La Rambla in winter

La Rambla street sign home

La Rambla

La Rambla is a must-see place in Barcelona. The tree-lined avenue is popular for its huge variety of restaurants, bars and shops. Be warned though, that a beer on the terrace of a bar here will cost considerably more than most other places in the city, while the crowds and huge number of tourists that visit it each year have made La Rambla a consistent target for pick-pockets and scam artists—best to keep your wits about you while enjoying the sights and sounds of this world-famous street.

Human statues

La Rambla is a popular venue for street performers who dress up in various funny, scary and very creative costumes. Expect to meet Dracula, Micheal Jackson, talking ancient Greek statues and Leo Messi amongst many more. They're happy to have their photo taken with you, but generally appreciate a financial gesture in return-

Street performer

Street actor takes a rest from his working day

Mercat de La Boqueria

La Boqueria (or, to give it its official title, the Mercat de Sant Josep) is one of the largest indoor markets in Barcelona. It offers an extremely large choice of vegetables, fruit, meat, fish and seafood, as well as some unusual and regional products that you might not find elsewhere in the city. There is also a small outdoor farmers' market to the right of the main hall, where you may find cheaper prices and fewer crowds, although also a smaller selection of goods

Flower stalls

Historicaly, parts of the Rambla have been used as a kind of overflow from La Boqueria, with the colourful flower-stalls and controversial animal sellers examples of this.

Football in La Rambla

Located at the heart of Barcelona, the streets that go off La Rambla are home to many families, which means that it's not just tourists or strolling residents who make the most of the space on the street

Animals on La Rambla

A regular source of heated debate between traditionalists and animal rights' groups, towards the top of La Rambla you'll find a row of stands selling exotic birds, hamsters, fish, rabbits and many other creatures.

Lunch in La Rambla

La Rambla is very touristy and, as a result, can be an expensive place to eat, you may still find some offers on meals. Alternatively, why not venture down one of the side-streets that run off La Rambla and try your luck in one of the restaurants you'll find there?

Carrying a sofa down La Rambla

While La Rambla is popular with tourists, it remains one of the main thoroughfares in Barcelona and as such you can see people going about their daily lives there, which can include two men carrying a sofa down the middle of the street.

Going for a walk

At this time of year, La Rambla is less crowded than in the peak summer season. This makes it an ideal choice for a gentle stroll, especially if you feel like stopping for a cup of coffee or meeting friends.