The ramblas barcelona: Las Ramblas in Barcelona: Essential Guide & Advice

Las Ramblas in Barcelona: Essential Guide & Advice

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This page will give you detailed information on the famous La Rambla, including its main attractions, sights of interest and links to hotels on the Ramblas. La Rambla is also known as any of the following; Ramblas, or Las Ramblas.

Las Ramblas boulevard

Las Ramblas boulevard, is a lively and iconic street in the heart of Barcelona, Spain, is home to numerous attractions that captivate tourists and locals alike.

Las Ramblas is often the first landmark that most tourists identify with the city. It is a large boulevard which runs through the heart of the city centre. It is filled with Barcelona action at its best (and sometimes the worst as we will discuss later on).

Orientation – Las Ramblas

Las Ramblas is approximately 1.2 kilometres long with Port Vell (near the cruise port terminal) at the Southern most end and Plaça de Catalunya at the northern most end.

If you have your back to Port Vell and you are looking up towards Catalunya along the Ramblas on your left hand side is the Raval area and on your right-hand side is the Barri Gòtic (or Gothic Quarter).

Las Ramblas can also be roughly divided into seedy and non-seedy areas. This distinction between seedy and non-seedy becomes a lot clearer during the night time when the Southern most end of the Ramblas becomes something of a red light district and is frequented by night women (prostitutes).

Attractions along Las Ramblas

 

Liceu Theatre

In this article when I mention the northern most end of the Ramblas I mean north of the Liceu theatre (which is a mid way point along Las Ramblas) and the southern most end as being south of the Liceu Theatre.

Transportation along Las Ramblas in Barcelona

La Rambla is primarily pedestrianized with only two narrow one-way traffic roads which run on either side of the central Ramblas Boulevard.

Barcelona city council have restricted traffic flow through this region and you have the overwhelming feeling that pedestrians rule in this area (which makes a welcome change). Unlike other cities that have huge roads running through the middle Barcelona has chosen to structure the road system such that the heart of the city centre is primarily pedestrianized with larger roads that service the periphery.

Japanese paintings and decoration on a building on La Rambla

Metro stops on the Barcelona Las Ramblas

The Ramblas is serviced by three Metro stops along its length making it a superb transport point to see the rest of the city.

At the Southern most end of La Rambla, near to Christopher Columbus memorial, you have the Drassanes Metro stop. (Green Line, L3)

Midway along the Barcelona Las Ramblas, just outside the Liceu Theatre, you have the Metro stop Liceu. (Green Line, L3)

At the northern most tip of the Barcelona Ramblas you have metro stop Catalunya which is serviced by the Metro on both the (Green Line, L3) and (Red Line, L1). Catalunya is also the point at which you can catch the Aerobus ( Express bus service to the airport) and the Barcelona Tours Bus (A Hop on Hop Off Tourist Bus) which will take you around 3 circuits of popular tourist attractions.

Car parking

Car parking near Las Ramblas in Barri Gòtic (Old Town, Historic Quarter)

Luggage Storage

Click to see luggage/bag storage facility near Las Ramblas

Accommodation on Barcelona Las Ramblas

There is plenty of accommodation along the Ramblas in the form of hotels, hostals and apartments.

Although the Ramblas offers you excellent access to the heart of the city it is worth remembering that if you choose accommodation on the Ramblas you must be prepared for noise. There is no getting away from this. Regardless of whether your hotel has double glazing or not be prepared for some noise. There will even be street noise at night when the Ramblas can be busy until 3 am or later. See our guide to hotels near Las Ramblas

Attractions along Las Ramblas Barcelona.

Attractions along the Ramblas including live performances, human statue art, artists that will draw your portrait or caricature, as well as established attractions like:

The main points of interest along this vibrant stretch include:

Plaça de Catalunya: This central square is a popular meeting point and shopping hub, marking the beginning of Las Ramblas. It features beautiful fountains, sculptures, and green spaces for relaxation.

La Boqueria Market (Mercat de la Boqueria): A bustling market known for its diverse range of fresh produce, artisanal products, and delicious food stalls, offering visitors a chance to experience the rich culinary heritage of Barcelona.

Gran Teatre del Liceu: This stunning opera house, dating back to the mid-19th century, hosts world-class performances in a magnificent setting. It is one of Europe’s most renowned cultural landmarks.

