Welcome to Mon Tatane Tour (MTT), your guide developed by cruise enthusiasts like you, designed especially to accompany you during your stopover in Barcelona! Dear cruise friends, let’s dive together into the wonders to discover in Barcelona during your stopover, whether you are a novice or a regular visitor to this magnificent Catalan city. Follow our recommendations to take full advantage of your stopover!
Barcelona cruise stopover: between city and beach
Barcelona, a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, offers a multitude of possibilities for a successful cruise stopover. Located just a few kilometers from the port, the city is easily accessible by shuttle, tourist bus, taxi or public transport. Whether you are fascinated by Gaudí’s architecture, charmed by the alleys of the Gothic Quarter or eager to relax on Barcelona’s beaches, you will definitely find what you are looking for!
How to exit the cruise port in Barcelona
When you arrive at the Barcelona cruise port, you will have several options to get to Las Ramblas, one of the city’s emblematic places and the closest to the cruise port.
A great option is to take the Cruise Bus (Blue Bus) which will take you directly to Las Ramblas. The journey takes only 5 minutes and the one-way fare is only 3 euros, and 5.50 euros for the return trip. It’s a convenient and affordable way to get around quickly.
Another possibility is to book a taxi which will wait for you at the foot of the boat. The cost of the ride is around 10 euros. This provides you with personalized service and allows you to arrive at your destination quickly.
Avoid opting for tickets offered by cruise lines, which cost 12.90 euros for a round trip. This is not economical compared to other alternatives.
Practical advice for an optimal stopover
- Layover Length: Most layovers in Barcelona last around 8-10 hours. It is important to plan your day carefully to make the most of your time.
- Getting to town:
- Shuttle Buses. Paid shuttles (€5.50) are available at the foot of the boat. They take you directly to the entrance to Las Ramblas (5 minutes walk, cross the large roundabout, and of course the pedestrian crossings .😉
- Taxi. Faster but more expensive (around €10), the taxi is a comfortable option for groups or people with reduced mobility.
- Public transport. The metro and the bus (around €5) are an economical alternative to getting into the city. Metro line 3 connects the port to Plaça Catalunya (in around 30 minutes).
- Tips to optimize your time:
- Buy your tickets online. This will allow you to avoid queues and save valuable time.
- Choose a specific route. Define your priorities according to your desires and the time available.
- Consider public transportation. They are fast, cheap and allow you to get around the city easily.
- Opt for the tourist bus , as it allows you to see all the great monuments of Barcelona.
Barcelona sightseeing bus
Barcelona cruise stopover
I highly recommend opting for the tourist bus when visiting Barcelona. Indeed, this means of transport allows you to admire all the emblematic monuments of the city at a very reasonable price (€33). Once you get off the bus at the Sagrada Familia (or others), you can explore this architectural masterpiece and then get back on the same bus which makes a loop. Then, direction:
- Port Vell
- Museum of History of Catalonia
- La Barceloneta
- Olympic Port
- Poble Nou – Zoo
- National Theater – Auditori
- Glories – Torre Agbar
- Sagrada Família Cathedral
- World Trade Center
- Miramar Gardens
or other must-see destinations.
Barcelona’s tourist bus is extremely popular, and for good reason: it’s convenient and offers excellent value for money. However, places are in high demand, so I advise you to book online before your departure. On site, prices are higher and queues are endless.
Sightseeing bus tour of Barcelona
Barcelona cruise stopover – A considerable time saving
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Explore Barcelona at your own pace and convenience with a one-day hop-on hop-off bus ticket. Enjoy the freedom to hop on and off at any stop in the city, allowing you to explore the must-see sites at your leisure and according to your preferences.
Or enter the date of your cruise stopover directly 👇
Exploring Barcelona: must-sees and suggestions
Essentials:
- Sagrada Familia. Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece, a true architectural marvel.
- Park Güell. Another Gaudí gem, a park with mosaics and unique shapes.
- La Rambla. The most famous pedestrian street in Barcelona, lively and full of charm.
- Gothic Quarter. A labyrinth of medieval streets, full of shops and restaurants.
- Barcelona beaches. La Barceloneta, Bogatell or Icaria, for a sunny moment of relaxation.
Barcelona cruise stopover – Entrance ticket to the Sagrada Familia
⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Sagrada Família is an unfinished Roman Catholic basilica located in Barcelona, Spain. Designed by the architect Antoni Gaudí, it is considered one of the masterpieces of Catalan modernist architecture.
Construction of the Sagrada Família began in 1882 and continues to this day. The basilica is expected to be completed in 2026, for the centenary of Gaudí’s death.
The Sagrada Família is one of the most visited monuments in Spain. It has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984.
What are the strong points?
| Strong points | Sagrada Familia |
|---|---|
| Visit to the Sagrada Família | Explore this iconic monument and discover Antoni Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece. |
| Art Nouveau architecture | Admire the impressive structure of the Sagrada Família, characterized by its unique architecture blending Gothic and Catalan modernism. |
| Historic work in progress | Discover the fascinating history of this site which still continues today, more than a century after its construction began. |
| Free downloadable audio guide | Access a downloadable audio guide to your phone to learn about the history and architectural details. |
| Monument listed by UNESCO | Enjoy the worldwide recognition of the Sagrada Família as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
Discover the most popular activity! Places are filling up quickly. Anticipate now by booking to save precious time!
