Barcelona: A Favorite Stop Before and After Cruises

Arriving in Barcelona (Barcelona – Pronounced Bar-seh-loh-nah) gives you an immediate sense of the city’s blend of history and energy. Once a Roman settlement called Barcino, the city grew into a hub of trade, culture, and architecture that continues to attract travelers worldwide.

Short stays here often reveal more than expected. From Gaudí’s unique designs to the bustling lanes of La Rambla, the city feels alive with discovery. Both the Gothic Quarter and Eixample offer convenient bases for food, shopping, and easy walking.

Barcelona is a place where past and present exist side by side. Ancient ruins, grand cathedrals, and modern boulevards connect seamlessly, making it an ideal stopover before or after a voyage.

My first visit to Barcelona was full of surprises. While exploring the Gothic Quarter, I found a shop with a spiral stairway that led to the underground Roman ruins of Barcino. Discovering that the old city had simply been built over rather than demolished was an unforgettable start.

On later visits, I explored the city with the hop on hop off bus during the day and again at night. Each circuit offered new angles of Gaudí’s creations, lively plazas, and street performers. I enjoyed sampling treats at bakeries and cafés along La Rambla while watching the rhythm of daily life.

One highlight beyond the city was Montserrat. I took the train out, rode the gondola up to the monastery, and later descended by funicular. The jagged peaks and sweeping valley views gave the trip a balance of adventure and serenity. Barcelona quickly became one of my favorite places to spend a day or two before and after a cruise.