At the end of the Rambla del Centre, and situated in the colossal Gothic shipyards that produced approximately 30 warships at one time, you will find the Museu d’Historia de Catalunya. Life-size reproductions, sea maps, documents and nautical instruments are on display, and there are also temporary exhibitions that include small models, galleon figures and other nautical paraphernalia. The model of the Galera Real, the flagship of the fleet that defeated the Turks at the Battle of Lepanto in October 1571, is the pivotal point of Barcelona’s seafaring history in the museum.

There is an outstanding anthology of sites and sounds in Barcelona which will keep you absorbed for much longer than what you anticipate, but it's worthwhile to make a space for some Barcelona shopping. There is more than enough room in any of the marvellous Barcelona hotels to store all your exciting purchases.