Las Ramblas

One of Barcelona's Main Attractions Photo #1 of 10 Las Ramblas is often the first landmark that most tourists identify with the city. It is the central most Boulevard which cuts through the heart of the city centre and is a vibrant and lively promenade filled with Barcelona action at its best. Photo copyright Barcelona-Tourist-Guide.com.

Overview

If you have your back to Port Vell and you are looking up towards Catalunya along the Ramblas on your left hand side is the Raval area and on your right-hand side is the Barri Gotic (or Gothic Quarter).

Barcelona Las Ramblas can also be roughly divided into seedy and non-seedy areas. This distinction between seedy and non-seedy becomes a lot clearer during the night time when the Southern most end of the Ramblas becomes something of a red light district and is frequented by night women (prostitutes).

The Ramblas is serviced by three Metro stops along its length making it a superb transport point to see the rest of the city.

At the Southern most end of La Rambla, near to Christopher Columbus memorial, you have the Drassanes Metro stop. (Green Line, L3)

Midway along the Barcelona Las Ramblas, just outside the Liceu Theatre, you have the Metro stop Liceu. (Green Line, L3)

At the northern most tip of the Barcelona Ramblas you have metro stop Catalunya which is serviced by the Metro on both the (Green Line, L3) and (Red Line, L1). Catalunya is also the point at which you can catch the Aerobus ( Express bus service to the airport) and the Barcelona Tours Bus (A Hop on Hop Off Tourist Bus) which will take you around 3 circuits of popular tourist attractions.

There is plenty of accommodation along the Ramblas in the form of hotels, hostals and apartments.

Although the Ramblas offers you excellent access to the very heart of the city it is worth remembering that if you choose accommodation on the Ramblas you must be prepared for noise. There is no getting away from this. Regardless of whether your hotel has double glazing or not be prepared for some noise. There will even be street noise at night when the Ramblas can be busy until 3 a.m. or later.

Attractions along the Ramblas including live performances, human statue art, artists that will draw your portrait or caricature, as well as established attractions like:

-Wax Museum
-Erotica Museum ( Museu de l' Erotica) - La Rambla, 96 (be prepared to see some interesting toys),
-Christopher Columbus monument and
-Modernist Boqueria Market.

Where is the Miró you may ask? The place to find Mirós' circular tile mosaic can be found very close to both the Liceu Theatre and the Liceu metro. Look for a large circular coloured mosaic tiling right in the middle of the Ramblas. If you look carefully you will also find one tile that was signed by Miró.

However there is also another group of individuals that are attracted to the Ramblas for a completely different reason. They are interested in taking advantage of the tourists. Who are they? Pickpockets and scam artists!

To help ensure your safety whilst visiting the Ramblas I highly recommend you read my Barcelona safety article that will help you be aware of the potential hazards and how to protect yourself. Help make Barcelona a scam-free zone by following the guidelines in this article. Without easy targets perhaps the pickpocketing and bagsnatching problem will start to disappear.