Plaça Reial: A picturesque square with palm trees, Gaudi-designed lampposts, and elegant architecture, this plaza is home to popular bars and restaurants, making it an ideal spot for dining and people-watching.

Erotica Museum (Museu de l’ Erotica): the Erotica Museum offers a unique and intriguing experience for those with a curious mind.

The Mosaic de Miró: Located midway down Las Ramblas in the middle of the boulevard you will see this colourful pavement mosaic created by renowned Barcelona artist Joan Miró. This mosaic adds a touch of artistic flair to the boulevard. You will see one of the tiles was signed by Miró himself.

Columbus Monument (Mirador de Colom): This towering monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus offers panoramic views of the city and the harbour from its viewing platform, giving visitors a unique perspective of Barcelona.

Maritime Museum (Museu Marítim):

Tucked away in Barcelona’s historic Royal Shipyard, you’ll find the Maritime Museum – a real treasure trove that takes you on an enthralling voyage through the city’s storied maritime past.

These attractions, among others, make Las Ramblas an unforgettable destination for anyone visiting Barcelona, allowing them to experience the city’s vibrant culture, history, and charm.

Human Statues

The Ramblas is famous for street performers including human statues.

Human statue: Galileo
Human statue: White Painter

Did you know there is a Miró on La Rambla? The famous painter Joan Miró actually created part of the Ramblas. Many thousands of people walk right over the Miró circle on the Ramblas every day and don’t even know it.

Barcelona Miró mosaic on La Rambla

Where is the Miró you may ask? The place to find Mirós’ circular tile mosaic can be found close to both the Liceu Theatre and the Liceu metro. Look for a large circular coloured mosaic tiling right in the middle of the Ramblas. If you look carefully, you will also find one tile that was signed by Miró.

Shopping along the Ramblas in Barcelona.

There are dozens of restaurants and shops along the full length of the Barcelona Las Ramblas. However due to the popularity of Las Ramblas, and the sheer volume of visitors, you will find elevated prices and generally a lower level of service than you would experience in a less touristy area.

La Boqueria Food Market

La Boqueria Market

La Boqueria Market, situated in the heart of Barcelona, boasts a rich history that goes back centuries, to the 1200s. Visitors exploring this lively market can immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant culture, making it an essential stop for those seeking an authentic Barcelona experience.

Wandering through La Boqueria’s bustling atmosphere, you’ll find an extensive variety of fresh produce, including fruits, vegetables, and seafood sourced from the Mediterranean. The market is also home to numerous artisanal products, such as delectable cheeses, flavourful cured meats, and tempting handmade sweets. Food enthusiasts can indulge in the many food stands and tapas bars scattered throughout the market, offering a delightful introduction to Catalan cuisine.

What sets La Boqueria apart is its dedication to supporting local farmers and producers. This commitment not only helps maintain the market’s high-quality offerings but also contributes to sustainable practices. As you browse the market, you’ll have the opportunity to engage with passionate vendors who are keen to share their expertise and love for their products.

In essence, La Boqueria Market provides a unique cultural experience that goes beyond food. Its energetic atmosphere reflects the diverse and dynamic nature of Barcelona, connecting visitors with the city’s rich history and traditions. Whether you’re a culinary aficionado or a curious traveller, La Boqueria Market promises an unforgettable adventure that will leave you with lasting memories of Barcelona’s charm.

Learn more about La Boqueria Market

I would be reluctant to dine in a restaurant along the Ramblas simply because there are better places to enjoy a night out. But for a tourists’ first visit sitting on the Ramblas with a jug of sangria is an absolute must.

If you are looking for some speciality items, practically anything, from an electricity adapter, special camera batteries, clothing, or even stationary items difficult to find in a regular shop you will probably find in El Corte Inglés.

El Corte Inglés can be found in the Plaça de Catalunya square which is at the Northern most tip of the Ramblas. El Corte Inglés is a huge department-store with seven floors of shopping categorised by different genres. If you can’t find what you’re looking for there, you can’t find anywhere!

Eating out on Las Ramblas
Street Artist

Safety along Las Ramblas Barcelona

Las Ramblas is a popular tourist attraction in its own right. Any time during the day or night several thousands tourists will be meandering along the Ramblas soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the activities.

However there is also another group of individuals that are attracted to the Ramblas for a completely different reason. They are interested in taking advantage of the tourists. Who are they? Pickpockets and scam artists!

