The bright avenue is actually the conglomeration of a series of streets called “Les Rambles,” which includes Rambla de Canaletes, Rambla dels Estudis, Rambla de Sant Josep, Rambla dels Caputxins, Rambla de Santa Mònica, and Rambla del Mar.
Some of the city’s most important attractions are situated on Les Rambles, including the Virreina Palace, La Boqueria market, Liceu Theater, Santa Mònica Arts Center, the Erotic Museum, the Wax Museum, and the Royal Square. Various shops, elegant cafes, and beautiful historic buildings located on the avenue or within walking distance of it are also popular among tourists and local citizens. However, like any other major street in this big city, the boulevard has its drawbacks. Tourists and local residents know that Les Rambles is very popular among pickpockets and small scammers. Also, since Les Rambles is a tourist destination, prices can be significantly higher than in other areas.
Las Ramblas attractions in Barcelona
La Boqueria market
One of the major attractions in Barcelona, the Mercat de San Jose de la Boqueria, is not only the most famous public market in the city, but is also one of the best in Europe and in the world. It is located in the Old City of Barcelona (Ciutat Vella), near Les Rambles.
According to historical data, La Boqueria was founded around 1217, when local residents gathered to sell meat and their products at the gates of the city. Since then, the market has changed its name consistently for several centuries. Although the concept remains the same, the market has been called Mercat Bornet, Mercat de la Palla, Placa Nova Market, Placa del Treball, and finally Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria after the monastery of Saint Josep, which is located nearby. The market was officially opened in 1840 and currently holds more than 200 shopping counters at La Boqueria.
Wax Museum (Museu de Cera)
The Wax Museum in Barcelona (Museu de Cera) is located on a small slope near Les Rambles Boulevard and offers visitors the opportunity to become acquainted with more than 300 famous figured in their wax incarnations. The museum is located in a magnificent neoclassical building from the 19th century and offers a great combination of culture, history, music, and entertainment. The museum exhibits wax models of Albert Einstein, Superman, Francisco Franco, Salvador Dali, and the legendary Don Quixote, as well as a series of popular characters from the Star Wars films.
The Virreina Palace (Palau de Virreina)
The Virreina Palace was built between 1772 and 1775 and is adorned with baroque and rococo elements. Currently, the palace is the headquarters of the Town Hall department of culture and the Center de la Imatge (Image center). The exhibition center presents works by most of the famous contemporary artists of Catalonia, such as Oriol Bogigas and Anthony Abad.
It is worth visiting Palau de la Vireuin, the pearl of the baroque in Barcelona, in order to appreciate the construction of the main facade decorated with pilasters and a large balustrade with twelve vases facing the courtyard in which the staircase begins. Temporary exhibitions associated with art, photography, and literature are held in the palace as well. On the ground floor, you will find the information services and a ticket sales point.
The Erotica Museum
The Erotica Museum in Barcelona was created as an education and entertainment center with a focus on themes of eroticism throughout history.
The Museum of Erotica is the first museum of its kind dedicated to erotic art and culture, in which visitors can see the development of erotica in various artistic and cultural arenas and from anthropological, archaeological, and literary viewpoints. The museum houses more than 800 works of great historical value and showcases erotic displays with ritualistic and religious origins from a variety of cultures. The works cover several periods in world history, from ancient Greece and Rome to the Europe of the twentieth century. The museum is also famous for its large collection of Asian art and exhibits of contemporary erotic art by world famous artists.
Les Ramblas restaurants in Barcelona
Despite the fact that Les Rambles is a tourist area, the boulevard was once the center of Catalan cuisine for locals. The result is that nowadays visitors can find restaurants with authentic Spanish cuisine for reasonable prices.
El Quim De La Boqueria
This restaurant, located in the famous La Boqueria market, is a classic restaurant that is also well-known throughout Spain. Using ingredients sold at the market, El Quim De La Boqueria guarantees fresh food, prepared and presented as beautifully and exquisitely as in a luxury restaurant.
- Address: Mercado de La Boqueria, Les Rambles 91, Barcelona
Pla Restaurant
Pla Restaurant is one of the most romantic spots in Barcelona. Although the restaurant is located on a hidden side street in the Gothic area of Les Rambles, it is well-known and easy to find. Mediterranean dishes are served with wines to complement the cuisine, and the restaurant offers a good selection of wines.
- Address: Pla Restaurant, Bellafila 5, Barcelona
Bar Lobo
Bar Lobo serves traditional Catalan cuisine. The restaurant also specializes in early breakfasts and late dinners. Bar Lobo is a famous restaurant chain located in many cities throughout Spain. Only the freshest ingredients are served here, and a wide selection of Spanish dishes is available.
- Address: Carrer del Pintor Fortuny, 3, Barcelona
Specialists from INEEDSpain are here to provide all kinds of tourist services for our clients. INEEDSpain will organize sightseeing tours around the city and create a cultural programme unique to each client’s preferences. INEEDSpain will arrange any necessary documentation and interpreter’s services upon request.