Barcelona Las Ramblas

The now busy area of Barcelona known as Las Ramblas was exclusively a flower market at one time but these days it has transformed into the perfect place for both shopping and people watching.

Up until when they were all closed back in 1830, the streets were lined with convents and monasteries but now, those same streets throng with magazine sellers, performers and one hundred and one other things. What you will not find in the central areas of Las Ramblas is traffic since cars are confined to two one-way streets on either side of the now pedestrian areas. Consequently, you can wander around at your leisure amongst all the many things to see and do.

Stroll along from the Placa Catalunya, past the famed statue of Columbus, to the water's edge. There are many paths from which to choose. The Rambla dels Ocells or Avenue of the birds is appropriately named for the once popular bird market in this old part of the Spanish city. The Rambla de les Flors once held the only flower shops in the city. Along the Rambla dels Caputxins there are old buildings, kiosks full of books and an abundance of interesting folks.

Barcelona Las Ramblas Overview

You will pass by the opera house of Liceu Theatre situated at the midpoint of the Ramblas. Along the way, stop and see the Miró Mosaic. This circular tile created by the Spanish artist attracts thousands to the area every year. You will also pass the outside of the famed produce market, Mercat de la Boqueria. Rest a while at the Cafe de la Opera and enjoy a stimulating cup of Barcelona style coffee.
These days, you no longer have to avoid the once red light district of Barri del Raval. If you happen upon this area in the evening, you will now find a choice of dozens of small restaurants and bars that are sure to delight any visitor.

Las Ramblas Barcelona

Art lovers should be sure to walk along Carrer de Montalegre where the Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona is located. It houses the restored Museu d'Art Contemporani, which holds many permanent and roving exhibitions.

The Barri Gotic, the Gothic section, contains many architectural wonders to explore, including the famed cathedral, La Seu. It stands in the center of the original city and forms part of Barcelona's two thousand year history. Nearby is the church of Santa Maria del Mar, which offers a representative example of Catalonian Gothic architecture.

Music lovers will want to catch one of the many afternoon concerts at Sant Josep Oriol. They are a little more organized than the random street performers. Nevertheless, the latter are often just as professional, so why not sample both and find out yourself.

After that, head for the nearby Portal de l'Àngel and Portaferrissa for a little shopping. Along the central boulevard are hundreds of clothing shops, antique stores and more. Almost everybody will want to head for the El Cortes Ingles in Placa Catalunya Square at the northern end. This seven-story department store is the rival of Harrod's in London, Macy's in New York and the other great shopping meccas of the world.

Indeed, you could spend your entire vacation, not to mention your entire bank account, in the Las Ramblas of Barcelona.