Barcelona Maritime Museum (Museu Marítim de Barcelona)

There is plenty to explore at the Maritime Museum. Learn how trade and ship building helped the region of Catalonia modernize from the 18th through the 20th centuries, see how a medieval vessel was recovered and preserved, and hear about of seafaring adventures from eras throughout history.

You can also admire the building’s medieval architecture and learn about its historical significance on a guided segway, e-bike, or walking tour before heading to other Barcelona highlights, such as Montjuic Hill, the Arc de Triomf, or the trendy El Born neighborhood. Alternatively, visit the museum on a hop-on hop-off bus tour or skip the line and save on admission with the Barcelona City Pass or Barcelona Card.

• In addition to the permanent collection, the museum offers temporary exhibitions, activities for kids, and an educational program about the influence of the sea on Barcelona’s climate, culture, and economy.

• Just down the street, at the end of Las Ramblas, you’ll find the Christopher Monument, another nautical landmark.

• The museum offers a restaurant and cafe, a library, and other amenities.

• Some exhibits are not wheelchair friendly, but the museum offers tours tailored to people with disabilities.

To reach the museum via the metro, take line L3 to the Drassanes station. For a more scenic walk, hop off the metro at the Liceu station, and walk along Las Ramblas enjoying street art and vendors as you go. Alternatively, take the metro line L4 to the Barceloneta station and stroll along the waterfront via Moll de Bosch i Alsina.

The museum is open all week from late morning until mid-evening; last entry is one hour before closing. The museum is closed on December 25th and 26th and January 1st and 6th and closes early on December 24th and 31st. You can visit the museum for free on Sunday evenings.

After soaking up the city’s nautical history at the Maritime Museum, set sail yourself and see the city from the water. Board a brunch, lunch, or sunset cruise from Port Vell or nearby Port Olímpic, and enjoy Barcelona’s coastline from a catamaran or luxury yacht. Depending on the boat you choose, you’ll be able to snack on tapas, sip wine, or listen to live Spanish guitar as you see the city.