Museu d'Historia de Barcelona - MUHBA
Museu d'Historia de Barcelona - MUHBA
Museu d'Historia de Barcelona - MUHBA
4.5
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
About
Ancient and medieval Barcelona in the monumental ensemble beneath Plaça del Rei, organised in the 20th century. A tour through 4,000 square metres in an underground archaeological site that takes us from Barcino to Barcinona. Exhibition on the emergence of the medieval city. Visit to the Palau Reial Major palace.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Museu d'Historia de Barcelona - MUHBA and nearby attractions
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Barrio Gòtico (Barri Gòtic)
With its iconic, old-Europe streets and alleys, this picturesque neighbourhood is the very heart of Barcelona. It blends historic artifacts from its days under Roman dominion up through the Spanish Civil War with a vibrant modern-day culture of artisan shops and authentic culinary experiences. Avid explorers will be thrilled to discover quaint terraces and plazas brought to life by the many small bars and local musicians lasting late into the night. Fashionistas will be drawn to Portal de L’Angel, which is lined with well-known brand names and smaller boutique stands.
How to get there
- Jaume I • 1 min walk
- Liceu • 6 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
9,847 within 5 kms
Attractions
1,631 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- S.SSeville, Spain70 contributionsWorthThe Barcelona History Museum is very, very good. To begin with, it has remains and objects that span the entire history of the city: the Roman ruins are impressive, as well as its archaeological pieces. The medieval heritage also attracts attention and continues until the end of the 20th century. I would highlight that I think it is a very educational museum, ideal for going with children or school visits. Being in the Gothic Quarter, it has the perfect location to include it on tourist routes. It is definitely worth going and spending even an entire morning or afternoon seeing it.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten March 10, 2024
- travelgrrl09Philadelphia, Pennsylvania96 contributionsDon’t miss for history buffsExcellent museum with vast underground Roman ruins displaying fascinating transition from Roman rule to Christianization. Early foundation of first basilica along with palace room and church. Hidden gem with few visitors. Enjoyed this so much more than Picasso museum.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten April 9, 2024
- Family5GetAwaySt. John's, Canada329 contributionsEnjoyable visit.We found the entrance a little hard to find, but got there in the end. This museum is bigger than you think and has a lot to offer. Unlike a lot of the tourist sites around the city, there were no crowds here at all. We found it very interesting and well worth the price. We spent 2 hours here and could have spent a little more, but were a little pressed for time so ended up rushing through at the end. Although we visited in mid-April, the top floor was very hot so you may want to bring a small fan if you do not like the heat. I am glad we made the time to come here and do recommend it if your schedule allows.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten May 15, 2024
- Ed0925 contributionsInteresting exhibits, some improvements could make it betterPlus: An in-depth history of Barcelona with many artefacts, exhibits and showreels. The ancient ruins in the basement of the museum were especially interesting. Minuses: -The curt service by the front line staff and the downright rude female security staff at the entrance marred the experience. - A clear and concise Directory on the ground floor, indicating what is shown at each level would have been helpful.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten June 3, 2024
- dese2Auburn, New York3,629 contributionsOne of the MUHBA sitesWe found this museum online before our trip, it was a bit more difficult to locate in town. But finally, we found it. The entry is marked but we missed it going in. There is a cost, but it was minimal - I don't even remember how much. There are several floors to this museum so pick up a map. There is even a below level where more excavation is ongoing. Within the museum there are many signs to identify the displays and most have English translations. Some beautiful pieces on display and much to help explain the long history of Barcelona which we enjoyed. This makes a great way to get to know the history and culture of this beautiful city. Be prepared to spend a couple hours at least.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten June 11, 2024
