Barcelona Shore Excursions
Are you looking for the best Barcelona shore excursion for your cruise stop? Want to make the most of your time and see what this vibrant city has to offer?
You’re in luck! I’m so excited to share some of the top Barcelona shore excursion options — perfect for families, first-time visitors, or anyone looking to experience the city’s highlights in just a day.
We recently returned from a Mediterranean cruise with some incredible ports, and Barcelona was one of our favorites. This city is packed with energy, color, history, and amazing food — making it an unforgettable stop.
Depending on your cruise itinerary, you might be embarking or disembarking in Barcelona, which means you could have more than just a few hours here.
If that’s the case, I highly recommend adding an extra day before or after your cruise to explore even more of what Barcelona has to offer.
In this post, I’m sharing our top picks and family-friendly ideas for a perfect Barcelona shore excursion — whether you’ve got half a day or a full one.
Let’s dive into the best ways to experience Barcelona in a day from your cruise port!
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1. Sagrada Familia
Sagrada Familia is the most famous site in Barcelona. It is continuously being worked on, so you will see construction on the outside.
Get Tickets in Advance
You have to get tickets months in advance if you want to go inside. We were able to get them! Don’t worry if you are planning a little late and can’t get them yourself. You can book a tour that includes skip-the-line access.
My kids really liked going and exploring. The ceilings are pretty amazing!
You will have time to do more than just visit this one site on your Barcelona shore excursion. I would plan an hour to 1.5 hours to get there and see the church.
One of the easiest do-it-yourself Barcelona shore excursions is to jump on the hop-on hop-off bus tour. This will take you all over the city!
This option is cheaper than booking a shore excursion with the cruise line.
The only thing is it might be good to get a Go City Pass so that when you hop off, you can use the pass to go to local attractions. There are over 30 attractions on the pass.
I would map out what I would like to see and then see if the pass makes sense.
Park Güell is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a park that is a work of art.
Some of the park is free, but the more highly photographed area built by Antoni Gaudí, requires a ticket.
There are lots of Barcelona Shore Excursions that include Park Güell:
Here is some good news…. The private tours in Barcelona are really reasonably priced compared to booking directly through the cruise line.
You can get a guided tour showing all of the highlights of Barcelona. These tours will pick you up at the port and take you all over town.
I listed 3 below, look at the different itineraries and see what you think you would enjoy.
Best Barcelona Highlight Tour Options
Barcelona’s food scene is on fire — and it’s a dream for foodies. From casual tapas bars to world-class Michelin-starred restaurants, the city is packed with delicious places to eat.
If you’re a true foodie, then a Barcelona food tour is the perfect way to spend your day — tasting your way through local flavors, markets, and hidden gems.
Best Food Tours in Barcelona
A lot of European cruises have late port times. We had a few stops where we got off the ship at 1:00 pm and did not have to get back on until 11:00 pm.
If you are lucky enough to have a late port time in Barcelona, this will allow you to see an evening Flamenco Show. Some of these include dinner.
There are lots of options with prices ranging from $30 -$70.
Best Flamenco Show Options
If you’re ready to stretch your legs and get active, renting a bike is a fantastic way to explore Barcelona.
E-bikes are especially popular (and helpful if you’re traveling with kids or tackling hills), but there are plenty of rental options for all types of riders.
You’ll find flat, scenic bike paths along the beach — perfect for soaking in the sea views and sunshine.
If you’d rather explore the heart of the city, you’re in luck: Barcelona has an extensive network of designated bike lanes, making it easy and safe to get around on two wheels.
Best Bikes Tours in Barcelona
This Antoni Gaudí master piece was built in 1877 and remodeled in 1906. It became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2005.
The outside of Casa Batllo resembles dragon skin with its glass, stone, and ceramic tiles. The balconies look like masks or skulls. The lower pillars look like bones. The roof is shaped like a dragon’s back.
It is a fun building to see! It is good to book your tickets ahead of time as it does sell out during busy tourist season.
All tickets come with an audio guide, but a “tour guide” is not an option. You can just purchase tickets and do this one yourself.
9. Barcelona Sightseeing Boat Tour
We decide to go on a little boat tour and explore Barcelona’s Waterfront.
You can see great views of the city’s skyline, Barcelona beach, and iconic buildings.
It was a fun outing! You can also go out for longer and enjoy sailing options on the harbor.
Book a Barcelona Boat Ride
Montjuic Castle has served as a military base, a prison, and an execution site. Today it is a museum and a viewpoint area. A perfect place for a Barcelona shore excursion.
There are two cable cars that will get you to the top of the Montjuic Hill. The main cable car is at Parc de Montjuïc, and the older one near the beach area at Barceloneta.
You can purchase a ticket and do this on your own or you can book a guided tour.
Tours to Montjuic Castle
Santa Maria del Mar is a stunning Gothic church dating back to the 14th century. Built by the city’s fishermen and merchants, it’s often called the “Cathedral of the Sea” and stands as a symbol of Barcelona’s maritime heritage and the strength of its community.
Its soaring arches, slender columns, and beautiful stained-glass windows create a serene and majestic atmosphere—showcasing Catalan Gothic architecture at its finest.
Best of all, entry is free, so you can step inside and soak in the peaceful beauty and rich history without spending a penny.
Santa Maria del Mar Tours
Are You Ready to Pick a Barcelona Shore Excursion?!
I hope this gives you plenty of great ideas for the best Barcelona shore excursions on your next cruise.
Whether you’re exploring stunning architecture, savoring delicious food, or enjoying the city’s vibrant streets by bike, Barcelona has something for every traveler—and every family—to love.
Remember to plan ahead, book your tickets early, and most importantly, take your time soaking in the incredible atmosphere of this unforgettable city.
Happy travels and enjoy your adventure in Barcelona!
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