A walk along Las Ramblas, with its festive, bustling atmosphere, is an unmissable experience for visitors to Barcelona. Here, a human tide of tourists and locals promenades back and forth between the Plaza de Espanya and the old centre. Las Ramblas are actually old river courses transformed into urban arteries that clear the centre of town towards the sea. Its different segments: the Rambla de Canaletas, the Rambla de los Estudios, San Jose, of the Capuchins and Santa Monica are a showcase for numerous flower stalls, traditional bird sellers, new and secondhand books stalls and the famous human statues. On St George's Day (23rd April) a visit to Las Ramblas is a must, to buy a rose and a book, as tradition demands.

One essential stop is the La Boqueria market, a Modernist gem that preserves a busy atmosphere and offers a feast for all the senses. You can stop off among the vegetable, fish and meat stalls, to enjoy a snack and recoup your strength before continuing on your way to the spectacular Teatro del Liceo and the Plaza Reial.