasso Museum, palm-lined avenues, striking Gaudi architecture , revamped beachfront, and late-night club scene. The capital of Spain's Catalonia region is one of the country's -- maybe even Europe's -- most beautiful and vibrant places. A city of contrasts, it is like no other in Spain; this is most evident in its architecture, a marriage of Gothic spikes and modern curves.

Barcelona is also a city of neighborhoods, all distinct, which are surprisingly walkable and easily accessible by bus, metro or even on foot (in comfortable shoes). Don't miss a stroll along Las Ramblas , replete with produce and flower stands, a historic opera house and a thoroughly intriguing open pet market. Maybe you will be there when they are celebrating one of the many fiestas: whether they are celebrating a saint's day or the changing of the seasons, the people of Barcelona fill the streets with color, music, and excitement for young and old. Experiencing the traditions ranging from Spanish to Catalan or even unique to the city of Barcelona, adds to a visitor's enjoyment like nothing else can. The largest fiestas in Barcelona are Sant Joan (Saint John) on June 23rd ringing in the summer, and La Mercè for the Patron Saint, September 24th. The most beautiful holiday is undoubtedly Sant Jordi (Saint George) – the day of the book and the day of the rose April 23rd.

The Picasso Museum in Barcelona is indispensable for understanding the formative years of Pablo Ruiz Picasso. The genius of the young artist is revealed through the more than 3,500 works that make up the permanent collection. However, the Picasso Museum also reveals his relationship with Barcelona: an intimate, solid relationship that was shaped in his adolescence and youth, and continued until his death. Thanks to the wishes of Picasso and his friend Jaume Sabartés, Barcelona now has the youthful work of one of the twentieth century's most significant artists.

Miró's works are to be found today in the world's principal museums and cultural institutions. Many, however, have remained in Catalonia, mostly in the Joan Miró Foundation in Barcelona. Throughout his life, Joan Miró took a particular interest in the diversity of materials, forms and colors. It led him to explore and experiment with different art forms such as painting, sculpture, printing techniques, ceramics, the theater, and tapestry. One result of this was a collaboration with Josep Royo, an innovative craftsman, who during the seventies aroused Miró's interest in tapestry and textiles.

Sagrada Família - Barcelona's most popular and famous attraction, the Sagrada Família is a testament to Antonio Gaudi's modernist style and unlike any other church in the world

Tours Excursions Transportation:

Rent a bike or take an excursion by bike with an English speaking guide showing the most important sights of Barcelona: the Gothic Quarter with the cathedral, the Old harbor with the statue of Columbus, the Ciutadella Park, the Sagrada Familia, the Olympic Port and Gaudi´s fabulous monuments with Fat Tire Bike Tours Barcelona . The best place for a ride is along the well-marked bike lanes by the sea, which lead to the medieval streets of the old city, past busy ports and down to beaches. If you're willing to brave traffic and tackle a few hills, you can crisscross the city and there are many more bike lanes in the planning. A guide and a map can be purchased at the Tourist Offices .

Hop on hop off . If you are coming to Barcelona for the first time, or if you are planning to stay in the city for a short time, this is one way of getting to quickly see the city's monuments and most important tourist sights of interest.

The Barcelona Tourist Office offers, among other interesting tours, 4 different, english speaking, guided walking tours, including a Gourmet walk in which you will find out about the history of Barcelona's cuisine as well as some of its flagship restaurants and food outlets, and sample some of their products. If you want to see Barcelona from a birds eye point of view, ride the Montjuic cable car . You can buy tickets on board. The entrance is not to far from the harbor, just follow the cables to the entrance. If it is too windy, the cable cars won't run. So simply look to the sky to see whether they are running or not. A small guide book is very useful, as there is so much to see in Barcelona!

It pays to compare your cruise line tours here .

Tourist Information

Nearby Places:

Nova Icaria, Bogatell, Mar Bella and Barceloneta are all beaches in Barcelona which has restaurant and café lined promenades.

Further away:

Shopping and Food

If you love to shop then you're going to love Barcelona! Barcelona Spain shopping offers around 35,000 shops. The city is also home to the famous 5 KM shopping line. The shopping line stretches from the top of the Ramblas, through Placa de Catalunya along Passeig de Gràcia and up Avenue Diagonal. Much of the shopping line is pedestrianized making it a pleasant experience to wander from shop to shop without worrying about traffic. Along the Ramblas you will find La Boqueria A very colorful food market which also sells other goods and souvenirs.

Also along the Ramblas you also will find the Gothic Quarter, the medieval part of Barcelona. Here you will find many fine restaurants and outdoor cafe's as well as great stores who specialize in colorful ceramic goods of top quality.

The Ramblas is also the world's most pick-pocketed area!

Communication:

Barcelona has free Wi-Fi in the city - they are currently working on completely covering the city, but it's not there yet. Around the Ramblas, the reception is generally good.

Fire brigade, police and ambulance: tel. 112

Opening Hours and Holidays:

The most common business for shops and businesses hours are Monday through Saturday, from 9.30 oh to 13.30 oh, and from 16.30 to 20.00 h.

Big shopping centers and department stores open from 10.00 h to 21.00 or 22.00 h uninterruptedly. These big stores open in December sometimes on Sunday.

In coastal cities, in high season, shops are usually open passed 22.00 h.

Pharmacies open from 9.30 to 13.30 h, and from 16.30 to 20.00 h. In all major cities you can find pharmacies that open 24 hours. Pharmacies follow a rolling late-hour schedule, which is published in the newspapers, and is posted at all pharmacies.

Museums are in general closed on Mondays.

National public holidays.

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Popular categories, barcelona cruise port: a complete guide for first-timers.

By: Charlotte · Last updated 8. February 2024 · In: Spain , Travel

ARE YOU DOCKING IN BARCELONA DURING YOUR CRUISE? Or maybe your cruise departs from Barcelona? Then you’re in for a treat!

Spain has many port cities such as Cartagena and Malaga, but Barcelona cruise port is among the busiest and most popular in Europe. And it’s easy to see why! The port can accommodate some of the largest cruise ships in the world, and it offers a wide range of services and amenities to passengers.

Located just a few miles from the city center, Barcelona cruise port offers easy access to all the sights and attractions of this exciting city. So let’s take a look at how to get around from Barcelona cruise port, the best shore excursions and the top things to do close by.

Everything you need to know about Barcelona Cruise Port in one place!

Article overview

Barcelona Cruise Port map

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Barcelona Cruise Port, or Port de Barcelona in Spanish, is located on the edge of Ciutat Vella, or Barcelona’s old city center. The port has nine terminals, with Terminals A, B, C and D, based at the Adossat Quay, being the most commonly used for cruise ships.

The other terminals are the World Trade Center Dock (North, South and East) and Maremagnum Dock (M) mostly used by smaller Mediterranean cruise ships.

The exact terminal where your ship will dock depends on the size of your ship and the schedule. You can confirm the terminal location with your cruise line or travel agent.

Barcelona Cruise Port is conveniently located within walking distance of many of the city’s top attractions. The distance from the port to the city center varies depending on which terminal your ship is docked at.

Moll Adossat is located around 30-40 minutes away on foot from the beginning of La Rambla. While the other terminals are about 10-15 minutes away.

Yes, Barcelona is a walkable city from the cruise port. The city center is easily accessible on foot from all of the terminals if you are in shape.

However, depending on the weather, if you are limited on time or whether you carry luggage or not, it can be better to take advantage of the port bus or private transfer.

Let’s take a closer look at all your options.

Most Popular Shore Excursions

Make the most of your time in Barcelona by booking a shore excursion departing from the cruise port. Whether you are interested in visiting famous landmarks, sampling delicious food and wine, or simply soaking up the local atmosphere, there are plenty of options available to suit every taste and budget. 

This private tour is perfect for first-time visitors to Barcelona who want to see the city’s most iconic sights within a limited time. It includes a visit to the famous Sagrada Familia, the Gothic Quarter, Casa Batllo and the lively La Rambla street. You will also get to take in the stunning panoramic views of the city from Montjuic Hill.

Your English-speaking driver will be waiting for you right outside the ship, holding a sign with your name. It doesn’t get more convenient!

Worry-free Shore Excursion: Top Excursions Italy will ensure your timely return to the cruise port for this activity. In the rare event your ship has departed, they will arrange for transportation to the next port of call.

🎫 Check price and availability here >> Barcelona Half-Day Sightseeing Tour

⚠️ If you’re traveling with a larger group of people, I recommend this Barcelona Highlights Private Guided Tour instead. It is not as extensive, but a more affordable option for larger groups.

Explore Barcelona through three unique perspectives: land, sea, and air, on this super fun guided tour .

Start with a walking tour through Passeig de Gràcia where you will see some of the most emblematic buildings of Gaudí, architect of the world-famous Sagrada Familia that have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, such as Casa Batlló and La Pedrera up to plaça Catalunya and Gothic Quarter.

Then enjoy breathtaking views of the city from above during your helicopter flight and take a boat to enjoy the beautiful skyline, accompanied by your guide. Such a unique and fun tour, and quite affordable for everything that’s included.

You have to make your way to the meeting point at Passatge de la Concepció 8, but the tour ends right back at the Cruise Bus stop, close to the Colombus Monument.

