La Rambla

Most bustling place of the city. You can find everything here. Street performer to restaurants and stores alongside the road. It’s always crowded till 12am in the night. The best thing after 12/12:30 cleaning has been started so that next morning people can find it all clean.

If you are careful with your belonging you will have great time here. I was there last week and lived near by so I was enjoying this busy street very offen as it Leads to nice markets, food places and seaside.

It is the Main Street in Barcelona with restaurants and shops… nice to walk

My family & I enjoyed the shops, restaurants & people watching. Great place to walk, eat, shop, relax, or run.

Bustling street with lots of street vendors, shops and restaurants.

A very beautiful place for those who love to vibrate all day long.

The commercial shopping hub of Barcelona. Extremely busy but there many eateries and bars down the side avenues and squares to make this a worthwhile destination.

Lovely place to stroll around. Top tip is buy food and drink before going down the street, it’s cheaper and more authentic elsewhere.

A hip and trendy area to walk and be seen. It was quite crowded on the temperate day. All types of shopping, museums, restaurants, churches and small parks. For us the sights were more interesting on the side streets where there was less traffic. Small boutiques and cafes flavored the area. Definitely a must do and see area.

Picturesque tree-lined, cobblestone walkways, located in a central area around quite a handful of city architectural and cultural highlights (ie. tourist destinations). That being said, while this is the center of much tourist activity in the city it's much less the center of Barcelona's domestic heart compared to 15 or 20 years ago. Like others have mentioned to think otherwise would be akin to going to Times Square in NYC and thinking you experienced an authentic taste of NYC culture, when in reality you were just swimming in a pool of tourists visiting from abroad. Will add rightly or wrongly, I've never felt unsafe here even as a female solo traveler at night. If you have your wits about you, stay wary of anyone walking too close, don't wear flashy expensive clothing and accessories, or talk loudly like an oblivious tourist then you'll be less of a target for pickpockets no matter where you are.

If you are going to come to Barcelona, chances are you will walk/eat at Las Ramblas as it is pretty massive. I did read that you need to watch out for pick-pocketers and gypsies, and be safe at night. It is definitely a tourist area but truly a great place to browse and walk around after a meal. I enjoy taking in the Barcelona architecture and culture.

This is a very touristy walkway in the middle of the road with lots of shops, cafés, restaurants, street peddlers, pickpockets, etc. It's crazy crowded, even in the rain and so many people have no situational awareness to be courteous and/or seeing who's walking where, they will walk right into you, even while looking at you. Everyone expects others to move out of their way. Once you get past all that madness, it's really the main drag with so many things to see and do along the way.

Aaaah, the infamous Las Ramblas! I only say "infamous" because I was told by several people that this street was super dangerous. And while I won't disagree wholeheartedly with that statement, I will say that I felt pretty safe here during the day and night. It's all about being aware of your surroundings. I can see how people can be careless and not really pay attention to what's going on while they're roaming the street. As long as you're paying attention to what's happening around you, a stroll down Las Ramblas can be pretty fun. Las Ramblas is the heart of the Barcelona hustle and bustle! It's always crowded with people and there are often street performers and local vendors selling all kinds of things. The street is surrounded by several shops and restaurants. Pickpocketing is a real thing here, so make sure that your valuables are hidden and not within easy access for someone to take. You've also got the gypsies out in full swing. Aside from all of that, this is a fun street to walk down to really get a true feel of the city. Many of Barcelona's iconic landmarks are located near or within a close proximity of Las Ramblas, so you're bound to walk through at some point while you're exploring. Because this is a busy area, most shops and restaurants tend to inflate their prices. Do some window shopping here and save your money for the places that are outside of Las Ramblas. You'll get much better deals this way. When in Barcelona, Las Ramblas is a place that you must check out.

We actually stayed at a hotel in this area and I was not impressed with the area at all. Many local taxi drivers warn us of the pickpocket and how unsafe the area was which I did not know overall I felt very unsafe as a mom with multiple kids, and the area has also gotten very dirty

I don't like to do this, but Time Out Barcelona pointed out all of the sights as we wandered down the most famous 1.2 km boulevard in Barcelona. It starts at Plaça de Catalunya fountain and ends at the statue of Christopher Columbus down by the port. Different sections were named after saints referring to the 16th and 18th centuries when the street were lined with churches & convents. Best things to do on La Rambla in Barcelona: 1. La Boqueria food market 2. La Rambla dels Flors 3. Liceu opera house 4. Columbus Statue at the Waterfront. 5. Cafè de l'Òpera 6. Canaletes fountain 7. Miró mosaic 8. 2017 terrorist attack memorial 9. Escribà pasta maker 10. Museu de Ceram wax museum

A major part of Barcelona. The best description I can make is it's a very long island/road/strip with full of touristy souvenirs, restaurants, street performers, and even illegal counterfeit items. Be aware of your surroundings. This is a major pick pocket area. I loved walking around in the evening because it was a little bit easier to walk around and somewhat relaxing. Don't forget to get a Barcelona magnet!!!

