WHEN YOU ONLY HAVE ONE DAY IN BARCELONA

When you only have one day in...Barcelona

Barcelona is a great port city and very popular for Mediterranean cruises starting or ending there, as well as a port-of-call for longer voyages. But what to do, where to go and what should you see when you only have one day in Barcelona?

The port is right in the city, so it's easy to walk around or grab a cab for a short journey. The port is big however and your ship maybe on the outskirts - hopefully your cruise line will provide a shuttle bus to the port entrance.

Right outside the port is the end of the most famous street in Barcelona - Las Ramblas. This 1.2km (about ¾ of a mile) long boulevard runs from the cruise terminals in the south right up to Placa Catalunya in the north and is a "must-see" sight in the city. Meander along at you own pace, enjoying the flower markets, street entertainers, café culture and more. It is mainly pedestrianised so easy to navigate. Look out for the Barcelona Miró mosaic inlaid into the pavement, and the vast indoor food market on the left as you head north. Plenty of shops, restaurants and bars line each side of the street so you could spend a good few hours here.

Sagrada Familia - You can walk to the Sagrada Familia from the cruise terminal - however to save time, grab a taxi and make your way there. Still unfinished since its inception in 1882 by Antonio Gaudi, this enormous temple dominates the skyline and is a famous symbol of the city. Be aware cranes will surround it as there is still about 30 years of construction work to go until it is finally finished. Get here early if you want to go inside and up the towers as it gets very busy and queues can be long, and if you only have one day here you don't want to spend it in a queue.

Casa Batllo - again designed by Gaudi - this intriguing building looks like it has been made out of skulls and bones and is fascinating - you can go inside for a look around too. You can walk here from Las Ramblas or again take a taxi to save time.

Park Guell - This was designed by Gaudi for Eusebi Guell, who wanted a stylish park for the Barcelona aristocracy. The park contains many amazing structures, mosaics and organically designed buildings. Take a taxi to get here as it's a way out of the city centre - also you can easily spend half a day here.

Gothic Quarter- Again this is near the port and easily accessible on foot. One of Barcelona's most famous districts, its narrow streets open up into gothic squares and hidden shops and cafes. Great fun for exploring.

Picasso Museum - this is across Las Ramblas in the La Ribera part of the city, again can be reached on foot from the cruise port.

Other things to do in Barcelona are a visit to the Olympic stadium, a trip to Camp Nou if you are into your football, L'Aquarium de Barcelona (near the cruise ship port), Casa Mila if you want more Gaudi architecture, Barcelona Zoo, and the Miro Museum - plenty do to in this bustling and lively city.

What are your top tips for Barcelona? Have you discovered a "must visit" restaurant, sight, or café that you would like to share with our readers? Leave your suggestions below.

Author	Mr Stephen Holgate
Date	16 September 2010
Comment	If you only have one day in barcalona i would not reccomend a visit inside the Sagrada Familia it was a building site when we visited 18 months ago,definatly worth a walk around the outside though. And if you are into your food(you must be if you are on a cruise ship!) make sure you visit the Boqueria market on the Rambles the best market in Europe by far
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