Take a morning stroll around the old La Boquería market and glue your eyes on the freshest veggies and fruits out from the farmer’s vendors. Stand by to applaud the wacky street performers when the sun beams down after checking out the historic cathedral of Santa Maria del Pi.
Those are only a few names when it comes to how to spend a day on La Rambla in Ciutat Vella. Dubbed as the most sought-after shopping street in Barcelona, La Rambla is filled with well-received tapas bars serving mouth-watering jugs of sangria with a view out of their terrace seating.
The whole street of La Rambla is no longer than one and a half kilometers. Even though this pedestrian street has become a centerpiece for globetrotters flocking to this part of Barcelona, La Rambla still makes a perfect day trip if you wanna keep up with the main happenings.
In this article, I’ll be showing you my nine favorite things to do in La Rambla which makes it one of the most famous destinations in Barcelona.
Also Check Out: Our 15 Favorite Things to do in Barcelona
What Is There To Do In La Rambla?
Welcome to the enchanting world of La Rambla, the beating heart of Barcelona’s old city and an absolute must-visit for tourists. Stretching for 1.2 kilometers, this iconic boulevard holds a special place in the hearts of both locals and visitors alike. As you step foot onto La Rambla, you’ll find yourself immersed in a vibrant tapestry of sights, sounds, and flavors.
This famous shopping street is a shopaholic’s paradise, adorned with an array of shops that line both sides of the avenue. But La Rambla offers more than just retail therapy. It boasts the renowned Saint Joseph Market, a treasure trove of fresh produce and culinary delights. Wander through its bustling aisles and be captivated by the vibrant colors and aromas that fill the air.
Now, let’s dive into the nine must-do experiences that await you on La Rambla:
Max Out Your Credit Card With Traditional Sweet Treats
The shopping hub of La Rambla is no short of highly-received confectionery stores but Torrons Vicens and Turrones Casa 1880 are some of the best places to fill up your shipping cart with traditional Spanish treats such as nougats, chocolates, almond crumble cake, honey brittle bar, and soft bars of all flavors.
Both stores have been around for centuries and their secret sweet treat recipes have been perfectly maintained for generations. The prices here are not downright expensive, especially when you compare them with what they offer at the duty-free airport stores.
Be In Awe At Delicate Stonewares At Art Escudellers
Immerse yourself into a world of craftsmanship and delicate ceramics. Art Escudellers is a magnetic field for local shoppers with a huge range of ceramics, glass, jewelry, and decorated pottery. Those curated items are widely imported from all parts of Spain with a few from Portuguese crafters. The price range here is definitely not on the lower end of the price spectrum but you’re guaranteed to find premium products steeped in trademark history and tradition.
Appreciate Guidi’s Iconic Design At The House Of Palau Güell
- Address: Carrer Nou de la Rambla, 3-5, 08001 Barcelona
- Phone: +34 934 72 57 75
- Opening Hours: April~October 10:00~20:00, November~March 10:00~17:30 (Closed on Mondays)
Going strong since the end of the 19th century, Palau Güell makes a statement with its bold and dark appearance to by-passers along the street of Carrer Nou de la Rambla. The gigantic building was once the residential home of Eusebi Güell, a wealthy tycoon in the industrial and shipping industry of the area back in the day.
He displayed an ultimate passion for Gaudi’s designs and ideas. Today, you can opt for an audio guide to fully discover what’s going on with the ups and downs of the building for the past centuries.
Take A Breezy Stroll And Soak Up The Vibe At Plaza Real
Address: Plaça Reial, 08002 Barcelona
A walk in the busiest squares of Barcelona gives you an insightful loop around the quadrangle in the Gothic Quarter. Take a sneak peek into the old ochre houses blinded with wooden shutters while the shady palm trees shield you from the scorching heat.
Somewhere along the way, the iconic Gaudi street lamps spruce up the streets with their whimsical feel. One of my favorite things about Plaza Real is the local feel set amidst the busy chaos. Family restaurants dish up incredible plates of paella with a thirst-quenching sip of sangrias. Meanwhile, the back of the alleys turns into a somewhat sketchy area in disguise, where backpackers crack a weed and pipe for their long-lost dream.
Hunt On Fresh Farmer’s Stocks At Boqueria Market
Have you ever wondered what an old farmer’s market looked like in Spain? Pop into Boqueria Market and be in awe at an old heritage trading hub that’s been around since the early 13th century.
Located near Liceu metro station on La Rambla, Mercado de La Boqueria, also known as Mercat de Sant Josep, is a renowned produce market that has gained international recognition. Originally starting as a humble outdoor vendor selling meats in 1217, it has now grown into a vast and well-organized market spanning the size of a football field. Today, it offers a diverse array of goods, including fruits, vegetables, meat, seafood, cheese, and snacks.
Despite its popularity among both locals and tourists, Mercado de La Boqueria maintains an impeccably planned layout that is clean, tidy, and well-furnished. As you explore the market, you’ll find a seafood court where you can take a break, rest your legs, and indulge in local bites before continuing your journey.
Read More: Discover the Culinary Delights and Hidden Restaurant Gems at Boqueria Market in Barcelona
Visit the Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi
- Address: Plaça del Pi, 7, 08002 Barcelona
- Opening hours: 18:00~20:00, Sunday 11:00~13:00
Take a step back in time and contemplate La Rambla’s proudest architectural icon. The Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi hides six massive bells on top of its octagonal belfry. The biggest of them rings the loudest chant which can be heard from all corners of the Gothic Quarter.
The old-established church was built on the skeleton of an ancient 5th-century building with the new Catalan Gothic design being around since the 14th century.
Keep Up With The Barcelona Contemporary Art Museum
Seeking a place indoors to steer clear from the scorching sun? MACBA will make a perfect layover to surround yourself with a multitude of quirky and creative contemporary arts. Iconic names in the country and around the world like Marcel Duchamp, Keith Haring, Roy Lichtenstein, and Joan Miró have their masterpieces displayed in the public eye here. They have a new exhibition coming once every three to four months.
Go People Watching At Plaça de Catalunya
A bustling square serves as a great gathering point smack dab in the heart of Barcelona beats. With a massive fountain radiating out to an immense network of tree-lined streets, you will have a whale of a time keeping up with all the boutique stores and local bistros with a view and terrace seating within a short walk around.
Plaça de Catalunya, located at the northern end of La Rambla, serves as the vibrant heart of Barcelona. It’s a spacious square that connects various key areas like Passeig de Gracia, La Rambla, Rambla de Catalunya, and Avinguda del Portal de l’Àngel. This bustling plaza serves as a bridge between the historic Ciutat Vella and the modern expansion area of L’Eixample.
Those who have actually been to Catalonia Square will never forget the terrifying number of pigeons on the square.
Plaça de Catalunya is home to a subway and train station as well as plenty of bus routes connecting you to the airport(Book Your Aerobus airport shuttle bus). However, demonstrations and protests in Barcelona have been getting a bad rap here so make sure you keep a close eye on what’s going on.
Enjoy A Retail Therapy At English Palace (El Corte Inglés)
- Address: Plaça de Catalunya, 14 Barcelona
- Phone: 933 063 800
- Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 09:30~21:00
Here comes a paradise for tax-free shopping. El Corte Inglés will have you jump for joy with a plethora of selective items. High-end fashion chains including Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Calvin Klein, and Burberry co-exist with stellar local heavyweights from the country like Boucheron, Blancpain, and Hamilton will have you spoiled for choices. And it’s just next to Catalunya Square.
Make sure to bring your passports to benefit from the duty-free shopping.
Before shopping, foreign tourists should remember to bring their passports to the service desk to exchange for a 10% discount card!
Read More: El Corte Inglés, Barcelona: Recommended souvenirs to buy
Watch A Traditional Performance Of Tablao Flamenco Cordobes
Sitting back at a heritage building and soaking in the upbeat rhythm of the skilled Flamenco dancers is an absolute must for first-time visitors to Barcelona. Right here on the street of La Rambla, there are plenty of dance shows hosted at various places for you to choose from. For that reason, picking an authentic show rooted in the history of Andalusia becomes a daunting task.
Tablao Cordobés has been attracting cultural seekers and art lovers to Ra Lambra since 1970. Even though the 1992 Olympics has contributed greatly to the rise of flamenco shows in all of Barcelona, the true motive behind Tablao Cordobés is purely catered to the genuine representation of the art of flamenco.
Within half an hour, you will be served incredible tapas along with traditional Cava (Spanish wine) while the artistic dancers attract your eyesight with their gorgeous dance moves on stage.
If this ultimate lowdown is not enough to make the most of your trip to Barcelona, I don’t know what will. Jokes aside, I want you to really spend a good amount of time here to tick all the boxes out of this list. Read more reviews about each spot and make the best decision before venturing out.