🎫 Check price and availability >> Barcelona Walking, Helicopter & Sailing Tour

Calling my fellow foodies! No trip to Barcelona is complete without trying the city’s delicious tapas and wine. This popular tour takes you to some of the best tapas bars in the city, where you’ll sample a variety of traditional Spanish dishes.

Enjoy typical Spanish vermouth and tapas in a truly authentic wine cellar in the Gothic Quarter. Eat and drink vibrant Spanish flavors in the same bar where Picasso, Lorca, and Dali wrote, painted and argued. Explore the squares, parks, alleyways, and beaches from a local’s perspective. So much fun!

You have to make your way to the meeting point at Plaça de Sant Agustí Vell, 16.

🎫 Check price and availability >> Barcelona Electric Bike Tour Tapas and Wine

Transportation from the cruise port

As a major port city, Barcelona offers several transportation options to and from the cruise port. Here are the best transportation options:

If I haven’t booked a shore excursion, I love having a private driver pick me up right at the cruise port for a hassle-free transfer and to make the most of my limited time.

Not only will the driver help you with your luggage so you can jump right into the airconditioned car, but he will also know exactly where to take you and give you some advice for visiting the city.

Luxury for a very affordable price.

🌟 Check price and availability >> Barcelona Cruise Port Transfer to City Centre

Is it easy to get a taxi from Barcelona cruise port?

All the terminals at Barcelona cruise port have taxi stands, but there are often long lines to catch one. And remember that there will be a surcharge for pier pick-up or drop-off. The last time I was there it came out to about about 10€.

The most affordable way to get to the Barcelona Cruise Port is by using public transportation. The city’s metro system is an affordable and efficient way to get around. You can take the metro from the Drassanes station on the green line, which is located near the port.

To get to the metro station you can take the Cruise Bus service (known as the T3 Port Bus and Blue Bus) offered by the port authority. The buses don’t follow a set timetable, departures are coordinated with the arrival and departure of the cruise ships.

The shuttle bus runs in circles from the port to the Colombus Statue in front of the World Trade Centre and costs €3 per person and €4.5 for a return ticket. From there, you have to walk about 7 minutes to reach the metro station and the beginning of La Rambla.

To continue on by bus you can catch the D20 to the beaches around Barceloneta, or the V13 that will take you to Plaça Universidad, from where you can walk to Plaça Catalunya in about 5 minutes.

The tickets for the Cruise Bus can be purchased with cash (coins or small notes) on the bus itself or online .

Barcelona public transport still operates on paper tickets valid for metro, bus, tram and train, which you can buy from vending machines at most stops.

If there are two or more of you travelling together, you can save money by purchasing a T-familiar travel card for €10 allowing 8 journeys over 30 days to be made by metro or bus in Barcelona.

Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus

Visit Barcelona at your own pace aboard a red double-decker bus , with two different routes available. Hop on and hop off as many times as you wish through the day with a single ticket.

🎫 Check price and availability here >> Barcelona 24 or 48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

Uber is not currently available in Barcelona, but the city has several other ride-hailing services, such as Cabify and Free Now. These services are similar to Uber and offer a convenient way to get around using the city’s regulated taxis.

Barcelona Airport To Cruise Port

For those of you who are starting your cruise in Barcelona, you’ll have a few options to get from El Prat Airport to Barcelona cruise port or vice versa. The total distance is 17 km and should take around 25 minutes by car.

You can book a shuttle from Barcelona airport to the cruise port with Moventis Experience. There are no set times or vehicles, it all depends on when you arrive and how many passengers have booked the shuttle.

Landing Terminal 1:

If you’re landing at   Terminal 1, after collecting your luggage you should make your way to the Tourism Office   located on the right side of the arrival point. There, someone from the Moventis crew will be waiting for you to finish the check-in process. Loom for someone in a bright orange uniform.

Landing Terminal 2:

If you land at Terminal 2, go to the Tourism Office   and you will find a From2 agent waiting for you, who will provide you with the necessary information to reach your destination.

The fastest way to get to the Barcelona cruise port by public transport is the super-convenient Aerobus , which departs every 5 minutes from both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. A one-way ticket costs only €6.75 and you’ll have WiFi onboard if you need to do some last-minute research.

The bus takes you to Plaça Catalunya where you can take the metro two stops to Drassanes or you can hail a taxi and get to the port for about €10.

If you prefer not to wait for a shuttle or bus you have the option of going by taxi or private driver.

🚘 Click here to book a private transfer from the airport to Barcelona cruise port.

🏨 Click here to book a private transfer from the airport to your Barcelona hotel.

✈️ Click here to book a private transfer from Barcelona cruise port to the airport.

How much is a taxi from Barcelona airport to cruise port?

The fixed price to get from the airport to Barcelona cruise port is €39. There is no need to book in advance since there are always plenty of licensed cabs waiting at the taxi ranks at both airport terminals.

Nearby attractions

As one of the busiest cities in Europe, it’s important to book all your Barcelona tickets in advance. Some attractions have even stopped selling tickets on the ground, and require to be pre-booked.

If you visit during the warmer months and are limited on time, get skip-the-line tickets or you will spend most of your time waiting in line.

Barcelona City Center is easy to visit from Barcelona Cruise Port . As mentioned above, it is located just a few miles away from the port and offers a wide range of things to do. So whether you have 24 hours in Barcelona or just a few, these are the attractions you must see:

La Rambla 

La Rambla is a lively pedestrian street that stretches for 1.2 kilometers, from Plaça de Catalunya to the Christopher Columbus Monument at Port Vell. It is lined with trees, flower stalls, street performers, and outdoor cafes, making it a vibrant and exciting place to explore.

Along La Rambla, you will find many interesting sights and attractions. One of the most popular is the Boqueria Market, a colorful and bustling market that sells fresh produce, seafood, meats, and other local delicacies. It is a great place to sample some of the city’s famous cuisine and immerse yourself in the local culture.

🥘 If you’re a lover of Spanish food (who isn’t, right), I highly recommend this paella class overlooking Las Rambla & Boqueria Market. You will shop for fresh produce at the market and also learn how to make Spanish tortillas, gazpacho and tomato bread.

Sagrada Familia

The Sagrada Familia is a stunning basilica located in the Eixample district of Barcelona. It was designed by the famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi and is known for its unique and intricate design.

Despite being under construction for over 100 years, the Sagrada Familia remains one of the most popular tourist attractions in Barcelona, drawing millions of visitors each year. It’s a must on any Spain bucket list .

As the most famous landmark in Barcelona, Sagrada Familia draws quite a crowd. So I highly recommend you book your tickets in advance.

You can visit the Sagrada Familia with an expert guide, skip-the-ticket-line access and choose between a small-group or private experience.

🌟 Check price and availability here >> Sagrada Familia fast-track access tour

Gothic Quarter

The Gothic Quarter is one of the most historic and charming neighborhoods in Barcelona. It is located in the heart of the city’s old town and is known for its many charming streets and alleys, such as the Carrer del Bisbe, a narrow street that is famous for its beautiful archway, and the Plaça Sant Jaume, a historic square that is home to the City Hall and the Palace of the Generalitat.

One of the most famous landmarks is the Barcelona Cathedral, a stunning Gothic cathedral that dates back to the 13th century. The cathedral is known for its beautiful stained glass windows, intricate carvings, and impressive bell tower.

Another popular attraction in the Gothic Quarter is the Plaça del Rei, a beautiful square that was once the site of the royal palace of the Catalan kings. Going for a stroll through the Gothic Quarter is one of the best things to do in Barcelona at night .

Parc Guell is a beautiful park located in the Gracia district of Barcelona and is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. The park was designed by the famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi and is known for its stunning architecture, colorful mosaics, and beautiful views of the city.

One of the most famous landmarks in Parc Guell is the Dragon Stairway, a colorful staircase that leads up to the park’s main terrace. The staircase is decorated with a mosaic of colorful tiles and is guarded by a large dragon statue, which has become one of the most iconic symbols of the park.

🌟 Remember that all the Barcelona highlights I mention above are included in this Private Barcelona Highlights Shore Excursion .

Sagrat Cor Church

If you have the time I highly recommend you also see Sagrat Cor Church, a stunning basilica located on the top of Mount Tibidabo in Barcelona. It was designed by the Spanish architect Enric Sagnier and was completed in 1961.

The church is known for its beautiful Neo-Gothic style architecture and its impressive location, which offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains.

One of the biggest draws of Barcelona is its stunning beaches. The city has several beaches that are easily accessible from the cruise port, including:

• Barceloneta Beach:  The most popular beach in the city, Barceloneta is known for its lively atmosphere and wide range of activities.
• Nova Icaria Beach:  A quieter beach that is popular with families and offers a variety of water sports.
• Bogatell Beach:  A long, wide beach that is popular with locals and offers plenty of space to relax and soak up the sun.

Barcelona is home to a wealth of museums and art galleries, many of which are located in or near the city center. Some of the top museums and galleries to visit include:

• Picasso Museum:  A museum dedicated to the life and work of Pablo Picasso, one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.
• Museum of Contemporary Art:  A museum that showcases contemporary art from around the world.
• National Art Museum of Catalonia:  A museum that houses a collection of Romanesque art and Catalan modernism.

