Port Vell is a waterfront harbor and major tourist attraction in Barcelona. In Catalan, Port Vell translates as Old Harbor, and during the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, this area was part of an urban renewal program to transform old factories, warehouses, and railroad yards into a dynamic section of the city. The transformation has succeeded in bringing many people to the waterfront area, and popular attractions here include the Barcelona Aquarium, a massive shopping mall called Maremagnum Barcelona, and even an IMAX theater. A great center of entertainment, Port Vell has maintained its popularity since its revival in the 1990s.
Port Vell is connected to the popular boulevard La Rambla by a pedestrian walkway. Not only is the area loved for the mall and Barcelona IMAX theater, but there are also numerous bars and restaurants. While the area is popular for dining and nightlife, it is also very lively during the day as tourists enjoy the walk along a pedestrian street from the Columbus Monument all the way to the Barceloneta neighborhood. Many visitors to Barcelona often say one of their favorite parts of seeing the Catalonian city was the pedestrian boulevards and seeing many attractions without the constant interruption of traffic.
The biggest attraction at Port Vell is definitely the Barcelona Aquarium. One of the largest aquariums in Europe, the Barcelona Aquarium is home to more than 8,000 fish and other aquatic creatures, and there are 1.5 million gallons of sea water in this aquarium. Many visitors arrive to see the sharks on display, and the aquarium offers an unforgettable opportunity to walk through an 80-meter long tunnel with sharks and fish swimming all around you. This attraction is open daily from 9:30 am until 7 pm with extended hours on the weekends and in the summer. Discounted admission is available for children.
The other attraction that brings so many visitors to Port Vell is the shopping mall Maremagnum Barcelona. A variety of shops and restaurants bring people not only for browsing and buying souvenirs, but also for people-watching and dining. International brands available here include Calvin Klein, H&M, MANGO, and Springfield. Some of the best restaurants at Maremagnum Barcelona are Fresc Co, Tapa Tapa, and El Chipiron de Moncho’s. There are also a variety of options for chocolate, coffee, and drinks. If you’re looking for souvenirs or toys, you will also find these options at this massive mall.
The mall is also home to the Barcelona IMAX theater. There are three types of screens at this IMAX: the Omnimax screen, the flat IMAX, and the 3D IMAX. (3D glasses are required for these screenings.) If you need a night away from the sangria and nightlife of Barcelona, the IMAX theater makes for a leisurely evening. There are many forms of entertainment in Barcelona, including museums, the Barcelona Zoo, and architectural marvels. Don’t miss an architectural tour of the Barcelona Concert Hall or seeing the work of Gaudi at Casa Batllo. During a trip to Barcelona, experiencing a dull moment is almost impossible, and Port Vell is one of the best places to stay entertained.