Barcelona: A Favorite Stop Before and After Cruises

Barcelona, Spain is a city where history and modern life blend seamlessly. Founded as the Roman settlement of Barcino, its roots still echo beneath the streets. Over the centuries, the city has grown into a hub of culture, architecture, and food that keeps drawing me back time and again.

I’ve stayed in Barcelona a handful of times, usually just for a night or two before or after a cruise. For convenience I’ll book a stay in the Gothic Quarter or Eixample, both areas that make it easy to walk to food, shops, and historic sites. Each visit feels a little different, and I always manage to find something new.

On my very first trip, I stumbled upon a shop in the Gothic Quarter with a spiral stairway that led to the underground Roman ruins of Barcino. Instead of being lost to time, the old city had simply been built over, preserved beneath the newer streets above. That unexpected discovery set the tone for my connection with Barcelona.

Since then, I’ve hopped on and off the sightseeing buses both during the day and at night, taking in Gaudí’s masterpieces and the city’s lively plazas. Wandering the labyrinth of narrow alleys is always rewarding, whether it’s finding a hidden courtyard, listening to street musicians by the cathedral, or sampling treats at bakeries along La Rambla. The energy here is hard to match.

One of my favorite excursions outside the city was visiting Montserrat. I took the train out, rode the gondola up to the monastery perched on the mountainside, and later descended by funicular. The dramatic peaks, sweeping valley views, and peaceful courtyards made it a day to remember.

Barcelona has become one of my favorite ports to spend a day or two before and after a voyage. It offers the perfect mix of history, culture, and simple joys like sitting with a pastry while people watching.