The 2024 America's Cup In Barcelona: Everything You Need To Know

From late August through October 2024, Barcelona will be abuzz with activity as the America’s Cup, the world’s most famous yacht race, descends on the Catalan capital.

Emirates Team New Zealand sail their AC 37 race boat Taihoro in Barcelona

Emirates Team New Zealand

As the sun-drenched Mediterranean mecca prepares to host one of the world’s greatest sporting events, here’s everything you need to know about where to watch the races, how to catch a glimpse of the teams, as well as where to eat and sleep, during the 2024 America’s Cup in Barcelona.

The America’s Cup In Barcelona

The America’s Cup is not only the most prestigious yachting event in the world, it is also the oldest active international sporting trophy in existence, first contested in a race around Britain’s Isle of Wight back in 1851. This year, the action will be based around Barcelona’s Port Vell, the postcard-perfect old port on the edge of the Gothic Quarter, steps away from the lower end of Las Ramblas, and within easy strolling distance of most of downtown Barcelona. It is here that the general public will be able to experience the thrill of the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup Barcelona first hand.

BARCELONA, SPAIN - JULY 11: The American Magic AC75 'Patriot' boat sails pass the Barcelona skyline ... [+] during a training session on July 11, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. The Barcelona's waters will host the 37th America's Cup from September to Octabor of 2024. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Getty Images The Race Village

The official race village will be located along Moll de la Fusta, inviting everyone to get up close and personal with the boats, the teams and the event itself through a slew of activations, live screens and stages. Access to the race village will be free, although a capacity control system will be in place to prevent overcrowding. While there is no direct view of the water from this space, jumbo-sized viewing screens will allow spectators to keep up to date with the action. Don’t miss an opportunity to take a stroll around Port Vell in the early morning or evening as the boats dock-in and the bases become a hive of activity.

While the six America’s Cup teams will be based in the Port Vell area, the UniCredit Youth & Puig Women’s teams can be found further down the beach in the Port Olímpic. With the racecourse located just outside the port entrance breakwaters, the beaches of St Miguel, Barceloneta and Somorrostro will allow you to catch a glimpse of the action with your own eyes.

Emirates Team New Zealand sail their AC 37 race boat Taihoro in Barcelona

Emirates Team New Zealand How to Watch

The America's Cup Fanzones, located in Plaça del Mar by Barceloneta beach and on Bogatell beach, will offer a unique vantage point from which to see the race area, while giant screens will deliver close-up views of all the on-water action. The Fanzones are free to access with no tickets required.

The closest you can get to the racing action is out on the water and, if you do not have access to a boat, you can still charter one. Sail & Charter is the Official Charter Boat Partner of the America’s Cup, with a wide range of experiences on offer.

Hotel Arts is Barcelona's most luxurious beachfront stay.

Image courtesy Hotel Arts Where To Stay

It may come as a surprise that a city so famous for its beaches is not brimming with waterfront accommodation options. In fact, only a handful of Barcelona hotels offer unobstructed views of the Mediterranean.

Hotel Arts is Barcelona’s most luxurious beachfront stay. Spacious, and elegant, most of its rooms boast fantastic views of the city and the Med—none more so than the 1,600 to 4,300 square-foot serviced penthouse suites at the top of the building with their panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows.

This year, Hotel Arts is converting its Arts 41 meeting and events space into the place to witness the raw power and tactical prowess of the races, thanks to its unparalleled views of the regatta course. Accessible via a special America’s Cup package, Arts 41 Lounge will provide the ideal setting to enjoy the ambiance of the America’s Cup and celebrate in style, with an all-day culinary offering, including cocktails and premium drinks.

One of Barcelona's top seafood restaurants, Azul, will be offering front-row views of the races.

Image courtesy Azul Rooftop Restaurant Where To Eat

Barcelona is a food lover’s paradise with more fantastic restaurants than you or I have had hot dinners (check out the list of this year’s hottest restaurants in Barcelona here). Few experiences are more quintessentially Barcelona than a waterfront paella lunch and, this year, the front row tables at top beachside eateries, like Pez Vela or Can Fisher, will be more in demand than ever.

To skip the crowds and switch things up, don’t miss Azul Rooftop Restaurant by Michelin-starred French chef Romain Fornell, which is not only one of the city’s most elegant seafood restaurants, it also has panoramic sea views to die for. Azul is always worth a visit, but, this year, its rooftop location will offer a vantage point like none other from the elevated terrace overlooking the beach at Barceloneta. Add Chef Fornell’s star dishes of Mediterranean red tuna tartare or the mouthwatering squid and clam paella, and you will see why a race-day lunch at Azul promises to be nothing short of show stopping.

Barcelona's Port Vell is steps away from the Columbus statue at the lower end of Las Ramblas (Photo ... [+] by: Joe Sohm/Visions of America/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Universal Images Group via Getty Images Getting around

Barcelona is a walkable city and anyone arriving at the race area on foot, by bicycle or public transport will be guaranteed access. The same goes for people arriving by taxi or with a private driver. Meanwhile, driving is not advised as access for private vehicles may be restricted at certain times, according to the flow of spectators. Traffic restrictions in the surrounding area may also be in place.

All event areas will be reachable by public transport and services will be increased on competition days. The closest metro stations to the race area are Barceloneta, Ciutadella-Vila Olímpica, Bogatell and Llacuna on line L4; Drassanes on line L3, and Marina on line L1.

Most races will be held on Wednesdays, Fridays and at weekends, although the schedule may be modified subject to weather conditions.