The Underwater World of Barcelona Aquarium

If you are a city dweller or have young children with you, then a trip to the underwater world of Barcelona Aquarium is a must for you. It is not the biggest aquarium in Europe, but it certainly offers some of the best shark exhibitions of any aquarium. In any case, kids love to watch fish because they are active creatures, unlike many zoo animals that laze about all day because they have nothing to keep them occupied.

The aquarium is famed for its shark displays, and makes a serious attempt to educate the public in these fascinating but feared creatures through its ‘Diving with Sharks‘ program. This course costing 300 Euros is designed for qualified divers, and is in three parts, the first of which is a theoretical class on sharks, their habits and their habitat.

The second part involves a tour of the aquarium, presumable with particular reference to sharks and the way the aquarium presents them, and finally an Oceanarium dive of four people to visit the sharks close up. The tank contains 15 million liters of water and over 15 sharks living in the same environment as other marine creatures, including moray eels, groupers and rays - a total of 5000 other organisms.  This is a fascinating and popular course for both professional and amateur divers.

Its more traditional exhibits include large tanks displaying 14 different Mediterranean communities, such as the cave and crevice community, red coral community and benthos (sea bottom) life. Each of these fascinating tanks both educates and entertains, and is suitable for children and adults of all ages.

Of special interest to many children (and adults) are the small tanks, or ‘mini aquaria‘ as they are referred to, that show the environment and way of life of creatures such as the nautilus and the sea cucumber, the strange creatures that live within meadows of Neptune grass, and the fantastic woody sea-dragon and big-bellied seahorse. This is a marvelous opportunity to meet these wonderful creatures for the first time and learn a bit about what struggles they have to survive in order just to stay alive. 

The ‘Explora‘ exhibitions have been designed specifically for children, and offer more than 50 interactive exhibits that enable children to explore life in a wide range of marine habitats. The Oceanarium is a tank 35 metres in diameter and 5 metres deep, containing tiger and sandbar shark, sunfish, rays, moray eels and many more that can be viewed from an 80 m long  transparent tunnel crossing the bottom of the tank.  For some, this is the highlight of the Barcelona aquarium, but for children there is a lot more to come.

The children can spend a night here ‘Sleeping with Sharks’ (currently available in Spanish and Catalan only), and also have birthday parties. Planeta Aqua teaches them the importance of water to the planet, and explains marine life from the glacial cold of the arctic to the warmth of tropical waters to life in the dark abyss where natural chemistry enables sea creatures to create their own personal torches. All of this is fascinating to children, and a far cry from the boring tank exhibits of their parents’ days.

Barcelona Aquarium might not be as large as that in London, but it is nevertheless one of the largest in Europe, and certainly offers one of the best range of exhibits in modern settings that you are likely to come across. The fish and other species are not shown simply for you to gawk at, but in a way that educates you in the way of life and the fight for survival that these creatures have to experience every single day in their own natural environments.

These environments are recreated as accurately as possible in what, after all, is an aquarium that has been artificially created to house them. It seems that Barcelona Aquarium has achieved that extremely well, and while it might not be of interest to everybody, it certainly will be to anybody with the slightest interest in how fish, sea molluscs and other animal life survive in the hostile environment that we know as ‘the sea’.

The aquarium is owned by the Aspro Group that runs more than 35 marine theme parks and exhibitions throughout Europe, including the Blue Reef and Blue Planet aquaria in England, Deep Sea World in Scotland, and Aqualand in Spain, France and Portugal, and they can call upon all of their experience to offer you what are among the best marine exhibitions in the world.

This is an experience not to be missed, and if you have children this is an absolute must, but if you want to take advantage of any of the special courses or features of Barcelona Aquarium then you have to book in advance at the number provided below.

The aquarium is open all year round from 9.30 A.M., closing from 9 P.M. onwards depending on time of year. Call 93 221 7474 for details or to make bookings for any of the special events or exhibitions.

It is situated at Moll d’Espanya del Port Vell, and a large number of buses travel here, namely routes 14, 17, 19, 36, 38, 40, 45, 57, 59, 64, 91 and 157. You can use the Blue South route of the Bus Turístic, and the metro on L3 and L4.  It is not difficult to find.

Barceloneta – a Former Fishing Village, a Fine Beach and a Great place for Good Local Seafood.

If you’re planning a trip to Barcelona and you love the beach, the sun and lots of outdoor fun – consider Barceloneta. It is the city’s most popular beach, easily accessible and a favorite stopover for tourists and locals alike.

