Wonders of Barcelona: Walking tour of Las Ramblas

The last stop in our Spain trip was the second largest city in the country, Barcelona. Making most of the three days we had in hand to explore this city of amazing architectural wonders, it was truly a great learning experience for us. Dedicating a full day to explore the masterpieces of Antoni Gaudi, we then went on to spend rest of our stay admiring the city’s other major attractions and of course shopping at regular intervals.Barcelona city with its rich history and unique artistic masterpieces has so much to offer to all its visitors that they would definitely find themselves promising another trip to this dynamic city.

As we were staying at the Urbany Hostels, which was located at the Gran Via, we decided to start our trip with the famous Las Ramblas Street. The 1.2km long pedestrianized street from the Catalunya Square up to the Portal de la Pau known for its lively atmosphere is a complete picture of Barcelona’s free spirited life.

Catalunya Square

Francesc Macia Monument at Catalunya Square

The Catalunya Square can be considered as the city’s central part surrounded shopping centres like El Corte Ingles and El Triangle Centre and large fountains adorning the square.

The Canaletes Fountain

As we started towards the Las Ramblas first thing we noticed was the Canaletes Fountain. According to the local legend by drinking water from this fountain you are destined to visit Barcelona again so do not forget to try your luck by having a sip at this fountain (we definitely did :-)).

Bethlehem Church

Interior of Bethlehem Church

Modernist Shop

Chinese Dragon on the facade of Casa Bruno Cuadres

Flower stalls, Live statues, souvenir shops are the main highlight of the street along with some authentic tapas restaurants and bars. Walking along the crowded street we came across the Bethlehem church, originally a Monastery of Jesuit, is one of the oldest buildings in Las Rambla. The church is a Baroque structure with a very grand interior and is a perfect place to stop by and relax after wandering through the busy street outside.

Live Statue

Boqueria Market

Spending few peaceful moments in the church, we then started towards the Boqueria Market to grab some food. Also known as the Mercat de Sant Joseph de la Boqueria is one of the oldest markets in the city and an excellent way to learn the daily life of the Catalans. The colorful candies, fresh fruits and vegetables and the local tapas are an overload to the senses and we were just spellbound looking at the food not knowing what exactly to try.

Colourful Candies at the Boqueria Market

The erotic museum of Barcelona

Not far from the market was the Virreiana Palace, an 18^th century baroque structure, which is considered as Historic–Artistic Monument of National Interest since 1941. The palace housed display of the giant statues called “Gegantes I Capgrossos” which is one of the main highlight in the city parade during La Mercè Festival.

The Gegants at the Virreina Palace

As we walked towards the Barcelona Port we came across the Liceu Opera House and Theatre that is considered as the one of the best opera houses in the world. Also, close to this is the Royal Square, which is surrounded by palm trees and ancient buildings along with street lamps that were designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudi.

Lucia Opera House and Theatre

Tres Glories Fountain in the Royal Square

Street Lamp designed Antoni Gaudi

The Columbus Monument

The last stop on our walking tour of the Las Ramblas was visit to the Monument of Columbus at Portal de la Pou. Built in honour of the great explorer, Christopher Columbus in 1888 is 87 metres high and a statue of the Columbus on top pointing towards the New World. We took the lift within the tower to reach the gallery, where we caught the amazing view of the entire city. Entry to the monument costs 4.5 Euro per person.

View of the port and the Golondrinas from the Colom gallery

View of the Navy Office and the Las Ramblas from the Gallery

At the Barcelona port we caught a ride in the Las Golondrinas harbor tour just with the intention of enjoying the view of the city from the sea. The 40 minute cruise boat (that costs 7.20 Euros) doesn’t have much to offer, but after walking through the busy street of Las Ramblas this was the best way to relax and take in the fresh sea breeze.

View of the city from the Golondrina

Port of Barcelona

Maremagnum Centre

Since we had purchased the Barcelona tourist card, the entry to Colombus monument and the Golondrina ride was free of cost :-).

However do remember to take care of your belongings while walking in the Las Ramblas, as warned by the locals there are lots of pickpockets in this part of the city.