To help ensure your safety whilst visiting the Ramblas I highly recommend you read my Barcelona safety article that will help you be aware of the potential hazards and how to protect yourself. Help make Barcelona a scam-free zone by following the guidelines in this article. Without easy targets perhaps the pick pocketing and bag snatching problem will start to disappear. See our page on Las Ramblas safety guide.

Human statue: Eagle Demon

Accommodation on La Rambla

Staying in a hotel on La Rambla gives you direct access to the centre of the city and is one of the most popular locations on which to base your visit. There are quite a large number of hotels along La Rambla that you can choose from. To help you find the best hotel to meet your needs we have created an in-depth information page on how to find your hotel along La Rambla.

Map of La Rambla

You may wish to orientate yourself by referring to our map of La Rambla before your visit.

Summary

That’s the end of this flying visit to Las Ramblas however there is more information about accommodation near and on Las Ramblas in the “Related Pages” below. You will also find links to both our Barcelona safety article and photo gallery of Las Ramblas.

Las Ramblas Barcelona • A guide to the iconic street for 2023

The highlights – and lowlights – of a stroll down the famous boulevard

By Duncan Rhodes

Quick Menu

Introduction

Top Attractions

The Vibe

Eating & Drinking

Hotels & Rooms

Walking Tours

Other Tickets:

– The Barcelona Pass

We reveal some of the most noteworthy sights and things to do during a stroll down Barcelona’s most iconic street – as well as what to avoid! Plus tips on the best bars and restaurants on the boulevard, and where to stay if you’re looking for a hotel in the heart of the city.

The Good, The Bad… and The Ugly

The throbbing heart of the city to some, a heinous tourist trap to others, Las Ramblas boulevard not only divides the Old Town in two, but it also polarises public opinion. Championing its positive attributes, the poet Federico García Lorca once described the iconic avenue as “the one street in the world I didn’t want to end,” and there’s still plenty to justify the Spanish poet’s praise, particularly the Parisienne vibe, created by the outdoor cafes and colonnades of slender trees, and the playful performance artists and boisterous carnival atmosphere of this 1.2 km stretch of street.

The throbbing heart of the city to some, a heinous tourist trap to others, Las Ramblas boulevard not only divides the Old Town in two, but it also polarises public opinion.

Referred to both as La Rambla (singular) and Las Ramblas (plural), the name derives from an old Arabic word ‘ramla’ meaning sandy riverbed, and indeed that’s how this magnificent boulevard started – as a humble dried-out stream outside the walls of the Gothic Quarter.

At the start of the 18th century the first houses were constructed, and only by the end of the 18th century did La Rambla start to appear in something like its present form, a sweeping tree-lined boulevard in the centre of the city.

Beware of dragons!

The street is most-commonly referred to in the plural, Las Ramblas, because it is in fact a succession of streets, which start at Plaça Catalunya with the Rambla de Canaletes and work their way down via Rambla dels Estudis, Rambla de les Flors, Rambla dels Caputxins and Rambla de Santa Monica to the newly constructed Rambla del Mar, which links the boulevard to the Maremagnum shopping centre on the Port Vell. (NB: there are several more Ramblas in Barcelona, including Nou de la Rambla and Rambla del Raval, but these are separate streets altogether!).

Just as it joins the city centre and the sea together, Las Ramblas divides the two most central districts of Barcelona’s old town, the touristic Gothic Quarter on one side, and the shabby chic area of El Raval on the other.

Las Ramblas Attractions

A walk from the top to the bottom of Las Ramblas is a rite of passage for any first time visitor to the city, and you will find a healthy selection of Barcelona’s worthy attractions en route. Keep an eye out for the following.

The Canaletes Fountain

This elegant, late 19th century, four-tapped, drinking font bears the crest of the city of Barcelona and is mostly famous as the place where Barça fans congregate to celebrate epic victories such as title and cup wins, or getting the better of Real Madrid in the el clasico Spanish derby. The tradition stems from pre-television days when fans would gather here and listen to matches on the radio. Naturally, if you drink from the fountain you are fated to return to the city…

Boqueria Food Market

La Boqueria food market is a gourmand’s delight, and a chance to savour some of the best quality produce in Spain, from fruit and veg. to seafood and meats, and much more besides. Residents and restauranteurs use the market for their daily groceries, but travellers can also pop by to pick up freshly squeezed juices, or delicious nibbles to snack on, or stop at one of the market’s many eateries (you know they’re using fresh ingredients!).

