Wide view of La Rambla Barcelona - tree lined street, shoppers and stalls

Things to do on La Rambla Barcelona

Legend has it when you take a sip from the Font de Canaletes fountain at the top of La Rambla, you’ll fall in love with Barcelona and be bound to return! We’re not sure if it really is something in the water or the sensational shopping, delicious tapas treats and awe-inspiring Gaudi buildings that make us want to come back again and again. But there’s no doubt that the heart of the city is La Rambla, the busy, buzzy, tree-lined street which connects Barcelona’s main square to its vibrant waterfront. Looking for the best things to do on La Rambla? Let us take you for a roam - or ramble - around its highlights.

 

What is La Rambla?

One of the main routes through the city for both locals and visitors, its name comes from the Arabic word ramla – for sand – referring to the sandy river bed of the stream that, until the 15th century, ran from the mountains to the sea on the site of this now throbbing thoroughfare. You’ll notice that the paving underfoot is patterned like waves to reflect these watery origins. Now it flows with people day and night - both locals and tourists strolling past souvenir stalls, street traders, human statues, performers, pavement cafes and bustling bars.

Is it La Rambla or Las Ramblas?

Not everyone realises this most famous of boulevards is one of several ‘Ramblas’ in the city. It is often also known in the plural, as Las Ramblas, because it’s made up of a series of shorter streets. At its top end you’ll find Placa de Catalunya, Barcelona’s main square, where the old city and the 19th century Eixample district meet. To the west is the bohemian El Raval quarter and to the east the Gothic Quarter, with its tempting labyrinth of small squares and streets. La Rambla meanders down to Port Vell where a wooden boardwalk leads to more shops, eating places and the Barcelona Aquarium

 

Barcelona Flower Market

Back in the 19th century the part of La Rambla known as La Rambla de las Flores was the only place in the city where flowers were sold. Today it’s still a riot of colourful blooms, with some of the stalls over one hundred years old. In April the flower stands are painted red to celebrate the tradition of buying roses on La Rambla for the festival of Sant Jordi.

 

Mercat Boqueria

Through the wrought-iron gates on La Rambla, don’t miss La Boqueria one of Europe’s most famous food markets. It’s popular with tourists but it’s also where shoppers and chefs alike buy their produce, from specialist stalls with amazing displays of fruit and vegetables, cured meats, fish, cheese, olives, spices and more. Pick up some picnic ingredients, choose a brightly coloured fruit smoothie, or snack on a ‘cone de jamon’. Or make like the locals who chow down on churros dipped in thick hot chocolate or linger with a glass of cava at one of the tapas bars whilst watching the world go by.

 

Liceu Opera House

Get your culture fix at this majestic 19th century building where you can take in everything from opera to ballet to pop gigs. Despite being gutted by fire not once but twice, in 1861 and again in 1994, the Gran Teatre del Liceu reopened in 1999 and since then has welcomed some of the most famous classical singers of recent years. Marvel at the magnificent foyer, the dazzling hall of mirrors, not to mention the state-of-the-art auditorium, on one of the daily guided tours.

 

La Rambla street performers

Is that statue looking at you? It probably is. La Rambla is famous for its street performers, in particular living statues who, with the help of elaborate makeup, spend hours frozen in place then occasionally surprise an unsuspecting passer-by. Outside the Teatre Principal you’ll also find portrait artists penning caricatures of famous characters – yourself included!

 

Where to eat on La Rambla?

When it’s time to taste some tapas there’s no shortage of places to eat on La Rambla. Plump for patatas bravas, salty Padron peppers, traditional Catalan croquettes or get adventurous with typical Barcelona dishes like char-grilled octopus, and bunuelos de bacalao (salt cod).

Take time to people watch from the pretty terraces with a cafe con leche (milky coffee). Coffee has clearly stood the test of time since the popular coffee house and chocolateria Cafe de l’Opera first opened its doors (and pretty stained glass windows) on La Rambla in 1929.
Perhaps you’ll duck into Pasteleria Escriba - the most famous patisserie in town - for a sweet treat, or kick back with a cocktail at one of the many bars frequented by tourists and locals alike.

 

Miró mosaic

Don’t miss the Miró! Not everyone realises there’s an enormous mosaic by one of Barcelona’s most famous artists, Joan Miró, right under their feet, just outside La Boquería. Constructed in 1976, the circular creation, around 8m in diameter, uses the bright primary colours and thick black lines for which Miro is best known. Look carefully for the single tile that carries his signature.

2017 Memorial

Tragedy struck the city in 2017 when 15 people lost their lives and dozens more were injured in a terrorist attack right in the heart of La Rambla. To honour them the City of Barcelona placed a 12 metre long memorial next to the Miro mosaic. Pay your respects as you read the message denouncing violence, in Arabic, English, Spanish and Catalan – ‘Peace come upon you, oh city of peace’.

Musee de l’Erotica

Cool or controversial? You decide. This quirky museum based on the theme of eroticism throughout history claims to have been set up for educational purposes.

Home to more than 800 pieces, it’s your chance to explore how different cultures have been titillated by raunchy and even religious objects dating back to Roman times. If you’re still not sure, it’s worth remembering that the museum also serves Cava to its visitors!

 

Christopher Columbus Monument

At the bottom of La Rambla, this 197ft tall Corinthian column, topped by a bronze statue, marks the spot where the famous explorer first set foot back into Catalonia after his trip to the New World. Why not take the lift up to his lofty pedestal for a breathtaking view of the city and the sparkling Mediterranean - and decide where you’re going to explore next?
An Explorer or All-Inclusive pass means you can mix your pre-booked activities with flexible drop-ins. Choose Go City® and enjoy your adventures!