So as you can see, there is no shortage of things to see and do near the Barcelona cruise port. Whether you’re interested in history, art, or simply soaking up the sun on the beach, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city.

The only hotel at the Barcelona cruise port is the  Eurostars Grand Marina Hotel GL in the World Trade Center, a very good 5-star hotel.

The hotel offers 291 spacious and stylish rooms and suites, all of which are equipped with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, minibars, and free Wi-Fi. Many of the rooms also offer stunning views of the port and the city skyline.

One of the highlights of the Eurostars Grand Marina Hotel GL is its rooftop terrace, which offers breathtaking views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. The terrace is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a busy day of sightseeing and features a swimming pool, a bar, and plenty of comfortable loungers and seating areas.

The hotel also offers a range of other amenities and services, including a fitness center, a sauna, a restaurant, and a bar. The hotel’s restaurant, the Aire de Mar, serves delicious Mediterranean cuisine in a stylish and elegant setting.

🌟 Book your stay at Barcelona cruise port >> Eurostars Grand Marina Hotel GL

Frequently Asked Questions

The distance between the main cruise terminals at Moll Adossat in Barcelona Cruise Port and Las Ramblas is approximately 2.5 kilometers, which is about a 30-minute walk or a 10-minute taxi ride.

The distance between the Barcelona Cruise Port and the nearest train station, Estació de França, is approximately 1.5 kilometers, which is about a 20-minute walk or a 5-minute taxi ride. The main Barcelona Sants Train Station is 6 km away, about 20 minutes by car.

It takes approximately 30 minutes to travel from the Barcelona Cruise Port to the Barcelona-El Prat Airport by taxi or private transfer. Alternatively, you can take the Aerobus shuttle service, which takes about 40 minutes.

• Summer (June to August): The average temperature during this time is around 27°C (81°F), with highs averaging around 31°C (88°F) and lows around 22°C (72°F).
• Shoulder seasons (April to May and September to October): The average temperature during these seasons is around 20°C (68°F), with highs averaging around 23°C (73°F) and lows around 15°C (59°F).
• Winter (November to February): The average temperature during this time is around 12°C (54°F), with highs averaging around 15°C (59°F) and lows around 8°C (46°F).

The nearest beach to the Barcelona Cruise Port is the famous Barceloneta Beach, which is located about 2 kilometers away. It is easily accessible by taxi or public transportation.

Several cruise lines operate from the Barcelona Cruise Port, including Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, and Celebrity Cruises.

Yes, €100 a day is enough to cover basic expenses in Barcelona, such as food, transportation, and one or two attractions. However, the amount you spend will depend on your travel style and the activities you choose to do. On average I have spent €150 per day in Barcelona.

Barcelona can be expensive, especially in tourist areas and during peak season. However, there are many budget-friendly options for food, accommodation, and activities. Eat street food and explore parks, architecture and viewpoints to keep your expenses down.

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Barcelona (Spain) Cruise Port Guide: Review (2022)

Ultimate guide to Barcelona cruise port: where cruise ships dock, top things to do, beyond the top attractions, sightseeing, local tours, language, money matters, opening hours, safety, US travel advisory, and basics.

By: Editor-in-Chief | Date: June 26, 2022

Cruise passengers visiting Barcelona for the day as a port of call need to plan the stay as there are so many enjoyable things to do in this spectacular city.

• Where cruise ships dock
• Top things to do

Beyond the top attractions

• Sightseeing and Tours
• Must-know: language, money matters and more

Safety, US travel advisory, and basics

Barcelona has a unique charm that all visitors rave about. Among top things to do, cruise passengers can visit exceptional museums and religious sites, savor memorable gastronomic delights, or enjoy a leisurely walk around the old town and the modernistic city center.

And, of course, the extraordinary architectural landmarks by Antoni Gaudi, such as the uber-famous Sagrada Familia or La Pedrera , are an absolute must-visit.

La Pedrera in Barcelona

Photo © IQCruising.com

If embarking or disembarking in Barcelona, you should also enjoy the fun of an overnight. In fact, unless you have been in Barcelona before and have thoroughly explored Spain’s second largest city, the cruise traveler will regret if flying directly to embark on a cruise without spending some good time in the capital of Catalonia.

Sagrada Familia - Barcelona

Photo by Bernard Gagnon CC by SA

After all, there are very good reasons why Barcelona is the 4th most visited destination in Europe (after London, Paris, and Rome), the 12th-most-visited city in the World and a UNESCO Awarded City.

Casa Batlló in Barcelona

The urban architecture of Barcelona is world famous as is Antoni Gaudi, the most illustrious son of the city. But besides the exuberant Art Nouveau of Gaudi, there are too may sites to be visited in one day.

Where cruise ships dock in Barcelona

Port of Barcelona

Barcelona's two cruise ports (WTC Port and Moll Adossat) are ideally located to explore the city. The WTC Port has 3 piers around the World Trade Center building, it is located just under 1/2 a mile (700 meters) from the Plaça Colon and the start of La Rambla, but only small cruise ships can dock here.

► Explore: Terminals Where cruise ships dock, Terminals, Services and Amenities ... Learn More ►

Top things to do on a cruise to Barcelona

For those that only have a few hours to explore Barcelona - before Embarkation or after Disembarkation - at least one of the following Top Highlights must be visited:

• Sagrada Familia Basilica
• Passeig de Gràcia and Art Nouveau
• Casa Milà (La Pedrera)
• Casa Batlló and Casa Amatller
• Picasso Museum
• Miró Foundation
• Palau Güell
• Gran Teatre del Liceu
• La Boqueria
• Plaça Reial
• Cathedral of St. Eulalia (La Seu)

El Born and La Ribera

• Ciutadella Park
• Montjuïc Park

Port Vell and Barceloneta

Basilica of the sagrada familia.

The Basilica of the Sagrada Familia (one of the most famous modern churches in the World and a masterpiece by Gaudi ) is inevitably on top of any must-see list.

Sagrada Familia, Interior - Barcelona

Photo by Gary Ullah CC by SA

The Basilica is under construction since 1882 (completion is planned for 2026), is located around 5 miles (7 km) from the port and it will take around 30 minutes to get there by taxi. Allow at least a couple of hours to visit the church. Insider's tip: it is highlight advisable to buy tickets online to get a fast entry.

Passeig de Gràcia & Art Nouveau

The Passeig de Gràcia is one Barcelona's most wonderful tree-lined avenues, where all major luxury boutiques have their stores, a delight to walk and also where Gaudi architectural exuberance is displayed in Art Nouveau residential buildings.

Casa Milà or La Pedrera is a major highlight of Barcelona and just a couple of blocks down you will find another two architectural gems - the Casa Batlló (also by Gaudi) and Casa Amatller (by Josep Puig i Cadafalch). To get there, the Editor suggests either to get a taxi straight to La Pedrera or on the Metro (underground or subway) green line (L3) from Darsannes Station (close to Plaça Colon) directly to Diagonal Station. Again, online reservations are advisable to visit any of these buildings.

Picasso Museum and Miró Foundation

Science and Charity by Picasso

Photo Public Domain

Barcelona has quite a few renowned museums but two should be highlighted. The Joan Miró Foundation has on display one of the best collections in the World of the works by this abstract modernist artist, whilst the Picasso Museum exhibits focus on the earlier works (and many times ignored adolescent art) of this Spanish modernist master. "Science and Charity" painted when Picasso was 16 years old is a must see. Although the Picasso Museum is relatively close to the cruise port and is easy to get there - by taxi or even walking -, the Miró Foundation is a bit off the beaten track on Parc de Montjuïc .

Miró Foundation in Barcelona

If planning to visit the Miró Foundation be aware that it may difficult to find taxis close by for the return and that the Funicular de Montjuïc that connects the park to Avenue del Parallel is the fastest and easiest way to get there and back.

La Rambla in Barcelona

La Rambla is arguably the most famous of all Barcelona's streets connecting Plaça Colon (aka Plaça Portal de la Pau), very close to the Cruise Port, and another major square in the city: Plaça de Catalunya , where Passeig de Gràcia starts.

Plaça de Catalunya in Barcelona

Palau Güell in Barcelona

This three-quarter of a mile (1 km) pedestrian, tree-lined, and wide avenue is a popular place for locals and tourists alike. For the last 10 years, it has become embellished by street performers, flower stands, restaurants and all sort of touristic glitz. On a side street, close to Plaça Colon, the Palau Güell is a must see for those interested in Gaudi's architecture. On the left side, midway, the Gran Teatre del Liceu is the most prestigious theater in Barcelona. At the opposite end, the La Boqueria or Mercat Sant Antoni is one of the city's leading tourist landmarks and the oldest market hall in the area dating back to 1840.

La Boqueria in Barcelona

Barri Gòtic

To the right (east) side of La Rambla, the cruise traveler will find the narrow and winding streets of the oldest district in Barcelona known as Barri Gòtic where many landmarks are to be found: the Plaça Reial (Royal Plaza), the Basílica de Santa Maria del Pi, the Plaça Sant Jaume, the old Jewish Quarter (Call Jueu), the Pont del Bisbe, the Museum of the History of Barcelona (MUHBA).

