Port Vell

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.

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Reviews of Port Vell

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
150
5 - Excellent 40%
4 - Good
201
4 - Good 54%
3 - Okay
24
3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

A place we walked through on several occasions.

4/5 - Good

Michelle

Nice to sip a cocktail on the top floor of the museum while pondering who owns the floating "gin palaces" below.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Have a glass of chilled wine feet up and enjoy the views.

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Things to do near Port Vell

Port Vell in Barcelona boasts a vibrant atmosphere with a plethora of activities to enjoy, including exploring captivating art galleries and indulging in a delightful shopping experience. The area is perfect for leisurely strolls along the waterfront, where you can soak in the stunning views and enjoy various dining options. Whether you're an art enthusiast or a shopping aficionado, Port Vell offers a memorable blend of culture and relaxation.

Shopping

Moll d'Espanya, a mere 62m from Port Vell, offers a delightful shopping experience with a family-friendly atmosphere. Close by, El Corte Inglés, located 1.50m away, combines shopping with entertainment. For a taste of local culture, visit Boqueria Market, only 497m away, bustling with vibrant city vibes.

Recreation

The Palau de la Música Catalana offers an enchanting musical experience, with its stunning architecture enhancing the vibrant concert atmosphere. At Palau Sant Jordi, immerse yourself in exhilarating sports events, while Auditori Forum provides a lively setting for captivating performances, all within a short distance from Port Vell.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of racing at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, located 8.7km from Port Vell, where adrenaline meets speed. For a family-friendly adventure, take a scenic ride on the Port Cable Car, only 186m away, offering stunning views and a sense of excitement. Don't miss Illa Fantasia, a vibrant waterpark 8.1km from Port Vell, perfect for fun-filled days with loved ones.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Port Vell is vibrant and diverse. Start your evening at the Teatre Principal, just 311m away, for a cultural experience. For a romantic film, the Film Archive of Catalonia, 435m away, is perfect. Finally, enjoy another show at the Victoria Theatre, 497m distant.

Find the best attractions near Port Vell

Port Vell in Barcelona offers a delightful array of attractions, including charming piazzas, historic churches, and vibrant streets. This area is perfect for travellers seeking cultural experiences and family-friendly activities. Don't miss exploring the nearby Ciutat Vella for a taste of local history and atmosphere. With plenty of options to immerse yourself in the city's spirit, Port Vell is an ideal starting point for your Barcelona adventure.

  • La Rambla: Stroll along this vibrant street, filled with shops, cafes, and street performers. La Rambla is the heart of Barcelona, offering a lively atmosphere where you can soak in the city's unique culture and dynamic energy.
  • Barceloneta Beach: Enjoy the sun and sea at Barceloneta Beach, a popular spot for both locals and tourists. With its golden sands and beachside restaurants, it's the perfect place to relax and experience the laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle.
  • Plaça de Catalunya: This bustling square serves as a central hub for both tourists and locals. Surrounded by impressive architecture and cultural sites, it's an ideal location to delve into Barcelona's rich history and vibrant urban life.

Best time to go to Port Vell

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 (dry). The coolest average temperature around Port Vell falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with no rain (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
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

To save money during your visit to Port Vell, consider travelling from November to January when hotel prices are lower. Booking around a month in advance often yields the best deals, especially on Mondays, while Fridays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia's search tool to compare room rates and find affordable options, including eco-certified hotels. Additionally, look for last-minute deals and consider holiday packages that bundle hotels with flights and activities for extra savings. Enjoy free activities around the harbour and utilise the efficient public transport system to get around economically.

  • 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: Booking a hotel around Port Vell about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Port Vell is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Port Vell is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange the results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels at a glance. Furthermore, you have the option to narrow down your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your Port Vell hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia