Las Ramblas Barcelona: a must-see!

In this article, I present Barcelona's Ramblasthe city's most famous and touristic street, which you're sure to pass during your stay.

Here you'll find

• A presentation of the Ramblas
• What you can see and do in the area
• A top activities not to be missed on Barcelona's Ramblas
• How to reach them easily
• Practical information: prices, opening hours, tour tips
• Things to see and do in the area
• And much more!

If you're looking for information about Barcelona's Ramblas, you'll love this article.

Follow the guide!

Las Ramblas Barcelona: article summary

Barcelona's Las Ramblas: the city's most famous pedestrian promenade

You've come visit Barcelona and you're looking for what to do in catalonia's capital ? Las Ramblas will quickly become a must-see.

Let me introduce you to this long, iconic street of the city and what you can see on a pleasant stroll.

A must-see avenue in Barcelona

There's probably no more telling example in the country than "la Rambla to describe the Spanish ritual of the pedestrian promenade ("paseo") ! La Rambla, or rather "The Ramblas (because of the five Ramblas that make up the Rambla) is the place to be. Barcelona's busiest, day and night !

It is a very popular pedestrian promenade and this central avenue is one of the city's of the Catalan capital and probably the the best known and most frequented by visitors !

La Rambla separates the Raval (west) of the Gothic district to the east (Barri Gotic) which are part of the the liveliest of the city.

The historic avenue de la Rambla is 1.2 km long and 35 metres wide on average, share of place from Catalonia(north) and down to the monument to Christopher Columbus on the Mediterranean coast.

This full of trees and life Rambla is dotted with newsagents, shops and floristsrestaurants and more tapas bars.

You can also see a large number of musicians, mimes and artists of all kinds who liven up the promenade (as well as, unfortunately, a few pickpockets and street vendors).

Where to party in Barcelona?

The artery is probably the or one of the liveliest places day and night. In constant motion, especially in the evenings and at weekends, you'll find the best atmosphere of the city!

Attention However, depending on the area and the time of day, the atmosphere can be a little less upbeat, with the southern part becoming the scene of prostitutes' broomsticks after dark.

La Rambla is much more than just a public thoroughfareIt's a place where you can, depending on the time of day, family outings, food, drink and fun with friends !

Facts and figures about La Ramblas de Barcelona

• It's on the Ramblas and around the fountain that fans of the FC Barcelona get together to celebrate the victories of their favourite teams
• The word rambla comes from the Arabic ramialanguage in which it means Riverbed
• Barcelona's largest pedestrian thoroughfare
• In Catalan, we speak of the Rambles!

Las Ramblas: description and brief history

Most towns in Catalonia have their own " Rambla "their pedestrian walkway where people go to see and be seen.
It's a Spanish ritualespecially on Sunday afternoons, when the locals put on their finest outfits to family outings.

Barcelona's Rambla was originally a middle-class avenue.
It is now victim of its own success and therefore very popular with tourists.

Even if this takes a little of the authenticity out of the place, the Rambla is still a place to be. exotic and the original atmosphere of the city is still palpable.

La Rambla? Les Ramblas?

As I mentioned at the start of this article, the Rambla is made up of 5 Ramblas.

From the top (Place de Catalogne) at the bottom of the Rambla (monument to Christopher Columbus) :

• Rambla de Canaleteswith its famous drinking water fountain and kiosks. Popular legend has it that whoever drinks from the fountain will return to Barcelona.
• Rambla dels estudisin reference to the university located there at the time.
• Rambla de Sant Josep(named after the former convent) which is also known as "Rambla de les Flors", due to the flower sellers present at the time. Today, bird sellers can be found here.
• Rambla dels Caputxinsnamed after the former Capuchin monastery, is known for its cafés.
• Rambla de Santa Mònicawhich overlooks the sea and has retained its original charm

A little history about the ramblas

Visit left wall of the town, dating from the 13th century, followed the left bank of the d'en Malla stream, which flowed from the Collserolla hills towards the Mediterranean Sea.

