La Rambla & La Boqueira market, Barcelona: Guide & Practical tips
March 01, 2019
La Rambla (in plural: Las Ramblas) is one of the most visited attractions of Barcelona. With long beautiful array of trees, boulevard shops, flower stalls, local musicians and human statues, the entire 1.2 Kilometre long Ramblas is so lively and undoubtedly one of the must visit places when you’re in Barcelona.
But I must also warn you that it is a super-crowded street and is known for the pickpockets. Continue to read for all the useful information and practical tips for your visit to the Las Ramblas:
How to reach the Las Ramblas:
Las Ramblas run from Plaça de Catalunya, the central square in Barcelona , to Port Vell (Harbor) at the Columbus statue. The Ramblas lie exactly as a border between the Gothic Quarter (' Barri Gòtic ', or the historic center) and El Raval.
So you may choose to start your walk from one of the the metro stops: Catalunya, Liceu or Drassanes. I started my tour at Liceu metro stop.
Things to do in La Rambla:
There are so many attractions and fun things to do in and around the Ramblas. Here's our top-5 :
1. Eat at La Boqueira market:
If you get down Liceu metro stop, on the right side you will find the "La Boqueira" market, also known as "Mercat de Sant Josep" - is one of the best food markets of Europe. If you’re looking to experience a typical colourful, cheerful, busy and noisy catalonian market environment, then you must visit La Boqueria.
Authentic Catalonia tapas bars, jamons (dried hams), fresh seafood, to variety of fruits, vegetables, spices, nuts, sweets, chocolates, ... La Boqueira has everything you can imagine for eating and drinking. It's truly a heaven for the food lovers!. I will let the pictures to speak the rest!.
- Address: La Boqueria Market, Rambla, 91, 08001 Barcelona
- Opening timings: Monday - Saturday: 08:00 - 20:30
- Tip#1: Try to be bit early, atleast by 4PM, after which the market will become super-crowded.
- Tip#2: Avoid eating fishes/seafood on Mondays, since they're no fresh. Locals say that most fishermen don't go to fishing on Sunday.
- Tip#3: Shops near the entrance are a bit expensive; just go a few meters inside the market, you'll find real value for money.
2. Watch Human Statues & Get your hand-drawn Portraits:
You might have seen human statues anywhere - but they can't be more than in Las Ramblas. Due to the large number of performers, they are also very competetive to each other in giving a feast to your eyes. I am sure, you'll feel like walking through a sculpture museum!.
You might have seen human statues anywhere - but they can't be more than in Las Ramblas. Due to the large number of performers, they are also very competetive to each other in giving a feast to your eyes. I am sure, you'll feel like walking through a sculpture museum!.
If you walk further over La Rambla de Santa Monica (near Drassanes metro Stop ), You will find many street artists who offer you to make the best portrait artists here. Give a try if you wish (but, ofcourse beware of pickpockets when you're posing😉).
3. Visit Columbus Monument:
From La Rambla de Santa Monica, continue to the coast you will end up at the Columbus Monument. It is a memorial to the great explorer "Christopher Columbus". This 60 meters high giant monument featuring a statue of Christopher Columbus proudly standing at the top and pointing toward the sea. You must go up the monument, the view is amazing!
4. Checkout the La Rambla de Canaletes
This street is located next to the Catalunya metro stop and is named after the black / bronze-colored drinking fountain. According to legend, you will definitely return to Barcelona if you take a sip of the water from this fountain😊.
5. Experience La Rambla dels Caputxins
In the side streets, you can see Plaça Reial - the most beautiful square in Barcelona on the left , and the Palau Guell - a Gaudi's building. Gran Teatre del Liceu - one of the very famous opera houses of Europe is also located here on the Rambla dels Caputxins.
👉 Note: In the evening, this part of the Ramblas (La Rambla dels Caputxins) changes a bit into a red-light district 👮 So, take care of your visit timings.In the side streets, you can see Plaça Reial - the most beautiful square in Barcelona on the left , and the Palau Guell - a Gaudi's building. Gran Teatre del Liceu - one of the very famous opera houses of Europe is also located here on the Rambla dels Caputxins.
Liked the article? Pin it!
1 comments
Hi there,
ReplyDeleteI love your list of where to go in Barcelona. You have some really good ideas about the city, you did a great job. If you are ever back in Barcelona I would love to show you some amazing places to eat in the city. I run a food tour company called Eye on Food Tours drop me a line some time.
all the best,
-A