Spain’s Catalan capital, Barcelona is known for its architecture, art and cosmopolitan vibe. The popular cruise holiday destination is the country’s second-most populous city and offers plenty to see and do for every kind of traveller. This Mediterranean city is home to no less than 9 UNESCO World Heritage sites, 7 of which are the work of famous Spanish architects, Gaudi and Jujol. It is also home to the most walked street in all of Spain, Portal de l'Àngel, as well as the largest football stadium in the world. Interestingly enough, Barcelona was also meant to be home to the Eiffel Tower, however, those plans fell through. In any case, this is one city that’s definitely worthy of being on your cruise holiday itinerary.

Cruise ships departing from Barcelona in 2020

• Azamara Pursuit
• Azamara Journey
• Azamara Quest
• Celebrity Apex
• Celebrity Constellation
• Celebrity Infinity
• Crown Princess
• Jewel of the Seas
• Vision of the Seas

Where do cruise ships depart from in Barcelona?

Barcelona is home to one of Europe’s largest cruise terminals. In most cases, your cruise ship will dock at terminals A, B or C, just south of the World Trade Centre. Each of these terminals is conveniently located just a 15-minute walk away from the city centre, eliminating the need for public transport.

Things to see and do in Barcelona

We could go on and on about the things you should see and do in Barcelona. To keep things simple though, we’ve taken our top 5 favourite places that you should see should you have some time during your cruise holiday from Barcelona. For a more in-depth look of the city check out our Cruise Guide to Barcelona.

La Sagrada Familia

If you were wanted to visit one must-see tourist attraction in Barcelona then La Sagrada Famila is it. Top of our list, the unfinished Roman Catholic minor basilica was designed by Antonio Gaudi and has taken longer to complete than any of the Egyptian pyramids. This is just one of the city’s nine UNESCO World Heritage sites, though it’s definitely its most recognisable. This architectural marvel stands at 90m tall and has been described as ‘he only church building of its kind in the entire history of art’.

Park Guell

No cruise ex Barcelona would be complete without a visit to it's most famous park. Park Guell is known for its flamboyant architectural style consisting of a mix of plants, stone and tiles. Designed by Antonio Gaudi between 1900 and 1914, the park represents the naturalist phase of his work. Initially, Park Guell was meant to be a private community home to just 60 families. Today, however, the World Heritage Site is open to the public and is visited by millions every year.

Picasso Museum

If you’re a lover of art then the Picasso Museum makes for a must-visit tourist attraction during your Barcelona cruise holiday. Hosting 4,251 works by the world-famous painter, the Picasso Museum is home to the most complete permanent collection of Picasso’s work anywhere in the world. Befittingly, this museum is located Montcada Street, which was formerly one of Barcelona’s most exclusive streets, and home to the city’s most wealthy merchants and noble families.

Casa Batllo

Considered one of Antonio Gaudi’s masterpieces, Caso Battlo is a remodelled house with a design that stems back to 1904. Spain’s most-famous architect combined ceramic, metal, stones and wood to deliver the vibrant design that visitors have the pleasure of seeing today. The building is also recognisable for its irregular shaped windows and lack of straight lines. Come here early if you plan on going inside, as waiting times can get quite long throughout the day.

La Rambla

Barcelona’s most famous street, La Rambla is a must-see tourist attraction during your cruise to Barcelona. It is situated between the city’s Gothic Quarter and El Raval. Here you can take time out from your cruise schedule to visit the city’s most iconic and famous street market, La Boqueria, and one the world’s most remarkable opera houses, Liceu Theatre is nearby as well. If you’re into people watching, want to grab some food, or need to meet a friend then Royal Square right next to La Rambla is the place to do just that. Overall, this street represents the beating heart of the city of Barcelona.