Read More: Experience the Passion and Energy of Tablao Flamenco Cordobes: A Captivating Traditional Performance
Start The Morning At Columbus Monument
Address: Plaça Portal de la pau, s/n, 08001 Barcelona
Start your trip of the day by checking out one of the most photographed statues in all of Barceloneta, the Columbus Monument. The gigantic statue pierces 60 meters into the sky and is easily spotted from every corner of the street La Rambla. Today, the statue is located at the end of the street La Rambla, with his hand pointing to the sea showing his hand to the new world.
The statue has been around since 1888 to celebrate the Exposición Universal de Barcelona and to pay tribute to Christopher Columbus when he first reported to Queen Isabella I and King Ferdinand V after coming back home from the long voyage.
You can even reach the top of the statue by taking a lift in the middle of the tower. The last call is at 14:00 so don’t miss out on a chance to soap up the sweeping vista!
Online Booking Discount Tickets: Columbus Monument Discount Ticket
Recommended Accommodations on La Rambla Avenue
La Rambla is my favorite accommodation location in Barcelona. I have stayed in four hotels here, including three “budget” ones and one “boutique” hotel, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here is a list of all of them for your reference:
【Affordable Accommodation on La Rambla】Hotel Ingles Barcelona
Price: Starting from TWD $1,500｜Agoda Room Rates｜Booking Discounts｜Other Booking Website Discounts
【Cheap Accommodation on La Rambla】Hostal Marenostrum
- Location: Excellent location, just a 1-minute walk from La Rambla and Liceu Metro Station, and a 10-minute walk to Catalonia Square.
- Features: Super cheap room rates and great location, but the rooms are extremely small and you can hear noise from the next room. It’s a bit difficult to move around the room after opening your luggage.
- Hotel Facilities: Free WiFi, 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, and breakfast included.
- Check-in Experience: 【Recommended Cheap Hostel in Barcelona】Hostal Marenostrum: Just a 1-minute walk from La Rambla and Liceu Metro Station
Price: Starting from TWD $1,500｜Agoda Room Rates｜Booking Discounts｜Other Booking Website Discounts
【Affordable Accommodation in Catalonia Square】Meson Castilla Atiram Hotels
- Location: Old Town, 4-minute walk to Universitat Metro Station, 6-minute walk to Catalonia Square
- Features: Affordable price, excellent location, moderate room size, very quiet
- Hotel Facilities: Free WiFi, 24-hour front desk, luggage storage
- Check-in Experience: 【Recommended Cheap Hotel in Barcelona】Meson Castilla Atiram Hotels, 6-minute walk to Catalonia Square
Price: Starting from TWD $1,800｜Agoda Room Rates｜Booking Discounts｜Other Booking Website Discounts
【Great Accommodation in Barcelona】Hotel Pulitzer
- Location: Catalonia Square, 2 minutes’ walk from Catalonia Square subway station, located in the expansion area and surrounding the old city, with a great location
- Features: A four-star hotel with 19th-century architecture, modern and elegant room decoration with a strong sense of design, some rooms have balconies with city views, air conditioning and heating are available
- Hotel facilities: Free WiFi, 24-hour front desk service, bicycle and motorcycle rental service, massage and fitness room, yoga classes, a restaurant and cocktail bar with a terrace, a library, and a self-service breakfast with gluten-free options
- Check-in review: [Recommended Luxury Hotel in Barcelona] Hotel Pulizfar: A Boutique Hotel with Net Red Decoration Next to Catalonia Square
Price: Starting from TWD $3,000｜Agoda Room Rates｜Booking Discounts｜Other Booking Website Discounts
Recommended Restaurants in the Old City Area
There are many famous tourist restaurants on La Rambla, although I would like to recommend more value-for-money Michelin restaurants, Michelin restaurants are also the hardest hit during the epidemic, and many good restaurants in the old city have closed down. So here, I still keep introducing tourist restaurants, after all, restaurants with affordable prices and many customers can withstand various disasters and still exist, they must have their strengths!
【Century-Old Chocolate Shop】Granja M. Viader
- Address: Carrer d’en Xuclà, 4-6, 08001 Barcelona
- Phone: 934539225
- Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 09:00~13:15, 17:00~21:15
A century-old chocolate shop that started out selling milk and dairy products, Cacaolat is the original founding brand of the chocolate milk loved by Spaniards since childhood. You must try their Spanish churros with chocolate Xocolata & Xurros, paired with their signature Cacaolat – it’s so delicious it’ll make you gain weight! We also recommend trying their Cuajada cheese, Flan de Mato cheese pudding, and Pastel de Queso cheese cake.