- QuesitomgPineda de Mar, Spain38 contributionsTourists in BarcelonaThe Monumental Complex of Plaza del Rei is the founding nucleus of the Barcelona History Museum since its creation in 1943. The event that determined the origin of the Barcelona History Museum was the transfer of the Casa Padellàs, stone by stone, from Mercaders Street to the plot of land in Plaza del Rei that was on the corner with Veguer Street, in 1931, as a result of the opening of Via Laietana. The foundation work of the house on its new site made it possible to discover the remains of an important part of the old Barcino and led to an ambitious archaeological intervention in the Plaza del Rei, which continued until the Civil War.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten July 13, 2024
- Jane LWelwyn Garden City, United Kingdom66 contributionsLoads of information!If you want to find out more about Barcelona and its history, this place does a good job. There are a lot of pictures, footage and exhibits with plenty of written information. I have a couple of niggles though. The direction round the place (which is substantially large) is not very clear. My feet and legs were aching after about an hour and a half wandering and stopping to read etc. We didn't see everything. I found the transcription into English a bit annoying as some of it didn't make sense. All in all, worth a visit.Visited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten August 17, 2024
- Gustaven250Copenhagen, Denmark396 contributionsExcellent experience! Go here.This museum is located in the Gothic Quarter and here you can see something quite unique like large well-preserved parts of the former city of Barcino as the city was called in Roman times. So it is about 2000 years old remains that lie under the city as you can see. Was very impressed how big it was and at the price of EUR 7 per adult and EUR 5 per person under 29 years it is a no brainer. Clearly worth the visit! A small bonus tip is to visit 12 meter old pillars from the time of Emperor Augustus, located a few steps away from the museum only.Visited October 2024Travelled with familyWritten October 26, 2024
- don_hoylerRochester, New York38 contributionsRoman ruins are amazingWe decided to visit the Barcelona History Museum in order to see the Roman ruins, and we are very happy we did. The extensive excavation and informative displays provided a much more detailed view than we expected. You don't have to be in love with history to enjoy the visit.Visited November 2024Travelled with familyWritten December 2, 2024
- Greta964Pordenone, Italy1,557 contributionsSpectacularThe History Museum of Barcelona (MUHBA), located in the historic Plaça del Rei, offers a fascinating journey into the roots of the city, from its foundation as a Roman colony, Barcino, until the Middle Ages. This unique museum allows you to explore a vast underground archaeological site, one of the best preserved in Europe. Going down below the square, visitors can walk through the ancient Roman streets, admire the remains of houses, shops, a laundry room and even a wine complex. Every corner tells details of everyday life two thousand years ago. The itinerary is enriched with exhibitions that include artifacts, mosaics and reconstructive models, accompanied by explanations in different languages. The visit culminates in the medieval halls of the Royal Major Palace, where there are also the Royal Chapel of St. Agatha and the Tinell Hall, witnesses of important historical events, such as the reception of Christopher Columbus by the Catholic Kings. This site is free with the Barcelona card, but I think it is for everyoneVisited January 2025Travelled as a coupleWritten January 10, 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,186 reviews
Excellent
1,299
Very good
682
Average
172
Poor
24
Terrible
10
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
Hannah Brocklebank
Cambridge, UK116 contributions
Oct 2021
Good enough exhibits and the tour of the old structures. Some captions were written with an english translation but not all (use google translate camera). I came using the free entry on the first Sunday of the month and would not have paid to enter, booking online is essential as I arrived at 11:00 and could only enter with a online reservation (next one was 13:20). Spent 40 minutes looking round. I felt the floor plan of the old buildings could have been explained better.
Written October 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AleC54
Nancy, France248 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
The museum traces the history of the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, from the Roman remains of Barcino, and thus spans the centuries. We particularly enjoyed literally going underground, beneath the crowded streets, into an intimate museum space. As we cross the suspended iron walkways, we discover the ancient stones and the activities that animated the colony. When we gain height, come back to the surface, the scenography and content are less appealing to us: perhaps it is fatigue from reading the numerous signs and cartels... However, there, a video makes understanding easier. different layers of history. The chapel of the Palau Reial with its impressive altarpiece also manages to re-invigorate our interest! Very nice visit.

