Easily Spain's most famous thoroughfare, the Ramblas is 1.2 kilometers of liveliness, color and atmosphere running between the Plaça de Catalunya and the port and wedged between the Gothic Quarter and La Ribera, two neighborhoods forming part of Barcelona's Ciutat Vella (Old Town). The greatest attraction is without a doubt the street life, thanks to the throngs of tourists, locals, hustlers and street performers found along the way. Mostly pedestrian with just two narrow streets on either side, Las Ramblas is lined with cafés, shops, newspaper kiosks, restaurants, flower stalls and a handful of top sights, monuments and cultural venues. Trust us, on Las Ramblas there's never a dull moment!
Gran Teatre del Liceu
The Gran Teatre del Liceu, located at roughly the half-way point on Las Ramblas, is Barcelona's esteemed opera house and one of the grandest performing arts venues in the world. Even if you can't squeeze an opera into your itinerary, pop in for a tour of the venue for a peek at the spectacular, sumptuously decorated auditorium.
Mercat de la Boquería
This enormous food market, a burst of color and noise, is a must-see when strolling Las Ramblas. Nearly 350 stalls sell all sorts of goods: racks of bread, baked bread, fresh meats and fish, all sorts of cheeses and sausages, platters of delicious pastries, piles of fruits and vegetables, herbs and spices... it's a true delight for the senses. Inside you'll also find a dozen or so bars and cafés perfect for tasting Barcelona's famous Mediterranean cuisine while watching the hustle and bustle of tourists and locals shopping, taking pictures, perusing the stalls or just taking it all in.
Port Vell
A wonderful endpoint to Las Ramblas is Barcelona's emblematic Port Vell (Old Port). From the waterfront you can hop onto a sightseeing harbor tour, snap a picture of the towering Columbus statue, pop into the or stroll along the seaside promenade towards the Barceloneta beach.