Las Ramblas, Barcelona
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Las Ramblas - by Jorge Fernández Salas on Unsplash
Description
La Rambla is a tree-lined pedestrian street connecting the Christopher Columbus Monument at Port Vell (the old port) to the Plaça de Catalunya. The promenade is crowded during the day and filled with street performers, newspapers and flower kiosks, pavement cafes and bars. The main features along the street are the Font de Canaletes fountain and a mosaic by Joan Miró. The plural for "Las Ramblas" is generally used because it actually consists of 5 shorter streets (e.g. Rambla dels Caputxins). It became a street in the 15th century (prior to that a stream was running there), separating the old city to the East from El Raval (meaning "the suburb") to the West.
Access & Transport
Line 3 runs underneath Las Ramblas and stops at Drassanes (near Port Vell) and Liceu (central part) before reaching Catalunya (L1, L3, L6, L7, S7 and train station). Ther are also 2-3 bus lines operating along the service roads on either side of Las Ramblas.
Instructions & Recommendations
Go early if you wish to avoid the crowds but otherwise any time of the day is fine. This activity is best combined with a visit of Plaça Catalunya, El Raval or Barri Gòtic. You can also continue past the Columbus monument across la Rambla del Mar to reach the Aquàrium de Barcelona.
Environmental & Social
Urban environment with hardly any green spaces. The flow of cash rich tourists has had a negative impact on the mindset and practice of many individuals working there.
Conclusion
Las Ramblas has nothing remarkably interesting to see but it should be experienced once. It is clearly victim of its own popularity and has become the domain of tourists, not residents. Some of the best of Barcelona can be found in the streets radiating from the promenade, in El Raval and the Gothic Quarter.
Key positive
Wide pedestrian area - car traffic is not an issue
At the heart of the city, between El Raval, Port Vell, Gothic Quarter and Placa Catalunya
Key negative
Not much to see actually
Very crowded from mid-morning onward and watch your belongings
Suitability
Suitable for all ages and visitors with reduced mobility.
About this Rating
TYPE
Onsite
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 20m
est. visit time:1h 15m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightOk
Night – aft. midnightNo