This pedestrian street in the heart of Barcelona is actually the city's most famous street. On this street, you will find kiosks selling flowers and newspapers, cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating, and lots of street performers (such as the statue people). Personally, I passed on eating at any of the places on the street itself, as it was too crowded for a relaxing meal. I recommend instead to go to a restaurant that is on either side of Las Ramblas, away from the crowds walking by. Walking down this street is just one of those things every tourist should do at least once to get a feel of the city. However, expect large and annoying crowds at all times of the day.

This is where the heart of Barcelona is. Full of all kind of people. Reminded me of downtown SF, but with a ton more personality. There are some strange people here that might pick pocket you, but don't seem like a tourist or someone with a blank face. Also, lots of weird yelling. Still, you'll get a lot of personality.

I have lots of friends who have been to Barcelona, and almost all had the same ambiguous and unhelpful advice: "Oh, honestly, just walk around." Many of these friends visited Barca when they were young and their priority was all night partying, so I realized after coming here that their "just walk around," was aimless hungover meandering along Las Ramblas in the afternoon shortly after waking up. The central Rambla is the worst sort of tourist trap, pickpockets, overpriced mediocre food and drink, hot sweaty ugly-tourist crowds, aggressively hawked garbage souvenirs; definitely not the high point of my visit. However it's not to be avoided, as the central area of La Rambla is full of very interesting architecture to see, so the unhelpful advice of "just walk around" becomes very helpful if modified to "do walk La Rambla but know ahead of time what you're looking for." Even in the day and age of the ubiquitous mobile smart phone, I found no substitute for a good pocket guide book and prior research. Do not eat or drink anything on the main central stretch of Las Ramblas unless you just like throwing money away. A short distance lateral in almost any direction and you will walk into a good choice of sidewalk tapas restaurants with higher quality and considerably lower prices. There are many must see sites in Barca that are also packed with crowds of tourists, but they are worth the trouble. La Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell, sure they are crowded but you just have to see them. Except for the Miro mosaic on La Rambla de les Flores, I wouldn't put Las Ramblas into that must-see category. https://obravewise.wixsite.com/website/post/la-rambla-street-s-architecture-form-and-design-inducing-urban-vitality https://www.lonelyplanet.com/spain/barcelona/la-rambla-and-barri-gotic/attractions/la-rambla/a/poi-sig/1105382/1320690

My wife and other people told me about Las Ramblas. And it was really cool, if that was one of the only things I saw in Barcelona. But there are so many cool things in this city. Don't get me wrong, it was great. But just like any movie that has been deemed as "awesome" ahead of time, It left something to be desired. The great things about it that are unique are all of the restaurants with permanent setups in the median, vendor out selling stuff and the fact that it leads from the city all the way down to the waterfront. We also happened to be there during a festival they had going on. Not sure if that added to the experience or took away from it. But I would have no idea since I haven't been there before. Barcelona is one of the coolest cities I have been to. And this was one main part of it that i enjoyed seeing. But in my other experiences in this amazing place, I would put it as 4/5. Plenty of 5 star other things to do if you have a short time here. But if you have the time, it is something to definitely check out.

So imagine the Farmers market you just went to last week...you know the one with fresh beets & lettuce and other fresh produce sourced from local farms. And maybe there's a tamale man there too and you decide to grab 3 for 10 because why the heck not! Now imagine that same farmers market with those same great things, but also fresh cut meats and recently caught fish, and bread baked in front of your eyes, and things that smell so freakin' delicious, your head will begin to spin as your senses go into overdrive. Well this was my experience during my 2016 trip to beautiful Barcelona as I was completely immersed into their culture and way of life. The La Rambla marketplace is a foodie shopping experience like no other and it's definitely a sight to see. Tip of the day: Always be cautious when traveling abroad and always be on the look out for pickpockets. They often prey on innocent tourists and take advantage at busy sites such as this. Other than that, have a great time and sample everything! You'll never know you don't like something, unless you try it.

Hyped? Well, I found it hyped but every big city has a street similar to this. Isn't it? It is not a spectacular attraction in any way, but very pleasant to stroll down and feel the human heartbeat of Barcelona. La Rambla starts at central square Plaza Catalunya, where the beautiful Romanesque 12th-century Convent of Santa Anna stands, all the way down where Columbus monument situated at the Port Vell marina. This wide street, featuring expansive pedestrian sidewalks, is lined with shops, restaurants, and outdoor cafés, making it one of the most popular hangouts in the city. The bustling thoroughfare is one of the city's major tourist hubs. So much so that if you're visiting Barcelona, you're bound to end up here eventually. Souvenir stands, watch buskers and street performers, pick up some local art from artists selling on the street, or sit down and enjoy a light snack at one of the many alfresco cafes found here. It is safe to visit, however, be careful of pickpockets on La Rambla and in nearby Metro stations. After all, Barcelona is the pickpocket capital of the world. (You can google it). Also, Ask prices are restaurants on Rambla before ordering. Check reviews before ordering. I did the mistake so you don't need to repeat that. Don't forget to check out the Columbus monument at the end of the street. Its cool

Two words: People Watching Seriously, the people watching is the best here. Watch the locals try to sell their overpriced souvenirs or their mediocre meals in the outdoor cafes. Watch the hustlers try to sling cans of street beer, and whisper at you they have cocaine and weed for cheap. Watch the street performers do their thing. Watch the tourists from various countries. Take it all in and enjoy it for what it is. It's essential Barcelona and it's got to be walked at least once.

This walk is a stroll through the heart of Barcelona! It's a beautiful walk down a center strip of a busy thoroughfare. It's all set up for pedestrians here. Most of the stores are all touristy and overpriced. None of the locals eat at any of the restaurants right on Las Ramblas. This used to be the place to get pets. Back in the day, they had cages of birds tweeting from all the street corners. But the animal rights people moved in and the city legislated those animal vendors away. Now, there's a statue of what it used to look like. There's also street performers putting on little shows for a handful of Euros. The Las Ramblas runs from Plaza Catalunya all the way down to the water front, where the Christopher Columbus statue is. It's a little over a mile or so, with lots of options on where to get souvenirs and fun stuff. The best part of Las Ramblas is the Boqeria Mercat- the foodie street food market. They have all kinds of delicious things to eat there. There's also the opera house, a wax museum, lots of shopping options, and numerous places to eat. I've been told to watch for pickpockets on this roadway. My favorite part of Las Ramblas, aside from the food hall was the giant Miro statue in the middle that became one of the symbols of the Barcelona Olympics! This is a must-see while in Barcelona!

Places like this are hell on earth to me. If I had to compare Las Ramblas to a well known American location I would say this is very much like Times Square in NYC (except a long street version). Lots of stores and restaurants catering to tourists with cheap knock off products and bad food. For me this was wonderful to see once but I have no desire to return.

I'm not sure why Las Ramblas fell off my Yelp radar, but it represents the most central part of my memories of Barcelona, truly one of my favorite cities. When I decide on an accommodation there, I first measure how long it takes to walk from the hotel to Las Ramblas as it is the city's main artery judging from how congested it gets no matter what time of day you're there. I would venture to say it's the most famous pedestrian mall in the world. Stretching only three-quarters of a mile from Plaça de Catalunya (photo: http://bit.ly/2oxQCGi) to the Christopher Columbus Monument at Port Vell (photo: http://bit.ly/2Fu9Q7y), it's crowded with pavement cafes, souvenir kiosks, and people. Lots and lots of people often in bad shorts. At the same time, it's filled to the brim with local Catalan character. Buskers perform for tips (photo: http://bit.ly/2BPTQgo), and living statues entertain children and easily amused tourists (photo: http://bit.ly/2CJ5R40). As the primary divider between the historical labyrinth of Barri Gòtic and the grittier and hipster-focused appeal of El Raval, Las Ramblas is also the takeoff point for essential sights like La Boqueria (photo: http://bit.ly/2oq1ZRi), Plaça Reial (photo: http://bit.ly/2BOo97k), and Palau Guell (photo: http://bit.ly/2sSX0gH). On a previous trip, Jamie W. and I even took a class at Cook & Taste, a Catalan cooking school which had a nice view from the kitchen (photo: http://bit.ly/2onU9Yw). Sure, there are pickpockets and prostitutes, but that's part of the character, right?

