History Museum of Catalonia (Museu d'Historia de Catalunya) Tours and Activities

Interactive exhibits at the History Museum of Catalonia (Museu d'Història de Catalunya) focus on the region’s development from prehistory through to the present day, explaining how the Romans, Moors, and others each left their mark on Catalonia. The exhibits focused on the Spanish Civil War and Franco’s rule are particularly well-done.
The Basics
With excellent exhibits and galleries, the spacious History Museum of Catalonia feels like a hidden gem—rarely crowded despite the throngs of people just outside. The collection is laid out chronologically in eight areas across four floors, perfect for getting a thorough overview of the region’s history and heritage before heading out to explore. Some architecture-focused walking tours include a stop at the museum to see its restored lobby and to take in the views from its rooftop terrace, both of which you are able to visit without a ticket.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get There
The museum is located at Port Vell, at Moll de la Barceloneta, in Barcelona. The closest metro stop is Barceloneta on the Yellow Line.
When to Get There
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday throughout the year, with shorter hours on Sundays and public holidays. Since the climate-controlled space doesn’t draw the crowds of other more popular attractions, it’s an excellent option for a rainy day or during a particularly hot summer afternoon.
Palau de Mar
Standing watch over the Barcelona waterfront, the historic brick building that now houses the museum was originally built in the 1880s to store goods arriving at the port. Since getting a facelift in anticipation of the 1992 Olympics, the building now houses several street-level bars and restaurants.
The Basics
With excellent exhibits and galleries, the spacious History Museum of Catalonia feels like a hidden gem—rarely crowded despite the throngs of people just outside. The collection is laid out chronologically in eight areas across four floors, perfect for getting a thorough overview of the region’s history and heritage before heading out to explore. Some architecture-focused walking tours include a stop at the museum to see its restored lobby and to take in the views from its rooftop terrace, both of which you are able to visit without a ticket.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The History Museum of Catalonia is a must-visit for history buffs, families, and first-time visitors.
- The museum is wheelchair-accessible, and wheelchairs are available for visitor use.
- The permanent and temporary exhibits require separate admission but can be combined at a discount.
The museum is located at Port Vell, at Moll de la Barceloneta, in Barcelona. The closest metro stop is Barceloneta on the Yellow Line.
When to Get There
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday throughout the year, with shorter hours on Sundays and public holidays. Since the climate-controlled space doesn’t draw the crowds of other more popular attractions, it’s an excellent option for a rainy day or during a particularly hot summer afternoon.
Palau de Mar
Standing watch over the Barcelona waterfront, the historic brick building that now houses the museum was originally built in the 1880s to store goods arriving at the port. Since getting a facelift in anticipation of the 1992 Olympics, the building now houses several street-level bars and restaurants.
Address: Palau de Mar, Plaça de Pau Vila, 3, Barcelona 08039, Spain
Admission: Varies
Admission Tickets (1)

Skip the Line: History Museum of Catalonia & Rooftop Access Ticket
18
Learn about the history of Catalonia by visiting the Museu d'Historia de Catalunya. It can be tiring waiting in long visitor lines: beat the crowds with skip-the-line entrance tickets. As well as the extensive collection of artifacts, you access incredible views of Barcelona’s Port from the panoramic roof terrace.
…More
From
$9.84
From
$9.84
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
3 Tours and Activities to Experience History Museum of Catalonia (Museu d'Historia de Catalunya)
Sort by:Featured

Skip the Line: History Museum of Catalonia & Rooftop Access Ticket
18
Learn about the history of Catalonia by visiting the Museu d'Historia de Catalunya. It can be tiring waiting in long visitor lines: beat the crowds with skip-the-line entrance tickets. As well as the extensive collection of artifacts, you access incredible views of Barcelona’s Port from the panoramic roof terrace.
…More
From
$9.84
From
$9.84
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Shore Excursion: Barcelona City Tour Hop-On Hop-Off
152
Take a DIY shore trip during your cruise stop in Barcelona on this convenient hop-on hop-off city bus tour. Climb aboard a double-decker, open-top bus at the Port of Barcelona (Port Olímpic - stop 6) just a short walk from the cruise terminal. Then begin your overview of the city. Get on or off when you want, enjoying great views of Las Ramblas, the promenade at Port Olímpic, F.C. Barcelona's Camp Nou Stadium and much more. Best of all, there are two routes, one East Route and one West Route, which are interconnected and accessible via your ticket that's valid for both routes. This hop-on, hop-off bus tour also includes headphones, city map, and discounts at select Barcelona businesses.
…More
From
$40.58
From
$40.58
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Best of Barcelona Private Tour: Sagrada Familia and Old Town with Hotel Pick-up
73
Experience Barcelona like a VIP on this private sightseeing tour that includes skip-the-line access at the city’s most popular attraction, La Sagrada Familia. Enjoy the comfort of traveling by private vehicle to top attractions like Passeig de Gràcia, the waterfront, Montjuïc, and the Gothic Quarter. Take in Barcelona’s famous Modernisme architecture, and learn about the city from a knowledgeable guide.
…More
From
$289.69
Price varies by group size
From
$289.69
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

Exclusive: Barcelona Architecture Small-Group Walking Tour
9
Discover Barcelona’s rich architectural tableau on a compelling morning, afternoon or full-day walking tour led by an accomplished guide. On this Viator Exclusive tour, follow an architectural specialist around the city and see magnificent structures from a variety of historical periods. According to your interests, choose a morning tour around the medieval myriad of the Old Quarter; satisfy cultural cravings on a 3km afternoon tour of the innovative waterfront buildings; or combine both in an enriching full-day tour. An intimate experience is guaranteed on this small-group tour, on which numbers are limited to nine people.
…More
From
$70.83
From
$70.83
Things to do near Barcelona
- Things to do in Catalonia
- Things to do in Tarragona
- Things to do in Girona
- Things to do in Mallorca
- Things to do in Toulouse
- Things to do in Zaragoza
- Things to do in Ibiza
- Things to do in Montpellier
- Things to do in Valencia
- Things to do in Arles
- Things to do in Nîmes
- Things to do in Marseille
- Things to do in Avignon
- Things to do in Balearic Islands
- Things to do in Midi-Pyrénées