The Barcelona Aquarium is a mesmerizing underwater wonderland that displays the wonders of the Mediterranean Sea and beyond.
Barcelona offers more than Aquarium. After admiring the aquatic life, head out to see the city’s diverse districts and other fascinating sites near the Aquarium.
Let’s dive into the article to know more about the Barcelona Aquarium’s nearby attractions that you visit in a short distance.
Church of Santa Maria del Mar
Visit Santa Maria del Mar, a stunning church where its light-filled interior feels airy and spacious.
Unlike many decorated churches, Santa Maria del Mar has a simple, elegant style.
Tall, thin columns reach for the sky, creating a sense of awe.
It has a simple yet powerful beauty, with stained glass adding splashes of color.
Climb the bell tower for amazing city views and a taste of Barcelona’s maritime history.
How to Experience it?
You can view this Holy Mary of the Sea with an entry ticket.
The ticket costs €15 per person aged 18 to 64 years.
Youth aged between 10 to 12 years and seniors aged 65 and above should pay €12 for the ticket and infants below nine years have free entry.
Distance from Barcelona Aquarium: 900 meters
⏲️Opening Hours: 10 am to 6 pm
Last entry: 5:30 pm
Time Needed: 1 hours
Best Time: Early morning
Address: 1, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona.
Barcelona Cathedral
Barcelona Cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece located in the heart of the city.
Its front features towering gargoyles and exquisite stained glass windows.
Inside, soaring columns lead to spacious areas illuminated with color.
The church provides a historic and peaceful respite, displaying traditional Gothic grandeur and the narrative of Saint Eulalia, Barcelona’s patron saint.
How to Experience it?
You can see the Barcelona Cathedral by purchasing an entry ticket.
The entry ticket costs €17 per person aged 13 years and above.
Children aged between four and 12 years should pay €8 for the ticket and infants below four years have free entry.
Distance from Barcelona Aquarium: 1 km
⏲️Opening Hours: 10.30 am to 6.30 pm
Last entry: 6 pm
Time Needed: 1 to 2 hours
Best Time: Early morning
Address: Pla de la Seu, s/n, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona
Picasso Museum
Pablo Picasso’s masterpieces are housed in the Picasso Museum.
In the Museum you can see his creative development from the heartfelt portraits and early Blue Period to the revolutionary Cubist works that transformed the art world.
In addition to paintings, the museum also features sculptures, pottery, and drawings, providing visitors with a comprehensive understanding of Picasso’s creative brilliance and his significant influence on modern art.
How to Experience it?
Get an entry ticket to explore Picasso’s creative work.
The entry ticket costs €25 per person aged 18 and above years.
The ticket costs €23 for the children aged between six and 17 years and infants below five years have free entry.
Distance from Barcelona Aquarium: 1.2 km
⏲️Opening Hours: 9 am to 9 pm
Last entry: 8 pm
Time Needed: 2 to 3 hours
Best Time: Early morning
Address: C/ de Montcada, 15-23, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona
Barcelona Zoo
Barcelona Zoo, located in Ciutadella Park, houses around 2,000 exotic creatures representing 400 species.
You can see towering giraffes, playful primates, or get chills watching creatures in the terrarium.
This ancient zoo is dedicated to conservation and educating people about the beauties of wildlife.
While this city zoo may look smaller, the diversity of animals and gorgeous park setting make it an enjoyable day trip for animal lovers.
How to Experience it?
You can visit Barcelona Zoo by purchasing an entry ticket.
The entry ticket for the Zoo costs €21 per person aged 13 years and above.
Children aged between three and 12 years should pay €13 for the ticket and infants below three years have free entry.
Distance from Barcelona Aquarium: 2 km
⏲️Opening Hours: 10 am to 7 pm
Last entry: 6 pm
Time Needed: 2 to 4 hours
Best Time: Early morning
Address: Parc de la Ciutadella, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona
Casa Milà – La Pedrera
Casa Milà, commonly known as La Pedrera (The Quarry), stands tall on Passeig de Gràcia.
The building’s sloping front creates rippling waves reflecting Gaudí’s obsession with nature.
The absence of straight lines lends a lively, almost organic feel.
You can stroll around the rooftop and admire the fanciful chimneys like abstract warriors, which have become iconic emblems of Barcelona.
Casa Milà’s one-of-a-kind modernist flats provide an insight into the lives of Barcelona’s aristocracy in the early twentieth century.
How to Experience it?
You must get an admission ticket to explore Casa Milà’s contemporary structure.
The entry ticket costs €28 per person aged 18 to 64 years.
Children aged between seven to 17 years should pay €13 for the ticket and infants below six years have free entry.
While senior citizens aged 65 years and above and students with ID have to pay €17.
Distance from Barcelona Aquarium: 3 km
⏲️Opening Hours: 9 am to 11 pm
Last entry: 10 pm
Time Needed: 2 to 3 hours
Best Time: Early morning
✅Address: Pg. de Gràcia, 92, L’Eixample, 08008 Barcelona
Montjuïc Castle
Montjuïc Castle, located high on Barcelona’s Montjuïc hill, is a powerful fortification with a rich history.
Originally constructed in the 17th century as a military base to dominate the city, it has since served as a prison and a military museum.
Today, it provides breathtaking panoramic views of Barcelona and contains the National Museum of Catalan Art, which exhibits Catalan art from the 12th to 20th century.
Montjuïc Castle is a must-see destination for anybody interested in history, art, or spectacular views.
How to Experience it?
You can experience the Montjuïc Castle by riding a cable car with a ticket.
The ticket for the castle and the cable car costs €74 per person aged nine years and above.
Children aged between three and eight years should pay €65 for the ticket and infants below two years have free entry.