Barcelona is said to have an amazing nightlife. Unfortunately, we did not do a whole lot of going out at night here. Maybe it was the political unrest during the time so, we did not want to get caught up in anything dangerous. Just a couple weeks before, there was a running over of people in one of the main plazas there. Anyway, the nights we were out were quite nice. . The narrow streets of Barcelona can seem like mazes at times. What is great about them is that you will eventually make it back on a main road again or in the Cathedral Square. It is very nice to just look up and admire beatiful architecture and engineering at times. All while dropping in at some of the traditional shops along your way. Have fun exploring ! For more info, follow us on instagram @thehungrynomadz

Las Ramblas is a 1.2 kilometer pedestrian walking boulevard in Barcelona. The boulevard runs north and south and cars have a one lane road each way. Las Ramblas runs from Christopher Columbus Memorial in the south to Placa deCatalunya in the north. If you are staying in the northern area you will have easy access to the Aerobus Express which can take you to the airport. It is also where the Barcelona Tour Bus departs from. If you need camera batteries, an adapter or stationary check out El Ingles, a department store located in the north end. The southern end has Port Veil, the cruise ship terminal. The Liceu theater is roughly the half way point from north to south on Las Ramblas. If you are looking south to the Christopher Columbus Memorial you will find on your left the Gothic Quarter and on your right the Ravalazal area. The Gothic Quarter should not be visited at night, it has a reputation. Las Ramblas features hotels, shops and restaurants which command premium prices. I stayed in one of the hotels right on Las Rambas. The Spanish people like to party late in the evening and the street is noisy until 3 a.m.. Other notable destinations include the many late night clubs, and La Boqueria market. Street performers are plentiful both night and day but don't get too entranced, pick pockets abound.

If you don't make it you haven't missed much. I went with trepidation and sadness since Las Ramblas was the place of a chaos two years ago. It's mostly tourists, booths with souvenirs, eateries and flamenco bars. Pickpocket warnings but on this day it wasn't crowded at all, maybe the heat kept everyone away because it was a scorcher!

I walked from my hotel to a Flamenco show my first night in Barcelona. It was about 1.5 miles from my hotel to my destination. I never felt unsafe. I wasn't pick pocketed. It was around 6:30-7 when I started my journey and a lot of people were out. Tons of eateries and tourist places. I ended up stumbling down side streets as I had some time to kill and found a beautiful fountain I could sit at. Unfortunately a dude came up and kept talking to me and I wasn't sure if he was hitting on me or trying to pick pocket me (back of my mind as that's all I heard was Barcelona is the pick pocketing capital of Europe). After the show let out about 11:30 pm the street was still busy. I wanted to take a cab home but a couple I met at the show insisted on walking me back to my hotel. I was with an older couple and every few blocks I'd pull out a map. We were clearly tourists. No one bothered us. All in all this area was overwhelming for me with all the people. I'd say come for a stroll once but then discover the rest of Barcelona.

20 years ago, the best. So fun, a true spectacle in every way. Used to be "the best street in the world". Now: so touristy, so crowded. No thanks. * Still a spectacle, kind of like Venice Beach meets Times Square. But it's changed for the worse. In fact, I am sorry to say that that's the way I feel about Barcelona, in general. I'm no longer a fan. Good ====== * Tchotchke and trinkets for your friends and family * The main thoroughfare to quiet side streets that are beautifully quaint and charming. * How one gets to Mercat La Boqueria, an outdoor market that is no short of awesome sauce * Street vendors make it interesting, from handcrafted items to items from China. Bad: ==== * Restaurants are very touristy, overpriced and poor quality. * Shopping has crap stuff * If you are looking for fine items, go off this street.

Las Ramblas is an outdoor mall area. Lots of shops and restaurants. You can also find souvenirs and other nick nacks in the area. Very popular area so expect crowds. This is the perfect area to grab a bite, chill, and people watch. Also, this location is home to the Monumento a Colón. A monument pole dedicated to Christopher Columbus.

This is one of the most famous must-sees in Barcelona. It's on almost everybodys list. Which means it's busy...very busy. And also very touristy. And - except for the excellent Mercat de la Boqueria - you should head elsewhere for quality food. But still we came back here twice. Firstly it's a nice, wide street to walk. Lined with trees on both sides. And access to some nice neighbourhoods from here...and some good restaurants. It's a good walk from the Placa De Catalunya down to the beach or port. Traffic you only encounter when crossing the street, besided that it's a very relaxing walk. No need to rush up and down like the average tourist. Take your time. In case you need some cheap and cheerful souvenirs, then there are plenty of kiosks selling them. At the south end there are more restaurants. Stay away from the overly yellow Paellas. But to sit down in a cafe and watch the world go by it's fine. In the end it's one of the touristy things that we still just can't stay away from. It's fun. Just keep your belongings and wallets safe in the crowds.

