Why I love the European hotspot named the continent's worst tourist trap

The Irish Sun

17-07-2025

IT'S NO secret that Barcelona in Spain is often in the headlines for having heaps of tourists.
Yet, there is a reason why so many people travel to the
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Las Ramblas in Barcelona has been named the biggest tourist trap in Europe - but I don't think it is
Credit: Cyann Fielding
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The historic street is full of shops, stalls and hidden gems to explore
Credit: Alamy
The entire city is accessible, with good metro links and flat walking.
There is a wealth of cultural and
However, one spot in the city has now been named the continent's worst tourist trap - the famous Las Ramblas.
According to
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Nomad commented: "While some travelers enjoy its energetic vibe, others find the experience chaotic and overwhelming.
"The area is often packed with crowds and is known for pickpocketing.
"[S]ome even go as far as to say that 'it should be on your DO NOT DO list'."
But the spot actually holds so much
history
and is one of the most fascinating destinations to explore - and it has come a long way from it's origins.
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In the Middle Ages, Las Ramblas was actually an open sewer and then in the 15th century the city planned to expand and the sewer was diverted.
As a result, the area became a pedestrian street that quickly became the
churches
and markets popping up.
Spanish city with £15 flights from the UK
First of all, make sure you start at Plaça Catalunya - this is close to the start of Las Ramblas and if you explore from here you'll head down to the harbour, rather than uphill.
In total the road is 1.5km - which could take you as little as 20minutes.
However, I would allow over an hour to slowly amble down the street and if you want to eat or explore shops and sellers, make sure to allow even more time.
Starting at the upper section from Placa Catalunya, you will walk through the part known as 'Rambla de Canaletes'.
Here you will see Font De Canaletes with Font de Canaletes - a fountain rumoured to possess powers that make you fall in love with Barcelona.
The central stretch - also known as 'Bird Street' - was used to home bird sellers, with cages hung on the trees.
Then the lower section, is where you will see flower stalls and head towards the Christopher Columbus Monument.
As you wander down the street, make sure to stop off at Casa Beethoven - essentially
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Make sure to not miss Casa Beethoven - a sheet music shop
Credit: Alamy
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Inside it looks like Ollivanders from Harry Potter
Credit: Alamy
The small shop
features
shelves upon shelves of sheet music and music centric
books
.
Whilst not the biggest shop, visitors often remark it's cosy vintage vibe - and I couldn't agree more.
Even if you aren't a musician, it is well worth exploring.
Just down from Casa Beethoven is La Boqueria market - one of Europe's largest and most famous
Whilst not the cheapest of places to grab food in the city, definitely don't miss it.
The market boasts so much fresh food including fruit and olives, as well as some local dishes.
Wandering around the market and exploring is amazing, but I actually found it super useful to explore the map of all 330 stalls on the
Heading on from the market, make sure to look out on the floor for a mosaic by artist Joan Miró, who lived in Barcelona.
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The long street features one of the world's most famous food markets
Credit: Alamy
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And detouring off Las Ramblas, make sure to check out Palau Güell - a Gothic palace
Credit: Alamy
Carrying on, make sure to take a detour down Carrer Nou de La Rambla to see Palau Güell - which people often miss not knowing it is there.
This Gothic building marks one of
It is particularly special in my
opinion
because it features a more dark design, rather than colourful tiles incorporated in his other buildings and destinations across the city.
Cross over Las Ramblas again and head to Plaça Reial - a plaza full of restaurants and some of the city's most famous nightclubs.
Not one for clubbing, I thoroughly enjoyed just looking at the architecture with stunning neoclassical buildings surrounding the square - the middle fountain is even designed by Gaudi as well.
As you then head to the Christopher Columbus Monument, you will pass street vendors and many people dressed as statues.
They provide the perfect photo opportunity and are just fun to watch for a few minutes.
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Opposite the Gothic palace on the other side of Las Ramblas, is Plaça Reial plaza with restaurants and nightclubs
Credit: Getty
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Also make sure you don't miss a mosaic by artist Joan Miró
Credit: Alamy
If you do take pictures make sure to leave some coins for the performers.
All the vendors along Las Ramblas are polite and some are even very talented (I still regret not getting a caricature portrait of myself)!
When you finally reach the waterfront - take in
the view
as it is simply stunning.
If you're not done with exploring, at this end of Las Ramblas there are quite a few
I think part of the reason why so many people walk away from Las Ramblas either overwhelmed or disappointed, is because they don't know its history or the top places to explore.
But by taking your time and exploring the routes different sections and side streets, it makes a great day out immersing yourself in Spanish - and more specifically - Barcelonan culture.
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Another
Plus, another
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Whilst the street might only take around 20minutes to walk you can spend hours exploring
Credit: Getty