Distance from Barcelona Aquarium: 4.7 km
⏲️Opening Hours: 10 am to 8 pm (March to October) and 6 pm (November to February)
Last entry: 7.30 pm
Time Needed: 2 to 3 hours
Best Time: Sunset for best views
Address: Ctra. de Montjuïc, 66, Sants-Montjuïc
Sagrada Familia
The Sagrada Familia, which towers over Barcelona, combines architectural styles with stunning results.
It has curved façades and stained-glass windows that express his love of nature.
Religious symbols are carved on each facade representing a period in Jesus’ life.
Inside, soaring columns mimic a forest, and light flows through colorful glass to create a spiritual environment.
The Sagrada Familia, still under construction after over a century, is a testimony to Gaudí’s talent and a must-see for any visitors to Barcelona.
How to Experience it?
You can experience the iconic Sagrada Familia and its Facades by reserving an entry ticket.
The entry ticket for the basilica costs €34 per person aged 18 to 64 years.
Youth aged between 11 to 17 years and students with iD should pay €31 for the ticket and children below 11 years have free entry.
While senior citizens aged 65 years and above have to pay €27.
Distance from Barcelona Aquarium: 4.7 km
⏲️Opening Hours: 10 am to 8 pm (March to October) and 6 pm (November to February)
Last entry: 7.30 pm
Time Needed: 2 to 3 hours
Best Time: Sunset for best views
Address: Ctra. de Montjuïc, 66, Sants-Montjuïc
Egyptian Museum
Visit wonders of ancient Egypt at the Egyptian Museum in Barcelona.
Discover mummies, pharaohs, and fascinating items at this museum that provide a window into another time period.
Discover the beautifully preserved mummies, figure out the hieroglyphics, and be in awe of the gorgeous jewelry.
Though small in scope, the museum’s collection offers an intriguing look into Egyptian daily life, beliefs, and burial customs.
How to Experience it?
Get an entry ticket to explore Picasso’s creative work.
The entry ticket costs €12 per person aged 15 to 64 years.
The ticket costs €5 for the children aged between six and 14 years and infants below five years have free entry.
While senior citizens aged 65 years and above and students with ID have to pay €9.
Distance from Barcelona Aquarium: 5.2 km
⏲️Opening Hours: 10 am to 8 pm
Last entry: 7 pm
Time Needed: 2 to 3 hours
Best Time: Early morning
Address: C/ de València, 284, L’Eixample, 08007 Barcelona
Park Güell
Park Güell is located on a hill in Barcelona and provides a fanciful respite.
It offers views of vibrant mosaics, playful buildings, and beautiful city views.
Originally designed as a housing development, it evolved into a public park featuring Gaudí’s unique style.
Wander around the twisty pathways, admire the gingerbread-style buildings, and take a photo with the famed salamander sculpture.
Park Güell is a unique blend of nature, art, and architecture that is ideal for a family outing or a leisurely stroll.
How to Experience it?
You can experience Gaudi’s house by reserving an entry ticket.
The ticket costs €13 per person aged 13 to 64 years.
Children aged between seven to 12 years and seniors aged 65 and above should pay €10 for the ticket and infants below six years have free entry.
Distance from Barcelona Aquarium: 6.9 km
⏲️Opening Hours: 9:30 am to 6 pm
Last entry: 5:30 pm
Time Needed: 2 to 3 hours
Best Time: Early morning
Address: Gràcia, 08024 Barcelona
Free Things To Do Nearby
The Barcelona Aquarium is located in the middle of Port Vell, Barcelona’s old harbor.
This region has been turned into a leisure and thriving cultural center, with a wide range of attractions within walking distance of the aquarium.
Below are a handful of the more popular ones:
IMAX Port Vell
Distance from Barcelona Aquarium: 79 meters
Address: Ml Espanya, 8, Ciutat Vella, 08039 Barcelona. Get Directions
If you want a cinematic experience, go to the IMAX Port Vell movie theater.
This theater has a large screen and cutting-edge technologies to fully immerse you in the film.
Plaça de l’Odissea
Distance from Barcelona Aquarium: 160 meters
Address: Ciutat Vella, 08039 Barcelona. Get Directions
Plaça de l’Odissea is a public area in Barcelona, Spain, behind the Maremagnum shopping complex.
It offers views of the port and hosts the La Plaça Odissea independent music festival, which takes place every spring.
Maremagnum Shopping Complex
Distance from Barcelona Aquarium: 400 meters
⏲️Opening Hours: 10 am to 9 pm
Time Needed: 2 to 5 hours
Best Time: Early morning
Address: Moll d’Espanya, 5, Ciutat Vella, 08039 Barcelona. Get Directions
Maremagnum is a shopping mall located near to the Barcelona Aquarium.
They have clothing, toy, and souvenir businesses, as well as a sports team shop.
There are also restaurants and cafés where you may get a bite to eat or drink while enjoying the gorgeous waterfront scenery.
You may stroll there or take the lovely wooden bridge across the sea.
FAQs
1. Can I visit the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC) after the aquarium?
Yes, you can visit the MNAC on Montjuïc Hill as it is close to the Aquarium. It’s a quick taxi ride or metro trip away.
2. Can I take a bike tour from the Port Vell area near the Aquarium?
Yes, a bike tour from the Port Vell area near the Aquarium will give you the best science views of Barcelona.
3. Is the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc within walking distance from the aquarium?
Nope, the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc is not on display due to drought protocol.
4. What other architectural landmarks are close to the aquarium?
The Aquarium itself is a modern architectural landmark. But nearby, you’ll find Gothic Quarter with its stunning Barcelona Cathedral and Sagrada Familia.
5. Is the Barcelona Zoo near the aquarium?
No, the Barcelona Aquarium and Zoo is about 4 kilometers apart. You can easily get between them by bus or taxi.