Everything comes together on Spain's most famous promenade, the Rambla: tourists, dancers, trendsetters and, of course, living statues. Because the Rambla has several sections, it is often referred to as Las Ramblas. Barcelona's lifeline (1.2 km) connects Plaça de Catalunya in the city center directly with the port and is therefore not a Barcelona insider tip, but is nevertheless recommended to every traveler. Keep your eyes peeled, because this is the place where life is buzzing between flower stalls and café tables. The adjacent Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) and the El Raval district opposite ensure this.
Barcelona: interesting places await on every street corner
The entrance to La Boqueria market hall is located where the Rambla is particularly crowded. In the so-called belly of Barcelona, Catalan housewives shop alongside star chefs. The hall is one of Barcelona's sights. You can get your first taste of delicious Catalan cuisine at the counter of the Kiosko Universal, for example. The menu of the day (menú del día) with seafood is available from 10 euros. Other stalls in the market hall offer delicious tapas with wine, a good opportunity to get in touch with the Catalans. Here you can get Barcelona tips from real insiders!
Afterwards, we recommend a stroll through the Gothic Quarter. Winding alleyways, small squares and medieval palaces, which tell of Barcelona's glory as a former Mediterranean power, create a fascinating ambience. The town hall, cathedral and Roman relics are further highlights of this part of the city, which is teeming with bars and boutiques. Stores of young designers are right next to nostalgic herb stores dating back to 1823 (the Herboristeria del Rei, built in 1823, was used for film scenes for Patrick Süßkind's perfume) and galleries that sold Picasso's works 100 years ago.
Barcelona travel tips for art lovers
Art lovers will find what they are looking for on every corner in Barcelona. The tourist office (Plaça de Catalunya) offers great themed tours. Whether you stand in front of the life's work of the Art Nouveau genius Antoni Gaudí - the Sagrada Família church - or in front of the Torre Agbar, an office tower (142 m) by Jean Nouvel, which becomes a beacon at night, you will be amazed by both masterpieces. Follow in the footsteps of Catalan Art Nouveau (modernisme) in the Eixample district or discover postmodern architecture that leads to the Olympic port with its golden fish statue. Discover Barcelona's most interesting places by simply wandering through the streets.
Barcelona must-see
Gaudí fans also like to sit on the colorful benches in Parc Güell and enjoy the view over the Catalan capital between mythical creatures and fairytale houses made of colorful mosaic tiles. You can also enjoy a brilliant view over the rooftops of the metropolis of 1.6 million people all the way to the Mediterranean from the local mountain, Montjuic (173 m). Thanks to its green spaces and museums, it is a popular recreational destination that is easy to reach by bus or cable car.
And in the evening? Mingle with the locals in the countless pubs and tapas bars in the Gràcia district. Here, joie de vivre reigns supreme. Our tip for early mornings: the elegant Eclipse bar in the WHotel at the port. From the 26th floor, the starry sky is close enough to touch, while the sea and the city lie at your feet.