A lively street that can be reached on foot from Plaza Catalunya. You can enjoy shopping as there are many souvenir shops lined up. Famous tourist spots were also found along the way. I enjoyed the long promenade straight to the sea.

The permanent street fair! This is a combination of times square and a giant market with local businesses on the sides. In the center is the food market which must not be missed. Grab a coconut milk inside and you will not be disappointed. It was the best coconut milk drink I have had since Miami. We went twice. The first time we walked off on one of the side streets and missed the main attraction of the walk itself, but even that was an adventure. It felt like walking back in time to the 60's with small music stores and boutiques. The main street should be traversed in the early morning since it's a relatively long way and it does get quite hot and crowded. For those of you who take the hop on hop off buses, there are stops on either end of the walk.

Very touristy strip and crowded but full of shops, markets, vendors, bars and restaurants. It was about a 10 mins walk from my hotel so I was constantly here throughout my trip. A lot of my souvenirs I picked up from here. It's a must see at least once if you're in Barcelona!!

Well of course las Ramblas is a tourist center street. If you hadn't noticed most people in Spain just don't speak English. DUH. Prostitutes-Pick Pockets - Droves of Tourists clogging up the street? What's the trick to enjoying yourself here? Come in the SPRINGTIME - Not summer. Wear a sweater, grab a scarf and enjoy Barcelona in the Spring before the tourists and party people come to take over town and attract miscreants. I suggest coming here on your first and last day in Barcelona. Come for the overwhelming amounts of places to eat, shop and spectate. Bring your camera and check out the incredible architecture and unbelievable sights just from cart vendors , street performers and so so so much more . One thing to deter from on Las Ramblas? Tapas. Yes that's right. Coming here for Tapas is like going to McDonalds for the steak. Seriously its all generic junk that's just gonna make you sick if it has any taste at all. They save that junk for tourists, charge out the ass for them and call them authentic Spanish cuisine. Get Tapas and Pallea at a multitude of other places in the country of Spain to enjoy real authentic Tapas There will be a ton of people thats are trying to sell you selfie sticks, remote controlled helicopters and a bunch of other stuff available on a late night infomercial, should you chose to walk the promenade in the middle of the street. You can get some needed things here that you may have forgotten at home or if you are trying to save your euros, there is a grocery store and convenience shop - that will also better meat and cheese and produce than you'll ever see in the states. There's also a liquor/wine store toward the front end on Santi Monica That being said, it would be a shame not to check out Mercat la Boqueria- a tucked aside inlet covered open market for the freshest, meat, cheeses, cured meats, fruits, fresh seafood and bakery items. Its truly unbelievable and the pictures you'll take will be gorgeous but still do no justice to the magical ambiance felt here. We visited a meat vendor toward the back right of the main entrance and got the most tender, delicious steaks to grill at our rented house nearby. It was the centerpiece to a magnificent meal. There is a theater here also where you can see many acts for an all inclusive rate per person for dinner, dancing and flamenco performances. its outstanding I suggest if you do nothing else when you come to Spain - you do this! Skip the Erotic Museum - its honestly something a spring-breaker group would do and its not even that fun... or funny. Save your Euros. Aside from the market - Don't leave without trying the gelato - ITS OUT OF CONTROL. They have flavors like Red Bull, Butter Cookie and Cake. CAKE!!! The apartment windows that line the streets are so curious - some from high end condos and some from hostels. I would maybe venture into looking into being able to slink out of one of these windows and people watch from above someday

A great walking, shopping, eating & drinking avenue going from Plaça Catalunya to the harbor. Lined with trees, it can be a cool area to be in a hot Barcelona day. Yes, a bit touristy, but We were tourist, and there are plenty of Barcelona locals eating & drinking along with us. Once the sun starts to set, and the temperature drops, it gets busy fast. Beware of pickpockets, we were told by our bartender at one place, and also by our hotel desk clerk. We had a great time, numerous places to eat at, popping into one at a time for a tapas or two & a drink.

Crowded, loud, hectic and pretty amazing is Las Ramblas. We went during a Saturday night while many were partying to celebrate Carnival, there are booths selling souvenirs, food, flowers and beverages for the locals and visitors. This long street with a wide concrete middle section allows people to gather and wander people watching, socialize and do some shopping.

The Quick: Not much more than a elongated Times Square. You have to walk it to feel the "beat" of Barcelona, but beware of pick pockets. Check it off your list then enjoy the beach. The Details: The restaurants on this strip are extremely touristy and pricey, I would avoid them like the plague. Some of the souvenir shops are actually OK deals. The Boqueria is a fantastic food market right off Las Ramblas, definitely stop there. The Damage: Free unless you are pick pocketed. I felt safe at all times (even late night) but was very cautious with my belongings.

Stroll down the bustling La Rambla... yes it is touristy and people say to avoid it, but it is great for those who are after cheap souvenirs, like postcards, fridge magnets, fans (so hot!) and phone cases (I recently bought a really awesome Antonio Gaudi inspired one), then you have come to the right place. Afterwards, head down all of the side streets off La Rambla, in particular to Plaça Reial (again, a busting square with a hive of activity - restaurants and people relaxing by the fountain) and also down to La Boqueria market for freshly made juices (try the Pitaya!), hanging jamon, or indulge in some tapas from the many surrounding bars.

When you visit Barcelona you have to walk the Las Ramblas. We were somewhat concerned since there had been some incidents lately and of course the terror attack. But, we had no problem and everywhere you looked there were security guards present. they also blocked off the ends of the walk so a terror vehicle could not drive down. We felt very secure and had no problems the 2 days we were there. We had a wonderful time seeing all the sights and taking in the shops and restaurants. Another Must Do when you visit.

Las Ramblas serves as the central street of Barcelona. At 1.2km/0.7 miles, it comprises of five streets (hence the plural form) that connect from Plaça de Catalunya to the Christopher Columbus Monument at Port Vell, close to the water. The street also has an important distinction of delineating Barri Gòtic to the east (where prominent sights of interests are) from El Raval to the west (more bohemian flavor but can get sketchy at night). When I was in Barcelona for a week I used Las Ramblas heavily as a place of reference when going about my sightseeing. When you first step foot on street the first thing you should look is straight down. See the pavement? It's shaped like waves. This is intentional as Rambla is Arabic for "sand" as the area was once considered a stream that separated the former old city walls from the westward expansion. It used to be that Las Ramblas was an open-air market for the locals. While shops for newspapers and plants are present, much of the businesses that line the street now service mostly tourists. You'll find souvenir shops selling postcards and FC Barca merch and restaurants selling overpriced, subpar food. Don't be that tourist. Instead take the time to wander the side streets and see what you can find. A notable exception is La Boqueria, which is itself a tourist attraction as it's one of the most famous market halls in Europe. People say that Barcelona, and especially Las Ramblas, has a rampant pickpocketing problem. I can personally say that as a solo female traveler, I never felt unsafe walking this street (even at night) nor was I ever pickpocketed, even when I had 4 servings of vermouth at a tapas restaurant a 10-minute metro ride from the city. The key point was that I was *always* aware of my surroundings, always looked as if I was busy walking towards my destination and took the metro at night if the alternative was to cross El Raval. Even in full sightseeing mode one of my enjoyable moments in Barcelona was just mindlessly walking around Las Ramblas at night, people-watching couples and groups as they walked past me and ignoring any of the vendors trying to catch my attention as to avoid potential pickpocketing situations.

If you come from a big city, the list of shops lining the street won't impress you. And the restaurant hawkers trying to lure you in for an overpriced giant sangria shouldn't sway you either. But the people watching. Oh-my, did we have a time just sitting and watching the mix of tourists and Christmas shoppers. It was so much fun to just stroll or sit and watch Barcelona go by. Also, we popped into the market to get some ham, cheese, fruit, and chocolate! We had such a fund time just ambling about.

It's a human zoo. No better people watching than this strip of land. Las Ramblas is a long and crowded pedestrian mall. For those from Minneapolis or Madison, think of Nicollet Mall or State Street but on steroids. At times, the people traffic seemed as thick to me as anything in NYC, but it is the height of the tourist season in Barcelona right now. Whatever you are looking for, it can be found on Las Ramblas. Restaurants, bars, hotels, markets, strip clubs, tacky tourist knick knack shops, museums, pharmacies, tourist buses, bicycle rentals, you name it. It is the heart of the city and is not to be missed on your visit to Barcelona (not that it would be easy to miss it). Make sure to check out the human statues at the south end of the drag. The first one that I saw, it took me a couple minutes to figure out that it was not an inanimate object.

