Las Ramblas running from the Old Port all the way up to Plaça de Catalunya is the liveliest and most colourful Barcelona’s boulevard. Lined up with trees providing pleasant shade it attracts locals, tourists and street artists alike. Dozens of flower, book and souvenir stalls add to the colourful atmosphere but being such a crowded place it is an ideal operational area of pickpockets too so carry your money and documents in a money belt and be alert at all times.
There are several interesting sights either on or off Las Ramblas. Despite it is possible to storm past all of them in a few hours' walk, splitting them up among several days (and visiting other attractions in between) might be a better option in order to fully soak up the atmosphere of Las Ramblas.
Plaça Reial
Plaça Reial off Las Ramblas is a wonderful square with a fountain designed by Gaudí in the middle, and several pretty palm trees. Plaça Reial is surrounded by cafés and it is thus a popular meeting point for locals – at least that’s what the tourist brochures say.
We visited Plaça Reial at lunchtime and spotted a very long queue of possibly more than 50 people in front of one of the restaurants. Most of the hungry patrons were locals, not tourists, so apparently the fact about Plaça Reial being their popular meeting point is not just an urban myth told to tourists.
Palau Güell
Palau Güell off Las Ramblas was the home of Count Güell, Gaudí’s patron..
Location: Nou de Las Ramblas, 3-5
La Boqueria
La Boqueria, also known as Mercat de Sant Josep (Saint Joseph's market), is the most famous fresh produce market in Barcelona. Its stalls are loaded with mountains of colourful fruits, vegetables, meat and seafood from all over the world. We noticed that most of the sellers wear special, traditional attire, which adds to the rustic atmosphere. Other than wide selection of produce on sale, it was the passionate interaction between sellers and customers which fascinated us while browsing the market.
There are several tapas stalls at La Boqueria offering fresh seafood at affordable prices. We had an excellent lunch at Kiosko Universal.
Tip: There is a free toilet at the far end of the market.
Location: Las Ramblas, 91
Plaça de Catalunya
Plaça de Catalunya is the northernmost point of Las Ramblas. It is a huge, extremely busy square teeming with crowds. We didn't find it particularly visually impressive or photogenic, but it is certainly worth visiting if you intend to do some shopping as the square is surrounded by numerous department stores and large shopping centres.