Top 10 Things to Do in Barceloneta, Barcelona
- Visit the Marina at Port Vell
- Stroll Ciutadella Park
- Enjoy Cava at La Champaneria
- Peruse the Catalonia History Museum
- Eat Paella on Sunday
- Take in the Views From the Barceloneta Port Cable Car
- See Animals at the Barcelona Zoo
- Marvel at the Gas Natural Tower
- See the Controversial W Hotel
- Enjoy the Sea Creatures at L’Aquarium Barcelona
The Barceloneta neighborhood of Barcelona, Spain, is all about its connection with the sea. It’s here that you’ll find lively seafood restaurants, luxurious marinas, and historic fishermen’s houses. Moreover, our top 10 things to do in Barceloneta, Barcelona, include shopping, dining, visiting the aquarium, and exploring the area’s historic sights.
Visit the Marina at Port Vell
Address: Ciutat Vella, 08039 Barcelona, Spain
Roy Lichtenstein’s Barcelona Head sculpture leads you into the Port Vell marina. Enjoy the IMAX theater, a wood-paneled submarine, the sight of hundreds of yachts and catamarans, and even the occasional warship. Walking along the area between the Museum of Catalan History and the Columbus Monument offers a perfect chance to appreciate attractions and boats coming and going from the port.
OneOcean Port Vell is touted as the marina for superyachts. Originally built for the 1992 Olympic Games, this marina is a luxury facility catering to yachts up to 190 meters in length.
Stroll Ciutadella Park
Address: Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Ciutadella is a beautiful park right in the city center. Enjoy leisure activities such as rowing a boat in the lake and discovering sculptures by renowned Catalan artists like Gaudi and Llimona. Moreover, you can visit Domenech Montaner’s modernist castle, the Castle of the Three Dragons.
Enjoy Cava at La Champaneria
Address: Carrer de la Reina Cristina, 7, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
At this bustling venue, bottles of Cava (Spanish sparkling wine) can be found at reasonable prices along with delicious tapas and sandwiches. Consequently, it becomes crowded in the late afternoon, making it a lively spot to visit. The place is also ideal to grab a bottle for a picnic.
Peruse the Catalonia History Museum
Address: Pça. de Pau Vila, 3, Ciutat Vella, 08039 Barcelona, Spain
Housed in a repurposed Port Vell warehouse, this museum showcases 3,000 years of Catalan history. Visiting on the last Tuesday of the month (October to June) grants visitors a free guided tour. Additionally, enjoy Mediterranean cuisine at Restaurant 1881, located on the fourth floor, while taking in stunning views of the Barcelona skyline.
Eat Paella on Sunday
Sunday is a festive paella day in Spain, especially in Barceloneta, teeming with seafood restaurants from exclusive spots near Sant Sebastiá beach to vibrant, tourist-focused eateries on Joan de Borbó. Moreover, if you’re feeling adventurous, try the black paella made with squid ink.
Take in the Views From the Barceloneta Port Cable Car
Address: Passeig Don Joan Borbó Comte Barcelona S/N, Ciutat Vella, 08039 Barcelona, Spain
This cable car offers fantastic views over Barceloneta and the port, linking it to Montjuic. If the sights spark your hunger, a restaurant named La Torre de Altamar located at the top provides a highly-rated dining experience. Moreover, another cable car service, The Teleferico de Montjuïc, leads visitors further up the mountain for additional beautiful views.
See Animals at the Barcelona Zoo
Address: Parc de la Ciutadella, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona’s Zoo, located in Ciutadella Park, showcases more than 400 species, including hippos, tropical birds, and giraffes. Children especially enjoy viewing dolphins, penguins, and elephants during feeding times. Admission is quite affordable at 19.90€ ($22 USD) for adults and 11.95€ ($13 USD) for kids.
Marvel at the Gas Natural Tower
Finished in 2007, this spectacular tower, also known as the Mare Nostrum Tower, was designed by Enric Miralles. Visitors should marvel at the complex and gravity-defying structure as it stands out as one of Barceloneta’s main landmarks.
See the Controversial W Hotel
The ultra-modern W Hotel, opened in 2009, remains one of the most controversial buildings in Barceloneta due to its wave-like glass structure. Despite local debate, the 473 guest rooms offer stunning panoramic views of both the Mediterranean Sea and the city. Guests can dine at Chef Carlos Abellán’s restaurant, BRAVO24, or enjoy drinks at the 26th-floor ECLIPSE rooftop bar.
Enjoy the Sea Creatures at L’Aquarium Barcelona
The aquarium of Barcelona is among the largest in Europe, located in Port Vell. With over 11,000 types of fish and marine life, including an impressive oceanarium, it offers visitors an opportunity to get up close with sea life. Brave visitors may even participate in diving sessions with sharks. Children find excitement in watching the playful sharks and penguins during feeding times.
Have a Bite to Eat at the Market
The La Barceloneta market is a go-to spot for fresh seafood, artisanal cheeses, and specialty foods. Built sustainably and utilizing solar energy, the market is open Monday to Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Fridays from 7:00 a.m. to 08:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
See the Art Deco Train Station
The French train station, Estació de França, built in 1929, boasts a stunning interior adorned with marble and bronze. It’s often compared to the historic Gare d’Orsay in Paris. Although no longer a primary train hub, its architectural beauty and art deco style have earned it Cultural Legacy status from the city.