Las Ramblas is a tree-lined street located in the heart of Barcelona. This boulevard is 1.2 kilometers long and starts at Plaça Catalunya and ends at Port Vell (cruise port terminal). This boulevard becomes quite seedy as you near Port Vell, especially at night. At night the area around the port becomes a bit of a red light district. Las Ramblas attracts tourists with street performers and tacky tourist restaurants. I would suggest to avoid dining at any restaurants along this boulevard since there are much better bars and restaurants options off of the boulevard. One exception to this rule is La Boqueria Food Market. Stop by La Boqueria Food Market for a glass of wine or some Spanish tapas. Many of the vendors at the market sell fresh squeezed juices, smoothies, local produce, ham, tapas, and other treats. I don't get the hype of Las Ramblas. There are prettier roads in Barcelona with fewer crowds. Perhaps this street is more picturesque in the spring when the flowers are in bloom? This street was a bit bland in January.

It's a street. If you don't like crowds- don't walk on this one. We walked it once. We do not like crowds, so once is enough. We went early, so it was less crowded than it is later in the day- AND we were in Barcelona off season. For fun, I priced postcards along the way- on Las Ramblas, near the water, they can be as much as 1 euro each. Get further away, or off Las Ramblas, and they are 5 for a euro- or less. So go for entertainment- but I'd shop elsewhere. The people watching is great. There are places to sit, though they are often occupied. You need to skulk around until someone gets up- then race for the bench or chair. It's a little like playing musical chairs. Close to the water there are human statues (and also, a lot of pickpockets). Be careful with your money here. Wear a neckstash, or have a front pocket that buttons. Don't leave anything valuable in a backpack, if you have the backpack on your back. There are many lovely statues along the street- and it's worth walking once.

The best part of La Rambla is the quiet neighbourhood street that starts on the North Side of Plaça de Catalunya (above Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes). Gayle and I had a nice romantic stroll up and down this tree-lined boulevard (with a middle pedestrian median) on a quiet Sunday evening. Joining us were young couples, families, and no pickpockets. This area is also a jumping off point for various dining, architectural, etc. opportunities in the L'Eixample area. As for Las Rambles that everyone else writes about? It was fun, it was crowded (even in October) and no pick pockets or game scams came our way. I especially liked stopping at La Boqueria, watching a wide variety of people, enjoying an ice cream cone with Gayle, and veering off this Grand Boulevard towards other Barcelona neighbourhoods like Barri Gòtic and La Ribera. My only regret was not buying that 2012 Sagrada Familia wall calendar. The Ramblas, which means "stream" in Arabic, and it truly is an endless current of people and action. And to paraphrase Ike and Tina Turner (Proud Mary), you start out "Nice and Easy at the elegant Plaça de Catalunya and finish up "Rough" at the Port. In between is up to you.

This is a long boulevard in Barcelona where thousands of people walk down the center shopping, eating, and sight seeing. The street is quite long and you can walk down the center concrete area without fear of being run over. We spent several hours walking and shopping down La Rambla. I love the variety of restaurant from expensive cafes to cheap fast food. We spent a little time in McDonald's taking advantage of their free Wi-Fi. I enjoyed the street performance artists including statues, crazy costumes, etc... They are fun, the beggars are not. There are a ton of illegal merchants on this street. They try and sell you fans, annoying noise makers, etc... They scatter every time a police officer gets near and then they resume again. It really detracts from the beauty of the place. This place is CROWDED. Watch out for pick pockets. My group was pick pocketed 4 times in Spain, once on La Rambla. Just keep your stuff against your body at all times.

Las Ramblas is the busy pedestrian walkway that takes you from Plaça de Catalunya to Barceloneta. It's about 1 km long. The big statue at the end is the dude who "discovered" America, Christopher Columbus and reported back to Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand here in Barcelona. The street is busy and loaded with all the touristy getups and cheap shops that you can possibly imagine. From fridge magnets and cheap jewelry to pick pockets and I've read, sex workers. It's interesting and worth the visit, but not something that you need to do more than once when you visit Barcelona. Don't miss "the best ham sandwich in the world" (according to the New York Times) two blocks from Plaça de Catalunya in Viena.

