- Hana LaRock
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During your trip to Barcelona, it’s absolutely necessary to visit Las Ramblas, a street in the center of the city that appeals to both tourists and locals alike, all of whom enjoy its charm. While Las Ramblas sometimes gets a reputation for being ‘too touristy,’ there are plenty of things to see and do around this famous avenue that are authentic as ever.
Get Turned On at Museu de l’Erotica
Located right in the middle of this busy street is none other than Museu de l’Erotica, an exciting experience for adults. Though a museum like this may be a bit raunchy, it’s actually quite interesting and informative, as it talks about (and shows) the history of sex in the romantic city of Barcelona. Some of the displays are amusing, like the stripper-Barbies or the old pornography playing on the televisions. For only seven euros, you can have a good laugh.
Museu de l’Erotica, Las Ramblas 96 bis, Barcelona, Spain, +34 933 189 865
Walk On Top of a Miró Mural
Las Ramblas no doubt has a lot of history, but nowadays many people will just walk right by all of it without even taking a second glance. One example of this is Joan Miró‘s circular tile work, crafted by the artist himself right on the street. Miró actually helped build part of Las Ramblas, and it’s an important fact to remember while walking on this street; especially when you think about how much artists like Gaudí and Miró influenced the city. Look near Liceu Metro and Liceu Theater to find it. Look even closer, and you’ll find the tile that Miró signed himself.
Take a Walking Tour
Doing a walking tour that will take you through Las Ramblas (and will tell you all the secrets we can’t possibly tell you here) is a fun thing to do that’s a bit off the beaten path when it comes to visiting Barcelona. Whether you do it as part of a larger walking tour of the city, or just have a local show you around the area, you’ll be sure to uncover even more of the hidden beauty that this place has to offer.
See the Human Statues
Las Ramblas looks like it came right out of a scene from Eurotrip, with human statues imitating everyone, from Spain’s famous philosophers to regular robots. These guys and gals do an amazing job with their costumes, and sometimes you can walk right by one and think it’s a real statue. That is their goal, after all. Though they can be tourists traps, throwing a euro into one of their boxes won’t hurt anyone. Sometimes the statutes do tricks as well, so take your time admiring them.
Rent a Bike at Mattia 46
Instead of walking through Las Ramblas, why not consider going on a bike ride through it? Renting bikes to ride through European cities is all the rage now, and Barcelona is no exception. There are bike rental places all over the city, but for five euros you can rent a bike from Mattia 46, located right next to Las Ramblas. Take your new bike for a stroll through the alleyways off the main street, or into the bustling areas nearby. Just watch out for all the people!
See a Show at Liceu
Liceu Theater, or the ‘Gran Teatre del Liceu,’ is located right in Las Ramblas and is an amazing place to watch a live performance in. Right now, you can book your tickets for Otello, Beethoven and Irons, or the International Singing Contest by Francisco Viñas. If you don’t want to sit in on a show, then you can do a tour of the theater, which is just as cool. Going to the Liceu gives visitors to Barcelona an honest cultural experience that’s not always easy to find on the touristy paths of Las Ramblas.
Awaken Your Senses at La Boqueria
If you don’t have a lot of time, the one thing you must do when visiting Las Ramblas is head to La Boqueria. This famous market has been the city’s best grocery store for as long as anyone can remember. Inside, you’ll find a wide array of fresh produce, meats, fish, and just about anything you might need to cook up a fancy dinner (as well as some flowers, of course). It’s also a great place to try some street food, take a cooking class, or have a glass of wine at a little stall.
Shop at El Corte Inglés
If you need to do some real shopping and not just browsing for souvenirs, then head to El Corte Inglés, which is right at the end of Las Ramblas. El Corte Inglés is located in Plaça de Catalunya, and is Spain’s version of Macy’s or Nordstrom. Here you can find everything you need, from a pair of heels to wear to the club to a new piece of furniture for your apartment. It’s also a good place to hang out in, if you need a change of scenery.
Grab a Bite to Eat
Las Ramblas is not only the perfect place to try some delicious food, but also to appreciate the history of some of the restaurants and cafés that have made it through decades of change on this famous street. Two places to visit are Cafe de l’Opera and Pasteleria Escriba, where you can get some coffee or enjoy a croissant before siesta time. If you’re looking for something a bit more upscale, there are plenty of tapas bars and restaurants on Las Ramblas to check out.
Visit the Art Gallery at Centre d’Art Santa Monica
An essential part of visiting Barcelona is getting to see the all the stunning art and architecture all over the city, and Las Ramblas is no exception. You’ll find a myriad of beautiful galleries here, such as Centre d’Art Santa Monica. This gallery houses an amazing space that is known for hosting various contemporary art exhibitions, featuring artists that come from all over the world. Just five minutes down Las Ramblas, and you’ll be there.