MUHBA Plaça del Rei Barcelona
Explore the ancient Roman city of Barcino hidden beneath Barcelona's medieval Plaça del Rei. A journey through time.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free entry for locals & tourists
MUHBA Plaça del Rei Barcelona
Best Time
Free entry for locals & tourists

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the ancient Roman city of Barcino hidden beneath Barcelona's medieval Plaça del Rei. A journey through time.
"Walk through ancient streets and discover a Roman city frozen in time!"
🎯 Book Ahead for Entry
Tickets sell out fast, especially in high season. Book online to secure your spot and preferred time.
🚇 Free Sundays!
Enjoy free admission on Sunday afternoons, but expect more visitors.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ancient Barcino Ruins
Underground levels
Wander through remarkably preserved Roman streets, shops, and workshops, frozen in time for over 2,000 years.
Garum Factory
Underground levels
Discover the fascinating remnants of a Roman fish sauce factory, a testament to ancient culinary practices.

Interactive History Map
Museum exhibits
Engage with a detailed interactive map showcasing Barcelona's evolution from Roman times to the present.
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Explore the Underground City
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Ahead for Entry
Tickets sell out fast, especially in high season. Book online to secure your spot and preferred time.
🚇 Free Sundays!
Enjoy free admission on Sunday afternoons, but expect more visitors.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven surfaces underground.
🗺️ Explore the Interactive Map
Don't miss the incredible interactive map detailing Barcelona's urban history.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Ahead for Entry
Tickets sell out fast, especially in high season. Book online to secure your spot and preferred time.
🚇 Free Sundays!
Enjoy free admission on Sunday afternoons, but expect more visitors.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven surfaces underground.
🗺️ Explore the Interactive Map
Don't miss the incredible interactive map detailing Barcelona's urban history.
🏛️ Combine with Gothic Quarter
MUHBA is perfectly located for exploring the historic Gothic Quarter afterward.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the immersive experience of walking through the remarkably preserved Roman ruins beneath Plaça del Rei, calling it a journey back in time. The historical depth and the interactive displays are frequently praised, offering a unique perspective on Barcelona's origins. Some visitors note that the underground nature can be a bit dark and may require comfortable footwear.
"Not many visitors to this place on a Saturday evening. The Roman ruins and the exhibits takes us hundreds of years into history. Well preserved with detailed write-ups. If you are within walking distance, don't miss it!"
Ashwini Mn
"In a city known for expenses, this was a phenomenally cheap museum with 2 distinct parts: first, a very audio-visual trip through the last ~1,000 years of Barcelona; second, a massive labyrinth of underground remnants of both Roman and Visigoth ruins that sit beneath the modern museum. Outside of Rome, these were the largest and most complete ruins I've seen anywhere. A great place to spend half a day...just a half-block off a bustling pedestrian tourist zone, it's like an oasis!"
Ash Smith
"Highly recommended for both an ancient and contemporary understanding of Barcelona.
The museum was free after 3pm on Sundays, too.
The entrance is through the small courtyard (look for the big clock). If you proceed left - that leads to the Barcino Roman ruins that you can walk through.
If you proceed right - that leads through more contemporary Barcelona history into the modern age.
The exhibits were labeled in Spanish and English."
Ryan Smith
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
MUHBA Plaça del Rei is centrally located in the Gothic Quarter. You can easily reach it by metro to Jaume I (L4) or Liceu (L3), followed by a short walk. Many visitors also find it convenient to walk from other central areas like Las Ramblas.
Yes, it's situated in the well-known Plaça del Rei, a historic square within the Gothic Quarter. Look for the signs for the Museu d'Història de Barcelona.
For getting around Barcelona, purchasing a T-casual card is highly recommended. It's a prepaid card offering multiple journeys on the metro and bus system, making it cost-effective and convenient.
While MUHBA itself is a gem, be cautious of restaurants directly on Las Ramblas, as many are considered tourist traps with inflated prices and lower quality food.
Besides MUHBA, you can find Roman remnants in other parts of the city, such as the Antic Mercat del Born, and day trips to Tarragona or Empúries offer even more extensive ancient sites.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission fees apply, but the museum offers free entry on Sunday afternoons and the first Sunday of each month. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most current pricing and free entry days.
