Port Vell is a historic harbor that has been reinvigorated as an entertainment hub and a yacht basin. An aquarium and a history museum are among the attractions that stand beside the old warehouses and industrial structures. Visit Port Vell to get a sense of the old and the new of Barcelona.
As part of the planning for the Barcelona Olympics in 1992, this area was completely renovated, turning from an abandoned port into an entertainment hub by the sea.
Enjoy a meal on the riverside rambla, with excellent views of the water. Stroll with your family along the Moll de la Fusta boardwalk and pick out your favorites from the great variety of yachts.
Marking the southwestern end of this promenade is the Columbus Monument. Ride an elevator to the summit of this tall column and appreciate the spectacular views of the port, the Gothic Quarter and Montjuïc Hill. At the top of the column stands a statue of the explorer appearing to hold a navigational chart.
Walk along the rambla to the peninsula in the center of the harbor and browse the stores in the Maremagnum shopping center. The mall’s bars and restaurants tend to fill in the evenings.
Bring your family to L’Aquàrium, which has about 11,000 marine animals from 450 different species. Pass through the glass tunnel to feel like you’re submerged and spot the sharks, rays and octopuses around you.
Back on the mainland, inspect the façades of some of the impressive former industrial buildings. Among the highlights is the Catalonia History Museum and the 19th-century Palau de Mar warehouse, which contains seafood restaurants.
Find Port Vell on the waterfront in the southeastern corner of the Barcelona historic center. Travel here from many cities around Europe or take the Barceloneta metro station. Many bus stops line the sides of the port. While here, take time to visit the Basílica de la Mercè, the Plaça del Poeta Boscà and the Plaça de Pau Vila.
