La Rambla Barcelona

Paris may have its Champs élysées and Chicago its Miracle Mile, but
there's no street in the world quite like Barcelona's La Rambla. Actually a series of
streets that combine to make 'Las Ramblas,' this scenic by-way full of fine
restaurants, boutique shops and charming sidewalk cafés takes you through
many of Barcelona's most diverse and most iconic neighborhoods.

Starting at the Plaça de Catalunya, where it's known as the Rambla de
Canaletes through the ancient Ciutat Vella, where it becomes the Rambla de Sant
Josep, Las Ramblas continues all the way to the harbour, where the Rambla de Santa
Monica becomes a wooden walkway to the water.

After a stroll down La Rambla, you'll see why poet Federico García Lorca said
it was 'the only street in the world which I wish would never end.' You'll also
understand the origin of the name, which describes a water flow, perfectly describing
the downhill meandering path it takes. Though populated now more by tourists than
by locals, La Rambla can get pretty crowded, and one should always watch one's
pockets, as the street has become a prime target for pick-pocketers.

With your valuables safely stored, you're now free to take in some of the sights. Look
up at the magnificent Gran Teatre del Liceu, Barcelona's iconic 1847 opera house.
Then look down at the mosaic tile work on the pavement by none other than Joan
Miró. The Mercat de la Boqueria is a one-of-a-kind street market, and if
you're looking for a place to meet up with your traveling companions, why not do like
the locals and use the famous Font de Canaletes?

Though Barcelona is known for Gaudi's Cathedral (Basílica i Temple Expiatori
de la Sagrada Família), just off La Rambla, you'll find a much more intimate
experience at the Església de Santa Maria del Pi, a 14th-century Gothic
church set at the centre of three small plazas and named for the pine tree that once
stood nearby. And you won't want to miss the Palau de la Virreina, a Baroque palace
now boasting a museum and home to many cultural events.
Then of course, there's all the world-class shopping and dining.

It comes as no surprise that along La Rambla are some of the best hotels in the city.
You can choose between the three-star Catalunya Plaza Hotel on the north end, the
grand five-star classic Le Meridien Barcelona further down the road, the Internacional
Cool Local Hotel in the Ciutat Vella and the Apartment Rambla on the southern end
near the harbour. All these and more can be found on Eurobookings.com.