Yes, it is highly recommended to book your tickets online in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, as they can sell out quickly. This also allows you to choose your preferred entry time.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official MUHBA website before your visit. Generally, it's open Tuesday through Sunday, with shorter hours on Mondays and holidays.
To avoid the largest crowds, aim for weekday mornings shortly after opening. Sunday afternoons, while free, tend to be busier.
MUHBA often hosts temporary exhibitions that delve into specific aspects of Barcelona's history. Check their website for current and upcoming exhibitions.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The primary draw is the extensive underground archaeological site showcasing the remains of Roman Barcino, including streets, houses, workshops, and even a fish sauce factory.
Most visitors spend between 1.5 to 3 hours exploring the underground ruins and the museum exhibits, especially if they engage with the interactive displays.
The underground archaeological site involves stairs and uneven terrain, which may pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues. It's advisable to check accessibility information on the MUHBA website.
MUHBA provides a comprehensive overview of Barcelona's history, from its Roman origins as Barcino through the medieval period and beyond, with a strong focus on urban development.
Guided tours are often available, offering deeper insights into the history and significance of the Roman ruins. Check the museum's schedule for tour times and languages.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted for personal use in most areas of MUHBA, but flash photography might be restricted in certain sections to protect the artifacts. Always look for signage.
The atmospheric underground Roman streets, the ancient walls, and the preserved mosaics offer fantastic photographic opportunities. The Plaça del Rei itself is also a picturesque setting.
Yes, the lighting in the underground sections can be dramatic, creating unique photo opportunities. Consider bringing a camera with good low-light capabilities.
Drone photography is generally not permitted inside museums or historical sites like MUHBA Plaça del Rei due to safety and preservation concerns.
A camera with good low-light performance or a smartphone with a capable night mode will help capture the atmospheric details of the Roman ruins.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Wear comfortable shoes as the terrain can be uneven. Consider visiting during less crowded times, like weekday mornings, to allow children more freedom to explore. While the underground sections involve stairs, the overall experience can be captivating for curious minds. Ensure your child is comfortable in enclosed spaces, as some parts of the ruins are underground.
🏛️ History Buffs
The museum's collection of artifacts and the detailed interactive map further enrich the experience, allowing for a deep dive into Barcelona's past. Redditors frequently praise the museum for its depth and the quality of its exhibits, making it a standout destination for serious history enthusiasts.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Taking advantage of the free Sunday entry can be a great way to experience the museum without the pressure of a group. The interactive elements and informative displays provide plenty of engagement, and the central location makes it easy to connect with other attractions in the Gothic Quarter afterward.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Unearthing Ancient Barcino
The site includes fascinating features like Roman laundries, bakeries, and even a factory dedicated to producing garum, a popular fermented fish sauce. The intricate mosaics and well-preserved walls provide tangible evidence of the city's prosperity and sophistication. Redditors often highlight the sheer scale and detail of these ruins, describing it as a truly immersive historical experience.
Beyond the physical ruins, MUHBA also utilizes interactive displays and an impressive historical map to contextualize the findings. This helps visitors understand the urban planning of Barcino and its evolution over centuries, connecting the ancient past to the vibrant city of Barcelona today.
Navigating Barcelona's Public Transport
For budget-conscious travelers and those planning multiple journeys, purchasing a 'T-casual' card is a smart move. This rechargeable card allows for 10 journeys on the metro and bus network and is significantly cheaper than buying single tickets. You can purchase these cards at any metro station.
While walking is a great way to explore the historic Gothic Quarter where MUHBA is located, public transport will be essential for longer distances or when your feet need a rest. Familiarize yourself with the metro map and consider downloading a transport app to help you navigate the system.
Maximizing Your Visit to MUHBA
Secondly, dedicate ample time to explore the underground Roman city. Don't rush through the ruins; take the time to absorb the atmosphere and imagine life in ancient Barcino. The interactive map is also a valuable resource for understanding the historical context.
Finally, consider visiting on a Sunday afternoon for free entry, but be prepared for larger crowds. Alternatively, weekday mornings offer a more serene experience. Combining your visit with a stroll through the surrounding Gothic Quarter is also highly recommended, as MUHBA is perfectly situated for further exploration.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit