A Complete Guide to the Iconic La Rambla Barcelona
La Rambla Barcelona
While in Barcelona, it is impossible to resist yourself from witnessing the charm of the street of La Rambla. La Rambla is a pedestrian-only thoroughfare in the heart of Barcelona. It’s a tree-lined pedestrian boulevard that runs for 1.2 kilometers. The place is always decked up with kiosks, flower stalls, artists, living statues, terraces, restaurants, and shops and is a major tourist hotspot.
What is La Rambla Barcelona Known For?
- La Rambla is usually bustling, with visitors, locals, and street performers posing as human statues.
- There are numerous terraces and eateries on both sides of the street, and it is delightful to sit on one of them and watch people come and go.
- Witness live concerts, human statues, and painters who will sketch your portrait or caricature are among the attractions along La Rambla.
Is La Rambla the same as La Ramblas?
The Ramblas is the most well-known pedestrian street in Barcelona, as well as the most well-known tourist thoroughfare. It is commonly referred to as ‘La Rambla’ or ‘Las Ramblas.’ This is due to the fact that La Rambla is one wide road with six parts, each with its own name; therefore, it is genuinely six Rambla streets connected with each other to form one continuous Rambla.
Don’t worry if that was a little confusing. Say “La Rambla” or “Las Ramblas”. This street has two names, both of which are acceptable.
Top Things to do at La Rambla Barcelona
1. See the Columbus Monument
This 60-meter-tall monument looms over the lower end of Las Ramblas, where it touches the sea. It was built in 1888 in commemoration of Christopher Columbus. Take the elevator to the summit for a 360º skyline view, including the harbor, the Mediterranean, and Montjuic Hill.
2. Visit Plaça Reial
Plaça Reial is a plaza in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain’s Barri Gotic neighborhood. It is a tourist hotspot, especially at night, because it is adjacent to La Rambla. Many eateries and clubs, including Sidecar, Jamboree, and speakeasy cocktail bar Nou Pipa Club, are located in the square.
3. Explore Gran Teatre del Liceu
The Liceu Theatre, or Gran Teatre del Liceu, on Las Ramblas, was founded in 1847 and is the city’s most famous opera venue for stage performances. Make a reservation for operas such as Otello, renditions of Donizetti masterpieces, contemporary dance nights, or classical music concerts.
4. Head to La Boqueria
Any traveler to a new city should start by visiting the city’s most famous marketplaces. In Barcelona, this means going through Las Ramblas to La Boqueria. It’s been the city’s freshest, finest grocery store since 1836. There are vibrant displays of fresh fruits and vegetables, frozen fish, curtains of hung red meat, and masses of aromatic flowers.
5. Discover Palau de la Virreina
The Palace Virreina is a Neoclassicism palace that holds significant art exhibitions. It was constructed between 1772 and 1775 and is ornamented with Baroque and Rococo characteristics. It now houses the Cultural Department of the Town Hall and the Centre de la Imatge.
6. Vist Centre d’Art Santa Mònica
Barcelona has amazing art and architecture to offer to visitors. Las Ramblas is no different. The Centre d’Art Santa Monica is one of the many magnificent galleries in the area. The exhibition has artists from all across the world. There’s also an appealing rooftop café restaurant.
7. The Rambla del Raval
This wide and magnificent palm tree- and cafe-lined plaza, with a weekend market and plenty of people-watching opportunities, was restored in the late 1990s/early 2000s in the center of the formerly run-down Raval district. Make a visit to the roof bar of the hotel Barceló Raval at sundown for delicious margaritas brunch and panoramic views of the city.
Interesting Facts About La Rambla Barcelona
- In the 15th CENTURY, the sewage passing through the region was rerouted and sealed up, giving birth to La Rambla as a road. Since then, it has become a fundamental axis for transportation, large gatherings, marketplaces, and festivals.
- The La Boqueria market began as an open-air market on the edges of the Old Town as a way to escape paying import taxes on items sold within the city’s walls.
- The first residences were built around the beginning of the 18th century, and it wasn’t until the end of the century that La Rambla began to take on its current shape, a wide tree-lined promenade in the heart of the city.
- The Font de Les Caneletes, a little water fountain on the street, serves as a symbolic meeting location for Barcelona Football Club supporters when their side wins.
Best Restaurants at La Rambla
- Boadas: Tthe city’s first cocktail bar is a must-visit destination with classic elegance. Find it on a map.
- Cafe de l’Opera: Situated opposite the popular Liceu Theatre is the Cafe de l’Opera, which serves delicious appetizers and beverages. Find it on a map.
- Bosc de Les Fades: One of the best places to drink in Las Ramblas, Bosc de Les Fades, is a delightful location to drink bottles of sangria. Find it on a map.
- Escriba: This restaurant offers delicious European breakfast, and brunch. Find it on a map.
Find it on a map.Shopping at La Rambla
La Rambla is filled with unique and interesting shopping destinations with a range of exciting souvenirs. Here are the best places to shop at in La Rambla Barcelona.
- Souvenirs Liceu is a store to buy souvenirs for your trip to Barcelona.
- ALE-HOP is a gift shop that offers gifts for all occasions at the best prices.
- Rambles Regals SL is one of the best places to buy unique items at La Rambla.
- EVERMINE is a women’s clothing and accessory shop at La Ramblas.
- The Passeig de Gracia is a high-end retail store. Gucci, Burberry, Jimmy Choo, and Armani are among the brands offered.
Plan Your Visit to La Rambla Barcelona
Getting There
Where to Stay
Nearby Attractions
Address: La Rambla 51-59,Barcelona.
Metro: Green Line, L3.
Train: R1, R4, R6, S1
Public Bus: Routes: 47, D20, h24, V13
Royal Ramblas: The Royal Ramblas is about about 100 meters from Square Catalunya. It has ac, complimentary WiFi, and a plasma TV in its elegant and stylish rooms.
Hotel BCN Ramblas: Hostal BCN Ramblas is located on the outskirts of the Gothic Quarter, around 400 meters from Barcelona Cathedral. A 7-minute walk will take you to Plaza Catalunya and the MACBA Contemporary Art Museum.
Hotel Arc La Ramblas: The Arc La Rambla is located on the world-famous Las Ramblas, 100 meters from the Drassanes Metro Station. It provides free WiFi in all of its rooms.
Hotel 1898: This refurbished 19th-century building offers a rooftop pool and sun patio. Free WiFi and a marble bathtub are included in the exquisite rooms.
- La Sagrada Familia: It is a massive unfinished minor church in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain’s Eixample area. This church was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Casa Milà: it is a Barcelona Modernista structure. It was erected between 1906 and 1912 as a residential mansion designed by architect Antoni Gaudi. Here, you’ll find exhibits and other cultural and educational activities.
- The Museu Picasso: a museum in Barcelona that holds one of the most comprehensive collections of paintings by Pablo Picasso, a 20th-century Spanish artist. The museum has 4,251 pieces on display.
- Museu De L’Erotica: it is a museum dedicated to studying erotica.
Visitor Tips
- Pickpockets are pretty common in this area. Try to avoid them.
- On Las Ramblas, stay away from the majority of restaurants and cafés. The majority of them are of inferior quality.
- At night, stay away from the Ramblas. It isn’t very unsafe, but it does become a spot frequented by people with evil motives.
- Las Ramblas is packed with visitors from May through October. The months of mid-July through mid-August are the busiest.
It isn’t very unsafe, but it does become a spot frequented by people with evil motives.Frequently Asked Questions About La Rambla in Barcelona
What is Las Rambla Barcelona known for?
The Ramblas are famous for street performers, including human statues.
What are some of the best things to do at La Rambla Barcelona?
Visit the Columbus Monument, the Royal Palace, the Gran Teatre del Liceu, and the Palau de la Virreina.
Where does La Rambla Barcelona start and end?
Las Ramblas is about 1.2 kilometers long, with Port Vell (near the cruise port terminal) at one end and Plaça de Catalunya at the other.
What city is La Rambla in?
La Rambla is in Barcelona, Spain.
How wide is La Rambla Barcelona?
Las Ramblas is 36 to 80 feet wide. Sidewalks are often fewer than 10 feet wide, encouraging people to walk in the middle.
Why should I visit La Rambla Barcelona?
La Rambla is one of Barcelona’s most prominent cosmopolitan neighborhoods, with millions of visitors each year worldwide. You may expect to run into individuals from at least 40 different nations on any day.
Who built La Rambla Barcelona?
The origin of La Rambla starts in the 15th century. It was initially a sewage-filled stream.
What is the meaning of La Rambla?
The literal meaning of La Rambla is a dry riverbed used as a road or thoroughfare.
How long has La Rambla existed?
La Rambla has existed for over six centuries now.
Is La Rambla Barcelona safe at night?
Yes, La Rambla is safe at night as many tourists enjoy the nightlife till 3-4 AM.
La Rambla – Things to do in Barcelona
Living statues, overpriced terraces, and people. Lots of people. The world famous promenade Las Ramblas is a spectacle that you have to experience at least once during your visit to Barcelona.
La Rambla is the central artery that feeds Barcelona’s old city
What you will find in this article
- General info about the Rambla
- What to do at Las Ramblas?
- The different Ramblas (indeed there are more than one!)
- Insider tips
- The history of the famous street
Las Ramblas: what is it and why is it worth visiting?
The Ramblas is a large, pedestrian avenue that runs from Barcelona’s sea front to the central Plaça Catalunya.
Hundreds of years ago, the city of Barcelona was only what today is known as the Gothic quarter, and the Rambla is where the city wall stood.
Today it separates the neighborhoods of El Gótico and El Raval.
La Rambla is always busy and lively. It is a tourist hotspot, always full of people strolling among its dozens of kiosks, flower stalls, artists, living statues, terraces, restaurants, and shops.
As is often the case with touristy places, a lot of the establishments along the street are shabby and of low quality, but you should still visit to take in La Rambla’s unique atmosphere.
9 Must-sees and do’s at Las Ramblas
- Columbus Monument
What: A monument in honour of Christopher Columbus, built in 1888 for the World Exhibition. If you take the elevator to the top you can enjoy a spectacular view.
Where: Columbus is located at very bottom of La Rambla, near the port. - Plaça Reial
What: One of the most beautiful squares of the city, an enclosed courtyard with pillars around the edges and a fountain in the middle
Where: Roughly half way down the avenue, on the left hand side. - Rocambolesc
What: An ice cream parlor by Jordi Roca, pastry chef of El Celler de Can Roca, twice named best restaurant in the world.
Where: Right next to the Liceu theater, on the right hand side going down the avenue. - Liceu
What: Barcelona’s most important theater and opera house, the place to come for classical music and the performing arts.
Where: La Rambla 51-59. - Escribà
What: Escribà is a local-favorite pastry shop that makes unique, custom cakes.
Where: La Rambla 83. - Boquería
What: The most important market in town is a treat for your eyes and taste buds. You will find products from all over the world and restaurants serving great food.
Where: La Rambla 91. - Palau de la Virreina
What: An urban mansion turned museum that hosts many interesting exhibits focusing on the history and art of Barcelona.
Where: La Rambla 99. - Arts Santa Mònica
What: Arts Santa Mònica is a space for art, culture and creativity. The exhibits are mostly free.
Where: La Rambla 7. - Canaletes
What: Barça fans come here to celebrate the victories of their club. According to the legend, if you drink the water from the fountain you’ll fall in love with Barcelona.
Where: In front of the H&M shop on number 131.
According to the legend, if you drink the water from the fountain you’ll fall in love with Barcelona.Beware:
Where a lot of people come together, so do pickpockets. This is true for the entire city, but especially for La Rambla. Keep a close eye on your things.
Some people will offer you a rose or to read your hand, never accept this because it’s a trick to distract you and steal from you. Stay friendly, but be firm.
Food and drinks on the Ramblas
As a general rule, you should avoid the bars and restaurants on La Rambla because they are of poor quality and ridiculously overpriced. Some establishments can charge up to €10 for a beer or a Coca Cola, which sell for around €2.50 elsewhere in Barcelona.
That said, there are a few exceptions and places worth visiting.
One is Café l’Opera, right across from the opera house El Liceu. An old grand café where you still get the ambiance of the Rambla from the old days.
Ultramarinos (La Rambla, 31) has a varied menu with many Spanish classics as well as international dishes. The quality is good and the prices are fair.
If you have a sweet tooth head to Escribà for yummy cakes and petit fours.
There is also a large supermarket, Carrefour, where you can buy many non Spanish products that are not available in most local supermarkets in Barcelona.
And of course there is La Boquería! Get yourself a fresh juice, sandwich or salad and eat it on the square behind the market.
Plenty of cozy terraces and restaurants can be found in the side streets off the Ramblas: on Carrer de Bonsuccés for example or on the square Plaça Reial.
A nice place to have lunch is Lobo, in the Raval neighborhood (Pintor Fortuny, 3), And a favorite for tapas is My Fucking Restaurant at the Carrer Nou de la Rambla 35.
Several Ramblas
Let’s start with a frequently asked question: is it called La Rambla or Las Ramblas?
The street actually has several sections, each with its own name, hence the use of the plural form ‘Las Ramblas’.
La Rambla is the whole street, and it usually how locals refer to it.
The Columbus monument is part of the so-called “Rambla de Santa Monica”
The word ‘rambla’ comes from the Arabic language, and means a dry riverbed that refilled and flowed into the sea when it rained.
So how many individual Ramblas are there?
- Rambla de Canaletes
The first hundred meters of the Rambla is called the Rambla de Canaletas. A famous fountain is placed here, the Font de Canaletes where barcelonistas celebrate the victories of their beloved FC Barcelona. It is said that who drinks from this water will always return to Barcelona. The side street Carrer del Bonsuccés leads to the trendy hotel Casa Camper and the MACBA. - Rambla dels Estudis
The second part of the Ramblas is named after the university that was once situated here (estudis means studies). Unfortunately the university was destroyed but will find the building of the Real Academia de Ciencias y Artes, with Barcelona’s first electric clock on the facade, and a little bit further down the church Iglesia de Betlem.
Until 2010, this area was full of pet shop kiosks, but these were banned because of the bad conditions the animals were kept in. Now souvenir stands can be found on the promenade. At the Ramblas dels Estudis there are also two of Barcelona’s best hotels: Hotel Montecarlo and the classical Hotel 1898. - Rambla de les Flors
Once you see the flower stalls you know that you’ve arrived at the Rambla de les Flors (the flower rambla). Here you’ll find the Palau de la Virreina and the famous market of La Boquería, next to the Eurostars Ramblas hotel.
If you walk into the Gothic quarter via the umbrella house you will arrive at the idyllic Plaça del Pi. The street Carrer de l’Hospital leads to the Rambla del Raval, with the Hotel Barceló Raval. - Rambla dels Caputxins
Don’t forget to look down because there is a beautiful piece of art by Joan Miró. The Barcelonese artist created a colourful mosaic here, you will discover his signature on the floor tiles. A few meters further you’ll spot the opera house Teatre del Liceu, completely renovated after the big fire in 1994 and right across the modernistic Café de l’Òpera.
Going towards the end of the Rambla dels Caputxins there is a street at your left called Carrer Ferran that will take you to El Born passing by Barcelona city hall on Plaça Sant Jaume. A little further down you will arrive at the Plaça Reial on your left.