Convents, monasteries and universities were built in the 16th century on the opposite bank.
Over time, the riverbed gradually filled in and these buildings were destroyed.
Visit five Ramblas that make up the main thoroughfare have been renamed in tribute to these buildings.

Anecdote Until the 18th century, it was inadvisable to "breathe in" deeply, as the Ramblas were then a kind of "airfield".open sewer which ran parallel to the city walls.

How to enjoy the Rambla? It's so easy!

Take a stroll slowly, sit down on a bench, stroll under the plane trees, enjoy tapas drinking sangria on the terrace, admiring the street artists in their works, read your newspaper or simply breathe the atmosphere of this exceptional city.

Forget about the world and the hustle and bustle and think of it as an integral part of the soul of lhe city and the Ramblas!

Without moderation day and night !

The birthplace of many famous monuments and buildings...

In addition to its ambience, the Rambla is also home to countless must-see monuments and buildings of the city!

You can find the famous Liceu theater (the city's opera house), the enormous covered market of the "Boqueria"the Reial" squarethe fountain of Canaletesthe Miro's mosaic or, for shopping enthusiasts, the enormous "El corte Inglès" shopping mall.

Here are 15 must-do activities to discover all the facets of Las Ramblas!

Good plan: you can opt for a guided tour of Barcelona so you don't miss a thing, from the Ramblas to the city's most unusual spots!

What to see and do: My top 15 things to do on or near the Ramblas

Beyond the "classic" activities (walks, drinks on the terrace, street performers), the Rambla is full of monuments and must-see places.

Here are my suggestions, drom north to souths Ramblas !

Plaça de Catalunya (Catalonia Square)

Barcelona's Plaça de Catalunya or " Plaça Catalunya "in Catalan is a large square at the top of the Ramblas. It was created following the demolition of the ramparts in 1854.

It's the focal point of the city that combines public transport linking the entire city and also connecting the airport.

It is home to banks, hotels and brand-name stores (notably the large shopping mall "El corte inglès").

Fontaine de Canaletes (Canaletes Fountain)

Just a stone's throw from the Place de Catalogne, the Fontaine de Canaletes is known for its legend saying that whoever drinks its water will return to Barcelona.

It is also the scene of fan rallies of the local soccer club, FC Barcelonawhen the latter wins a title.

Betlem church (Església de Betlem)

Barcelona's Betlem church is famous for its baroque façade (Saint Ignatius of Loyola can be seen in conversation with Saint Francis Borgia). The church was begun in 1681, and its interior was burnt down during the civil war of 1936.

• Address Carrer del Carme, 2.
• Opening hours Every day from 7.40 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Metro/Bus Plaça Catalunya station

Palau de Virreina (Virreina Palace)

The Viceroy of Peru occupied the Virreina Palace after her husband's death, hence its name. This 18th-century palace is now the headquarters of the cultural department and a Centre de l'Image "Centre de la Imatge".

The exhibition center features work by some of Catalonia's most important contemporary artists, including Oriol Bohigas and Antoni Abad.

• Address Rambla, 99
• Opening hours Tuesday to Sunday and public holidays from 12 am to 8 pm
• Phone : +34 93 316 10 00
• Metro/Bus Metro: L3 Liceu / Bus: 14, 59, 91

The San Josep market or " la Boqueria "

Barcelona's central market is a great place to much appreciated in the Catalan capital.

The official name is Marché de San Josep but is better known as Boqueria ".
This market dates back to 12th centurybut has only been covered since the 19th century.

It's the ideal place for eatto buy exotic fruitsfrom fresh fish or simply enjoy the atmosphereand odors and all colors of the rainbow!

My recommendations:

Taste the peppersat chorizoat country ham !!
And to fresh fruit summer!

In a nutshell, treat yourselfyou're spoilt for choice!

This place is simply stunning, and one of the most beautiful in the world. Barcelona's best markets !

• Opening hours Every day except Sunday, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Phone : 00 34 93 318 25 84
• Metro/Bus Liceu station

Museum of Erotica

In the heart of the Ramblas you'll find the atypical Musée de l'Erotique exhibiting over 800 parts of great historical value, addressing several cultures in their most erotic expression, from a ritual and religious point of view as well as from a playful one.

