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Welcome to Barcelona
Cruise Nation are delighted to bring you our massive range of Barcelona Cruise & Stay Holidays. As one of the biggest cruise ports in the Mediterranean, Barcelona acts as the embarkation port for hundreds of sailings every single year. This means that Cruise Nation bring you massive choice on cruise lines to sail with as well as our Smart Packages featuring FREE stays in one of many handpicked hotels which are all centrally located in Barcelona providing you with the perfect base from which to explore all that this fascinating city has to offer.
With our Barcelona Cruise & Stay packages, your flights will always be included. We also offer flights from a number of regional airports throughout the UK giving you much greater flexibility and making your holiday experience as smooth as possible.
What's included?
Barcelona is everything you need in a holiday location, from its seven stunning beaches to world famous architecture and wonderfully rich Michelin star cuisine it’s a city that leaves you wanting more. Set on the coast in the north east of Spain, it is the capital of Catalonia, a region of Spain which borders on Andorra and France. The people of Barcelona are fiercely proud of their Catalonian location which makes the city a hive of activity with passionate locals who want to show tourists the best of what Catalonia has to offer.
The city was a blank canvas for Antoni Guadi, a Barcelona based architect, who created multiple monuments across the city which have made Barcelona a cornerstone of architectural modernism.
His most famous construction is the Sagrada Familia, a Roman Catholic church which remains unfinished since construction started in 1866. The awe-inspiring structure is unmissable and its shadow looms large over the streets of Barcelona with its soon to be tallest element of the church reaching over 172 metres tall.
Weather in The Mediterranean
Once you’ve basked in the beauty of Sagrada, head towards the coast and the world famous La Rambla, the city’s most famous street. La Rambla is a pedestrian heavy street running for three quarters of a mile just off the coast. Broken up into five sections, it is a bustling city which is over flowing with first class restaurants and classic Spanish cuisine. Street performers line the busy pavements and whatever time you visit you’ll be able to admire a human statue or a mind-blowing magic trick. La Rambla really epitomises Barcelona life and this one street will tell you everything you need to know about a wonderful city. Due to it being such a popular area expect a lot of fellow tourists trying to soak in the La Rambla culture.
After La Rambla why not pick up some local tapas, ranging from a couple of Euros to over a hundred. Tapas is the personification of Catalan cuisine, these bite sized goodies can be found everywhere you turn, with tapas bars on every corner, why not dive in.
Finally, after your fun filled day, finish it off in Barcelona’s exclusive nightlife. Barcelona may not be known for its nightlife, but that may just be one of its best kept secrets. Due to the vast array of different people across the city you can be sure to find a bar or club to suit you. From classy cocktail bars such as Dry Martini found in the Eixample district to dynamic nightclubs such as Universal found in Sant Gervasi, dance and drink the night away.
Things to do in Barcelona
Camp Nou Experience
Have you ever wanted to hold the Champions League trophy? Or look up around the stands which can hold 99,000 passionate football fans?…
Camp Nou Experience
Have you ever wanted to hold the Champions League trophy? Or look up around the stands which can hold 99,000 passionate football fans? Well now’s your chance. Camp Nou is the home to FC Barcelona, one of the world’s most famous sports teams and now it’s your turn to sit in the first team dugout and imagine the call to run onto the pitch to the adoration of the tens of thousands of fans. A must for any sports fan and with a tour of the stadium starting at only 20 Euros it is a cost-effective way to appreciate one of Barcelona’s most important structures not designed by Antoni Guadi.
Museo Picasso
One of the city’s busiest museums, you will be sure to find a queue of people eagerly waiting for the doors to open.…
Museo Picasso
One of the city’s busiest museums, you will be sure to find a queue of people eagerly waiting for the doors to open. The museum houses Pablo Picasso’s lesser known work from his formative years, where he was developing into the artist we now know and love. Displaying a deep relationship between Barcelona and the city’s adopted son, this immense and astonishing display of his work is not to be missed.
Guided tours are available and workshops with visiting artists are available throughout the year.
Sagrada Familia
Started by Guadi at the end of the 19th Century, this beautiful and iconic cathedral towers over Barcelona’s winding streets.…
Sagrada Familia
Started by Guadi at the end of the 19th Century, this beautiful and iconic cathedral towers over Barcelona’s winding streets. Not for the faint hearted, you can view the city from the top of one of the cathedral’s spires, giving you an unusual and unique view of the city below. As a building still under construction, each time you visit you’ll notice something new.
Tickets range from 15 to 30 euros and can be purchased online, or in person.
Park Guell
Another one of Guadi’s stamps on the city, he along with Eusebi Guell created this area of delight as a way of providing upper class housing with a touch of class.…
Park Guell
Another one of Guadi’s stamps on the city, he along with Eusebi Guell created this area of delight as a way of providing upper class housing with a touch of class. Inspired by Hansel and Gretel, the buildings are quirky and unique and almost immediately unforgettable. Unfortunately, in the early 1900s the Barcelona locals were not as enthusiastic about the design with only two of the sixty houses which were planned being built. In 1984 it was made a UNESCO World Heritage.
