Experience the city of Barcelona on a Cruise
Cruising Journal, the international portal for cruise ship reviews, takes you to Barcelona! Let loose in Barcelona during a cruise stopover in the Cruising Journal tips.
Art, entertainment, awe-inspiring nature, delicious food, seaside fun – Barcelona has it all.
Barcelona is the ideal stop, no matter what your interests are. Whether you fancy a swim in the beautiful waters of the Mediterranean Sea, want to experience Spanish cuisine first-hand, or long to take a stroll down one of Barcelona’s most popular streets, Barcelona has something for everyone.
Barcelona
How to Get to Barcelona
When travelling to Barcelona, there are thousands of options, as it is one of the most popular destinations in the Mediterranean Sea.
There are dozens of varied cruise itineraries offered by Norwegian Cruise Lines, Oceania Cruises, Azamara Cruises, MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises.
For an even more comfortable voyage, Celebrity Cruises offers a more luxurious travel experience, with luscious suites, gourmet meals and quality entertainment on board.
Gaudì
When in Barcelona, you must stop to admire the Sagrada Familia, Gaudì’s most famous architectural masterpiece. Whether you are an architecture lover, a fan of the Spanish artist’s work, or just a humble tourist, you cannot miss this monumental landmark. With its unconventional geometric choices, the style might not be suited to all palates. Nonetheless, it is one of those sights that everyone must see in their life – if not for the architecture, then for the mere fact that it’s one of the longest-running construction sites in the world. To this day, it is still an active construction site since its opening in 1883.
Barcelona
Miró
The Miró Foundation is a worthy stop for those with an appreciation for the arts. It showcases many of the artist’s works alongside those by other contemporary artists, as was the intention of Miró himself when he founded the museum in 1975. What is interesting about The Miró Foundation is that the building that houses the exhibitions was designed by Josep Lluís Sert specifically to house these works of art. It is one of the few collaborations between artists and architects to create a building that was tailored for the artwork it was to contain.
Montserrat Monastery and Natural Park
Meet in central Barcelona, where We Barcelona will take you to Montserrat. While you admire the rugged scenery on your journey there, you’ll hear about the mountainside Benedictine abbey and its 12th-century wooden carving of the Virgin Mary, also known as the “Black Madonna.” This carving makes the Monastery one of Spain’s most important pilgrimage sites.
As you tour the abbey, you can catch a performance of the choir and see the statue of the Virgin Mary while your guide tells you about the monastery’s fascinating history. Next, you’ll ascend the mountainside with the funicular train and admire the bird’s-eye view from the slopes. Then, you’ll be brought to your final stop: Montserrat Natural Park, one of Catalonia’s most scenic natural reserves. Here, you’ll set off on a leisurely guided nature walk, where you can take in the stunning scenery and the unspoilt flora and fauna.
Fine dining
Tour Barcelona offers a unique culinary experience just off of Las Ramblas. Here, you’ll meet with your teacher for the evening and begin learning the basics of Spanish cuisine. You’ll also collect fresh seafood from the local vendors at La Boqueria, one of Barcelona’s most famous markets. From the market, you’ll continue your lesson at a cooking school in El Born district.
With the chef cooking alongside you, you’ll learn how to prepare the traditional paella dish. While you wait for it to cook, you can even learn how to mix your own sangria at the drink-making workshop. When the paella is finished, you’ll sit down with your classmates and savour the meal you’ve prepared. If you enjoy the company, consider yourself invited to a nearby bar, where a free chupito will be waiting for you, and you’ll be able to enjoy drink specials throughout the evening.
Barcelona
Flamenco night
Tablao Flamenco Cordobes is the legendary venue where some of the greatest names in flamenco have performed. Stop by and let yourself be transported to another world by the music and passion of the dancers. As you’re entertained by an internationally renowned flamenco group, you’ll see for yourself why the dance is so popular. Enjoy the show with a good drink or sit down with a plate of food from the delicious buffet, and be amazed by both the food and the dancers.
Kayaking in Costa Brava
Join Excursions Barcelona for a day on the beautiful Costa Brava, and discover all that it has to offer while kayaking. Your guides will transport you to the perfect beach for the occasion, where they’ll take you to the best locations to explore on your kayak. Paddle to the small coves of this magnificent coast, and enjoy the beautiful waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
Barcelona
Of course, we cannot end this article without mentioning Las Ramblas, Barcelona’s most famous street. This mile of art, food, drink, music, theatre and shopping opportunities is a must-see during your cruise stopover.