The museum covers several periods in our history, from Greece and Rome to the 1920s.

The museum also offers a range of Asian works of art and an exhibition of contemporary erotic art by world-renowned artists.

• AddressLa Rambla, 96 bis.
• Phone: +933 189 865
• How to get there Bus: 14, 59 and 91.

Miro's mosaic

The painter Joan Miró created this mosaic on the ground at the Liceu theater. On the ground!

The colorful circular mosaic entitled " bone plate "It's right in the middle of the Ramblas, and is trampled by thousands of people every day!

Liceu Theatre

Visit Liceu theater, the city's oldestis currently the opera of Barcelona, renowned for among the world's finest opera houses.

Built on the remains of a convent, it suffered two devastating fires in 1861 and again in 1994. Reopened in 1999, it has managed to retain all its charm.

• Address Rambla, 51-59.
• Opening hours Monday to Thursday and Sundays until midnight. Friday until 2am.
  Saturday no stop.
• Phone : +34 93 485 99 00
• Metro/Bus Metro: L3 Liceu

La Pâtisserie Escriba

Escribà is one of of the oldest pastries of the city, and you'll be amazed at the expertise on display. While even the most demanding gourmets will lose their heads over the viennoiseries, tarts, chocolates and other colorful cakes, it's a safe bet that even those who prefer savory dishes will be tempted.

The store itself is well worth a visit and in case of hungerfor a snack before moving on to with tapas is the best choice in the area!

• Address: La Rambla, 83
• Opening hours: daily, 9am to 9pm

Place Royale (Plaça Reial)

A stone's throw from the avenue, the royal square is one, see Barcelona's liveliest squaree.

This magnificent square dating from the middle of the 19th century is the unique arcade square of the city!
Please note that street lamps were designed by Gaudi himself!

A multitude of restaurants and barsparadise for enjoy sangria on the terrace for the aperitif!

Palau Güell (Güell Palace)

The Palacio Güell was completed in 1889 and is considered one of the world's most prestigious buildings. one of Gaudi's most important works.

The palace is named after the wealthy industrialist Eusebi Güellwho gave the famous (and then young) Antoni Gaudi carte blanche to design and build the building.

Visit Palau Güell has been declared UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• How to get there Metro L3, Liceu or Drassanes stop, Bus 14, 59, 91 and 120.
• Address Carrer Nou de la Rambla, 3-5,
• Phone : +34 934 725 775

Wax Museum (Museu de cera)

Visit wax museumopened in 1973The hotel is housed in a 19th-century building that has retained its original atmosphere.
The museum has 300 pieces representing historical figures

• How to get to the wax museum L3-Drassanes / Bus 14, 59, 64, 91, 120, D20, H14
• Address Passatge de la Banca, 7 (La Rambla), 08002 Barcelona
• Phone : +34 933 172 649

Barcelona Maritime Museum (Museu maritim)

Visit Barcelona Maritime Museum expose since 1929 an important set of collections illustrating Catalan maritime history.

The museum offers spectacular stage performances which allow visitors to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of navigation.

You can admire vessel modelsnautical instruments, maritime paintings, figureheads and cartography.

• Opening hours Daily, 10.00 a.m.-8.00 p.m. Closed: January 1 and 6, December 25 and 26.
• How to get to the Maritime Museum Metro L3-Drassanes / Bus 14, 20, 21, 59, 64, 88, 91, 120, D20, H14
• Address Avinguda de les Drassanes, s/n, 08001 Barcelona
• Phone : +34 933 429 920

The Christopher Columbus monument

By the seathe monument to Christopher Columbuswho chose Barcelona for his return from his expedition, commemorates his back to Spain after the discovery of the Americas.
The monument measures 60 meters and there's an elevator in the column!
When you reach the top, you'll be able to see spectacular 360-degree views !

Scheduledaily, 8.30 am to 7.30 pm (last elevator boarding 30 minutes before closing time)
Closed: January 1 and 6 and December 25 and 26.

