Cruising in Barcelona Barcelona is a Spain's liveliest city, celebrated for its architecture, two millennia of history, and liberal, fun loving atmosphere. These features, coupled with its position in the heart of the Costa Brava, make Barcelona the cruise capital of the eastern Mediterranean. Big operators such as Crystal, Princess and Costa are based here, departing and returning from Barcelona's Port Vell after cruises taking in the best of southern Europe. In doing so, these vessels are emulating great seafarers such as the Phoenicians and the Romans who plied these waters for centuries.
Port Vell is perfectly positioned at the foot of Las Ramblas, the key tourist thoroughfare leading into the city. It's also one of the most modern and well thought-out cruise facilities in the world, with a currency exchange, duty-free shops and restaurants all serving to maximise the comforts of passengers. The cruise ship berthing positions and the old city are linked the Blue Bus. For those wanting to maximise their time exploring the city and beyond, Avis car hire has an office right on the docks near the World Trade Center building. The port area also has ferries departing for the Balearic Island of Mallorca, Minorca, and Ibiza. For more port information visit http://www.apb.es. Barcelona is packed with attractions such as La Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's famous modernist fantasy church; the maze-like wonder of the medieval Gothic Quarter; the Picasso Museum's astounding collection of Pablo Picasso's work; and FC Barcelona's shrine to football at the Nou Camp. It's worth spending at least three days here, including at least one day to relax and take in the passing scenery at one of Barcelona's famous cafes while enjoying tapas and a jug of ice-cold sangria.
Nightlife
With a lunchtime siesta, there's no excuse for not having enough energy to make it through a long night of partying up a storm on the streets of Barcelona. Alfresco dining is a good way to start an evening of revelry and has become a way of life in many of the city's squares. Good spots to sip on a glass of wine and people-watch are the Plaça del Sol in Gràcia and Passeig del Born, Plaça del Pi, and Plaça Reial in the Old Town. Barcelona is a trendy city with a fickle club scene that changes just about as often as its locals change their minds on what they'd like to drink. During the summertime, chiringuitos (beach bars) open along the white sands of Barcelona's urban beaches, each with its own vibe and music, and are popular with both locals and tourists alike. Key spots are Barri Gòtic & Las Ramblas, which, despite its medieval atmosphere, boasts a great selection of bars and clubs to choose from, though keep your possessions close to your body as pickpockets operate in these areas. This is where you'll find some of Barcelona's most popular and trendiest nightclubs and bars. L'Eixample, north of the city, is the place to go for Barcelona's gay scene. Port Olimpic is great for night owls with plenty of bars, clubs and great seafood restaurants, while the yacht marina is a great place to enjoy sundowners on a warm summer's evening. With the rest of Europe right on its doorstep, Barcelona is dripping with culture and there are plenty of regular performances for culture vultures to enjoy. Catch a ballet, musical, dance or opera at various venues such as the Joan Miro Foundation and Greek Theater at Montjuic or the Liceu Opera House. And for a more relaxed evening, visitors can enjoy Flamenco being performed at various venues throughout the city such as Tablao de Carmen and Travel Bar Flamenco Guide, which are both located in the old quarter's center.
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