What is It – Barcelona has a wide pedestrian boulevard known as La Rambla that runs through the city for 1.2 kilometers. It was originally a mountain stream and drainage ditch during medieval times, but the area was filled in over the centuries as the city expanded. Today, there is a 36 to 80 foot wide, tree lined pedestrian strip in the center of the boulevard with a small one lane street along each side. Since no streets bisect La Rambla, the result is an attractive, crowded, and lively linear park. The continued use of La Rambla as a shopping destination, entertainment venue and “calling card” for Barcelona is debated among the local population. But as long as many of the twenty-seven million people who visit Barcelona each year routinely flock to its stores and attractions, La Rambla will continue to live off tourism.

The experiences people have visiting La Rambla vary since the area has a little bit of everything to offer. Here are some key locations and activities there:

Placa de Catalunya – At the top of La Rambla is a large plaza where the pedestrian section of the route begins. The Placa de Catalunya is a nice park with places to sit and interesting statues of famous Catalans from the region. Across the street from the square is a cast iron drinking fountain known as the Fountain Canaletes. The square serves as a dropping off point for locals and tourists visiting La Rambla since it has ready access to metro, bus, and taxi services. In addition, there are many cafes and coffee spots in this area such as the Café Zurich, so this is a busy area during mealtimes, soccer matches and local celebrations. 

Department Stores – Two department stores located on each side of the square are also popular with shoppers. El Cortes Ingles is the largest department store company in Europe, and it has a seven-floor store on the square. It carries a wide variety of goods such as electronics, men’s and women’s clothing, sporting goods, and household items. Another European department store on the square is FNAC, a French department store popular for books, music, and electronics. 

Boqueria Market- The Boqueria market located at about the halfway point on La Rambla is one of the largest outdoor markets in the world featuring a wide range of produce, fruits, prepared foods, meats, and beverages. Delicacies found in Spain such as cured hams, olives, calamari, and snails are available side by side with fruit smoothies, tapas dishes, and tortillas. Walking thought the aisles of the market is a visual and sensory experience, and everyone finds something to sample along the way.

Cafes and Restaurants- The restaurants and cafes on La Rambla have the challenging task of serving hot food from kitchens often located in separate buildings across the street to thousands of tourists wandering up and down the walkway. Nevertheless, most people like to stop and take a break under the trees by getting a hot or cold beverage, pastries, or pizza, and do some people watching.

Performers – La Rambla is known for its street performers who pose as human statues of famous people and engage with the crowd. Their outfits and acts are impressive but after seeing a few of them the community of mimes loses its appeal. 

Museums, Malls, and Monuments – There are a variety of cultural, historical and entertainment places to stop along the route. In the north, there is a Museum of Contemporary Art with an excellent collection a few minutes’ walk from La Rambla and a wax museum that focuses on historical and fantasy figures. In the center there is the Museum of the Erotic which offers displays of erotic history, photos, objects and works of art for adults. The southern part of La Rambla leading onto the revitalized waterfront has three notable destinations: (1) a maritime museum commemorating the shipyards that once produced Spanish galleons and other naval vessels; (2) a waterfront mall called Maremagnum containing a large aquarium, cinema and restaurants; and (3) a 200 foot column called the Columbus Monument built for a world exhibition in 1888 which honors  the explorer and has an elevator providing access to the top for views of the waterfront and La Rambla. 

Other Nearby Points of Interest- Anyone visiting La Rambla should also take the time to walk ten minutes to the east to see the famous La Sagrada Familia Basilica designed by Antonio Gaudi which has been under construction since 1882. The stone construction and architectural design of this cathedral has been lauded by some and condemned by others, but it continues to fascinate people who line up to visit the accessible parts of the building and its interior. 

Interesting Facts – Barcelona became an increasingly popular destination after the 1992 Olympic games were held there and many cruise ships embark or stop there too. Its attractiveness to tourists was shaken for a few years by a 2017 terrorist incident in which a small group of Islamic State extremists drove a van through the alleys and walkways of La Ramblas killing thirteen people and injuring more than a hundred. Nevertheless, there were more barricades and a greater police presence in the area when we visited in 2019. 

When to Go – Barcelona has excellent weather and lots to do from May to the end of November, but large crowds and hot temperatures can hamper the experience in July and August and rain is more frequent October and November. Temperatures in the winter top out in the low sixties until April when things begin to warm up so sightseeing is still enjoyable during the off season. 

Where to Stay - There are traditional hotels, Airbnb’s, and guest houses along La Rambla, but some people find the area too noisy and crowded for an overnight stay. The World Trade Center on the water contains an excellent hotel called the Eurostar’s Grand Marina which resembles a transatlantic cruise liner with glass, steel, and marble finishings. It has a nice café and pool on the rooftop, an excellent breakfast, and modern rooms overlooking the city and the waterfront. A short walk from the south end of La Rambla, the hotel is also close to bus stops, metro stops and a stop for the port cable car which connects the port to the downtown to the Montjuic area providing splendid views of La Rambla and many city sites.