Barceloneta (which literally means “little Barcelona”), is a former fishing village with a  rich maritime history and one of the four primary districts of Ciutat Vella (old town)  which is centrally located in the very heart of the city.

This district was purpose built for the residents of Ribera who were ousted from their properties to make way for the construction of the Ciutadella in the 18th century. This is why much of what you see seems to be very organized and well laid out. The whole area was designed in one major development phase, and this has led to a feeling of organization, which makes it very easy to find your way about.

Today, it is one of the most popular areas in all of Barcelona and features beautiful pedestrian walkways and lots of great cafes. Adding to its charm, Barceloneta is bordered on one side by the Mediterranean Sea, bordered on a second side by the delightful Muelle de España of Port Vell and bordered on a third side by El Borne – a district of Barcelona packed with trendy bars, great restaurants and some of the city’s most fashionable boutiques.

Barceloneta’s main attractions are its beaches. However, they may not be the area’s best attraction. Although conveniently-located close to the city center, popular with tourists and generally well -suited for families with children, these city beaches may not be always well-maintained and tend to become overcrowded on most summer weekends. If you’re looking for a beach that can provide you with relaxation and tranquility, it may be a better idea to go to Nova Icaria or Bogatell.

All of Barceloneta’s beaches feature vendors who walk among the sun lovers throughout the day, offering products for sale that are generally inexpensive, such as sunglasses.  Some of these vendors also offer foot massages for as little as 5 Euros.

Another beach benefit is chiringuitos. These typical small Spanish-style open bars can be found on all the beaches in Barceloneta. These convenient bars are actually right on the beach – on the sand itself – and offer hot and thirsty beach lovers a chance to relax and cool off – with a cold drink, a light snack or even a pleasant lunch at a beachfront, open-air table. Chiringuitos are immensely popular with Spain’s beach-loving citizens and can be found at beaches all over the country. Most chiringuitos are open from 9 A.M. to 2 A.M. daily.

Barceloneta’s main boulevard is Passeig Joan de Borbo. It begins at the Plaça Palau and stretches all the way to the Mediterranean Sea. Modern and well-suited for pedestrians today, it once was the site of endless rows of warehouses and was not at all fashionable. Passeig Joan de Borbo is currently the place to go for fresh and delicious seafood. There are many fine restaurants and bars, with “hawkers” out front urging you to enter, serving traditional culinary seafood delights, such as paella and fideua.

Stop and see L’Aquarium de Barcelona. If you’re traveling with children, and you tire of the beach, you may want to consider visiting Barcelona’s first class aquarium – L’Aquarium de Barcelona. Located in Port Vell (old Port) and considered to be one of the finest aquariums in all of Europe, it features interactive displays that will delight children and huge tanks filled with Mediterranean sea life, as well as sea life from other parts of the world.

Although an indoor activity, I’d strongly recommend the IMMAX Cinema in Port Vell, one of the largest movie theater complexes in Barcelona No doubt your children will strongly recommend it too when they hear about it! It’s a short walk up from the beach, and is home to a dazzling array of amazing 3D films that the whole family will certainly enjoy, many of them are presented in English.

While in Barceloneta you may also want to visit the Museu d’Historia de Cataluña (Cataluña’s History Museum). Located in the stunning Palau del Mar (Sea Palace), which is in the old port, it will enable you to take an interesting tour back through Cataluña’s long history. Once you’ve completed your tour, you can take a break at one of the several cafes and restaurants located just outside the museum. The outdoor tables will allow you to enjoy the sun and the passing pedestrian scene while you sip a drink or eat a meal.

Visitors may also consider a stop at Plaza de Barceloneta, the area’s main square and the home of the Iglesia de Sant Miguel del Port. Built in 1755, the building’s façade is particularly interesting. There is also a giant sculpture of St. Miguel himself.

Barceloneta is also home to the Mercat de Barceloneta, a lively, traditional and typical Catalan market. Here, you can join with locals to buy fresh meat, fish, fruits and vegetables – all at very fair and competitive prices.

Here’s how easy it is to get there. Barceloneta is easily accessible in a number of ways. You can walk there along the Passeig de Colon, a short trip that begins at the Plaza de Colon, just past Las Ramblas. Or, if you prefer, you can use public transportation. The Metro Yellow Line L4 will take you to a stop that will leave you at the beginning of the district. Buses, such as the N-17 line, are also available.

