Museu Maritím
Museum housed in the medieval shipyards celebrates Barcelona’s maritime culture and history. A full-scale model of a galleon as well as exhibits on shipbuilding techniques through the ages are interesting even for those without any knowledge of the subjects. Admission also includes access to a docked schooner built in 1917. Free tours on Sundays with general admission.
Plaça Portal de la Pau, Tel. 93 302 5224, www.museumaritimbarcelona.com
Open: 10am-7pm daily
Admission: E6.50, free under 7 years
Metro: Drassanes: L3
Catamaran Orsom
A catamaran for 80 leaves port and provides willing sailors with views of the harbour, before crossing the bay. Jazz cruises are available at 8pm from June-Sept.
Portal de la Pau, Port de Barcelona, Tel. 93 441 0537, www.barcelona-orsom.com
Open for sailings: Mid-March to Oct, noon-8pm daily, each lasts about 1hr 20mins.
Admission: Tickets are E12.50-E14.50, E6.50-E9.50 reductions, free under 4 years
Metro: Drassanes: L3
Museu d’ Història de Catalunya
An excellent visual and activity-based narration of the region’s history. The museum spans Catalan culture from prehistoric times up until 1980 with temporary exhibits often highlighting more recent developments. Films, reproductions of medieval shops, and hands-on activities like lifting a suit of knight’s armour provide entertainment and education for all ages.
Plaça Pau Vila,Tel.93 225 4700, www.mhcat.net
Open: 10am-7pm Tues, Thurs-Sat; 10am-8pm Wed; 10am-2.30pm Sun.
Admission: E5, free under 7 years, free on first Sunday of the month
Metro: Barceloneta: L4
Beaches
• Platja de Barceloneta: Located close to the city centre, offers children’s beach toys and a slew of restaurants up on the patio walkway.
• Platja de Bogatell: Popular with tourists and offers several seafood and tapas bars on the beach that get even more crowded at night.
• Platja de Mar Bella: the city’s only official nudist beach also offers volleyball nets, sailing, basketball nets, a BMX half pipe, and water sports.
• Platja Nova Mar Bella: A good place to go to blend with local families.
• Platja de Nova Icària: More expansive than some of the other beaches, good for beach volleyball or Frisbee.
• Platja de Sant Miguel: Very popular and very crowded, with a fair amount of young beachgoers.
• Platja de San Sebastiá: One of the closest beaches to the city centre.