The One Barcelona Attraction Every Guidebook Recommends, But You Might Regret Visiting

Barcelona is a vibrant major European city, but the atmosphere on the streets is far more relaxed than you might expect from a metropolis of 1.7 million souls. Catalans work to live rather than the other way around and the city is renowned for its superb work-life balance and laid-back attitude, emphasized by a rich culture, passion for good food, and the Mediterranean vibe afforded by Barcelona's string of sandy beaches. This relaxed style is perhaps best typified by Las Ramblas, one attraction that every guidebook recommends: the famous tree-lined boulevard is thronging with pedestrians at all hours and lined with outdoor cafes, bars, and restaurants. Yet this landmark thoroughfare divides opinion — for some, it is one of the best things to do if you only have one day in Barcelona, while others regard it as a nightmarish tourist trap.

Running from Plaça de Catalunya to the waterfront, La Rambla (often pluralized as Las Ramblas) became a popular hangout for residents in the 19th century, when trees were planted along the boulevard to give it its present look. The central promenade is flanked by majestic buildings and there's always something of interest going on with street artists, musicians, and a multitude of stalls selling everything from snacks and flowers to tacky souvenirs. Once the sun sets, the atmosphere becomes more festive as bars and clubs rev up for the night. There is never a dull moment, but that is also where some of the downsides emerge.

Your attitude towards Las Ramblas will likely depend on your tolerance for very touristy locations. Much like Times Square in New York, the Champs-Élysées in Paris, or Charles Bridge in Prague, Barcelona's most popular boulevard is a world-famous destination that many long-term expats and locals avoid at all costs. Sometimes this is down to cultural snobbery, but the fact remains that the authenticity of a place often gets watered down when most things are geared towards the tourist dollar. Ridiculous restaurant prices mean that eating on Las Ramblas is something tourists should never do when visiting Barcelona, and the central promenade loses some of its charm under the deluge of visitors and stalls selling expensive tat.

Furthermore, the high density of people around the clock can make it a place where you need to stay alert. The atmosphere can become more raucous when the nightlife kicks into high gear and you might see more shady characters lurking about, such as drug dealers and sex workers. While groups of revellers lingering until the early hours ensure that you are unlikely to encounter anything more threatening than drunken behavior, you still need to keep your wits as Las Ramblas is one European destination where you're most likely to get pickpocketed. All in all, a combination of overtourism and the more seedy air that Las Ramblas acquires at night might make you regret visiting, if only because it may tarnish your romantic notions of Barcelona.

The good news is that Barcelona is a big city and there are plenty of other alternatives to Las Ramblas where you can stroll, people watch, and stop for refreshments without so much of the tourist footfall. Rambla del Raval, arranged around a tree-lined central island, is dotted with hip bars and restaurants and provides a shady haven for a laid-back international crowd. If you fancy treating yourself to a little retail therapy or just window-shopping some fancy boutiques, head to the more well-heeled Rambla de Catalunya. Similar in appearance to Las Ramblas but without all the hawkers and street performers, this boulevard runs for almost a mile in the opposite direction from Plaça de Catalunya with a central promenade lined with outdoor seating for nearby eateries. Further afield, Rambla del Poblenou isn't as photogenic but it is a good place to rub shoulders with the locals.

Sticking to ramblas isn't the only way to wander in Barcelona. If you duck down a side street on the northern side of Las Ramblas you will find yourself in the beautiful warren of lanes and squares that make up the city's remarkable Gothic Quarter. The area is steeped in history including the must-see Barcelona Cathedral and the lovely square in front of Santa Maria Del Pi church. Elsewhere, veteran European traveler Rick Steves is a big fan of the wonderful El Born district, with its maze of medieval streets and classy spots to eat and drink.