Must-Try Dish: 【Barcelona Food Recommendation】Granja M. Viader: Delicious Spanish Churros, Cheese and Ham Sandwich from a Century-Old Chocolate Shop
【Artist Love Shop】Cafe de L’Opera
- Address: La Rambla, 74, 08002 Barcelona
- Opening Hours: 08:00~01:00
In the 1920s and 1930s, the restaurant where Salvador Dali and the Spanish national treasure film director Luis Buñuel often dined together was also a place for local artists to chat. They sold famous chocolate bars called “Ginabot”.
Food Review: 【Barcelona La Rambla Breakfast and Late Night Shop】Cafè de l’Òpera: Spanish Churros and Tapas are Sold Here
【Delicious Cuttlefish Seafood Stew Rice】Colom Restaurant
- Address: Carrer dels Escudellers, 33, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
- Opening Hours: 12:00~00:00
The seafood paella at Colom Restaurant is one of the best I’ve had in Barcelona. You must try it with the “Alioli” sauce on the side, which adds a lot of depth to the flavor. The dish is moist and not too dry, with a reasonable level of saltiness. Overall, it’s one of my favorite types of Spanish seafood paella.
Food Review: 【Recommended Restaurants in Barcelona】Colom Restaurant: Delicious Squid Seafood Rice and Garlic Shrimp
【Tourist Favorite Shop】La Fonda
- Address: Carrer deles Escudellers 10, Barcelona
- Time: 13:00~23:00
La Fonda, like the Mid-Autumn Festival, is very popular among tourists due to its convenient location and affordable prices. It is also located in a lane next to La Rambla, and locals do not come to eat here. Tourists are always queuing up for their must-try dish: Spanish seafood stew.
【精緻咖啡專賣店】Satan’s Coffee Corner
- Address: Carrer de l’Arc de Sant Ramon del Call, 11, 08002 Barcelona
- Opening hours: 8:00~17:00, Friday to Sunday 10:00~18:00
Satan’s coffee shop, the flagship coffee is slightly sour, but there are also delicious white coffee, latte, cappuccino, paired with sweet donuts and sandwiches are amazing.
【Famous Spanish Wedding Chocolate Cake Shop】Pasteleria Escribà
- Address: Rambla de les Flors 83, Barcelona
- Opening hours: 9:00~21:00, closed on Mondays
Antonio Escribà, the magician of chocolate, founded a famous chocolate shop in 1906. The branch on La Rambla is located near the Liceu station on the L3 subway line and is housed in a century-old building. The shop sells coffee, desserts, croissants, pancakes, bread, and savory pies. Before Easter, they will launch Spanish sweet donuts (Buñuelos), which are highly recommended. I think their chocolate is really delicious, and it is now made by the fourth-generation pastry chef, Christian Escriba! The famous Queen of Hearts wedding cake was created by this most senior and famous pastry master in Spain.
【Tourist Favorite】Les Quinze Nits (Fifteen Nights)
- Address: Pl. Reial, 6, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
- Opening Hours: 10:00~23:30, Saturday to Sunday 9:00~23:30
The Fifteen Nights restaurant is very popular among tourists because of its convenient location and reasonable prices. Although it may seem ordinary to locals, who have many other restaurants at the same price point that are even better and don’t require waiting in line, Fifteen Nights has a great location (on Royal Square) and a big reputation! If you come here, you must try the seafood stewed rice!
My One-Day Walking Route in the Old City of Barcelona
【Day3】Bell Port → Barceloneta Beach → Columbus Monument → La Rambla (Güell Palace, Boqueria Market, Santa Maria del Pi, Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art, Catalonia Square, El Corte Inglés) → Hospital de Sant Pau → Flamenco Show
On this day, I was afraid of buying too many things at El Corte Inglés, so I started my walk from the empty-handed “La Barceloneta” beach and walked all the way to “Catalonia Square” before entering the expansion area. In the afternoon, I took a ride to the distant Hospital de Sant Pau, and returned in the evening to watch the flamenco dance performance. If you are sure you won’t buy anything, you can actually walk the opposite way with me and just wander around without a strict itinerary.
We started our morning with a stroll in the La Barceloneta district by the Columbus Monument, near the sea. We walked along the Barcelona beach before heading to the bustling La Rambla in the afternoon.
Read More: 【La Barceloneta in Barcelona】Barceloneta Beach, Sightseeing and Restaurant Guide