Recently re-opened, this museum chronicles Barcelona’s maritime history from the time when Rome established the trading port of Barcino up to the 21st century. The museum is housed inside medieval royal shipyards, the Drassanes Reiales. (Yes, the waters of the Mediterranean used to reach the front door of this building; the sea has gradually moved a block away.) Built between 1255 and 1378, these shipyards were so vast that thirty galleys could be built at a time; as a result, the crown of Aragón became one of the most powerful naval forces in the Mediterranean. It’s a marvelous example of adaptive re-use of an enormous building, creating a successful and intelligently mounted museum that brings its history alive. Admission includes entrance to the historic three-masted schooner Santa Eulália, moored across the street. The high-ceilinged, elegant Norai restaurant offers a delicious fixed-price menu and outdoor seating in good weather. Make sure that you and your kids peek through the porthole of the wooden submarine in the courtyard.