Plaça Reial in Barcelona

Cathedral of St. Eulalia in Barcelona

Cathedral of St. Eulalia - La Seu

Last but certainly not least, another major highlight of Barcelona - the Cathedral of St. Eulalia or La Seu (as the local call the majestic church), built between 1298 and 1460. All the area around the Barri Gòtic has a unique ambiance inviting the traveler to an historic journey to the time when the first populations settled here during the reign of the Roman emperor, Augustus, 2,000 years ago.

For those that have been in the major touristic areas and visited the top highlights of Barcelona, there are many other places that are very seldom offered on cruise ship excursions. The neighborhood known as El Born has become a great place to visit on a leisurely walk.

Santa Maria del Mar in Barcelona

Farther east of the Barri Gòtic - in fact, just across Via Laietana, - what once was the main trading center and one of the richest neighborhoods of the city during the 13th and 14th centuries, El Born and the adjacent La Ribera neighborhood are both worth a visit. This is the area where the Picasso Museum is located (on Carrer Montcada) but, at end of this narrow street, the Passeig del Born , the Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar , and the El Born Cultural Center are off-the-beaten-track landmarks to be discovered. For those with a sweet tooth, the Chocolate Museum (Museu de la Xocolata) is also close by.

Cascada Monumental, Parc de la Ciutadella

Farther east, is the Ciutadella Park (Parc de la Ciutadella) with a number of historical landmarks - the Catalan Parliament, the Castell dels Tres Dragons, the Cascada Monumental among others - and the Barcelona Zoo . The latter is not particularly impressive, but the Park itself, with its ponds, fountains, and lawns, is a nice green area for those that enjoy outdoors.

Park Güell in Barcelona

Montjuïc and Güell Parks

Two other parks are top attractions in Barcelona: the Montjuïc Park and the Park Güell , the latter is a bit farther away from the cruise port although a must see for fans of Gaudi's architectural design. Located on a hill around 5 miles (8km) from the sea, it offers wonderful views of Barcelona. Besides the extraordinary landscape and design, the Gaudí House Museum where the famous architect lived for 20 years should not be missed. All hop-on-hop-off sightseeing buses have stops close by; the Metro station of Lesseps on L3 (Green Line) is 1 mile (1.6km) away.

Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya in Barcelona

The Montjuïc Castle dominates the homonyms park and is relatively close to the Cruise Port - easy to get to with a funicular, which starts at the Parallel metro station on Avenida Parallel. At the Montjuïc Park the traveler will find many attractions such as the already mention Fundació Joan Miró and the wonderful Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC) , the Poble Espanyol , the Botanical Garden and Science Museum, the Olympic Park built for the 1992 Summer Olympics, the Palace Albéniz and a couple of two other interesting museums - the Catalonia’s Archaeological Museum and the Ethnological Museum. From the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya a long and wide park/avenue ends at the Plaça de Espanya where the old Bullring has been revamped into a popular shopping mall, along the way the Font Màgica, the CaixaForum Barcelona (contemporary art exhibition center) and the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion are landmarks not to be missed.

Barceloneta Beach in Barcelona

Also close to the Port, a stone's trow from the Portbus T3 stop, the Port Vell is where one of the best Aquarium in Europe is located and a delight for those cruising with children. The entire area was redeveloped for the 1992 Olympic Games hosting a marina, the “Maremagnum” shopping center, a park and seaside cafés. Farther along the coast, the Museu d'Història de Catalunya , housed in a waterside warehouse, is an invitation to travel trough the history of Catalanoia and the start of the old fishermen’s neighborhood known as Barceloneta . This is one of the best places to savor fresh fish in Barcelona with many good restaurants to choose from. Beyond the residential grid of narrow lanes, the beaches of Barceloneta are one of the best-kept secrets of the city (enjoyed almost exclusively by locals) and are perfect for pure relaxing time.

Barcelona Sightseeing and Local Tours

The charming character of Barcelona, the infinite mix of ancient and modern architecture, the excellence of museums and galleries are a sensorial feast that can easily be discovered on your own. Exploring Barcelona on foot is a joy - be it on a walk trough the nooks and crannies of the old city lined with modern shops, a stroll along wide boulevards with fashionable boutiques and renowned brands, contemplating the unique details of astonishing UNESCO listed buildings with mind-boggling facades or just people watching on a stylish café.

Tour Kiosk in Barcelona

With so much to see and enjoy, Barcelona has an amazing array of independent tours available. Be it on a sightseeing hop-on-hop-off bus, a bicycle, scooter, van, limousine, rickshaw, electric car or convertible the variety of tours is almost endless. Activities like Catamaran Sailing, Jet Ski, Para-sailing, Para-gliding, Land Sailing or Balloon Flying are on offer and easy to access. The delicious local cuisine and famous gourmet chefs of the city's restaurants are destinations for a good number of tours. And for those that wish to explore beyond the city, the coastal town of Sitges and the rocky peaks of Montserrat with its monastery are must-visit destinations.

Tourist Cards

When calling at the Port of Barcelona or if staying in Barcelona for more than a day, there are a number of Tourist Cards that can be very advantageous, saving both time and money. With the Barcelona City Card (€ 43.20 online) you'll be able to travel free on the metro, buses, trams (including the airport train and metro) and free admission to, or discounts at, Barcelona's most important museums and many places of interest. The Barcelona Card Express € 19.80, online) offers 48 hours free travel on public transport and discounts in museums and city sights.

► Explore: The Cruise Terminals in Barcelona Where cruise ships dock, all services and amenities ... Learn More ►

Must-know: language, money matters and opening hours

Language: Spanish (Castilian) is an official and common language in all of Spain. However, there are other three regional and official languages: Catalan ( 17%), Galician (7%) and Basque (2%). Catalan is the official language in Barcelona. On the whole, English is widely spoken in all major touristic areas and all major cruise ports. The English-speaking cruise visitor will easily communicate with locals pretty much everywhere.

Currency and money matters

The Euro (€) (EUR) is the legal tender in Spain as a full member of the European and Monetary Union. US$ dollars or any other currency are NOT accepted and you must have Euros to pay for services or purchases in cash.

Credit cards: Most credit cards are accepted everywhere in Barcelona. Debit cards can also be used in most restaurants and shops.

Cruise passengers will find in Barcelona ATMs by all banks, in shopping malls, or next to supermarkets, where you can cash Euros with both your debit card and credit card. ATMs in Spain are usually labeled Telebanco or Cajero .

Tipping: Tipping is not expected in restaurants, cafes, or bars as employees have labor contracts with all sorts of benefits. However, it is customary to round up the check but always less than 5%. The same applies to taxi drivers.

Haggling: You are not supposed to haggle on any shops or services except when dealing with street vendors. Be aware that most street vendors in Barcelona are not legal, and you can get your purchases confiscated.

Business and commercial opening hours

Museums in Spain are open with different schedules. Some museums open Tuesday to Saturday from 9 am to 8 pm, while others are open between 10 am and 5 pm. Be aware that all museums in Spain close on Mondays. Banks are open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 2 pm.

Most shops in Barcelona are open on weekdays, and Saturdays, from 8:30 am to 8 pm. However, smaller stores and boutiques close for lunch (and “siesta” ) between 2 pm and 5 pm. Shops close on Sunday except for shopping malls which open seven days a week and on most holidays from 10 am to 11 pm. Department stores like El Corte Inglés are close on Sunday.

Like most large cities in Europe and Spain, Barcelona is relatively safe but is known for petty crime and pickpocketing. Cruise visitors must be vigilant when walking in crowded touristic areas.

US Embassy and nearest consulate to Barcelona

U.S. Consulate in Barcelona Address: Paseo Reina Elisenda de Montcada, 23 - 08034 Barcelona Phone: (+34) 93 280 22 27 Website: it.usembassy.gov/madrid

For comprehensive and updated information about traveling to Spain see the U.S. Department of State website page evolving advisory.

Covid-19 advice for cruises to Barcelona (Spain)

For updated coronavirus (Covid-19) information and travel advice to Spain and Barcelona visit the website of the U.S. Embassy in Spain . For more Traveler's Health advice to Spain see the CDC Website .

Barcelona Basic Info at a Glance

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The information on this page was accurate when last updated and published but changes may have occurred without notice. It is advisable to confirm details with local tourist information before planning your cruise, tour or excursions of Barcelona Cruise Port. If any inaccuracies are found or if there are any suggestions to improve the content of this page please let us know.

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CRUISE PORT GUIDES

Barcelona – Spain

About Spain

Inhabitants – 46 million Official language – Spanish Capital city – Madrid

Kingdom of Spain Government – Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy

Spanish language

Good day – buen dia How are you? – ¿como estas? Thank you – gracias Cruise ship – crucero Port – puerto

Travel information Spain

Official currency – Euro Accepts Us dollars – generally not Creditcards – are often accepted

Drives on the – right Timezone – UTC +1

Also visit our cruise port guides for:

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Cruise Port Guide Barcelona – Spain: docked  

Cruise ship dock at Barcelona’s cruise terminal A, B, C or D. The smaller cruise ships are able to dock at the boulevard. The normal sized ships however will dock at terminal A, B, C or D. Most of the times the cruise liners will provide a shuttle service to get to the city centre. Check with your ship what the plan is for your particular call. If the ship doesn’t provide a shuttle bus you can always use the port shuttle. This is a service offered by the port that you can use for just a couple of euro (pay the driver). It drops you off near the Columbus monument, close to La Rambla (Barcelona’s famous pedestrian street). You are allowed to walk in the port area, but check how far it is before you start your walk. It usually varies from 1 to 2,5 km.  