How to get there Metro L3, Drassanes stop / Buses 59, 91, 120, D20 and H16.
Address Plaça del Portal de la Pau

The living statues of Barcelona's Ramblas

Among the performances of Street Art In Barcelona, I like to cite the statues of people who stand on the south side of the Ramblas. They manage to remain frozen for very long moments, similar to real statuesThey only move when they receive a coin to reward them for their performance.

While statues of this kind can now be found elsewhere, in Europe's major cities, I'd advise you to pay close attention if you happen to pass them on your walk!

How to get to the Ramblas ?

Las Ramblas are located in the heart of Barcelonabetween the Gothic Quarter and the El Raval. To get there easily, you have several options:

By Metro The Ramblas are very well served by the metro. No fewer than three metro stations provide access to the Ramblas, taking you all over the city. You can get there via the L3 green line (3 stops on the Rambla) or the L1 red line at the Plaça de Catalunya.

The stations, from north to south: Station Catalunya Place de Catalogne, Green Line L3 and Red Line L1. This station is also served by the aerobus (shuttle bus). Barcelona airport) and open-top tourist buses (three routes) // Station Liceu At the Liceu theater, halfway down the avenue, green line L3 // Station Drassanes near the monument to Christopher Columbus, Green Line L3

On footeasily, from any area of the Barcelona's historical center

For more information, discover all transport of the city of Barcelona!

Where to eat on Las Ramblas? The best restaurant in the neighborhood!

RAÓ RESTAURANT

Carrer de les Sitges, 3 (show on map) - +34 655597021 (clickable on mobile)

Open every evening from 7:00 p.m. to midnight except Sunday and Monday

Introducing Rao Restaurant

A restaurant that's sure to please. At Raó Restaurant, you'll find tapas but also "modernized" tapas with a few innovations.

You'll find Jamón Ibérico, "bravas" potatoes, "Raó" paella, Iberian pork cheek and tuna tartar...

All tapas are excellentwith superb presentation (from €12 to €16 per dish).

We are very well received, by a boss who speaks French.

It's a very pleasant place to spend a wonderful moment !

And here's some feedback from a traveler who's been to Raó Restaurant :)

We discovered Rao Restaurant during our stay in Barcelona. We went there 2 times, and we ate at the bar both times, and frankly if you want to spend an excellent evening, eat at the bar because Chris the barman is very friendly, very nice, he makes sublime cocktails, and above all he's a golden person. It's a very good address, the food is excellent and the setting is very friendly. Go there with your eyes closed. But be sure to book in advance, as it's very popular.

Geoffrey

Gift: a complimentary aperitif (and you will be even better received) if you say: "We come from THIBAUT" (in the "Specific requests" field). by booking on their website) or when you arrive at the restaurant.

Las Ramblas Barcelona: practical information and sightseeing tips

Here's some additional information to help you make the most of your visit to Barcelona's Las Ramblas.

This is a very touristy areaand therefore very busy. This brings with it a few worries, and it's important to remain vigilant, as I explain below.

Beware of Pickpockets

Please note pickpockets on the Ramblas, who can sometimes ruin your stay.
I advise you to always keep your portfolios, cell phones and keys in a closed pocket or hard-to-reach (such as the front pocket of jeans).

Avoid putting your phone down on your table when you're having a drink on a terrace and there are lots of people in the streets.

Reflex: if someone shake things upCheck that you have all your belongings.

What time to visit the Ramblas in peace?

So give priority to mornings from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m..

April to October the Ramblas are crowded from early afternoon until nightfall.

Evening on the Ramblas: a risky visit?

I recommendavoid the bottom of the Ramblas (around the Columbus monument). The area isn't necessarily dangerous, but it's a little off the beaten track, and you may come across some unfriendly people.

What to see and do around Barcelona's Ramblas?

Once you've finished strolling along the Ramblas, there are plenty of options to choose from. Looking for a few suggestions? Here's 3 ideas to continue your visit to Barcelona:

• Discover Barcelona Aquariumjust a stone's throw from the city's old port
• Climb aboard the Montjuic cable carfor a breathtaking view of the whole city from its summit
• Walk to the Barcelona Holy Cross Cathedrala superb Gothic building that you can visit!

Enjoy your walk!