La Rambla is the most famous street in Barcelona, and one of the most well known in Europe. It receives thousands of visitors every day, from cruise tourism touching down on dry land at nearby Port Vell, to every other tourist and resident who uses this busy street that connects Barcelonas downtown to the sea. As you take a stroll, keep an eye out for its unique and iconic landmarks. Here are five of our favourites.
1. Boomerang back to Barcelona with the Caneletes Fountain
Rome has the Trevi Fountain and Barcelona has Caneletes. However, instead of a grand marble extravaganza that requires a coin to be tossed into its waters to guarantee your return to, its said that simply by drinking from its modest iron taps youre guaranteed to come back to Barcelona. This is also the classic meeting point for Barça fans to celebrate each triumphant game the Camp Nou crowd bring their euphoria to the streets, joined by other fans who watched the game at home or in a bar.
2. Colour and flavour at Boqueria Market
The colourful Boqueria market has countless stalls piled high with delicious fresh produce, from the local to the exotic. As you enter youll see fruit stalls that sell freshly cut portions of luscious mango, fresh strawberries, and fruit salads with season concoctions. Follow the fishy aroma to seafood stands towards the centre, and youll come face to face with some decidedly unfamiliar looking sea dwellers. The market is surrounded by exquisite tapas bars where you can sit down and sample some specialties.
3. Discover Roman Barcelona just off Las Ramblas
A nod to Roman Barcelona can be found in C/ de la Canuda at the top of La Rambla. This surprisingly tranquil square looks down upon a display of Roman tombs which were part of a necropolis that was built on the outskirts of the city centre. You can find out about the funerary and burial customs of that era through educational display panels. Look out for the catties that have made their home amongst the old stone slabs. A couple of pleasant bars with terraces and an excellent vegetarian restaurant (Govinda, one of the fist to be established in Barcelona), all add to the charm of this secluded square.
4. Public art in Barcelona by Miró
Never mind the streets being paved with gold; Barcelona trumps that by paving the streets with modern art. Renowned local artist Joan Miró (whose established the Miró Foundation in Montjuïc, one of Barcelonas biggest cultural attractions) created a colourful mandala mosaic near Liceu metro.
5. Gran Teatre del Liceu
One of the most prestigious opera theatres in Europe, the Liceu is constantly welcoming top artists and companies to the Catalan capital. The acoustics are second to none; if you get the opportunity to see a performance here snap it up. Guided tors are also available and will take you behind the scenes, introducing details of the main rooms and giving fascinating insights.
Sandra Roig is Marketing Director at Apartment Barcelona.
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