Taxis in Barcelona

Taxis are available at the cruise terminal in front of the ship. Official taxis are black and yellow. They are equipped with a meter. The taxis at the cruise terminal are here for taxi tours and they are not very keen on short rides. The prices are on display. Please know the taxi prices are roughly:

Placa de Catalunya: 16 euro

Sagrada Familia: 19 euro

Parc Guell: 23 euro

Public Transport

The Public Transport is the easiest way to get around Barcelona. Especially the metro is a great, fast and cheap way to go. Find the nearest metro station at the beginning of the La Rambla. The most important metro stops are: Plaça de Catalunya (heart of Barcelona), Passeig de Gràcia (for Casa Mila or Batllo), Sagrada Famillia (for Sagrada Familia), Diagonal (for Gaudi’s La Pedrera, Paral.lel (for the funicular to Mt Montjuic), Collblanc (for FC Barcelona stadium) and Barceloneta (10 minute walk from the beach). The metro operates between 5 am and midnight. A day ticket for public transport cost 14 euro (valid for 2 days). You can also opt for Billet sensual, this is a one way ticket, but please know you cannot use these to transfer onto another line or bus. We would recommend the Tarjeta T-10, zone 1. This ticket is valid for 10 rides on the metro, bus and tram and only costs you 9,95 euro. Buy it at any metro station.

Hop on hop off bus

The hop on hop off bus is available in Barcelona. Pick it up at the Colombus monument where the shuttle drops you off.

Destination and distance (from the Columbus monument, drop off port bus)

La Rambla 100 meter

Placa Catalunia 1,4 km north

Cathedral 1,2 km north

Picasso museum 1,3 km north

Montjuic 3,2 km west

Sagrada Familia 3,9 km north

Park Guell 5,8 km north

Out of town: Montserrat 52 km north west

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Plaça de Catalunya marks the end of the La Rambla and the beginning of Gaudi land. This is without doubt the most important square for the people of Catalunya. Visit the square for its shopping, its transportation hub of to pass on your way to L’eixample.

Plaça de Catalunya

Plaça de Catalunya, Barcelona

This museum is located on Montjuic Hill. Inside you’ll find impressive collections of Gothic art, Renaissance, Baroque and Modern art. Outside is where you get one of the best experiences of Barcelona. Sit on the staircase overlooking the fountains and Barcelona while enjoying some live music and a cup of coffee.

Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya

Palau Nacional, Parc de Montjuïc, s/n, 08038 Barcelona, Spain

It you appreciate contemporary art this is the a museum you simply cannot miss. One of the most influential artist has thousands of pieces of art on display here.

Fundació Joan Miró

Parc de Montjuïc, s/n, 08038 Barcelona, Spain

Cruise ships most of the times dock at the cruise terminals A, B, C or D on Molle Adossat. From here you can take the shuttle bus to the city. Find more information on your docking location and transportation options in the full Barcelona cruise port guide.

Barcelona cruise dock

Barcelona cruise port, Barcelona

The square that back in the days was the spot to enjoy a nice public hanging is today the big transportation hub of the city. Catch the train to Montserrat here for example. On this square you will also find the old bullring that nowadays houses the Bullfighting Museum of Barcelona.

Plaça d’Espanya

Av. del Paraŀlel, s/n, 08015 Barcelona, Spain

Sagrada Familia will one day become the most elaborate cathedral in the world. It is Gaudi’s master piece that even today it still unfinished. It is scheduled to open in 2026, a 100 years after Gaudi’s death. You don’t want to miss the inside of the cathedral for the fact that it is one of the most unusual structures in the world.

Sagrada Familia

Carrer de Mallorca, 401, 08013 Barcelona, Spain

La Rambla is the famous pedestrian street of 1,4 km. It is a great location to start your journey through Barcelona. Get a feel for the place with you stroll along the many souvenir stands, bird market, street artist and outdoor cafe’s.

La Rambla, Barcelona

The Cathedral of Barcelona is one not to be missed, because it is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture. This is an architecture style that renewed Europe completely. It changed the experience of the church for the fact that this is the first time since Roman times that they are able to create large windows thanks to the pointy arch. Make sure to step inside to undergo the same religious experience as our fellow humans many centuries ago.

Barcelona Cathedral

Placita de la Seu, s/n, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

When walking down the La Rambla you will see Plaça Reial popping up in the corner of your eye. This is the famous 19th century square with its neoclassical facade. Enjoy the beautiful fine arcades, palm trees and lams designed by nobody less than Antony Gaudi himself. The nice thing about this terrace is also that it is in the sun the entire day and that makes it perfect for a cup of coffee or some local tapas.

Plaça Reial

Plaça Reial, Barcelona

Just off the La Rambla you’ll find Barcelona’s famous market: the Mercat de la Boqueria. It is an excellent public food market that is great for local food tastings.

Mercat de la Boqueria

La Rambla, 91, 08001 Barcelona, Spain

This is the “new” district of Barcelona. When the city grew in the 19th century this is where the new neighbourhood was established.

L’Eixample

Placa de Catalunya, Barcelona

Is not in the city centre but well worth visiting. What Gaudi designed to be a residence housing project is nowadays a public park. In the park you’ll find the hall of a 100 columns, the playful arcade, the surfers tube, the mosaic benches and much more.

Park Guell, Carrer d'Olot, Barcelona, Spain

Casa Milà from the outside is not as spectacular as Casa Batllo, but the inside is by far more interesting. Here you’ll find several things inside, one of the most important being the museum that explains you in a very visual way the geometrical form of nature behind the architecture of Gaudi. Expect long lines, which will definitely be worth it.

Provença, 261-265, 08008 Barcelona, Spain

If you are wondering what kind of public transport ticket to buy we would recommend T-10 for zone 1. It costs 9,95 euro. It allows you to travel by metro, bus or tram 10 times total. Purchase these cards in cash (coins or notes) from the ticket vending machines at the metro stations.

Tarjeta T-10 card

Casa Batlló was build between 1904 and 1906. Its architect was Gaudi himself. What looks like a house straight out of the story of Hans and Grettle stands here right in the centre of Barcelona. The inside is just as beautiful as the outside, make sure to make a stop inside.

Casa Batlló

Passeig de Gràcia, 43, 08007 Barcelona, Spain

Passeig de Gràcia is regarded as the most expensive street in Barcelona and in Spain. It is an archtectual showcase. Modernism is the Catan version of Art Nouveau and you’ll find it here in all its glory. Find the famous Casa Mila and Casa Batlo here.

Passeig de Gràcia

Passeig de Gràcia, Barcelona

The Gothic quarter is something not to be missed. It is a district parallel to La Rambla where you basically step back in time. In this oldest area of Barcelona you’ll find bold towers dating back to Roman times, charming boutiques, medieval labyrinths of pedestrian streets and a mix of 13th and 15th century residences, antique shops and tapas bars.

Gothic quarter

Carrer del Bisbe, Barcelona

Parc de Montjuïc is the recreation area of Barcelona. It is located on an imposing hill overlooking the city. Green areas, gardens mix with museums and cultural attractions. It is home to: Botanical gardens, Magic Fountains, Archeological Museum, Barcelonas castle, Fundacio Miro and Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya.

Montjuïc, Barcelona

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Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

Visiting Barcelona by Cruise Ship: What to do In Barcelona for a Day

Last updated: October 8, 2023 . Written by Laurence Norah - 8 Comments

If you’re touring Europe by cruise ship, there’s a good chance that one of your stops will be the beautiful Mediterranean city of Barcelona. This is one of our favourite cities in Europe, and one we’ve returned to numerous times.

If you’re visiting Barcelona by cruise ship, you’ll likely have somewhere between five and ten hours to explore the city. With that in mind, we wanted to put together a guide to what to do in Barcelona on a shorter visit like this, and give you all the information you need to maximise your time in the city.

We’re going to give you a detailed itinerary for what to do in Barcelona if you’re visiting by cruise ship, tips on getting from Barcelona Port to downtown Barcelona, tips for getting around Barcelona, and more. Whilst this is focused on cruise ship visitors, it will also work for anyone visiting Barcelona for a shorter trip. Let’s get started.

What to do in Barcelona from a Cruise Ship

This is an itinerary for those of you who want to see Barcelona independently when you visit the city by cruise ship. It’s designed to be logically laid out and easy to follow, starting at the main cruise terminals, looping around the highlights, and returning to your cruise ship.

It should be doable in five or six hours, but of course you can stretch it out with additional stops if you wish, or spend longer at each attraction (or just enjoying a leisurely lunch with Sangria!). You could also drop some of the stops if you wanted to spend more time at each location. This is really just to give you an idea of a suggested itinerary.

1. Colombus Statue – Mirador de Colom

The Portbus (see below on section for getting from the cruise terminal to the city) will drop you at the Mirador de Colom, which is at the southern end of the famous La Rambla walking street. This is commonly known as thePlaça Colom or Placa Colon, which translates as Columbus Plaza, although its official name is actually Portal de la Pau.

Still, the giant 60 metre high pedestal topped with a statue of famous explorer Christopher Columbus has become so iconic, that the name Plaça Colom has stuck, named for the statue, which is known as Monument a Colom in Catalan (Mirador de Colón in Spanish, so you might also see it referred to as Plaça Colon).

If you want to, you can even climb to the top for a small fee, and get excellent views of the city. If you do this, note the Barcelona Day Pass offers a 20% discount on this, with redemption instructions in the e-mail you will receive on purchase of the pass.

It’s from the Plaça Colom that you can get the Barcelona Hop on Hop off bus, which is our recommended way to get around the sights in this itinerary.

Before you do that though, and if you have a longer stopover, you might consider visiting the nearby Maritime Museum  or the Barcelona Aquarium . The Maritime Museum is found in the former royal arsenal of Barcelona, which dates in part from the 13th century, and is a stunning building of itself. The museum focuses on the rich maritime and ship building heritage of Barcelona, with both models and real vessels on display.

L’Aquarium is around a twelve minute walk (or a short ride on the hop on hop off bus) from Plaça Colom, in the harbour area, and is home to over 11,000 animals across both fresh water and sea water tanks. Either is worth a visit for anyone with an interest in the sea!

2. Gothic Quarter

Our next stop in Barcelona in the Gothic Quarter, or Barri Gotic. This is the heart of the old city of Barcelona, and stretches from La Rambla in the west to Via Laietana in the west, and from the seafront up to Plaça de Catalunya.

The Gothic Quarter was originally built in a time before cars (although has undergone significant renovation and restoration in recent centuries), so it is largely a pedestrian only area. The narrow, maze like streets are hemmed in by four and five storey buildings, making this a fun warren to explore – although you might want to take a map, as it’s easy to get lost!

Highlights of the Gothic Quarter include the spectacular Barcelona Cathedral and the UNESCO world heritage listed Palau de la Musica Catalana.

In terms of getting to the Gothic Quarter, you can either walk from Plaça Colom up through the old streets to the Cathedral (around 15 – 30 minutes walk), or you can take the Hop on Hop off bus, which has a stop right next to the Cathedral.

3. Casa Batlló

Depending on what time you arrive and how long you have in town, Casa Batlló is an optional stop for those of you keen to explore one of Gaudi’s works.

The nearby La Pedrera is another option, depending on which you prefer.

If you don’t have time to visit either of them, you can can at least get a good up close look at their interesting exteriors! See our full list of Gaudi sites in Barcelona for more ideas.

Along with the Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló is one of Gaudi’s most recognisable works in Barcelona. The house was commissioned to be remodelled by Josep Batlló, who had bought it in 1900, and wanted a property that looked like nothing else his family owned, and he gave Gaudi free reign to design something both audacious and creative – a challenge that an architect like Gaudi no doubt relished and rose to.

The house as it stands today is pretty mind blowing, from the Venetian mask inspired balconies through to the dragon like chimney on the roof, with a number of unique and innovative features throughout. Even if you don’t decide to go inside, it’s well worth stopping here to admire the facade, although a visit inside is well worth it.

Note that Casa Batlló is a popular spot for visitors, so you might want to book your ticket in advance and skip the ticket line.

4. Sagrada Familia

The Sagrada Familia is the most famous of Gaudi’s creations. It’s a monumental cathedral which incorporates many of his design ideas, and construction has been underway for over 100 years. Whilst not finished, it was consecrated in 2010, so is an active place of worship.

A visit to the Sagrada Familia is a must for your stop in Barcelona. The incredible exterior and interior are unlike anything we’ve seen anywhere else in the world, and to stand inside this creation and stare up at the mighty tree like interior, almost like an organic concrete forest, is truly an awe inspiring experience.

We’d also recommend investing in an audio guide to get the most out of your visit as there is a great deal of symbolism and meaning throughout the church building that you might find escapes you without an explanation.

Note that the Sagrada Familia is a very popular attraction, and as such entry is on a timed entry basis. This means that you can’t just turn up and buy a ticket for immediate entry, and if you’re on a tight schedule because your boat is due to leave, it’s critical that you plan in advance.

You purchase your ticket online in advance from the Sagrada Familia website .

For more on the Sagrada Familia, see our complete guide to visiting the Sagrada Familia , which has all the information you need to plan the perfect visit.

5. Park Güell

After the Sagrada Familia, we recommend you head to Park Güell which is another well-known Gaudi site in Barcelona. This is the next stop along on the hop on hop off bus that we recommend. It’s a bit of a way to the north, so expect to take around 15 minutes to get here.

We’d advise against walking as this will take quite a while. The Hop on Hop off bus stops quite near the entrance to Park Güell, just requiring a short walk uphill to the entrance.

Park Güell is a little bit different from the others Gaudi sites. Instead of being a building, it’s a large park area with a number of interesting features.

The Park was originally envisioned as a luxury housing development for sixty properties, which would also include plenty of open air features and park space. The location would take advantage of the views, and also the fact that is was a little removed from the city center, thus benefiting from improved air.

Unfortunately, this vision was never realised, and only two houses were ever actually built here, neither of which was designed by Gaudi. However, Gaudi did in fact live here for twenty years in one of the houses (which you can visit), and he was responsible for a great many of the features in the Park itself, including the main terrace, the column filled lower court, terrace walls, colonnaded footpaths, tiled mosaics, and more.

After the Sagrada Familia, the Park Güell is one of the most popular attractions in Barcelona, and so access to the central area (known as the Monumental Core or Monumental Zone) with the majority of Gaudi’s pieces is timed and ticketed. As with the other attractions on the list, we highly recommend booking this entry in advance of your visit so as not to be disappointed. You can do this on the official website up to three months in advance of your visit.

Just remember to leave enough time between leaving the Sagrada Familia and your Park Güell entry time to get between the two locations. More on this in the section below on getting around Barcelona.

6. La Rambla

Last on our list for the day is a wander down Barcelona’s La Rambla – the famous street that runs from Placa Catalunya to the Mirador de Colón and Plaça Colom, where you’ll get the Portbus back to your cruise ship.

La Rambla is three quarters of a mile long, and will take you between 15 and 30 minutes to wander down, depending on how fast you walk, and how often you stop.

The street was originally a stream, which separated the old city of Barcelona (now the Gothic Quarter) from the suburbs known as La Raval. Of course, the city has since expanded and the stream has been paved over, making this a large tree line boulevard with a large pedestrian walk-way down the middle.

It’s filled with restaurants serving jugs of sangria and tapas, souvenir vendors, bars, and pubs. You’ll also find La Boqueria market on La Rambla, which is worth stopping in at. There’s also a a mosaic by famed artist Joan Miró on La Rambla, which makes for a good photo opportunity.

Map of Attractions for a Day in Barcelona

To help you visualise your day in Barcelona, we’ve put together this map which shows the main attractions, as well as the location of the cruise terminal to help you orientate yourself. You can also see this map on Google maps here .

How to get from Barcelona Cruise Port to Barcelona City Center

There are a number of options for getting from the various Barcelona cruise terminals to the city center. These range from walking through to private transfers or the bus. Which works for you will vary depending on which terminal you arrive at.

The largest ships tend to dock the furthest away at Terminal A-D, which are around two miles from Plaça Colom. Whilst this is in theory walkable, it will take you around forty minutes each way, which will eat up a lot of your precious time for no good reason – the port isn’t exactly a scenic highlight of the city!

We think the best way into the city is the Portbus. This is a dedicated shuttle service that runs between the cruise terminals and Plaça Colom. It’s not a scheduled service – rather, it runs on demand, with more services available when ships are embarking and disembarking. It stops at all the cruise terminals, and then in Barcelona at Plaça Colom, which is where you will also pick it up to get back to your ship.

Portbus tickets cost €3 one way or €4 round trip.

You can also book a private transfer from the port , or catch a taxi. This is definitely going to be the most expensive way to get into the city, although you will avoid more of the queues, especially if you are arriving on a larger cruise ship.

How to Get Around Barcelona

There are a number of options for getting around Barcelona. Whilst the city is fairly walkable, some of the attractions, particularly the Sagrada Familia or Park Güell, will take you quite a lot of time to walk to.

With this in mind, we suggest instead that you consider either taking public transport, or using the Hop on Hop off bus service . Our preference would be the latter, as this is designed to get you between all the major attractions in Barcelona, plus from the open top deck you get great views of the city, as well as an audio guide. You can buy your ticket online in advance here .

What about a shore excursion tour of Barcelona?

Sometimes it’s nice just to not have to worry about planning and itineraries and schedules, and just let someone else take care of all the logistics for you. We’re sure that your cruise ship will have a number of shore excursions available, however we thought you would find the following specially designed tours worth checking out as well.

These offer drop-off & pick-up from the cruise ship and are either private or small-group tours. We think they’re very competitively priced.