Or enter the date of your cruise stopover directly 👇
Entrance ticket to Park Güell
Barcelona cruise stopover – A unique park
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Park Güell is a public park in Barcelona. Designed by the architect Antoni Gaudí, it is considered one of the masterpieces of Art Nouveau architecture.
The park is famous for its colorful mosaics, sculptures and geometric shapes. Visitors can admire the main staircase, the hypostyle hall, Nature Square and many other attractions.
Park Güell is a must-visit for all architecture and art lovers.
What are the strong points?
| Strong points | Park Guell |
|---|---|
| Visit at your own pace | Explore Park Güell at your own pace and take plenty of time to discover its architectural wonders. |
| Dragon Stairs and “Drac” | Admire the stunning mosaics on the main staircase and visit the famous “Drac” (dragon) adorning Park Güell. |
| Hypostyle Hall and Place de la Nature | Discover the Hypostyle Hall, Nature Square and other unique attractions that make Park Güell an exceptional work of art. |
| Timed entry without physical printing | Simply present your e-voucher at the entrance, no need to print your ticket. |
| Unesco World Heritage | Appreciate the UNESCO World Heritage Site status awarded to Park Güell in 1984. |
Suggestions:
- Montjuic. The hill overlooking the city, offering stunning views and plenty of sites to visit.
- Picasso Museum. For art lovers, an impressive collection of works by the famous painter.
- Camp Nou. The legendary FC Barcelona stadium, for football fans.
- Boqueria Market. A covered market with local colors and flavors.
- Gràcia district. A bohemian and alternative neighborhood, full of trendy bars and restaurants.
The fountains of Montjuic
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Embark on an unforgettable panoramic journey with the Montjuïc cable car in Barcelona. Recently renovated, this cable car transports you comfortably up Montjuïc Hill, offering breathtaking views of the city. Settle into spacious cabins for up to 8 people, discover the emblematic monuments of Montjuïc, including the castle, and descend in style. A picturesque and effortless experience for exploring Barcelona from above.
What are the highlights of this tour?
| Strong points | The fountains of Montjuic |
|---|---|
| Take the newly renovated Montjuïc cable car | Enjoy an unforgettable experience taking the newly renovated Montjuïc cable car. Board spacious cabins that can accommodate up to 8 people seated and be transported to Montjuïc Hill for a scenic adventure. |
| Discover the monuments of Montjuïc and go back down | Explore the iconic monuments of Montjuïc, including Montjuïc Castle, while enjoying spectacular panoramic views of Barcelona. After discovering the charms of Montjuïc, take the cable car back down for a comfortable and effortless descent. |
| Settle into cabins that can accommodate 8 people | Travel in style and comfort in spacious cabins that can accommodate up to 8 people seated. Enjoy a pleasant ride with your travel companions while admiring the changing landscapes of Barcelona and its surroundings from the Montjuïc cable car. |
| Arrive at Montjuïc Castle in style | Enjoy a majestic arrival at Montjuïc Castle via the cable car. Admire the exceptional panoramic view from the hill before discovering the history and charm of the castle. A unique and picturesque way to explore one of Barcelona’s most iconic sites. |
Barcelona cruise stopover – The Picasso Museum
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Save time with a skip-the-line ticket to the Picasso Museum and explore his work with an expert art guide. Admire the 4,251 pieces in the permanent collection, learn about the Blue and “Las Meninas” periods, and delve into the influence of Barcelona on the artist. Enjoy a small-group tour for a more intimate and personalized experience. A captivating exploration of the artistic legacy of Pablo Picasso.
What are the highlights of this tour?
| Strong points | The Picasso Museum |
|---|---|
| Skip-the-line access to the Picasso Museum | Save time by avoiding lines with a skip-the-line ticket to the Picasso Museum. Enjoy quick and efficient access to explore the exceptional works of the famous Spanish artist, Pablo Picasso. |
| Guided tour by an art expert | Discover the work of Picasso with an experienced guide who is passionate about art. Receive in-depth contextual information on Picasso’s different artistic periods, his evolution as an artist, and the influence of Barcelona on his work. Admire the 4,251 pieces of the museum’s permanent collection. |
| Exploration of the blue periods and “Las Meninas” | Immerse yourself in Picasso’s art by exploring his key periods, including his early Blue Period and the ‘Las Meninas’ series, a captivating reinterpretation of Velázquez’s famous painting. Admire masterpieces such as “Science and Charity” and “Royan”. |
| Small group tour for an intimate experience | Explore the Picasso Museum on a small-group tour, giving you a more intimate and personalized experience. Interact with your guide, ask questions, and delve further into Picasso’s artistic world in a small group. |
Excursions and activities for all tastes
- Guided tour of the city . By bus, on foot or by bike, discover the secrets of Barcelona with an expert guide.
- Boat cruise. Admire the city from the sea and enjoy a unique perspective.
- Tapas tasting. Taste Catalan culinary specialties in an authentic tapas bar.
- Shopping. The major international brands and artisanal boutiques will satisfy all your desires.
What to do in Barcelona during a cruise stopover
To discover the complete and detailed page on Barcelona, click on the image!
Cruise stopovers in the Mediterranean
Detailed stopovers port by port
To discover the complete and detailed page, click on the image!
Cruise around the world – Discover all the stops
Discover the incredible cruise stops in the Caribbean
Discover the incredible cruise stops in the Fjords
To discover the complete and detailed page, click on the image!
To know everything about cruises – Complete cruise guide
To discover the complete and detailed page, click on the image!
MTT wishes you the most beautiful cruise stopover in Barcelona and enjoy!