Miro’s Mosaic

Joan Miro is one of the Barcelona’s most famous sons, and art lovers might want to check out the museum dedicated to his works on Montjuic. The Catalan artist has several works of public art dotted around the city, but none more known than Pla de l’Os, a bold mosaic that marks the entrance to La Boqueria and is trodden upon by thousands of tourists day after day. Just take care to look where you step and you won’t miss it!

Liceu Theatre

One of the most charming aspects of a stroll down La Rambla is the chance to see locals dressed up for an operatic or balletic performance at the Liceu Theatre. This opulent cultural centre has been through its fair share of hard times, but is still going strong as the heart of the city’s classical culture scene.

Monument to Columbus

The controversial explorer has been claimed by many nations, including Spain and more specifically Catalonia, and whereas modern public opinion on him has changed over recent years, and his ‘achievements’ reframed, he was nothing if not influential. His statue is mounted on an impressive column reaching nearly 60 metres high (that’s larger than Nelson’s Column, for perspective) and if you want to enjoy one of the best views in the city, you can climb it for a fraction over 5 euros. Tickets on the city’s official website.

The Vibe

Aside from plenty of attractions, as you might expect Las Ramblas is home to several upmarket hotels, some great places to eat and drink – and more than a smattering of bad ones, including the ubiquitous global fast food chains.

These in part are what have given Las Ramblas a twofold reputation of late, and there’s no doubt the street, teeming with tourists and the businesses that cater for them, has in some sense become a victim of its own popularity. Whilst its central location means it will never be abandoned by the citizens of Barcelona (they couldn’t, even if they wanted to!), sometimes Las Ramblas feels like touristic circus with too many tacky gimmicks and souvenirs, chronic overcrowding and soulless consumerism. Like much of the Old Town, the area attracts pickpockets (a plague in Barcelona) who prey on naive travellers by day, whilst after dark prostitutes ply their trade.

Street performers add colour to Las Ramblas

But let’s keep things in perspective! Whilst there’s no denying there’s an undesirable side to roving on these famous tracts, it’s not exactly Armageddon out there. By day, Las Ramblas still represents some unmissable and highly-entertaining sightseeing, as the city bustles in full flow and street performers in the shape of demons, gladiators, clowns, ballerinas, flamenco dancers and many more outrageous guises, entertain, terrorise, mimic, beguile and charm passers-by.

Street performers in the shape of demons, gladiators, clowns, ballerinas and flamenco dancers entertain, terrorise, mimic, beguile and charm passers-by…

Overall, Las Ramblas is an essential calling point for all tourists in Barcelona, but first time visitors should take this rollercoaster ride of a road with a pinch of salt. The real soul of this sensational city is to be found elsewhere… our city guide will point you in the direction of all Barcelona’s greatest attractions and coolest districts.

Eating & Drinking on La Rambla

In general, Las Ramblas is not the best place to eat and drink as the high foot traffic means that many tacky restaurants rely on undiscerning tourists, and are not incentivised to provide great food and beverages. That said, there are plenty of charismatic places offering quality experiences if you know where to look.

Near the top of the street for example, almost out of view, you’ll find the city’s first ever cocktail bar, the legendary Boadas, a signature locale with timeless class – Hemingway was purportedly a fan!

Boadas offers liquid refreshment at the top of the street

Also preserving the old school vibe is the art nouveau style Cafe de l’Opera, which offers great snacks and drinks, opposite the still-popular Liceu Teatre.

For those that love the home comforts of an Irish pub, the aptly named Old Irish Pub has set up stall towards the bottom of Las Ramblas. A nice respite for those in need of a pint and a place to watch the Premier League. Just keep an eye out for the leprechaun!

Home comforts on La Rambla…

Talking of home comforts, Barcelona’s very own Hard Rock Cafe can be found on Plaça Catalunya, just at the top of Las Ramblas. Amongst the classic rock memorabilia, you can enjoy a slice of Americana with their legendary burgers and other mains, best followed by a brownie with hot fudge and ice cream. Popular with US travellers, it’s best to book in advance.

Enjoying great food and company at Barcelona’s Hard Rock Cafe

For something a little different El Bosc de les Fades, annexed to the Wax Museum, is a fun place to quaff jugs of sangria in a surreal fake fairy forest.

