[SPAIN] Barcelona - La Rambla (Street) & La Bouqeria (Market)

09:34 Travel Bunny 0 Comments

La Rambla is the most famous street in Barcelona. Lined by plane trees on both sides, it stretches for approximately 1.2km from Place de Catalunya at the northern end  to Port Vell and Columbus Monument at the southern end. The ever crowded and lively Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria is well worth a visit while strolling along La Rambla.

La Rambla consists of five shorter streets, each differently named, and together they form Las Ramblas. (Click to see enlarged map). There are three metro stations along La Rambla: Catalunya (north), Liceu (middle) and Drassanes (south).

The initial stretch begins from Place de Catalunya is Rambla de Canaletes. Photos above are Place de Catalunya. 

The second stretch is Rambla dels Estudis, which was named after a 15 century university that once stood here. The only remainder of the university is the Church of Bethlehem.

The third stretch, Rambla de Sant Josep, is lined with flower stalls. Seeds of some quirky-looking plant are sold on the street (see photo above which is quite self-explanatory, haha). You will also find Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria on this street. 

Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, or simply referred as La Boqueria, is a large public market which is popular among tourists. It offers a wide range of fresh produce including meat, vegetables, seafood, fruits and etc. A cup of pre-cut fresh fruit or fruit juice only cost around EUR 1 to EUR 2. Be ware of pickpockets as the market is usually crowded. It is easier and quicker to pay with cash, not all stalls accept credit card.

Tip: The toilets are located on level -1 of the market office building, and are available to all customers who need to use them. The service is free and customers must present a purchase receipt to enter. If you have not made any purchases, you must pay €0.50 to use the toilets. The facilities have a machine that changes €5 and €10 notes into coins.

Thr fourth stretch, Rambla dels Caputxins, was named after another former monastery. You'll find Palau Guell on this street.

The final stretch is Rambla de Santa Mònica where you'll come across Columbus Monument at the end of the street before getting to the seafront. You can see many street performers on this stretch of street. 

Columbus Monument and the old port area. The Columbus Monument was constructed in honour of Columbus's first voyage to the Americas. Columbus statue atop of the column is said to depict him pointing to the New World with his right hand while holding a scroll in the left.

Overall, it was a pleasant stroll along La Rambla (my cheeky boy seemed to have a blast) and it was great for people-watching.

La Rambla

La Bouqeria
Opening hours: 8am - 3pm (Tue - Thu), 8am - 5pm (Fri - Sat), close on Mondays
Website: http://www.boqueria.barcelona/home