Tickets can be purchased for less than 10 euros and pre-booking is recommended.
CosmoCaixa
For something a bit different, how about one of Europe’s largest science museums.…
CosmoCaixa
For something a bit different, how about one of Europe’s largest science museums. Located on the outskirts of Barcelona but within easy reach of the Metro, this museum is always a hit with adults and children alike. The CosmoCaixa covers such a wide variety of sciences, from electric voltage tests to seeing the evolution of our planet. Finally prepare to be amazed by the Flooded Forest, a reconstruction of an Amazonian rainforest ecosystem which is partly underwater and is full with crocodiles and other animals and plants typically found in the area.
Font Magica
Wonder at the wonderful water show at Barcelona’s biggest ornamental fountain.…
Font Magica
Wonder at the wonderful water show at Barcelona’s biggest ornamental fountain. Built in 1929 by Carles Buigas and restored for the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, the fountain is one of Barcelona’s most popular tourist attractions. Teaming lights, music and water fountains it needs to be seen to be believed, and you can experience it for free!
Miro Mural
Without even knowing you will most likely walk over a piece of art from Joan Miro.…
Miro Mural
Without even knowing you will most likely walk over a piece of art from Joan Miro. Located on La Rambla, Joan Miro has used characteristic colours for his circular mosaic, the bright colours and quirky design is iconic. Some people stop to admire the work, while others will blissfully stroll on by.
La Bouqueria Market
As a large public market, La Bouqueria is one of the busiest Barcelona tourist attractions. …
La Bouqueria Market
As a large public market, La Bouqueria is one of the busiest Barcelona tourist attractions. With its entrance just off La Rambla, it provides a popular location for people wanting to treat their senses. The smells, colours and tastes are something to be desired as you wander through the Europe’s largest food market.
Restaurants in Barcelona
Enoteca
At Enoteca, Chef Paco Perez has created a two-star Michelin winning Mediterranean menu which samples all the delicate delights found in and around Barcelona. Created with all fresh ingredients, each dish encapsulates Catalan cuisine with an innovative twist.
Abac
Home to Chef Jordi Cruz, this 3-star Michelin restaurant is a must for gastronomic fine dining in Barcelona. Each dish is created with the most exemplary ingredients, and executed to perfection, leaving a taste in your mouth which will last a life time.
Casa Leopoldo
Located a short walk from La Rambla, Casa Leopoldo can fulfil all your seafood needs. Opened in 1929, the restaurant aims to preserve the traditional cuisine which it has become famous for. Boasting an extensive set menu varying by season, Casa Leopoldo’s high end traditional food will leave you wanting more.
Tickets
Before you arrive in Barcelona, book a table for the wonderful Tickets. A short walk from the coast, Tickets is a quirky, understated restaurant designed like a Broadway theatre. Serving tapas, tapas and more tapas with a couple of other dishes thrown in, Tickets is the best way to taste everything Barcelona has to offer in one location.
Barcelona Nightlife
Boadas
Opened in 1933, Boadas is known as ‘the oldest cocktail bar’ in the city and is always full with Barcelona locals who appreciate well-made drinks in a comfortable setting. With an art deco interior, it makes a perfect setting for a quiet drink where you can admire Catalan collectibles which adorn the walls. Smart dress is required, so put on your best and step back in time to the 1930s.
Dry Martini
Opened in 1978 by Pedro Carbonell, Dry Martini has established itself as one of the must-see bars in Barcelona. Originally only serving its name sake, Dry Martini now specialises in tailor made cocktails served by tuxedo dressed waiters. It’s stylish and comfortable bar makes it an ideal location for a grown-up crowd who enjoys a flawlessly made drink.
Jamboree
Jamboree Dance Club is the place to finish your night in Barcelona. Open 365 days a year and until 5am. Hang out with the hippest house DJs in Barcelona every day of the year, and truly get a feeling for clubbing in Barcelona.
Shenanigans Pub
Formerly know as The Quiet Man, this Irish pub has been serving pints of Guinness to the Barcelona public and visiting tourists for years. In its rejuvenation, the pub is now a lively destination for the younger generation.
CDLC
Get away from the Barcelona hustle and bustle at CDLC. One of the hottest clubs in Barcelona, with various visiting DJs playing the decks. You can find it located just off Somorrostro beach and boasts picturesque views across the Mediterranean, making it a night to remember.
Events in Barcelona
Barcelona Carnival
The city’s answer to Mardi-Gras, this week-long festival features more than 30 parades – with floats, costumes, dancing a huge firework display. The highlight of the event is the arrival of the “Carnival King”, signalling the start of Barcelona’s biggest party. Held in either February or March every year, the carnival is free to attend, with most of the action being centred around Las Rambles.
The Spanish Grand Prix
Taking place in May, this Formula One Race rivals the likes of Monte Carlo for excitement and entertainment. Held at the Montmelo Circuit de Catalunya racetrack, racing enthusiasts will find this an event not to be missed.