Barcelona Port

The Port of Barcelona embodies the living connection between the Mediterranean Sea and the maritime history of the Catalan capital. The old port of Barcelona is actually very large, as it also includes the cargo port and the Barcelona cruise port. Altogether, it stretches over approximately 8 km along the coastline, almost reaching Barcelona Airport to the southwest of the city. To give you an idea, the commercial port handled 71 million tons of cargo in 2022 — more than the previous record set in 2018 with 67.8 million tons. A colossal machine that operates day and night.

How to Visit the Port of Barcelona

Address: Port Vell (Old Port in Catalan) is known as the Old Port of Barcelona, or also as the Barcelona marina. It is located right in the historic city center, between the famous Las Ramblas and the Barceloneta district with its beaches.

Website: Port de Barcelona

To access the Port of Barcelona, there are several public transportation options, including:

Metro: Line 3 (Green Line) Drassanes station – L4 Barceloneta station

Bus: Bus lines 14, 20, 36, 57, 59 and 64

Hop-On Hop-Off Barcelona Bus: Two stops near the port — World Trade Center and the Maritime Museum

Port of Barcelona Map

The Old Port of Barcelona in Constant Transformation

In 1992, with the Olympic Games, Barcelona finally embraced the sea and completely reshaped the urban landscape of the waterfront and surrounding district. The result was a resounding success. Former industrial areas were transformed, giving rise to a new neighborhood: the Olympic Village — another vibrant port that comes alive day and night with water sports, nightclubs, and bars. It’s always buzzing. Right next to it lies Barceloneta — “little Barcelona” — the traditional fishing and sailor’s district. Mediterranean colors and delicious seafood restaurants are the order of the day. A must-visit before heading to the beach.

The Old Port of Barcelona has also been redeveloped to welcome numerous leisure boats and to offer a wide variety of leisure activities and services, such as restaurants, shops, cultural venues, and tourist attractions.

Just like the Olympic Games, the America’s Cup 2024 has once again transformed this district. In the months leading up to the event, the Old Port of Barcelona received over €86 million in public and private investments for 17 architectural projects, including an elevated promenade built on the Llevant pier and a scenic viewpoint.

Barcelona Port Sightseeing

Port Vell is now a popular destination for visitors to Barcelona, offering stunning views of the city from the sea.

>> Here’s a short selection of sites to discover around Port Vell. Make sure to enjoy our hand-picked restaurants and shops — they’re part of the city’s experience too!

The Monument to Christopher Columbus

The Columbus Monument (Monument a Colom) is one of the iconic landmarks of Barcelona’s waterfront. Inaugurated in 1888 for the Universal Exhibition, this 60-meter-high column pays tribute to the Genoese explorer, who is believed to have stopped in Barcelona after his first voyage to the New World. At the top, the statue of Columbus points to the sea — not to America, as the legend claims, but eastward. At its base, allegorical sculptures and historical details recall the great age of exploration. A small elevator inside the column takes visitors up to a viewing platform with panoramic views over the port and Las Ramblas.

Plaça del Portal de la Pau, s/n, 08001 Barcelona, Spain

Maritime Museum

Housed in the spectacular former royal shipyards of the Drassanes, the Maritime Museum of Barcelona immerses visitors in the maritime history of Catalonia and the Mediterranean. Scale models, navigation instruments, reconstructed galleons, and interactive exhibits tell the epic tales of sailors, explorers, and Barcelona’s shipbuilding past. A fascinating, history-filled venue, just steps from the port and Las Ramblas.

Avinguda de les Drassanes, s/n, 08001 Barcelona, Spain

Metro: L3 – Drassanes Station

Museum of the History of Catalonia

Located in the former port warehouse of the Palau de Mar, the Museum of the History of Catalonia presents a dynamic and educational journey through Catalonia’s history from prehistory to the present day. Models, artifacts, reconstructions, and interactive installations invite visitors to explore the major political, social, and cultural milestones of this region with a strong identity. The beautifully restored building also features a panoramic rooftop terrace overlooking the Port of Barcelona — perfect for a break between sea and history.

Plaça de Pau Vila, 3, 08039 Barcelona, Spain

Metro: L4 – Barceloneta Station

Moll d’Espanya

Moll d’Espanya is one of the most pleasant promenades of the Port of Barcelona, gently connecting the city to the sea. This modern pier, built in the 1990s, is home to the Maremagnum shopping center, the Barcelona Aquarium – one of the largest in Europe – as well as numerous restaurants and terraces overlooking the yachts. Accessible via the moving footbridge Rambla de Mar, Moll d’Espanya offers a great balance of relaxation, entertainment, and modern architecture, naturally extending Las Ramblas toward the Mediterranean.

Moll d’Espanya, s/n, 08039 Barcelona, Spain

Accessible on foot from La Rambla via the Rambla de Mar footbridge

Metro: L3 – Drassanes Station, then a 5-minute walk

Bus: V17, D20, H14, 59

La Barceloneta

La Barceloneta is one of the most picturesque and iconic neighborhoods in Barcelona. Originally developed in the 18th century as a fishermen’s quarter, it still retains an authentic and popular atmosphere, with its narrow streets, laundry-draped balconies, and traditional tapas bars. Lined by the sea, Barceloneta is also famous for its long urban beaches, popular with both locals and tourists. Combining maritime heritage, a friendly vibe, and seaside modernity, this district offers a charming blend of local tradition and seaside leisure.

Barceloneta neighborhood, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

Metro: L4 – Barceloneta Station

Olympic Port

The Olympic Port was developed for the 1992 Olympic Games and has since become one of the liveliest spots along Barcelona’s waterfront. For the America’s Cup 2024, the port underwent major renovations to modernize infrastructure, improve public access, and enhance its nautical identity. New pedestrian areas, sustainable amenities, and redesigned docks have brought new life to this iconic site. With its two iconic towers — the Mapfre Tower and the Hotel Arts — and Frank Gehry’s golden fish sculpture, the Olympic Port continues to blend sports, relaxation, and Mediterranean lifestyle.

Port Olímpic, Moll de Mestral, 08005 Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona Cruise Port

The Barcelona Cruise Port is one of the most important in Europe and the Mediterranean, welcoming millions of passengers every year. Located at the southern end of the Old Port, between the historic city and the sea, it is a spectacular gateway to the Catalan capital. Modern and well connected, the port features several terminals spread between Moll Adossat (for large cruise ships) and docks closer to the city center. Barcelona makes for a perfect first port of call — with its rich culture, urban beaches, and Mediterranean vitality.

Port de Barcelona – Moll Adossat, 08039 Barcelona, Spain

Restricted access – passengers only

Port shuttle (Blue Bus) from Columbus Monument

Metro: L3 – Drassanes Station (then shuttle or taxi)