Port Vell Tours and Activities

Port Vell
Port Vell
Port Vell
Port Vell
Port Vell


Former warehouses containing seafood restaurants and a peninsula with an aquarium show how this seaside port has been modernized.

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.

Plan a trip to see Port Vell

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Best Lodging Options Near Port Vell

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Port Vell

Port Vell in Barcelona offers an array of exciting activities for tourists, including city tours that showcase the area's rich history and culture. Visitors can enjoy jet ski rentals for a thrilling experience on the water or opt for sailing trips with stunning sightseeing opportunities. With vibrant shopping venues and various attractions nearby, Port Vell promises an unforgettable blend of adventure and relaxation for all who explore its waterfront charm.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience in Port Vell, visit Maremagnum, a vibrant shopping mall with family-friendly vibes just 161m away. Nearby, Moll d'Espanya offers a similar atmosphere. Don't miss Boqueria Market, 1.3km away, for a taste of local culture and delicious treats.

Recreation

Camp Nou, a renowned sports stadium, offers an energetic atmosphere and a chance to catch a football match. Palau de la Música Catalana features stunning architecture and captivating concerts, while Palau Sant Jordi hosts thrilling sporting events, both promising memorable experiences in the vibrant heart of Barcelona.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, located 22.5km from Port Vell. For a family-friendly adventure, take a ride on the Port Cable Car, only 483m away. Alternatively, challenge yourself at Climbat Foixarda, a climbing venue situated 3.2km from Port Vell.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Port Vell by visiting the Victoria Theatre, offering a blend of culture and romance, or catch a film at the Film Archive of Catalonia for a cozy family outing. Don't miss the Teatre Principal for an entertaining night filled with artistic performances!

Find the best attractions near Port Vell

Port Vell in Barcelona offers a delightful mix of cultural and family-friendly experiences. Explore the charming piazzas, historic churches, and vibrant streets, all while soaking in the atmosphere of the old port and Port Vell. This area is perfect for tourists seeking a taste of local culture and scenic views, making it an ideal destination for both relaxation and exploration.

  • La Rambla: A vibrant street that stretches for 644m from Port Vell, La Rambla is the heart of Barcelona. Filled with street performers, cafes, and shops, it offers a lively atmosphere perfect for strolling and people-watching.
  • Plaça de Catalunya: Located 1.6km away, this iconic square is a cultural hub. Surrounded by impressive architecture, it's a great place to relax, enjoy public art, and connect to various city attractions.
  • Barceloneta Beach: Just 644m from Port Vell, Barceloneta Beach invites you to unwind with its sandy shores and lively beach vibes. Enjoy sunbathing, beach sports, or delicious seafood at nearby restaurants.

Best time to go to Port Vell

Visitor numbers around Port Vell is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Port Vell can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Port Vell falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Port Vell falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January48.9°F (9.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
February49.8°F (9.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
March53.4°F (11.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May63.7°F (17.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
June71.8°F (22.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
July77.0°F (25.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
August77.4°F (25.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowAverage
September72.1°F (22.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October65.8°F (18.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November56.8°F (13.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December51.1°F (10.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Port Vell

Port Vell in Barcelona offers several ways to save money during your visit. Enjoy free attractions like La Rambla, Plaça de Catalunya, and Barceloneta Beach. For the best hotel deals, consider visiting between November and January, with Tuesday being the cheapest day to stay. Booking a month in advance or utilizing last-minute deals on Expedia can yield significant savings. Be sure to filter for eco-certified accommodations and sort prices from lowest to highest to find the best offers. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities in an Expedia package can also help you save.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Port Vell are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Port Vell is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Port Vell is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Port Vell is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodations currently available. To discover the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay in Port Vell with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.