Very very popular area, don't forget to visit the mercat! if you're looking for fresh fish, this is your place. but for most tourists, you're probably not looking for that. Find plenty of candy options, small snack foods, shaved ice, local eats, and so many shops to choose from on the street. Tons of street vendors, caricatures, buy souvenirs, shows, tours, this is a bustling area to be in and definitely worth the visit. Lots of local shops but also familiar chains for those who are not so adventurous.

I recommend everyone to go to this cool street/marketplace. The restaurants and shops on this street seem overpriced. I wouldn't bother with them but definitely go to the market. They had so many stands! My favorites were the fruit, smoothie, and candy stands. They had all types of meats, seafood, produce, sweets, and just about anything you can think of food wise. A foodie's dream place!

Las Ramblas is a bit of an enigma.. In itself it's a little naff as it's simply a street full of not so great, over priced bars and restaurants, and cheap souvenir shops. Not to mention the pick pockets and prostitutes (one approached my brother and basically sexually assaulted him by way of trying to grab his you know what! poor kid.. I say kid he's actually 23, he was mortified..) There are also A LOT of dodgy guys trying to get tourists to sign up to Cannabis clubs. It's legal in Barcelona providing you are a member but they aren't allowed to advertise in this manner. I found it very annoying after a bit. Did I mention it's also littered with pervs? BUT it does have a sort of appeal, like that annoying uncle that called you fat throughout your teens but somehow seems to know exactly what to buy you every Christmas. There's a fine line between love and hate after all. Here are some of the positives: Good vibe Beautiful architecture Some nice places to eat Good for people watching A gorgeous fresh food and drink market called mercat de la boqueria - MUST SEE! Tourist info shops Street performers It's a central point in Barcelona so it's hard to avoid, I say go with an open mind and experience it for yourself.. Taser at the ready.

I suppose if you are a tourist this place can be quite interesting and exciting. I personally did not enjoy this area. It's crowded and full of tourist cafes and cheap souvenir shops. What is off the main area is excellent as there are some great shops and laneways with gorgeous cafes and shops. I would avoid this area if I could next time I am in Barcelona. Each to their own :-)

Ugh! This about sums up my impression of Las Ramblas. WAY crowded & way too many shady pickpockets. We didn't lose anything b/c we were city smart but it was a little disconcerting to constantly feel like we were being assessed for potential theft & forced to keep hands on all our belongings......makes it difficult to enjoy the surroundings or anything the city has to offer New York's Times Square isn't this bad crowd-wise & it comes nowhere close our experience strolling along the Champs Elysees!! They have all the shops & cafes you see everywhere like Apple, H&M, Starbucks. There is no charm or quaint mom & pop to be found here - it's all hustle-bustle. Emphasis on the hustle Cheesy booths selling all kinds of knock-off souvenirs & guys roaming around the place to get you into their club or with these completely annoying squeaking toys for the kids Not a fan!

Years ago I lived for a few months at the beginning of the Ramblas, by the water. It was an extended stay hotel and I shared it with a friend. I remember the laughter evoked finding a pair of size 14 high heels left behind in the closet. It was a testament to the many TVs you would find walking the Ramblas in those days, looking for a sailor, or you. And some were smokin' hot. Did not see any of them this time and I found it far less fun and interesting than those days - you clean up an area and you lose character, color and personality. Now it's typical boring, generic gift shops and endless cafes and restaurants. Barcelona tourism is unprecedented and a cause for consternation to its inhabitants and the tourist trap fix is in here. Still, it's worth a stroll along the broad promenade, cutting as it does through some of the city's most interesting areas, on one side the Barri Gotic and the other the Ciutat Vella, two lovely areas you can spend a whole day exploring, as it takes you from Placa Catalunya all the way down to the waterfront super tourist trap areas that are also new and, antiseptic.

People say this is Barcelona's Champs Elysees and I don't think that is entirely accurate. This is more Las Vegas' Fremont Street Experience mixed with Central Park in New York. In other words, sensory overload and super touristic. But you have to see it, soak it in, and experience it at least once. This is the hub of activity and there are people hustling and bustling from once place to another. The main street is crowded no doubt but once you decide to hook into the nooks and crannies to check out certain shops, you'll be elbow to elbow with mobs of people. The phrase of keeping your head on a swivel certainly applies here as you'll be initially wading through street hawkers and the like until you turn and see a load of commotion. That's where La Boqueria is and where you want to spend a majority of your time. So bob and weave past the stands with risque shaped fruits and flowers and the cell phone accessories and you can get your exploration on. Yelp 100 Challenge 2018 109/100!