Originally a riverbed (the name ´rambla´ is derived from the Arabic ´ramla´, meaning ´sandy riverbed´), what is collectively known as Las Ramblas is in fact a series of five smaller pedestrian streets which run together. Starting from Plaça Cataluña and heading down towards Columbus monument by the sea these are successively; Rambla de Canaletes, the Rambla dels Estudis, the Rambla de Sant Josep (de les Flors), the Rambla dels Caputxins, and the Rambla de Santa Monica. The name of each rambla is historically significant, perhaps most charming is that associated with the first, Rambla de Canaletes. Named after the ancient fountain located close to the Plaça Cataluña metro entrance, it is said that whoever drinks the fountain´s water will return to Barcelona. Dels Estudis was named after a now vanished university building, whilst St Josep (de les Flors) was given this name for the nearby San José convent, originally the only place in Barcelona in which you could buy flowers. Dels Caputxins (Capuchinos), is so called after the ancient monastry belonging to the Capuchin monks and finally, Rambla de Santa Mónica which reaches down to the port and holds the name of the local parish. In the early 1990s a sixth rambla was added, Rambla del Mar, which is formed by a wooden bridge linking the mainland to the Marémagnum entertainment complex.

Whilst ambling down the street itself, jostling for space with tourists, locals and entertainers alike is probably Las Ramblas´s greatest attraction, there are a number of other sites worth looking out for as you pass by.

The Liceu Theatre is one of the symbols of the city; founded in 1847 it has survived both fires and bombings and still plays host to opera and ballet companies from around the world. Unbeknownst to many vistors to Las Rambas, hundreds of which tread on it every day, part of the actual paving stones are a work of art by the world famous Spanish artist Joan Miró. This colourful mosaic set into the street can be found approximately half way down, close to the entrance to Liceu metro station. Also found at this point is the Casa Bruno Quadras, on the corner on the left-hand side. Founded in 1891 and built in oriental style it was originally an umbrella shop; umbrellas and a projecting chinese dragon can still be seen on the exterior. One of the most spectacular markets in the city, La Boquería, is located just before the Liceu Theatre and wandering around the maze of its stalls is an unmissable Barcelona experience. The magnificent displays of foods from around the world are a visual feast in themselves, and the fact that many local Spanish citizens continue to come here for their shopping ensures that it retains a genuine colour and is not merely a tourist attraction. The Museo de Erótica (Erotic Museum) is also located on this section of Las Ramblas and declares itself to be a space dedicated to the study of eroticism through anthropology, archaelogy, literature, the plastic arts and antiquity, no less. Whether the content is as highbrow is it purportes to be is for visitors to decide.

The lower half of Las Ramblas is rather seedy at night and notorious for its prostitutes, but during the daytime the most dangerous threat is stopping to pose for a caricature or having your name written on a grain of rice. In this area you can visit the Museo de Cera (Wax Museum) and wander through a neo-classical building admiring wax replicas of a diversity of figures, from Mother Teresa to Luke Skywalker. Las Ramblas culminates in the Monumento a Colón (Columbus Monument); a 7ft statue of the great explorer perched atop a column over 50ft high. The top of the monument can be reached by a narrow lift inside the column and offers a fantastic bird´s eye view of Las Ramblas and the sea.

There are an exceptional amount of restaurants and cafés along Las Ramblas but sadly are also exceptional in their lack of quality. McDonalds, Burger King, KFC and friends have made their homes here and although there are many restaurants offering spanish food at extortionate prices, visitors will find something much taster and authentic for half the price pretty much anywhere else in the city. However, on the people-watching scale Las Ramblas is unbeatable, so enjoying an overpriced coffee whilst admiring the variety of passersby is a pleasure not to be overlooked. If you find yourself on Las Ramblas and are ravenous there are certainly some options; at the back of the Boquería market are food stands where you can also sit down for a bite to eat.. About midway down Las Ramblas, the art nouveau Café de l´Opera (La Rambla 74) is another good recommendation.