Hotels on La Rambla

If you absolutely have to be in the heart of the action during your Barcelona break then fear not, there are plenty of accommodation options on the city’s most famous street. The king’s choice would undoubtedly be the 5-star Hotel Meridien, a luxury palace with all the mod-cons.

Not a bad spot to hang out at the end of the day!

Meanwhile the Hotel 1898 and Royal Ramblas are two four-star hotels well worth putting on your shortlist.

A more affordable option is the still excellent Hotel Arc de la Rambla.

Alternatively get in contact with some apartment rental firms and see what they can do for you!

For a full list of places to stay, anywhere in the city, check out our hotels and apartments directory.

Ramblas Walking Tours

If you fancy a bit more structured information on Barcelona’s epic boulevard you could try signing up for one of the city’s many FREE walking tours, available on GuruWalk.

Typically, any of the Old Town walking tours will call by Las Ramblas to share some of the streets history and legends.

Take a free walking tour with GuruWalk

Other Tours & Tickets

Take my advice, and don’t leave home without booking tickets to Barcelona’s key attractions. Queues for top sights like La Sagrada Familia and Park Guell can be hours long, and if you don’t reserve skip-the-line tickets you are going to waste a lot of your valuable holiday time. In fact, you’re likely to not get in at all.

Our article on the best things to do is a great resource for planning your entire visit.

– The Barcelona Pass

One convenient option is to invest in a Barcelona Pass, which includes tickets to La Sagrada Familia, Park Guell and the Tourist Bus in one handy purchase. The Barcelona Pass currently costs €86.50 and is available via Tiqets.com.

– Other Tourist Cards

For more tourist pass options be sure to check out our full length article (replete with handy comparison table) which answers the question: which Barcelona tourist card is the best value for money.

About the Author

Duncan established Barcelona Life in 2009, whilst freelancing for the likes of Conde Nast, The Guardian, Easyjet Magazine, CNN Traveller and many more. From interviews with Ferran Adria to revealing the secrets of the city’s poetry brothels, he knows the city inside out… and shares all his best tips right here.

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La Rambla: the central street of Barcelona

La Rambla is a pedestrian street located in the center of Barcelona, ​​masquerading as one of the attractions of the city. It plays an important role in the development of infrastructure, attracts tourists with many entertainments. La Rambla starts from Plaza Catalunya, then stretches for more than a kilometer, separating the Gothic Quarter and Raval, descending to the Old Port of Barcelona to the monument in honor of Christopher Columbus.

La Rambla is full of both free and paid entertainment. In this part of the city there is an atmosphere conducive to a comfortable immersion in the culture of Catalonia.

Briefly about the history of La Rambla

In the second half of the 18th century, the inhabitants of Barcelona began to complain about the lack of free space in the city, the difficulty in finding a place to accommodate residential buildings and ordinary walks. At that time, the capital of Catalonia was squeezed into the grip of the Gothic Quarter, its narrow streets and winding turns.

Having studied all aspects of the issue, the Barcelona authorities came to the conclusion that the best way out of the situation is to demolish the fortress walls and form a boulevard that will be used by locals and guests for a promenade. And so it happened – Las Ramblas allowed to solve an important urban planning issue, adorned the already charming Barcelona.

What is La Rambla at the moment

At first glance, the street seems to be a huge single component.

In fact, Las Ramblas in Barcelona includes 5 stretches with their own names. They merge into each other:

  • Canaletes
  • Teachings
  • Flowers
  • Capuchin
  • St. Monica

Sometimes, describing the current state of affairs on La Rambla, it includes a pedestrian bridge that leads to the Maremagnum shopping center near the port of Barcelona.

Best tours of the Gothic Quarter

Site descriptions

Living statues on La Rambla

Each site has its own attractions:

  1. Canaletes Boulevard takes its name from a 19th century cast-iron drinking fountain. Here you can often meet tourists who believe in omens. According to one of those, in order to return to Barcelona, ​​you need to drink water from the fountain on La Rambla. In addition, fans of the “blue garnet” often gather here.
  2. Teaching Boulevard was named after the higher education institution that was located on the street earlier. This part of La Rambla is interesting because you can buy birds here. Art lovers should appreciate the Poliorama Theater, the baroque church of Our Lady of Bethlehem.
  3. The La Boquería market is located on the Rambla dei des Flowers, where guests of Barcelona should definitely stop by and appreciate the range of products. Interesting objects include the Joan Miró mosaic and the Palace of the Viceroy.
  4. The Boulevard des Capucines can boast of the fact that on its territory there is the opera house Gran Teatro Liceu, which is one of the most-most attractions of La Rambla. There is also a monument to the Barcelona poet and playwright Frederic Soler.
  5. Rambla St. Monica is located closer to the sea. Its center is decorated with a monument to Columbus, which is considered to be one of the symbols of Barcelona.