Opposite Plaça Reial you’ll find Carrer Nou de la Rambla, with the famous Palau Güell at number three. - Rambla de Santa Mònica
The last part of La Rambla leads you to the Maritime Museum and of course the Columbus statue, Mirador de Colom. If you cross the busy street you will arrive at a walking bridge that will take you to the shopping mall Maremagnum. - Rambla del Mar
In the extension of the Ramblas the walking bridge (named Rambla del Mar which means Rambla of the sea) connects the Portal de la Pau with the pier Moll d’Espanya, where shopping centre Maremagnum and the Barcelona Aquarium are located.
A few meters further you’ll spot the opera house Teatre del Liceu, completely renovated after the big fire in 1994 and right across the modernistic Café de l’Òpera.
Construction and history of the Ramblas
In the 13th century Barcelona was much smaller. The old Gothic quarter was the entire city, and the Rambla were located just outside the city walls.
Back then there was a dry river bed which ran along what are now Carrer Balmes and the Rambla to Plaça de la Mercè, where it ended in the sea.
In 1377 new city walls were constructed including El Raval and so the Rambla became part of the city.
In 1440 the stream was redirected and buildings were constructed which resulted in the Ramblas becoming the city’s central “spine”.
It was also in that period that several religious buildings were built. Later, in 1703, the first trees were planted along the Rambla.
With Barcelona’s transformation into an international tourist destination, La Rambla has become one the city’s highlights.
Millions of people visit the famous street and that has caused a lot of changes in the past few decades.
The Rambla today
La Rambla is one of those streets that’s just as alive as night as it is by day
The Spanish poet Féderico García Lorca once said about the Ramblas, ‘it’s the only street in the world of which I wish would never end’, but it’s not a secret that the Rambla today in 2018 has become the domain of tourists, and not everyone is thrilled with that.
The locals tend to avoid it as much as possible, and even tourists are wizening up and spending their time elsewhere.
Bad restaurants, souvenir shops, large crowds, and lots of noise… but despite all of that, La Rambla still has a unique atmosphere.
Attractions near La Rambla
There are many attractions near La Rambla:
- La Boquería market
- The Picasso Museum
- The Palau Güell
- The Aquarium
- Santa Maria del Mar Church
- El Born Center for Culture and Memory
Top 10 rooftop bars and restaurants in Barcelona — idealista
Barcelona from above / Ricardo Ramírez/Flickr
June 24, 2019, Tom Beck
Barcelona has it all – beaches, culture and the best rooftop bars to relax you can find anywhere. From the rooftop of the museum to the rooftop hotels in the Gothic Quarter and next to the Sagrada Familia, these rooftops help make Barcelona one of the best cities to visit in Spain.
1.
Mood Rooftop bar, The One Hotel
Undoubtedly one of the best rooftop bars in Barcelona is located on the top floor of The One Hotel on the main Carrer de Provence street. This luxury bar is so exclusive you’ll have to book online before you go, but it’s well worth the hassle for the incredible city views and great cocktails and tapas.
- Where: Carrer de Provença, 277, 08037 Barcelona
- Website: www.hotelstheone.com
2. Skybar Barcelona, Grand Hotel Central
The so-called Skybar is a well-known gourmet restaurant in Barcelona, which is open to the general public on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 to 18:00 during the winter months, and from April to October open from 21:00 to 01:00 every day of the week for some traditional Catalan food and drinks in a luxurious setting.
- Where: Via Laietana, 30, 08003 Barcelona
- Website: www. skybar-barcelona.com
skybar-barcelona.com 3. Ohla Terraza Chill out
Adjacent, on the same street, is the rooftop Ohla Bar, where you can enjoy an unrivaled gastronomic treat from prestigious French chef Romain Fornell, awarded a Michelin star, and to please all your senses with one of the best views in Barcelona.
- Where: Via Laietana, 49, 08003 Barcelona
- Website: www.ohlabarcelona.com
4. La Isabela, Hotel 1898
This famous rooftop bar is located on Las Ramblas, one of Barcelona’s most famous streets, directly opposite the Gothic Quarter. It’s on the top floor of the luxurious 1898 Hotel and boasts a stunning terrace with its own pool, so don’t forget your swimsuit! Cocktails and traditional Spanish tapas are prepared using the freshest local ingredients.
