Barcelona what to do? 7am-2pm

[delgadofam2002]

What should we do in this port as it is a very short cruise stop 7-2pm? We will be on the MSC Fantasia. I am thinking of doing the shore excursion w/them since if I pre-book it will be US Dollar charge vs foreign $

[riffatsea]

Where does the shore excursion go??

You could easily take a nice walk through the old part of the city visiting the Cathedral, Santa Maria del Mar (church) Picasso Museum, Museum of the City with its Roman ruins underneath, markets(if it is not a Sunday) etc.

IF there is something else specific you'd like to see you can easily take a taxi as they are not very expensive. You will need euros on many of your stops around the Med so having some to use is not a bad idea.

[HeinBloed]

What should we do in this port as it is a very short cruise stop 7-2pm? We will be on the MSC Fantasia. I am thinking of doing the shore excursion w/them since if I pre-book it will be US Dollar charge vs foreign $

 

I hate MSC because of the port time...

 

07.00 hrs... Barcelona is still sleeping...

 

once the city wakes up you need to be back on board...

 

For 3.00 EUR you can use the Port Bus... but caution they sold on board for 6.00 EUR tickets for their own shuttle...

 

Once you used for 3.00 EUR the blue port bus (starting in front of the terminal) you arrive at Columbus Column which is one block away from the start of the Gothic Quarter. You can browse here for about 1 hour before you can continue to Park Güell which need a little time. Normally around 09.00 hrs it should be open. Maybe you are back in the city about 11.00 hrs and it's time left for a walk down from Placa Catalunya with a visit of the Market Hall La Boqueria and down again La Rambla to Columbus Column to get on the port bus.

 

The currency on board on European itineraries is EURO. So all on-board-expenses incl. tours are charged in Euro.

 

We had the same problem with MSC... like Malaga: no time to go to Granada Alhambra...

 

Regards

HeinBloed

[hubofhockey]

7 to 2 is not a lot of time. I would pick out a couple of uniquely Barcelona things to do or see and include Casa Batllo, which can be seen with audio tour in about an hour. Taxis are cheap in Barcelona. But a walk through the Gothic Quarter and Ramblas could be added in to the short day before heading back. But Casa Batllo would get you to a great Gaudi work.

[riffatsea]

The Boqueria Market at the top of Las Ramblas and the Santa Caterina Market are both open at that early hour. You can stroll throught the aisles and see all the fresh food, buy some things, and get some breakfast/coffee/hot chocolate etc.

[euro cruiser]

Barcelona is one of the easiest ports in the Med to visit on your own. You simply walk off the ship and you're in town. Public transit there covers the city, it is inexpensive, and it's easy to figure out.

 

As others have said, give it some thought, pick a couple of things that are important for you to see, and head out on your own.

[KirkNC]

It is kind of hard to answer not knowing your interests. A day on Las Ramblas with a visit to Picasso and Barri Gothic (old town) could work. Or a cab to Parc Guell followed by a visit to the Block of Discord if you are a Gaudi fan.

 

Kirk

[Oregoncruisesilly]

We rode the funicular over to the Monjuic area. Great view, and that place is a treasure trove if you are just liking to explore. What bad timing though for your ship's stop.