Columbus Monument (Mirador de Colom)

The basics

This landmark monument was built in 1888 for the Universal Exposition and is crowned with a statue of Christopher Columbus pointing out into the distance (though not, amusingly, in the direction of the Americas). It’s often visited on sightseeing tours that cover the Gothic Quarter and the Barcelona Port, but if you want to head up to the viewing platform, you’ll need to buy a ticket.

Things to know before you go

• The monument's viewing deck is a must-visit for photographers wanting to take panoramic shots of the city.

• The viewing deck is wheelchair-accessible.

• Children under the age of 4 can visit the viewing platform free of charge.

How to get there

The monument is at the end of La Rambla overlooking the Barcelona Port. It's a short walk from the Gothic Quarter and is easy to get to by public transportation. The Drassanes metro station (Line 3) is a 2-minute walk away, and buses 59, 120, D20, H14, and V13 stop nearby.

When to get there

You can see the Columbus Monument day or night, but if you want to go inside, you'll need to visit in the morning or early afternoon when the interior is open to the public. The last entry is one hour before closing. Note that the monument is open to public visits every day of the year except for Jan. 1, Sept. 11, and Dec. 25.

Barcelona Maritime Museum (Museu Marítim de Barcelona)

If you’re interested in Spain’s maritime history, visit the Barcelona Maritime Museum (Museu Marítim de Barcelona), a 3-minute walk from the monument. The museum is housed in the Gothic Drassanes Reials de Barcelona (Royal Shipyards of Barcelona) building and is full of ephemera ranging from navigational tools to full-sized boats.