Las Ramblas, Barcelona

Favorite thing: Las Ramblas is a 1,2 km long pedestrian promenade situated between Plaza de Catalunya and the harbour. It is made by six sections. For this reason its proper name is Ramblas; plural.

Each section of this street has a name. The first, coming from Placa de Catalunya is named Rambla dels Canaletes; then we find Rambla dels Estudis; Rambla de les Flors; Rambla dels Caputxins; R. de Santa Monica and Rambla del Mar.

The name rambla derives from the Arabic word ramla, meaning sandy riverbed.

On this boulevard there are various shops, stalls; cafes and restaurants.

The nearest metro stops to Las Ramblas are; Liceu; Drassanes (green line); or Catalunya (green or red line).

Favorite thing: Rambla is the most popular avenue in Barcelona and the most visited by tourists. A walk from Placa de Catalunya to the sea going down the Rambla gives you the chance to discover some interesting monuments and enjoy rather surreal sights involving the hundreds of characters who go there. Years ago “The Monos” and “The Sheriff of the Rambla” were popular, the later strolling up and down the Rambla with two revolvers in a holster given to him by the famous actor John Wayne. Today the mime artists ans puppeteers have colonized the space, providing an open-air theatre show for passers-by.

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Favorite thing: I enjoyed very much lookig at the outstanding gaudi architecture in Barcelona. Plus, the weather is pleasant.

Fondest memory: I went to Barcelona last February for a short trip, where myself and 2 friends stayed in Pension Fernando. The location is perfect, it comes off La Rambla the most famous and busy street in Barcelona, and the Carrer De Ferran which its on it's a good size busy street not a dingy back road. We all felt very safe here. About 10-15 minutes from lovely beach and some excellent nightlife at the harbour. I would recommend anyone stay here.

Favorite thing: When you go to Las Ramblas, and see the street performers (left), make sure you remember to put some money in their boxes. You will see these people, who look like statues, come to life and perform a movement or trick. You can even have your photo taken with them. Don't just watch other people putting money in the boxes, do it yourself. You dont need to put much in, and its fun!

Favorite thing: Walking down Las Ramblas was entertaining at any point. It was constantly jammed packed of people and 'buskers'.....Lots of costumes and artists and market and people. Great times, endless fun.

Fondest memory: I enjoyed every aspect of Barcelona, from its food, shopping, weather, to its people and accommodation.

I shall return!

Favorite thing: As a result, Barcelona today is very much alive - a city bursting with new pride and self-confidence, which cannot fail to excite and delight. So before you leave, consider the city's motto - Barcelona Es Teva ('Barcelona Belongs to You') - and drink from the famous Canaletes fountain on La Rambla. It is said that after just one sip, you will fall under the city's spell and are sure to return again, and again… and again.

Favorite thing:
The City and Its People

Wherever you stay, the excellent public transportation system gives easy access to the entire city. For atmosphere, you might want to be somewhere near the street La Rambla or in the old town, and thus within easy walking distance of many of the main sights and the waterfront. The architecturally interesting Eixample area is more spacious, with excellent shopping and restaurants; other hotels are relatively far out of the city center. Barcelonans are exceptionally helpful and polite, with an ability to combine efficiency with a relaxed Mediterranean attitude.

Fondest memory: English is not widely spoken, although most hotel staff speak it adequately. All signs are in both Catalan and Spanish. Both are official languages in Barcelona; like Spanish, Catalan is a romance language with Latin roots.

Favorite thing: I'm not putting this in the "Must See Activities" section because, wanting it or not, you WILL see it: The Rambla! You will walk through and/or across this famous pedestrian avenue at some point of your stay in Barcelona, as it starts almost in front of the sea (the Old Port) and it takes you right to the heart of the town: Plaza Catalunya. From here you can reach nearly all of the most important spots in Barcelona very easily without having to take the metro or the bus.

The Rambla is surrounded by souvenir shops, restaurants, banks, a big market, and you can see pretty unusual things and people right on it... There's also a great place for ice cream called DINO in front of the Rambla -- I highly recommend it. And, when buying souvenirs around here, BARGAIN! The owners are usually Arabs and they will drop the price of mostly anything just to make you buy something... so show some interest but not too much, and they will try to make a deal with you. Just be careful and check the quality of the stuff, but you can find rather good things here.