Barcelona - Las Ramblas

Las Ramblas, Barcelona

Las Ramblas is Barcelona's ultimate pedestrian paradise - a broad tree-lined boulevard where traffic is confined to a narrow lane on each side. It is the place to see, and be seen, in Barcelona. According to the Rough Guide to Barcelona it is Spain's most famous throughfare with its street life as the greatest attraction:

No day in the city seems complete without a stroll down at least part of what, for Lorca, was "the only street in the world which I wish would never end."

Las Ramblas is actually a series of streets stretching from Catalunya Place (essentially a huge roundabout) where the tour buses start to the Monument a Colom (Monument to Columbus) and the harbour area. Originally it was a seasonal stream cum open sewer used as a walkway in the dryer seasons. However, it was paved over as early as the 14th century to form the main link between Barcelona's port and the old town. It gained its present character in the 19th century with the addition of trees and benches and some fine buildings along its course.

Las Ramblas Flower Stall, Barcelona

The boulevard is lined with stalls, with each individual Rambla specializing in, for example, newspapers and magazines, flowers, birds, jewellery and other items. Buskers, living statues and mimers make a living from the continuous throng of strolling locals and tourists. Several of the living statues are surprisingly good. Be careful with handbags, however, as bag snatchers also make a good living in this area of Barcelona.

More at:

• Barcelona - Las Ramblas
• Barcelona - Sagrada Familia
• Barcelona - Parc Guell