Written August 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anna Ines
London, UK2 contributions
Nov 2021 • Solo
Currently there's free entry after 3pm on Sundays. You can try and get the free ticket online but if you have issues like I did you'll need to go to the ticket booth inside to be let through (let security know you want to speak to the person at the ticket booth as you're trying to get the ticket online).
There's two floors of viewing which separate the upbeat and informative vibe of the modern section; and the ancient section with remains of many buildings, structures and walls from the old city as well as a section with artefacts on display (all lowly lit for preservation). I was told to start with the modern history section then move to the older "ruins" section but I would have preferred to do it the other way around. Nonetheless, a place to visit to see the history of Barcelona that's better if it's free !!!!!
There's two floors of viewing which separate the upbeat and informative vibe of the modern section; and the ancient section with remains of many buildings, structures and walls from the old city as well as a section with artefacts on display (all lowly lit for preservation). I was told to start with the modern history section then move to the older "ruins" section but I would have preferred to do it the other way around. Nonetheless, a place to visit to see the history of Barcelona that's better if it's free !!!!!
Written November 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sgavoyages
Paris, France10,578 contributions
Dec 2024 • Solo
In fact what is interesting is not the museum but the place itself. In the basement there are the remarkably well moved remains in value of the Roman and Visigothic city and on the first floor of what was the royal palace of the Barcelona Arago dynasty the great hall and a magnificent altarpiece. Not to be missed.
Automatically translated
Written January 16, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
COtravelfam04
Austin, TX215 contributions
Aug 2022
We lived in Barcelona for a number of years and took many visitors all over the city. This was always a hit with our visiting friends and family. (I can imagine it would be less interesting for people who have had many opportunities to see Roman ruins, but as that is nonexistant where we are from, it always proved interesting to our guests.) You get to walk under the city of Barcelona where there are the remains of the original Roman city of Barcino. It is incredible to see those structural remains and learn about what was once there.
On a recent return visit to BCN, we took some people we were traveling with here. We enjoyed the return and our friends loved it! I highly recommend this experience.
A note for the museum curators - directional signage on walking through the exhibit and how to exit could be greatly improved.
On a recent return visit to BCN, we took some people we were traveling with here. We enjoyed the return and our friends loved it! I highly recommend this experience.
A note for the museum curators - directional signage on walking through the exhibit and how to exit could be greatly improved.
Written September 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
permia
Ireland67,094 contributions
Feb 2023
A fabulous layout comprises impressively lengthy walkways over the Roman remains. It was wonderful traversing the expansive ruins and seeing the remarkable preservation of these treasures from antiquity.
Fascinating to learn that all is based on a serendipitous development. In 1931 while reconstructing Casa Padellàs after its block by block relocation to Plaça del Rei Roman ruins were found. Archaeological investigations began, and the rest is history.
Later Christian and Visigoth times are documented. A marvellous Palace Chapel in stone from the early 1400s has terrific stained glass and a striking altar area.
By the 15th century the city’s first golden period had begun to wane and this is well described.
Fascinating to learn that all is based on a serendipitous development. In 1931 while reconstructing Casa Padellàs after its block by block relocation to Plaça del Rei Roman ruins were found. Archaeological investigations began, and the rest is history.
Later Christian and Visigoth times are documented. A marvellous Palace Chapel in stone from the early 1400s has terrific stained glass and a striking altar area.
By the 15th century the city’s first golden period had begun to wane and this is well described.
Written March 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janetwlu
Pasadena, CA22 contributions
Dec 2022
While I didn't give it a 5, that was only because it was under construction. It is definitely worth the 5 euro per person. Also, if you are visiting Barcelona, go here first because the ticket also gets you in to many other museums throughout the city. Very fascinating and informative!
Written December 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
🩶⚜️ 𝓝𝓪𝓽𝔂® ⚜️🩶
Moscow, Russia175,438 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
The permanent exhibition of the historical origins of the city appeared only in the 20th century. When the construction of Via Laietana began in 1931, several fragments of the ancient settlement of Barcino were unearthed. After that, full-scale excavations of the burials were carried out, and already in 1943 a museum was opened in their place.