Jo Cooke
Go City Travel Expert

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Neighborhoods in Barcelona

Visiting Barcelona and want a deeper dive in to the city's many neighborhoods? You've come to the right place. Here, we're running down the best neighborhoods in Barcelona; what makes them tick, what to look out for, and the reasons you should visit! Including: Gràcia El Born Raval Poble-Sec Eixample and more!   Gràcia If you're looking for Barcelona's equivalent to your cool, hip, boho-chic neighborhoods around the world, then Gràcia's your spot. The good news is that it's also a friendly, family-orientated district, if you're bringing the little ones along! Throughout its many winding pedestrian streets, you'll find bars and restaurants galore, where you can pick up a refreshing beverage or some tapas nibbles if you're between attractions. Gràcia is also one of the city's most multicultural areas, so you'll come across all sorts of cuisine, from Italian to American. If you want to pick up any keepsakes or souvenirs, there are a wealth of chic stalls selling pretty much anything you can imagine. And, when the sun goes down, you'll find a brilliant bar scene backed by live performances and good vibes. And culture seekers must absolutely go out and see La Pedrera. If all that sounds like your ideal vacation destination, then Gràcia's one of the best neighborhoods in Barcelona!   El Born This classy area used to be the haunt of the rich upper class in Barcelona back in the day. Now, it's transformed into a trendy neighborhood that hides some of Barcelona's coolest places. It's no wonder, then, that you'll find the appropriately hip Moco Museum in the area. This modern art marvel houses excellent installations and fantastic street art from the likes of Banksy, so it's well worth a visit if you like your art modern and your mind blown! As for amenities, you'll find plenty of hip coffee shops, boutiques, and independent art galleries, if you're in the market for anything specific. And the night life is pretty lively too, so it's a great place to stay until the early hours!   Poblenou Poblenou has one of the most fascinating contrasts in the entire city, thanks to the traditional lower part of the district juxtaposed with the popular, gentrified areas higher up. The latter is about as close as Barcelona gets to their own Silicon Valley, so expect plenty of craft beer pubs, tech startups, and probably some hats and beards. It can be remarkable to walk through both and see the shift as old makes way for new. Plus, the influx of new blood does have its perks. Brunch is a big deal in Poblenou now, and you'll find plenty of places to express your inner brunchy self as you wander the streets.   Raval Raval has a rather colorful history as a den of miscreants and never-do-wells. Think of it as an old-timey pirate district of old. Raval has done much to brush up its image in the decades and centuries since, but if you want to know more about its gritty past, take a walking tour and learn all about it! Nowadays, Raval's cleaner image makes it no less of an exciting neighborhood to visit in Barcelona! The barrio is the hangout of street artists and skaters, so expect to see plenty of graffiti and hear heaps of hippidy hop. It's also somewhat of a cultural hub, thanks to the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (or MACBA) and the Center of Contemporary Culture of Barcelona. On top of all that, you'll find plenty of delightful cafes, bars, and trendy bars to enjoy when the sun goes down. Or while it's still up, because hey, you're on vacation after all.   Sant Antoni This charming neighborhood is named after the famed Sant Antoni Market, which takes center stage in the district. Locals travel from all over the city to sample its food and book offerings, so if you're in the area, why not go and see what all the fuss is about? The market might be the neighborhood's biggest draw, but there's plenty more going on too. Keen eyes and keener explorers will discover quirky cafes, beer-soaked bars, and some hidden gem restaurants with national and international cuisine on offer.   Poble-Sec Poble-Sec is one of Barcelona's most picturesque neighborhoods, thanks to the massive gardens that sit beneath Montjuic Hill. The surrounding residential areas offer the perfect mix of entertainment and entertainment too, thanks to the juxtaposition between the calm Montjuic Park and the bustling theater scene just a stone's throw away. Exploring the streets, you'll find plenty of bars and restaurants to park your buns and refuel, including some expat-owned joints that may cater to your sensibilities if you miss a little slice of home. Many will come for the joys of Montjuic Park, though, and choose to ride the cable car up to the castle. However, a lesser-known site is right nearby. Poble Espanyol is a recreation of Barcelona's streets, town squares, and residences throughout the centuries, all built beside one another. One minute you'll be crossing a medieval town square; the next, you'll wander down a 19th-century lane. It's truly a site to behold, and well worth a visit in you're in the area!   Gothic Quarter The Gothic Quarter, or Barri Gòtic, is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city. Remnants of the ancient Roman occupiers remain, alongside medieval buildings and other timeless sights. The whole district oozes an authentic atmosphere you won't find anywhere else in the city. Local pubs and cafes are tucked into nooks and crannies within its maze of untamed cobbled streets. But you won't get stares or odd looks here; it's one of the most welcoming places you'll find. Sightseers will find plenty to snap, party-goers will find plenty to enjoy, and savvy shoppers will find many a deal to be done.   Eixample And finally, we'll end things with Eixample. Full of elegance, opulence, and extravagance, if you're looking for premium designer brands on the pricier side of the shopping aisle, you'll feel right at home in Eixample. Arguably the hub of the LGBTQ community in the city, you'll find a diverse population from all walks of life. You'll find plenty of LGBTQ bars, hostels, and clubs where you can dance the night away, as well as fancy eateries if you need some sustenance before busting a move on the dancefloor. Culturally, you'll find one of the great Gaudí's works here - Casa Batlló. It's an absolute must-visit for any fans of architecture, photo opportunities, or a passing curiosity about the weird and wonderful. And that concludes our guide on neighborhoods in Barcelona!
Dom Bewley

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