Barcelona City Guide

Located along the sparkling Mediterranean Coast in north eastern Spain, Barcelona is one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations. This striking city is by far the most visited in Spain, and is renowned for its unique architecture and art, tantalising food scene, electric nightlife and abundance of sundrenched beaches.

To make your pre or post-cruise stay all the more memorable, here’s our guide to the beautiful city of Barcelona.

How to get around

From the cruise ship terminal – Getting to Barcelona city after disembarkation couldn’t be easier. For your convenience we recommend a taxi, which will be outside of the cruise terminal and should cost around €15.

To the airport – To get to Barcelona Airport, consider either a taxi or public transport. A taxi from central Barcelona to the airport takes around 30 minutes and costs around €35. There’s also the Aerobús (Express airport bus) which departs from Plaça de Catalunya for just €6.75 one way.

Around the city – With a developed public transportation system, getting around the city is easy. Expect the metro and bus lines to take you everywhere you need to go. Walking is another great option for exploring Barcelona, as many of the city’s attractions are located close together

Where to go

La Sagrada Familia – No visit to Barcelona is complete without visiting its most iconic attraction, the remarkable La Sagrada Familia. Designed by renowned architect, Antoni Gaudi, this grand church has been under construction since 1882, with an estimated completion date of 2026.

Park Guell – It’s no surprise that Barcelona’s grandest park was also created by Antoni Gaudi. The whimsical Park Guell is full of colourful mosaics, intriguing architecture and lush gardens. Plus, the park offers captivating views over the city – visit at day’s end to catch an unforgettable sunset.

La Rambla – Expect all your senses to be stimulated when strolling down the bustling La Rambla. This popular tree-lined boulevard is positioned in the heart of Barcelona and is bursting with fragrant flower stands, terraced restaurants and cafes, and brilliant street performers.

La Boqueria – Food lovers cannot miss La Boqueria. Arguably the best open-air market in the world, La Boqueria boasts over 300 food stalls, offering everything from fresh produce, seafood and meats to traditional Spanish sweets.

What to eat

Paella – Spain’s national dish is a must-try when visiting Barcelona. Packed full of flavour, this customisable dish is typically made with rice, seafood, chicken, vegetables and saffron, and is cooked and served in a large flat pan.

Tapas – Don’t leave Barcelona without dining at a tapas bar. In Spanish cuisine, a tapa is an appetiser, with visitors usually ordering a range of different tapas to share. Some typical Spanish tapas include pinchos, patatas bravas and chorizo.

Jamón Iberico – Spanish ham is amongst the finest in the world. Made only from the Iberian pig, the curing process for Jamón Iberico lasts for approximately 14 to 36 months, creating a harder texture and a smoky-salty flavour.

Croquettes – Croquettes are a staple in most Spanish kitchens. Typically made from smooth bechamel sauce, ham and mashed potato, these delicious bites are then coated in crispy breadcrumbs and deep-fried.