What to see on La Rambla

1Canaletes Fountain

The beginning of La Rambla in Barcelona can be considered a small cast-iron Canaletes fountain with drinking water. It is located near the main square of the city. The fountain is often mentioned in signs and legends associated with the capital of Catalonia.

FC Barcelona fans gather here to celebrate their team’s triumph. The fact is that earlier within La Rambla there was an office of a newspaper that placed the results of matches on the stand. Now the situation has changed dramatically, but football fans do not abandon the glorious tradition.

The Canaletes Fountain on La Rambla itself is presented in the form of a lantern with four horns and four drinking water taps.

2 Boqueria Market

The city market, located within the El Raval sub-district, is a source of pride for the people of Barcelona. And it’s not just the variety of products, but the love with which sellers approach their business on La Rambla. Well, the glass and steel building, decorated with mosaics, is another argument to visit the Boqueria market in person.

In 1914, the Boquería market within La Rambla was completed with a metal roof.

In this part of the boulevard, you can be sure of the quality and freshness of products. Since high throughput allows you to sell goods within a day. Initially, Boqueria sold only meat. Then the sellers from Barcelona opened outlets with fish, vegetables and other things.

3Pla del Hos

Boqueria Gate

Within La Rambla, on the border of the Boulevards of Saint Joseph and the Capuchins, there is the Pla del Hos. It is notable for the fact that even before La Rambla appeared on the map of Barcelona, ​​it had the Boquería Gate on its territory.

They enchanted with their performance in Arabic style.

4Joan Miró Mosaic

While walking along La Rambla, not all tourists pay attention to the mosaic that adorns the area opposite the Boquería market. It was made directly on the pavement near the house of Barcelona, ​​​​where its author was born. Miró created a work of art using simple shapes and colors:

  • red
  • yellow
  • blue
  • black
  • white

The work carried out on La Rambla in 2006 brought back the former brightness of the colors. But, unfortunately, travelers do not always look under their feet and literally trample on beauty.

The object was built in 1847 on the site of a former monastery with funds from the elite of Barcelona. The building adorned La Rambla in its original form until the fire of 1994, when only elements of the facade were saved. The restoration lasted for five years, it took enormous efforts and funds. Luckily at 19In 99, the building again sparkled on La Rambla in all its splendor. Moreover, opera singers from all over the world hope to perform at least once in their lives at the Liceu Gran Theatre.

6 Barcelona Royal Square

Between the boulevards of the Capuchins and St. Monica has a very small Plaza Reyal with a La Rambla fountain called “Three Graces”. By the way, lanterns with six horns were created by Antonio Gaudi at the beginning of his career. Here is the oldest theater in Barcelona – Principal, which has preserved the facade in good condition.

7Palace Güell on La Rambla in Barcelona

Palace Güell on La Rambla in Barcelona

Palace designed by Antoni Gaudí for industrialist Eusebi Güell. In this project, the architect found the very combination of decorative and structural elements that subsequently distinguished his work from others in Barcelona. For a creation that adorns La Rambla to this day, Gaudí experimented with steel supporting structures.

The façade design has features of a Venetian palazzo, while the interior is replete with works of arts and crafts.

Would you like to see more of Gaudí’s creations in Barcelona? Don’t forget to purchase your entrance tickets in advance to avoid queues. You can do this at the link online on the official ticket platform.

Address La Rambla

Las Ramblas, Barcelona.

Getting there

Metro : green line L3, stations:

  • Cataluña
  • Liceu
  • Drassanes

Location of La Rambla in Barcelona

  • How to avoid queues at Barcelona attractions. Tickets for Sagrada Familia and Park Güell skip the line.
  • How not to be deceived by local taxi drivers. Order a taxi in advance with fixed rates online. The most reliable service for ordering a taxi is KiwiTaxi .
  • Excursions in Barcelona with locals will help you to get to know this city for real. The best way to get comfortable in an unfamiliar city is to walk around it with a person who has lived here for many years.
  • We advise you to take out travel insurance so that there are no unpleasant surprises while traveling to Barcelona.
  • Barcelona City Pass is a one-stop card that makes organizing your holiday in Barcelona easier and saves you a lot of time and money.
  • Hotels in Barcelona: is our selection and recommendations.
  • Bus Turistic is a tourist bus and a great way to get to all the necessary monuments of Barcelona quickly, with a breeze and comfort.
  • Drimsim is a universal international SIM card and a free travel application. Best prices, fast internet and worldwide calls.
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  • Barcelona Attractions

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Las Ramblas in Barcelona – detailed information with photo

Contents

  • General information
  • The history of the Rambla
  • The Rambla area
  • How to get to the Rambla
  • Where to stay
  • Security

General information

The Rambla 02 –

0 The Rambla 02 –

0 The Rambla 02 –

0 it is a city within the city itself that catches the breath and pulse of Barcelona . The street is a pedestrian zone where tourists are entertained by souvenir vendors, mimes, actors, artists and musicians. Narrow one-way roads run along both sides of the boulevard.

The Catalans say that there is no one in the world who, walking along the Ramblas, is not forever enchanted by the vitality of Barcelona. The whole essence of the city lies in this kilometer: the Rambla changes at every stage of the journey. Only here, just on one street, you can drink water from the Canaletes fountain, then buy flowers, dine at La Boqueria, go to the Liceu theater, and at the end of the walk, meet the sunset on the seashore. This is a place where you will definitely want to come back!

Liceu Theater (building on the left)La Boqueria MarketFlower tents
Canaletes FountainArtist at work

History of the Rambla

Barcelona around 1700. La Rambla runs right through the center of the city, with the old city wall on the right.

The name of the Rambla is translated as “river bed”, which partly explains its origin. The inhabitants of Barcelona became crowded in the city, limited by the walls, and in 1776 they were demolished to expand the territory. Along the dried-up river bed, which descended to the sea, the Rambla boulevard was laid, which became a favorite meeting place and festivities for the townspeople. Leaving the Old Town, the inhabitants of Barcelona began to build along the avenue what they lacked space for: theaters, palaces, museums, churches and markets. The heyday of the city’s main thoroughfare fell on 19century.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the boulevard experienced hard times: due to the influx of migrants, the First and Second World Wars, the Civil War, the area became criminal, and the Rambla fell into decay.

The Rambla in 1920 The Rambla in 1937

In the 1980s, an attempt was made to breathe new life into the “heart of Barcelona”. This period is considered the revival of the Rambla, but now the boulevard has become a place that no longer attracts locals, but tourists.

Street performers on the Rambla

The Rambla area

The Rambla consists of 5 distinct parts, each with its own name. By the way, because of this, the boulevard is sometimes referred to in the plural – Las Ramblas (Spanish: Las Ramblas) or Les Rambles (cat. Les Rambles).

Rambla de Canaletes

Canaletes is the first part of the Rambla. It got its name from the Canaletes Fountain located here – a favorite meeting place for football fans of the Barcelona club. Cast iron fountain 19century attracts tourists with a belief that says that whoever drinks water from it will certainly return to Barcelona. The Canaletes Fountain has four taps; it is decorated with a lantern on which the Catalan coat of arms flaunts, and in general terms resembles a Russian samovar.

Rambla de Canaletes in the evening

Rambla of the Teachings (Rambla dels Estudios)

The second part is the Rambla of the Teachings. The section of the boulevard got its name because the university was located here for a long time. Since the students interfered with the locals, King Philip V moved the educational institution to the city of Cervera. Now there is a bird market on the Rambla Teachings, and on the sides of this section of the boulevard there are old interesting buildings. This is the Poliorama theater, which occupies the former Academy of Science and Arts of the 18th century, the Church of Our Lady of Bethlehem, built in the 17th century according to the project of Josep Juli. The magnificent Palau Moja mansion is also located here.

Palau Mozha Mansion

Rambla de les Flors

Fresh flowers

Next is the Rambla of Flowers, which used to be called St. Joseph’s Rambla. The modern name has taken root because a myriad of flower shops and shops are concentrated on this segment of the boulevard. The famous Boqueria market is located here. It was opened on March 19, 1840 on the day of St. Joseph, which is why the boulevard originally got its name. The market acquired its completed look with a recognizable roof only in 1914 year. Boqueria is famous throughout Barcelona for its huge selection of fresh products, and its area is 2500 square meters. meters. There are many bars on the territory of the market where you can sit with a glass of Spanish wine.

On the Boulevard of Flowers, you need to stop to admire the Palace of the Viceroy, the construction of which dates back to 1775.

Police on the Rambla of Flowers Viceroy’s Palace

Plaza del Hos

The section of the boulevard ends with Pla del Hos, where in the Middle Ages there was a beautiful gate. Now they are gone, but Pla del Os can rightfully be proud of another decoration: a round mosaic by Joan Miró, a Catalan artist, laid out right on the sidewalk. He was 83 years old when he started making mosaics, and his autograph was preserved on one of the tiles. The artist’s work was updated on the anniversary of the 30th anniversary, in 2006, returning the brightness to the original colors. In total, five colors were used in the mosaic: black, white, red, yellow and blue, which is typical for the laconic style of Joan Miro.

Rambla dels Caputxins

From the mosaic we pass to the Rambla of the Capuchins, at the very beginning of which rises the modernist house of Bruno Quadras, also called the House of Umbrellas, because these products used to be sold here. The building was already a classical modernist monument, but the architect Josep Vilaseca decided to reconstruct it in 1883, and now the house can be viewed from different angles to see a Chinese dragon on the corner or Egyptian symbols on the balconies.

Another attraction of the Ramblas of the Capuchins is the Gran Teatro Liceu, one of several of the greatest opera houses in the world. It was built in 1847 on the site of a former monastery and successfully existed until 1994, when a fire broke out that destroyed the theatre. Only the facade of the building survived. Restoration lasted five years, and in 1999 the Liceu Grand Theater again opened its doors to the audience. The capacity of the theater has increased: 2292 people can come to one production.

The oldest Catalan Principal theater has also been preserved on the Rambla. It was founded in the 16th century, but has perfectly preserved its facade. Not far from the theater is a monument to Frederic Soler, a Catalan poet and playwright.

Façade of the Liceo TheatrePrincipal

Boulevard des Capucines ends with the cozy Plaza Real. Here are the lanterns, which became one of the first works of the famous architect Antoni Gaudí.

There is also a beautiful fountain “Three Graces” on the square. Three charming girls, holding hands, stand, hiding from the falling jets of the fountain.

Plaza Real

Rambla de Santa Monica

The promenade of the entire boulevard ends with the Rambla de Santa Monica. She leads travelers to the Portal de la Pau square – the “Gate of the World”. In the center of the square is the symbol of the city – the statue of Columbus, looking at Barcelona from a height of 87 meters. The author of the project of the monument is Gayetan Buigas-i-Monrava. Another iconic place in the Rambla is the St. Monica Center for the Arts. The Renaissance building was built in the 17th century, and the Augustinian monastery was located here. Having survived several centuries, having been occupied by the troops of the Napoleonic army, the building has survived to this day. From 1984 to 1988, a reconstruction was carried out here and the Center for the Arts was opened.

Portal de la Pau square with a statue of Columbus in the center Boulevard of St. Monica

Nautical Rambla

The piquant attraction of the Rambla of St. Monica is the Museum of Erotica, located in house 96. All the exhibits, of which there are more than 800, are grouped according to era and country.

The highlight of St. Monica Boulevard is its pavement. It is completely smooth, but the unusual pattern gives the impression that you are rocking on the waves.

Rambla de Mar

This is where the Rambla ended, but in 1992, in honor of the Olympics, a pedestrian bridge was built to the Maremagnum shopping center, which is located in the port right on the water. This bridge was called the Sea Rambla and became the end of the famous boulevard.

How to get to the Rambla

To get to the beginning of the boulevard, on its northern side, you need to get off at the Catalunya metro station (lines L1 and L3). On the south side, near the monument to Columbus – Drassanes metro station (Green Line, L3). In the middle of the Las Ramblas near the Liceu theater is the metro station of the same name (Green Line, L3).

The tourist bus stops at Placa de Catalunya near the metro station at the beginning of the boulevard and Colom-Museo Marítim at the end of the Rambla, but on request you can get off at any point and then continue the tour on the next bus.