La Rambla
The most famous avenue of Barcelona
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!
What to see and do in Las Ramblas
Las Ramblas of Barcelona are an attraction itself, due to the already mentioned human figures, the atmosphere and the whirl of life. However, as one of the main avenues of Barcelona, they are also the perfect starting point to visit other tourist attractions. Let's start in Plaça Catalunya, the main square of Barcelona and the one which communicates the old town with the new one - presided by the most elegant avenue of the city, Passeig de Gràcia. If you look at Las Ramblas from there, you will see the neighbourhood of El Raval to the right; a cosmopolitan, unique neighbourhood which constitutes the main melting pot of the city of Barcelona. There, you will find charming little streets, international restaurants and lots of bars and pubs, as well as the MACBA museum.
To the left, you will find the Gothic Quarter, probably the most beautiful neighbourhood of Barcelona. There, you can see the Barcelona Cathedral, the Plaça del Rei, Plaça Sant Jaume and many other beautiful locations, all spread among the twisted ochre streets of the district. Getting lost in the Gothic Quarter is one of the best things that you can do near Las Ramblas!
And now, let's take a closer look at what you will find at Las Ramblas and off Las Ramblas, shall we? The first landmark you will come across is the Canaletas fountain, the place where the locals celebrate the victories of the FC Barcelona. It's quite small, so be sure not to miss it! You will also find the famous Mercat de la Boqueria, a strikingly beautiful food market that is surely in your to-do list. There, you will find food stalls of all kinds, and you can also grab a bite to go - whatever you're in the mood for! You can buy home-made ice creams, juices and fruit and fried street food and empanadas if you wander to the other end of the market. Don't forget to take pictures of the colourful fruit stalls!
After the Boqueria market, you will find the Gran Teatre del Liceu, the most prestigious opera house in the city. Once you arrive to Carrer Nou de La Rambla, you can turn right to find the beautiful Palau Güell, the most hidden building designed by Barcelona's most famous architect, Antoni Gaudí. If you go a little bit more south in Las Ramblas, at the opposite side, you will find the Wax Museum, a very interesting visit, especially if you're travelling with your kids. One of the highlights of the Wax Museum is its bar, El Bosc de les Fades ("The forest of the fairies"), which is decorated like a forest, including origami insects and all! A very unique place worth stopping at for a drink.
Finally, at the end of Las Ramblas, you will find the monument to Cristopher Columbus. It's one of the best viewpoints of the city, and you can climb there to enjoy the city from there. After that, you will have arrived to the port, where you will find the Moll de la Fusta ("the wooden dock"). There, you will be able to get a beautiful view of the Olympic Port, and you will be able to arrive to the Aquarium and the Imax cinema. Besides, if you're in the mood for shopping, there you will also find the Maremagnum shopping centre. Before crossing there, though, beware of the drawbridge that is lifted up whenever a ship needs to pass!
Las Ramblas online tickets
Since it is an avenue in the open air, there aren't any Las Ramblas online tickets for you to get in advance. The wonderful avenue is of course, free! However, there are so many things to see in Las Ramblas - online tickets for some of its attractions are probably a good idea, especially if you like to plan ahead:
- Las Ramblas online tickets - Teatre del Liceu: It is the main theatre to see opera and classical music concerts. Its interior is astounding!
- Las Ramblas online tickets - Palau Güell: One of the least known buildings designed by Antoni Gaudí. They offer guided visits and family visits as well.
- Las Ramblas online tickets - Wax Museum: The Wax Museum is the perfect activity to do with children. They offer discounts for kids and a special package that includes an audio guide, an exclusive picture and a discount for El Bosc de les Fades.
- Las Ramblas online tickets - Columbus monument: The views of the port and the seaside, as well as the view of Las Ramblas, is amazing from there. Don't miss it!
Other useful information
Las Ramblas is a beautiful place to see, but you also need to be careful. Not everything about Barcelona is good - the city is also famous for being one of the world's pickpocketing capitals! Don't panic, though: There's nothing to worry about as long as you're careful and aware of where you are. Typically, Barcelona has two main hot-spots for pickpocketing. The first one is, of course, the metro... and the other one is Las Ramblas! Make sure that your bag is closed and that your wallet and other valuable objects aren't at reachable places, such as the little pocket of your backpack or your pocket.
You will be probably tempted to eat in many of the restaurants located in Las Ramblas, but take into account that many of their sangria and paella offers are tourist traps, and not the real thing. We recommend to go to other less crowded and touristic places to eat. As in any other big city!
About transportation, keep in mind that Las Ramblas goes along metro L3 (green; stops Plaça Catalunya, Liceu and Drassanes), but that there are other lines that you can get nearby. In Plaça Catalunya, you will find L1 (red); and in Passeig de Gràcia, L2 (purple) and L4 (yellow).
Are you ready for your trip to Barcelona? Find Las Ramblas online tickets and all kinds of recommendations in GowithOh!
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