• This small group tour which includes the Gothic Quarter and skip the line Sagrada Familia access
• A private, half day tour which includes the option to include the Sagrada Familia and Parc Guell
• A full day private tour which includes skip the line access to Sagrada Familia, wine tasting, Parc Guell and La Pedrera

Hopefully that should give you an idea of some of the options available should you wish to arrange your own tour of Barcelona. Just be sure when booking a tour that they can guarantee an on-time return to your cruise ship.

Staying Safe in Barcelona

Barcelona has developed a bit of an unfortunate reputation for having a petty crime problem, in particular, opportunistic crimes such as pick pocketing or grabbing of purses, cameras, phones, or other valuables laid out on tables.

We would add that we have never had this problem on multiple visits to the city, however we are aware that it is an issue. Our advice would be just to be cautious with your belongings, to have valuables securely hidden away or on a secure strap around your neck, and not to have your wallet, phone or other valuables obviously visible in your back pocket. Think about either a money belt , a cross body travel purse , or pants that offer secure zip pockets.

Basic safety precautions and being aware of your surroundings should prevent you from these issues. Avoiding carrying large sums of money on you will also help. As I said, we’ve not had any problems, so we think that by being vigilant and preparing yourself by reading up on common scams in Barcelona , you will be absolutely fine.

Further Reading for Barcelona

We’ve visited Barcelona (and the Costa Brava and Pyrenees region) a number of times, and have put together a number of articles to help you plan your trip, whether you’re visiting Barcelona for a day or longer. Here are some resources we think you’ll find useful.

• If you’re lucky enough to be in Barcelona for longer, perhaps at the end of your cruise, we have a guide to spending 3 days in Barcelona
• We also have another itinerary for 1 day in Barcelona
• We have a detailed guide to the best photography spots in Barcelona
• Jess’s comprehensive review and guide to using the Barcelona Pass
• A post comparing the three main discount passes available in Barcelona , to help you decide which one will save you the most money
• If you want to head out of town, we have a guide to taking a day trip from Barcelona to Girona and Figueres , a guide to visiting Montserrat from Barcelona , and Salvador Dali sites near Barcelona , as well as a definitive  guide to visiting the Spanish Pyrenees !
• Interested in seeing more of Gaudi’s creations? Check out our definitive guide to the best Gaudi sites in Barcelona
• We can also recommend both the  Lonely Planet Guide to Barcelona  and Rick Steve’s Pocket Barcelona Guide

And that’s it for our guide to a how to make the most of your cruise ship stop over in Barcelona! We hope you found it useful – as always, we’re happy to answer any questions or feedback in the comments below.

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John Anderson says

10th July 2019 at 4:43 am

Thanks for this great information about Barcelona. We are arriving by cruise ship and it appeared your recommendation of the Barcelona Day Pass would be perfect. Unfortunately I have found it won’t process my application. Is it because I have listed 12 noon and 2p.m. as our time for Sagrada Familia? Any later is too risky for our liking..

Laurence Norah says

10th July 2019 at 5:32 am

Tbanks very much!

Yes, I believe that the ticketbar system has a restriction in place so you can’t book the timeslots too close to each other, as it takes a bit of time to get between the places and they don’t want people to miss the timeslots. You would need to contact ticketbar directly to confirm that of course, but I believe that is the reason.

I hope you are able to find a solution, I would recommend contacting ticketbar to see if they can help, they are quite helpful in my experience 🙂

Have a wonderful cruise and a great time in Barcelona!

20th March 2019 at 5:14 pm

Hi, love your article and so much details. We will be visiting in August this year for our first time via cruise and wonder if we also wanted to visit Camp Nou, how should this be placed in your itinerary? And also the transportation, We do not mind walking around the city to see the most, but appreciated the Hop-on-Hop-off bus option as well. We are a family of 3 (with a 7 yo).

Thanks in advance and all the best and success to your blog!

21st March 2019 at 11:05 am

Hi, and thanks!

So the hop on hop off bus will definitely be the easiest way to get around, this also goes on to Camp Nou after the Sagrada Familia, so that would be my suggested way of doing it. The only thing to be aware of is that access to the Sagrada Familia is timed, so you need to plan accordingly. The Barcelona Day Pass I recommend only allows entry to the Sagrada Familia after 3pm, which will not leave you enough time to see Parc Guell and Camp Nou. So you will definitely want to go a bit earlier than this.

If you let me know how much time you have in the city I can come up with a suggested plan for you 🙂

21st March 2019 at 11:20 am

Thanks Laurence. I believe our ship arrives at 5 in the morning and leave at 6 in the evening. But I don’t think we will be in the city till 9 in the morning and usually we will be back on ship no later than 4:30. After all I guess I may have to pick Camp Nou than Park Guell.

21st March 2019 at 11:29 am

It will definitely depend on what your priorities are. I think though with the Hop on Hop off bus you might be able to fit everything in. I’d suggest:

Take Hop on Hop off bus from Columbus Statue at around 9am. Book Sagrada Familia entry for 9.30. Take bus at around 10.45 on to Park Guell. Book Parc Guell tickets for 11.15. Allocate around 45 minutes to an hour at Park Guell.

Continue on bus to Camp Nou. You don’t need a timed entry. It’s about a 30 minute bus ride I think from Parc Guell to Camp Nou. Expect to spend around 90 minutes – 2 hours at Camp Nou, so you would finish up at around 2.30 I would say. You can then take the bus back into the city, and wander the Gothic Quarter until your time runs out 🙂

Of course, this doesn’t include much time for lunch, so if a leisure lunch is in your plan, this might not work! Also, if you want to spend more time at each stop you will likely have to drop one of these. Of them, I’d say Park Guell would be the most logical to drop 🙂

Have a wonderful time!

21st March 2019 at 12:00 pm

Thanks a lot for your reply. I thought you mentioned the Church only has 3pm and after time entry?

21st March 2019 at 12:02 pm

That’s if you use the pass I recommend in the post. If you use that, it only allows you to book for timeslots after 3pm. However, you can also book activities individually, in which case you can book from 9am onwards. It’s just more expensive in the mornings to visit the Sagrada Familia, so to keep costs down and avoid confusion some passes don’t offer the morning timeslots.

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Port Schedule

Hotels in Barcelona near Cruise Port Terminal in Spain

Cruise Port of Barcelona

Reasonably priced pre or post cruise hotels, apartments and b&b’s near the Port of Barcelona in Spain. Stay overnight in the city centre, near the passenger terminal, airport, La Rambla, Plaça de Catalunya, … Best deals (also last minute rates).

Cruise ships dock at the waterfront in Port Vell, which is located at the southern end of Las Ramblas Boulevard in the centre of Barcelona. Terminals are situated at either Adossat Quay (A, B, C and D) and at the World Trade Centre pier (North, South and East).

Cheap Deals for Cruise Hotels

Destination, check-in date, check-out date.

Hotels in Barcelona with shuttle to Cruise Port?

Cruise ships dock at the waterfront in Port Vell , at the southern end of Las Ramblas in the centre of Barcelona. The majority of cruise passengers choose to stay in the central areas.

Nearest hotel is the Eurostars Gran Marina . If you’re departing from the North, South, or East terminal at the World Trade Centre (WTC) you can easily walk from this hotel to your ship (no shuttle needed) . However, most larger ships depart from the Quai Adossat at terminal A, B, C or D which is over a mile from the Eurostars Gran Marina hotel. Then it’s better to take an inexpensive taxi to your designated cruise terminal.

Several hotels are located really close to Barcelona cruise port but still are too far to walk, esp. with your luggage. Taxis in Barcelona are relatively cheap so it’s very easy to transfer from your pre-cruise hotel to your cruise terminal. Just ask your hotel concierge or front desk to arrange a taxi for you.

Which Barcelona hotels offer a cruise transfer?

Taxi’s are plentiful and not very expensive so it’s very easy to get to your cruise terminal. The hotel porter can flagged down a taxi for you or the hotel concierge or front desk will call one for you. All very easy. Price will be around 15 Euro, depending on traffic. Barcelona hotels can always organize a transfer to the cruise port for you at an additional cost.

You can also arrange a private transfer yourself, which will be very convenient but more expensive than catching a taxi.

Our advice is not to base your hotel choice on shuttles.

• Barcelona Cruise Port
• Moll Adossat & World Trade Centre
• Cruise Terminals
• City of Barcelona

Nearest Airport

• Currency & Language
• Car Parking

Fabulous 5 star property. One of the nearest hotels from the cruise port of Barcelona in Spain. Top location !

Situated on Avenida Diagonal, next to Diagonal Mar Shopping Centre. 10 minutes walk from the beach.

Very popular hotel by cruise passengers. Highly recommended. Located within walking distance of La Rambla.

Where to Stay in Barcelona near cruise port ?

As mentioned before the nearest hotel, and one of the best, is the Eurostars Gran Marina .

Popular is also La Rambla boulevard , within close distance of the port. Nearby is Plaza Catalunya square, departing point of HOHO buses. It’s only a short walk to La Rambla and many restaurants. Hotels around Plaça de Catalunya are somewhat cheaper than around La Rambla. Budget-friendly properties can be found in both areas. Several first class properties have a rooftop pool.