There is even a cable car at San Sebastian beach which you can use to get to the top of Montjuic Mountain. It’s a scenic ride, so take a camera with you in order to take memorable photographs of the panoramic views you’ll enjoy of the port and the Mediterranean Sea.

One of Barcelona’s main railway stations, Estaçio de França, is located directly behind the Barceloneta metro. Trains leaving from this station can take you directly to the airport – quickly and easily – or to other parts of Spain, such as the beautiful coastal area of Costa Brava, Figueras, home of the Dali Museum or even Girona, a city known for its Gothic architecture. There are also lockers at the railway station that you can use to store luggage, temporarily, if, for instance, your flight out of Barcelona will be late at night.

Finally, it’s important to know that Barceloneta is the place to go for locals who enjoy outdoor sports, such as jogging and cycling. It’s popular with tourists who are drawn to its long, palm-tree lined boulevards, especially the Passeig Joan de Borbo. And it’s popular with everyone – locals and tourists alike – who enjoy a day at the beach.

If like the beach, dining on seafood, visiting aquariums and museums, you need to make sure you come to the city’s former fishing village when you visit Barcelona. Include a stopover in Barceloneta.

Barcelona …It’s a Great Place to Visit for Sightseers.

Start your personal sightseeing tour in Ciutat Vella.

Cuitat Vella, Barcelona’s “old town” is right in the middle of the city … a perfect starting place to begin your personal tour. This area, which long ago was separated from Barcelona’s other villages by ancient Roman walls, includes four districts (Barrio Gotico, Raval, El Borne and Barceloneta), each of which includes sights worth visiting.

Make Barrio Gotico your first stop. Considered to be the most heavily Gothic area on the European continent, it is also the oldest part of Barcelona, an intriguing and dense maze of shops, cafes, open and inviting squares and buildings dating back several hundred years, many of which were actually constructed over a two hundred year period between the 13^th and 15^th century. Interestingly and amazingly, many of these buildings remain surprisingly intact … a wonder to see. Barrio Gotico is flush with many interesting sights that need to be seen. These include …

Catedral de la Seu - this ancient cathedral is one of the most impressive and very best examples of Catalan Gothic architecture.

Plaza del Rei (Royal Square) - dating back hundreds of years to medieval times, this charming, “must-see” square is a true architectural wonder.

Conjunt Monumental de la Place del Rei - here, in the heart of Ciutat Vella, is the museum that artfully and completely recounts Barcelona’s long and fascinating history. A walk through this remarkable museum will give you access to the most extensive collection of underground Roman ruins available anywhere in Europe.

Plaza de Sant Jaume - here, for your personal enjoyment, is one of the grandest and most magnificent squares in all of Barcelona – home to the Palau de Generalitat (Cataluna’s stately Government Palace) and Casa de la Ciutat (the Ajuntament de Barcelona, also known as Barcelona Town Hall).

Museu de Calçat - If you’ve never been to a “shoe museum,” this is one stop you can’t afford to pass up. It’s fascinating, unusual, different and totally enjoyable.

Take A Break …

Stop and Enjoy Las Ramblas.

Your personal tour should lead you directly to the tree-lined tourist mecca of Las Ramblas, a very pleasant part of town that stretches all the way down to Barcelona’s trendy harbor from the Plaza Cataluna.

This is the perfect time to take a break at an outdoor café and enjoy the passing pedestrian scene as you sip a coffee or eat a light lunch. But, don’t sit too long. You still have lots to do and see … beginning with your next destination – Raval.

Many locals think of Raval as the real Barcelona. You can decide when you get there … because you will find much to see and do. For instance, in Raval, you can visit …

MACBA (Barcelona’s Contemporary Art Museum) and CCCB (Barcelona’s Contemporary Art Center) … this is “heaven-on-earth” for those who love and appreciate the best in contemporary and avant-garde art. And you can make both stops in a single visit.

Gothic Antic Hospital de la Santa Creu - Gothic architecture is dominant in many parts of Barcelona. And this is one of the most stunning and noteworthy examples of this unique architectural art form.

Here, in Raval, you will also be able to see the spectacular and visually-splendid Palau Guell, one of Antonio Gaudi’s earliest works. It is located in a prominent position for all to see on Nou de la Rambla Street. Don’t miss it.

