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Bucket list experience:

Street filled with people

Las Ramblas – Barcelona’s most famous street, and (usually) a tourist-thronged nightmare

Credit Prometheus72 / Shutterstock.com

Last updated: 03 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Dana Facaros

Garcia Llorca called it the ‘most beautiful street in the world’ and it’s hard to argue: curving sinuously for a mile down to the sea, the Rambla is always crowded, bustling with tourists and locals taking their daily constitutional.

It threads past the flower and bird market, news kiosks and cafés, endless ‘living statues’ and street performers, and some of the city’s most important monuments: the Baroque Palau de la Virreina, the Liceu Opera and La Boqueria market.

It can be a bit overwhelming, but it’s worth a quick look on your way to the waterfront, market, or another of the landmarks nearby.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The Ramblas runs all the way from the Port Vell waterfront (at the southern end) to Plaça de Catalunya (at the northern end). Thanks to the constant crowds and numerous distractions, the Rambla is prime pickpocket territory – beware of scams and anyone who unexpectedly starts talking to you, or tries to ‘help remove a spot’. Most of the restaurants along La Rambla are pricey, awful tourist traps, but if you stop, try the atmospheric Café de l’Opèra, founded in 1929, at number 74.

When to do it

Early evening, when the street lights come on and the locals are leaving work and heading off to the bars, is the jolliest time for a stroll. Avoid the upper part of the Rambla when FC Barcelona win an important match and supporters gather around the Font de Canalets to celebrate.

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Hotel Bagues

Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

A chic, intimate boutique hotel set in a former jewellers, right on the Ramblas, perfect for shopping and sightseeing.

Official star rating:

Hotel Neri

Barcelona, Catalunia, Spain

Historic charm, contemporary chic and great food combine in this beguiling bolthole, on a picturesque square in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter.

Official star rating:

Grand Hotel Central

Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

A stylish, central hotel in the hip El Born district, with 1920s features and one of the best rooftop pools in town.

Official star rating:

Hotel El Palace Barcelona

Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

This grand dame offers unrivalled opulence in the form of swish restaurants, a lavish spa and a rooftop pool.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Barcelona

Catalonia, Spain

Spain’s cultural heart has unforgettable architecture, a pioneering arts scene, creative cuisine and nightlife that buzzes till dawn.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Casa Batllo

Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

The former home of the Batllo family, Gaudí’s shimmering, colour-drenched townhouse is a Modernista masterpiece.

Best for ages: 8+ | £32

Picasso Museum Barcelona

Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

Absorbing collection of early and late works by Picasso, in a beautiful Gothic palace. The collection includes Picasso’s 58 paintings inspired by Velazquez’s Las Meninas.

Best for ages: 18+ | £11

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Inside view of The extraordinary La Palau Musica concert hall
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Catalan’s gorgeous Modernista concert hall, Palau Musica, is a must-see for its extraordinary architecture. It’s now a UNESCO world heritage site.

Best for ages: 18+ | £17

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External view of the Santa Eulalia Cathedral
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Barcelona Cathedral

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This massive pile is Catalan Gothic at its most grandiose, full of wonders: lavishly ornate chapels, Renaissance sculpted choir stalls, and crypt of patron saint Eulalia. The cloister is especially charming.

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Front facade of the church
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Church of Santa Maria del Mar

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Barcelona’s Gothic jewel was built in the 14th century by the sea-faring community in only 50 years – hence its rare stylistic harmony. During the Spanish Civil War, its accumulated Baroque decorations burned, leaving behind the bare bones of its sublime interior.

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Beautiful gold and red long boat housed in a large warehouse room
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Maritime Museum

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Barcelona’s seafaring past comes to life in this venue set in the city’s 14th-century shipyards, starring a life-size model of Don Juan’s flagship at Lepanto.

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