Written December 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
forgetfulktg
Perth, Australia29 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
I went to this museum as a time filler. I was after something a bit different after having seen heaps of art galleries on my Europe trip, as well as something a bit quieter/less filled with people than the bigger attractions (like the Gaudi ones). I am so glad I went here. At the reduced price of 5€ (full is 7€), it was excellent value. It was so interesting to see the excavated archeological site/remains of the original Barcelona. The audio guide which, unlike many places) was free gave a great description of each different site, which included a laundry, Roman baths, a wine making building and a church. There were also some old artifacts on display, some dating to BC years. Plus, it wasn’t filled with people so it was easy to move through at my own pace
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arin
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK432 contributions
Nov 2021
The museum is built ontop of the ruins of the old Barcelona, specifically a fish factory, a winery, and a church. A lot of the floor plan and walls are intact and you walk on walkways that take you over the ruins so you feel like you're walking down the actual streets. They also had a decent number of artifacts on display, plus a temporary exhibit about food production in Barcelona over the centuries that was included in the ticket. I entered free with the Barcelona pass and I found it way more interesting than the El Born Centre!
Written November 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is it possible to buy tickets for just the MUHBA? We would like to visit the museum, but have only a few hours in Barcelona.
Thanks you.
Written September 3, 2023
Hi Susan L.
I got the combined ticket giving access to the assorted Museum locations. So don't know whether it's possible to buy ticket for just one site.
I imagine it is possible. But you may be able to confirm this with the Museum in advance. Or possibly post a query on the TripAdvisor forum.
Best Regards.
Written September 4, 2023
I am looking online and see an English Tour, for 3,5 euros per person, and the Museum Entrance, for 7 euros per person. Does one need to buy an entrance ticket and a tour ticket, or does the tour price cover the entrance fee? (Makes no sense to me why that would be less than the entrance.) Thanks for any help you can provide.
Written July 11, 2019
You are most probably right. It would be an extra fee on top of entrance fee.
FYI, on Sundays after 3pm entry is free. But no audio guide.
Written July 17, 2019
Check the calendar on their website
Written February 3, 2019
The main museum has an audio guide available with a range of languages, including English
Written January 24, 2019
Hola Erica, como estás
Aprecio mucho que quieras venir a Barcelona a conocer esta fantástica ciudad y estes interesada en conocer acerca de las visitas guiadas en el MUHBA. Son múltiples los puntos históricos que puedes visitar, y en algunos (si no en casi todos) efectivamente hay visitas guiadas, pero hay que hacer las respectivas reservas para ello. Lamentablemente no puedo pasarte la información por este medio debido a las políticas del sitio; pero al llegar acá en la sedes del museo podrás pedir la información al respecto, solicitarlas o reservar
Información y reservas
Reserva de entradas y actividades
Información
informaciomuhba@bcn.cat
Para cualquier otra información: +34 93 256 21 22
(de lunes a viernes laborables, de 10 a 14 y de 16 a 19 h)
Saludos cordiales, y
Ven a Barcelona de verdad que verás que vale la pena.
Written January 14, 2019
Is the entry really free from sundays 15:00 o‘clock?
Written September 20, 2018
Does the museum have a cafe/restaurant to grab lunch? I'm trying to work out my timing.
Written September 12, 2018
No but there are many places close both fast and sit down.
Written September 12, 2018
Is this museum free on first Sunday of month.
Written November 5, 2017
Yes. I recommend going on a non-free day though, and avail of the audioguide PLUS free entrance to all other MUHBA museums valid for one year. That's a bargain for the current fee of €7 for ages 16 and up; those aged less than 16 years are free anytime, any day in any MUHBA museum (and that's inclusive of the audioguide)
Written November 6, 2017
Showing results 1-10 of 22
Related Stories
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing