Port Vell (Old Port), Barcelona

Situated at the base of La Rambla, Barcelona's marina offers a captivating waterfront experience. Beyond the old customs house, built in 1902 at the former maritime entrance of the city known as the Portal de la Pau, lies a vibrant maritime hub. The Moll de Barcelona, located to the south, serves as a passenger pier for visiting cruise liners. Connecting La Rambla to the yacht clubs on the Moll d'Espanya is a swing bridge and a pedestrian jetty known as La Rambla de Mar. On the Moll d'Espanya, visitors can explore the remarkable Aquàrium and indulge in a wide array of shopping and dining options at the expansive Maremagnum complex.

Along the picturesque shoreline, the Moll de la Fusta ("Timber Wharf") stands adorned with striking red structures inspired by the iconic bridge in Arles, France, famously depicted in Vincent van Gogh's 1888 painting. At the end of the wharf, one will find the colourful Barcelona Head ("El Cap de Barcelona"), a 20-meter (66-foot) tall sculpture created by renowned Pop artist Roy Lichtenstein. On the opposite side of the Moll d'Espanya, the luxurious Luxury Marina stands in contrast to its previous use as a warehouse district. Only one building remains from Barcelona's Old Port—the former General Stores building. Designed by engineer Maurici Garrán in 1881, it now houses the Catalan History Museum ("Museu d'Història de Catalunya") after undergoing refurbishment in 1992. For breathtaking views of the port, visitors can ascend to the top of the Columbus Monument ("Mirador a Colom").