La Rambla

The most famous avenue of Barcelona

Stroll along las Ramblas in Barcelona and take a tour of the area!

Only 6 € per person
Book now 

If we consider the Parc de la Ciutadella and Montjuïc as Barcelona's two main lungs, Las Ramblas sure are its main artery. This long promenade is an emblem of the city of Barcelona, since it has been one of the main centres of life an activity since the foundation of the city. Covered by a canopy of trees, Las Ramblas are the home of human statues and the dance floor for the celebration of the victories of the FC Barcelona, as well as the heart of the city centre. They communicate Plaça Catalunya with the Port of the city, and they concentrate a big percentage of the tourist crowds that visit the city.

During your trip to Barcelona, you will be spending quite a lot of time in Las Ramblas, since it is a huge point of reference and a great starting point to visit the tourist attractions located in the city centre. However, there is much to know about such an iconic avenue - Did you know that it was one of the very first streets of the city of Barcelona?

Keep reading to discover more amazing facts about this attraction, and to find out everything you need to know about Las Ramblas online tickets and how to make the most of your visit!

A historical, iconic avenue

The word "rambla" comes from the arabic "ramla", which refers to a sandy riverbed. The name is quite appropriate: In the 10th and the 11th century, when the majority of the city of Barcelona wasn't built yet, the rain waters descended from the mountain of Collserola (near where the Tibidabo is located) and formed a stream there. In the 15th century, the walls of El Raval where built, and thus the stream was diverted.

Although it is many times referred to as "La Rambla" it's more correct to refer to this avenue with the name of Las Ramblas - because it is, in fact, formed by five different ones! They're the Rambla de Canaletes, where you will find the famous fountain, which was inaugurated in 1860; the Rambla dels Estudis, known as such because there used to be a Jesuit University there; the Rambla de Sant Josep or de Les Flors, which was the site of the flower market since the 19th century; the Rambla dels Caputxins, because there used to be a Capuchin monastery there; and the Rambla de Santa Mònica, because of the convent of the same name - which is now a contemporary art centre.

Las Ramblas quickly became Barcelona's centre of life, and the scenario for all sorts of events. The first trees were planted in the early 18th century.

Up until 2006, one of the most traditional commercial activities that took place in Las Ramblas were the animal stalls, where people could get fishes, turtles, different kinds of birds and rodents, such as rabbits, hamsters or guinea pigs. In 2006, the animal stalls were forbidden, as the authorities considered that they didn't comply with the hygienic or ethical measures required. It represented a big moment of change for the essence of Las Ramblas, but a big step for animal rights nonetheless.

However, there are many historical traits of Las Ramblas that remain, even if, of course, changed by our times, such as the flower and plant stalls and the admired human figures, located at the southernmost part of the promenade. Don't miss out on the opportunity to take pictures with them. Even if still, the human figures usually come to life whenever you drop some coins on their hats or bowls... Or if you approach them too much! They do like to give the curious ones a little scare. Undoubtedly, they will be one of the highlights of your trip, especially if you're visiting Barcelona with your children!

  • 1 hours
  • 169.953