- Where: Las Ramblas, 109, 08002 Barcelona
- Website: www. hotel1898.com
hotel1898.com 5. Barceló Raval
If you want to enjoy a nice sunset over the Barcelona skyline, this is the place to be. The rooftop terrace of the Barceló Raval offers 360-degree views of the city, which are magnificent at any time of the day. If you arrive before sunset, you can take the opportunity to sunbathe on the solarium.
- Where: Rambla del Raval, 17-21, 08001 Barcelona
- Website: www.barcelo.com
6. 83.3 Terrace Bar
This rooftop terrace is close to Sagrada Familia so it’s the perfect place to head off after a day of sightseeing in the city . It’s also very large and spacious, and one of the cheapest rooftop bars in Barcelona, meaning it’s suitable for everyone.
- Where: Passeig de Gràcia, 84, 08008 Barcelona
- Website: www.royalpasseigdegraciahotel.com
7.
Museu D’Història De Catalunya
Yes, you read that right – the Catalan Historical Museum has a rooftop bar on the top floor! After walking through the exhibits of this museum in the Old Port area and learning all about the history of the people and places of this unique Spanish region, you can take the elevator to the roof and have a beer and a few snacks for a very reasonable price.
- Where: Plaça de Pau Vila, 3, 08039Barcelona
- Website: www.patrimoni.gencat
8. W Lounge
Luxury Hotel W Barcelona on the seafront / Pixabay
luxury hotel W Barcelona. On the wet deck, overlooking the pool and overlooking the beach and sea, DJs play in the evenings for a truly unforgettable experience. You can even make reservations at this hotel for weddings and other special events.
- Where: Plaça de la Rosa dels Vents, 1, 08039 Barcelona
- Website: www. marriott.com/h-w-barcelona
marriott.com/h-w-barcelona 9.
9.
Rooftop 1 Terrace 1 Terrace 1 90 173 0002 From the Crowne Plaza hotel beautiful view of the city from the Montjuic area. Its name refers to the 173 meters above sea level that the terrace is located on, and it is relatively new, having only been opened in 2017. However, it is already earning a name as one of the best rooftop bars in Barcelona. Black Terrace 011 To admire With a view of Barcelona’s marina from a comfortable rooftop seat with a drink in hand, visit the Terraza Black Marina at the Eurostars Grand Marina. It has a chic design and exclusive drinks and food, but best of all it has to have live performances that range from jazz musicians to club DJs so you can enjoy a night out on the city in Barcelona, in style! Tags Rooftop bars Barcelona What to see in Spain 2 0003 We use our own and third party cookies for analytics purposes and to show you personalized ads based on a profile prepared based on your browsing habits. You can accept all cookies by clicking the “Accept” button, or set or decline their use by clicking the “Settings” button. For more information, please see our Cookie Policy. ACCEPT ADJUST Required
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Sorry, no apartments were found matching your request. Las Ramblas, also known as the Ramblas, is without a doubt the most popular street in Barcelona. Located in the heart of the city, Las Ramblas stretches from the iconic Plaza Catalunya to the beautiful Port Vell (old port), making it the perfect place for those who want to enjoy all the Catalan capital has to offer. With the Gothic Quarter on one side and the Raval on the other, you’ll find plenty to do and eat here, and the quaint living statues along the street won’t let you get bored for a second. In the middle of the boulevard is the most prestigious theater in the city – the Liceu. You can also shop at the Boqueria Market. This is the most famous market in Barcelona and its colorful stalls with fresh fruit and typical Catalan products attract hundreds of visitors every day. Not far from the Rambla are the two main cultural centers of the city – the CCCB and MACBA museums.
blackmarina.com Apartments in the center of Barcelona – AB Apartment Barcelona
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