Make El Borne (La Ribera) your next stop. This district, which also dates back to medieval times, and once extended almost to Barcelona’s harbor, features many sights worth seeing, such as:

Santa Caterina Market - built way back in 1848, renovated and renewed in the 1990s, it is a huge fresh produce market and a fun and fascinating destination for every visitor to the city. What is particularly noteworthy about Santa Caterina Market is that the archaeological remains of the ancient Santa Caterina convent were discovered here when renewal took place in the 1990s. This was a very important archaeological discovery.

Museo Picasso - Barcelona’s most visited art museum and home of one of its very best art collections features some of Picasso’s very best works. You won’t want to miss it.

Parc de Ciutadella - tucked away from the hustle and bustle of El Borne, the Park offers a green respite and a pleasant retreat from the rigors of sightseeing. There is a lot to do and see – and enjoy – for the entire family, especially the children.

Santa Maria del Mar - after you leave the park, stop at church. But, keep this in mind: it’s not just any church. In fact, Santa Maria del Mar is probably the most beautiful Gothic church in all of Barcelona. Your visit there will be memorable.

Believe it or not, there are still many sights to see in Ciutat Vella. Continue your walking tour with a stopover at Barcelona’s beautiful port area.

The beneficiary of a major renovation project in the 1990s, the port today is trendy and features museums and activities that make it especially fun to visit for children. It also gives you an insight into the city’s long and proud maritime history. There are many sights worth seeing. These include:

L’Aquarium - a magnificent water-borne museum for oceanic mammals and sea life, it is also one of the world’s most important Mediterranean-themed aquariums.

Museu d’Historia de Cataluna - stop here and take a fascinating tour back through Cataluña’s long and interesting history.

Museu Maritim - this is one of the city’s finest museums … and it’s where you will learn all about Barcelona’s nautical history.

Platja de Barceloneta - if you enjoy sun, surf and sand, you won’t have to go far to find it. Barcelona’s most popular – and populous - -beach is within easy walking distance of all major hotels and vacation apartments.

Barcelona has often enjoyed spurts of heavy architectural development throughout its long history. Excellent examples of this can be found in Eixample district.

As you begin to leave Ciutat Vella and venture inland, you are likely to encounter the incredible Sagrada Familia, Antonio Gaudi’s magnificent and memorable unfinished church. One of the most extraordinary sights in all of Barcelona, it must be seen to be appreciated.

It’s time to move on to Montjuic.

Nicknamed “the mount of museums,” Montjuic is well-known for its many sport complexes (built expressly for the 1992 Olympic Games), its exhibition pavilions, its trade halls and its spectacular gardens (which were planted for the 1929 Universal Exhibition). There is so much to see and do here, you will need to set aside an entire day just to explore and enjoy. Here are the main sights:

MNAC - this is the National Musuem of Art of Cataluna and it is where you will find truly outstanding exhibits and examples of Roman and Gothic Cataluña art.

Fundacio Joan Miro - Spain’s “other” 20^th century titan of the art world, and a Cataluña “favorite son” is well represented here with an unrivalled collection of many of his finest works of art.

Poble Espanol - Spain’s remarkable architectural achievements are well represented in this enjoyable open air museum. Visitors will also enjoy the museum’s craft workshops.

L’Anella Olimpica - Barcelona proudly hosted the 1992 Summer Olympic Games and this site is the historical reminder of that unforgettable event.

Jardin Botanic - stop here for a pleasant, relaxing - and visually stunning – break from the day’s sightseeing. It’s a welcome respite.

If you think you’re finished … you’re not.

A trip to some of the outlying areas, such as the Les Corts or Gracia districts, offers up some wonderful surprises for you. You will see:

Estadi Camp Nou - this is the modern stadium of Barcelona’s world-class football (soccer) club – Barça - and a must-see for those who enjoy the game. Located in Les Corts and no more than 20 minutes from downtown Barcelona, the stadium is one of the largest in Europe.

Parc Guell - far from downtown Barcelona, but well worth the trip, this playful, fairy-tale park, situated on a large tract of land, is one of Antonio Gaudi’s best-loved and finest contributions to Barcelona and its people. It’s magnificent and a wonderful place for parents and children. Plus, visitors can take the time to buy traditional Catalan souvenirs at very affordable prices.

There are many more sightseeing treasures located in and around Barcelona, something to please every taste. All you need to do is decide what you like …. then arrange to go and see it.

From historical museums to art museums … Roman ruins to Gothic churches … open air squares to fun-filled theme parks – Barcelona is a sightseer’s dream destination. Come here … visit our best sites … enjoy. It’s definitely worth the trip.