One of the best areas for a pre or post cruise stay is the Gothic Quarter (Barrio Gotico) , around the Cathedral.

A nice central, popular and great value hotel close to the port with a rooftop pool and terrace is Hotel Jazz , located close to Plaza Catalunya. If you want to stay on La Rambla, Hotel 1898 is an excellent choice. Reasonably priced accommodations close to port include Andante and Hotel Canton .

Barceloneta hotels are close to the beach. An El Prat barcelona airport-area hotel is 30 minutes away by taxi.

One of the busiest cruise ports of the Mediterranean

The Port of Barcelona is one of the busiest cruise ports of the Mediterranean and Europe.

Currently there are 7 modern international passenger terminals which are air conditioned, and have foreign exchange, duty free and souvenir shops, bar-restaurant, and a taxi rank. Vessels anchor at the waterfront in Port Vell, which is at the southern end of La Rambla, the most famous street of the city. Popular ports of call on voyages departing from the port include Civitavecchia (Rome Italy) , Piraeus (Athens in Greece) , Venice Italy and Marseille in France .

Moll Adossat Quay and World Trade Centre Pier

Moll Adossat Quay

Larger ships dock at the Moll Adossat Quay cruise terminals A,B,C and D. These terminals are located about 2km or 1,2mi from La Rambla. When carrying luggage it’s not recommended to walk to the city centre.

The best option is to take a taxi from any of Barcelona’s hotels to the cruise port. It’s quick and not so expensive.

You can also catch the bus from the monument of Christopher Columbus on Plaza de Colon (T3 PORTBUS shuttle).

World Trade Center Pier

Smaller vessels dock right at the World Trade Centre pier near the Eurostars Gran Marina hotel, closer to the city centre (15 minutes walk from La Rambla and public transport network, bus and metro). These three terminals are situated on the Moll de Barcelona (Barcelona Pier). The seaport terminals are called South Terminal S (Moll 18C), The East Terminal E (Moll 18B) and the North Terminal N (Moll 18A). Cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean , Norwegian Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises start or end many Mediterranean itineraries from Barcelona Cruise Port.

Cruise Passenger Terminals

Port of Barcelona

Portal de la Pau, 6

Moll Adossat, Barcelona 08039, Spain

The Port of Barcelona has 7 cruise terminals located on 3 piers.

Adossat Quay Terminals

Based at Adossat Quay are Terminals A, B, C and D (Terminal D is also called Palacruceros.)

World Trade Centre Terminals

The World Trade Centre (WTC) pier has 3 terminals: North, South and East. Sant Bertrand Terminal

Near WTC is Sant Bertrand which is generally used for ferries between Barcelona and the Balearic Islands (Port of Palma de Mallorca) .

Las Ramblas – Casa Battlo – La Sagrada Familia

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia and Spain’s second largest city.

This bustling and wonderfully city enjoys a mild sunny climate, and attracts millions of visitors every year. It’s seaport is the main trade, commerce and tourist port of Spain.

The famous Las Ramblas divides the port and the old town, where you can sample Barcelona’s tapas and try the local Catalan cuisine. La Rambla is a popular tourist spot. It’s a busy and lively tree-lined boulevard stretching for 1200 metres between the Barri Gotic and El Raval. The street connects Plaça de Catalunya with the Christopher Columbus Monument at Port Vell . Stroll along Las Ramblas with its flower shops and kiosks. Stop at La Boqueria , a famous public market. Nearby is the Liceu, Barcelona’s opera house.

Located in the medieval quarter of the city is the towering La Sagrada Familia basilica. This world famous church dates back to 1882 and is designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi.

Not to be missed is Casa Battlo , another masterpiece of Gaudi. It’s a theatrical and undulating building with shimmering colours and wonderful twisted shapes. Park Güell, also designed by Gaudi, is set on the hill of El Carmel and gives you a nice view of the city.

Another highlight of Barcelona is the Picasso Museum located in the Barri Gothic, displaying works of Pablo Picasso.

Popular Areas

La Rambla – Las Ramblas

Most famous street of the city with many restaurants and street performers. Properties close to La Rambla are really well situated to several metro lines, which is easy to explore the rest of the city. The port is only a short cab ride away.

Plaza de Catalunya

Plaza de Catalunya is set in the heart of the city. It’s in a great location for getting around. Gaudi’s Casa Batllo and La Pedrera, on Passeig de Gracia Avenue, are within a 10-minute walk away. The Ramblas and Gothic quarter can be reached on foot.

Gothic Quarter – Cathedral

Oldest part of the city. It’s one of the best areas to stay, not far from La Rambla and Plaça de Catalunya. Plenty of Tapas Bars and shopping can be found nearby. The Old Port and Marina are less than one kilometre away.

Beach – Barceloneta

Beachfront area of Barcelona. It’s the area where the fisherman used to live. Nowadays it’s famous for its great fish restaurants. The most famous hotel is the 5 star W Barcelona with its sail like structure.

Barcelona El Prat International Airport — the main international airport is located approximately 10 miles or 16 km from the pier and Barcelona city centre.

You can get to the city centre by taxi, which takes around 30 minutes. It’s the easiest way.

Other options are the Aerobus, a shuttle bus that takes you directly to the city centre, or by local bus (cheapest way). Aerobus A1: Plaça Catalunya – Airport (terminal T1)

Aerobus A2: Plaza Catalunya – Airport (terminal T2)

Line 46: Plaza Espana – Airport

Alternatively you can take also a train which runs every 30 minutes between the airport and the city centre.

Some properties close by provide a free airport shuttle service from/to the airport. Many offer also free Wi-Fi.

Currency and Language

The currency of Spain is the Euro (€). You can find ATM’s along the city. There is mostly a currency exchange service available at the terminal during the embarkation and debarkation process.

Spanish is the language in Barcelona. On touristic spots English is widely spoken.

Long Stay Car Parking

There is no long-term car parking permitted in the direct area of the cruise terminal, in accordance with the standard port security rules. There is only a passenger drop-off area.

Long-stay parking is available at the nearby World Trade Center Barcelona. Special rate for cruise passengers are provided : EUR 75 per week (including VAT), minimum stay 7 days. Extra day: 10€.

Other car parks in close vicinity are :

BSM: Parque de Investigación Biomédica, c. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona

BSM: Litoral Puerto, av. del Litoral 34, 08003 Barcelona

Parking Viajeros – Carreras i Candi, 65 (BCN Airport)

web : www.parkingviajeros.com

Privacy Overview

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Spain to deport dozens of cruise passengers after removing them from ship

Spain will on Thursday deport more than 60 Bolivians who arrived last week by cruise ship in the northeastern port of Barcelona but were not allowed to disembark because their visas were false.

The Spanish government’s office in Barcelona said 65 of the 69 Bolivians who arrived will be flown to the Bolivian city of Santa Cruz. The plane will be paid for by MSC Cruises , which owns the ship in which they arrived from Brazil .

Four members of a family with Spanish relatives will be allowed to enter Spain.

Spanish authorities said the Bolivian passengers had false visas to enter the European border-free Schengen area, an ID-check-free travel zone comprising 29 European countries.

The Bolivians’ visa problems meant that the cruise ship with more than 1,000 passengers was stuck for two days in Barcelona and unable to continue on its route in the Mediterranean Sea until the situation was resolved.

The cruise ship set sail after the Bolivians were temporarily accommodated in another boat while police interviewed them.

MSC Cruises said last week the Bolivian passengers’ documentation appeared correct upon boarding in Brazil.

MSC Armonia, with more than 1,000 passengers reportedly on board, plans to sail to Italy on Thursday, the cruise company said.

Solange Duarte, a Bolivian diplomat in Barcelona, told The Associated Press on Wednesday she had received reports that some of the stranded Bolivians had been duped into obtaining fake visas but had no further information.

“We have asked the families to indicate who has processed this visa and we have not gotten answers,” she said.

Spain ’s national police were looking into the possibility of a fake visa scam, Duarte said.

MSC Cruises said in a statement Wednesday the Bolivian “passengers appeared to have proper documentation upon boarding in Brazil ” but Spanish authorities later said the visas were not valid for entry into the Schengen area.

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Terminal D - Palacruceros

Terminal D of the Port of Barcelona, called Palacruceros, operates under a private concession with preferential use for Carnival group ships. Its innovative design has achieved a very bright interior with four levels that allow large capacity boats to be operated efficiently and safely.

Barcelona, starting point

The Port of Barcelona is the largest cruise port in the Mediterranean thanks to the safety of our facilities, highly qualified staff, unbeatable connectivity and a range of services that meet your best expectations.

The Palacruceros Terminal, prepared for you

Palacruceros is the work of the Genoese architecture firm Studio Vicini. It opened its doors in 2007 with an unbeatable terrace overlooking the sea and has been entirely financed by Costa Crociere SpA. In its spacious interior, the quality of customer service and security prevail, complying with the ISPS (International Ship and Port Security Code) regulations. This terminal is prepared and authorised to receive ecological ships powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).

Important data

Discover it with your own eyes

Images to know the terminal step by step.

Information of interest

Arrivals and departures, covid measures, interesting links, cruise ships calling today, current weather status.

The main logistics hub in the Mediterranean.

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