Do you know the verb derived from the name of the street? The Catalan word "ramblejar" means "to walk along the Rambla". La Rambla, the main pedestrian street of Barcelona, is filled with walkers all year round, at any time of the day. And if it seems that such a walk is suitable only for adults, we will tell you about those places on the street where it is interesting to visit with children.
Firstly, you have to walk along the bed of a long-drained river. Secondly, it looks like one street, but Barcelonians have divided it into five boulevards, each with its history, features and traditions. Thirdly, whichever of the streets adjacent to the Ramblas you turn into, you will come to an important landmark.
The first stop on the Ramblas in Barcelona, if your stroll starts from Plaça Catalunya, is to drink from the drinking fountain on the Rambla Canaletes. The fountain is old, the water in it is delicious, besides there is a sign: whoever drinks water here will undoubtedly return to Barcelona again. When you've quenched your thirst, follow Rambla Estudios to the small bird market, where the little animals are as fascinating to children as the wildlife in the zoo.
Point two is Barcelona's most famous: the Boquería market on the Rambla de los Flores. Here you'll find the largest selection of Catalan delicacies, the tastiest 'pa amb tomaquette' bread and the most hospitable café owners opening their places in the early morning.
The next point is Rambla Capuchins, from where it's a straight shot to Palacio Güell. It was, of course, built by the eminent Antoni Gaudi.
While adults gaze around the kilometre-long string of shops on La Rambla, children will notice many details: the dragon on Bruno Cuadros' house, street actors, musicians and artists, live statues and a mosaic of Joan Miró underfoot. They will not miss the moment when a seemingly perfectly flat pavement suddenly goes in waves. It means you've stepped onto Rambla Santa Monica.
Specially laid tiles achieve the wave effect. This section of the pedestrian street will take you directly to the sea and the Columbus Monument. Inside the column of the monument, there is a small lift that takes you up to one of the vantage points of Barcelona. From the monument, you have easy access to the Wax Museum and the Maritime Museum of Barcelona, located in the buildings of the royal shipyards.
On the occasion of the 1992 Olympic Games, the old street was extended by a pedestrian bridge leading to the port called the Rambla Marin. This section will lead you to Barcelona's Aquarium and the large Maremagnum shopping centre.
La Rambla Barcelona has many more exciting surprises for adults and young tourists, so be sure to include it in your list of Barcelona must-see attractions.
Important: La Rambla is just as loved by pickpockets and swindlers as tourists. Be careful and watch out when walking around.
