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Housed in the Palau de Mar, a renovated portside warehouse, this museum offers a broad, interactive exploration of Catalonia’s history since prehistoric times. Kids (Museu d’Història de Catalunya), especially will have a ball with the engaging exhibits, such as a Civil War-era bunker and a recreated Catalan bar from the 1960s with an ancient futbolín (table football) game.

Spain’s most important Egyptology museum houses more than 350 exhibits from over 3,000 years of Ancient Egypt. Exhibits include terracotta figures, human and animal mummies, and a bust of the lion goddess Sekhmet (700–300 BC).

A fascinating shrine to objects large and small, this museum houses the life collection of wealthy Catalan sculptor Frederic Marès. And what a trove. No mere hobby collector, the astute (and obsessive) Marès amassed holdings that a modern museum curator would die for. Among them, an impressive array of religious icons and statues – dating from Roman times to the present – and the spectacular “Museu Sentimental”, which displays anything from ancient watches to fans and dolls. Also worth a visit is the inviting Cafè d’Estiu (Cafés & Light Eats) on the museum’s sun-dappled patio.

Catalan sculptor Frederic Marès (1893–1991) was a passionate and eclectic collector. Housed here, under one roof, are many remarkable finds amassed during his travels. Among the vast array of historical objects on display are Romanesque and Gothic religious art and sculptures, plus everything from dolls and fans to pipes and walking sticks. See Museu Frederic Marès.

The fantastic Maritime Museum brings the seafaring world to life with the hollering of pirates, the report of cannons and the underwater gurgling of submarines. Well worth a look is the full-size Spanish galleon complete with sound and light effects. Set in the vast former medieval shipyards, the Drassanes, this is an absolute must for any budding sea captain. See Museu Marítim.

Barcelona’s formidable sea-faring history is showcased in the cavernous, 13th-century Drassanes Reials (Royal Shipyards). The collection, which spans from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, includes a full-scale replica of the Real , the flagship galley of Don Juan of Austria, who led the Christians to victory against the Turks during the Battle of Lepanto in 1571. Also on display are model ships, maps and navigational instruments.Museu Marítim.

Barcelona’s mighty seafaring legacy comes to life at this impressive museum housed in the vast, 13th-century Drassanes Reials (Royal Shipyards). Wander beneath looming Gothic arches and relive Barcelona’s maritime history through exhibits of model ships, old maps and figure-heads. A highlight is the full-scale replica of the Royal, the ship commanded by Don Juan of Austria during the Battle of Lepanto in 1571. Entrance also includes a visit to the Pailebot Santa Eulàlia (Pailebot Santa Eulàlia), a restored wooden sailing ship dating from 1918.

Discover Catalonia’s rich Romanesque and Gothic heritage at this impressive museum, housed in the 1929 Palau Nacional. Striking medieval frescoes – many culled from ancient Pyrenean churches – are the highlight. See Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya.

Discover the youthful repertoire of one of the 20th-century’s most revered artists. See Museu Picasso.