The Las Ramblas district of Barcelona is the shopping and people-watching capital of Spain. In bygone days, Las Ramblas was exclusively a flower market, and home to a peaceful community of convents and churches. By 1830, the convents and monasteries had all closed, and today, the old church district has given way to the hustle and bustle of a veritable street fair. Offering no end of restaurants, cafes, boutiques, entertainment, and stunning architecture, Las Ramblas is one of Barcelona's major tourist attractions.

Visiting Las Ramblas , one can expect to encounter a colorful spectacle unlike any other. Amidst a flurry of street performers, vendors tout an endless variety of fares to leisurely throngs of eager sightseers. Cars are banned from the central sections of this lively quarter of the city. All vehicular activity is confined to the two, narrow one-way streets flanking the main malls, leaving the sights and displays open to the free coming and going of pedestrians.

There is so much to do in Las Ramblas. One can explore the many historic 'Ramblas' or avenues. In the old days, the only flowers shops in the city were located along the Rambla de les Flors (Avenue of the flowers). The Rambla dels Ocells (Avenue of the birds) gets it name from a bird market that was famous in the city's past. With its forest of book kiosks and its wonderfully preserved old buildings, the Rambla dels Caputxins (Avenue of captains) is the route of choice for literature lovers and architecture enthusiasts alike.

A walk through Las Ramblas is also an unforgettable aesthetic experience. As you leave the Placa Catalunya and meander toward the water's edge, you will pass a much-celebrated statue of Columbus. Wending your way toward the Liceu theatre, situated in the heart of Las Ramblas, you will be stopped in your tracks by the artistic splendor of the Mir Mosaic. Named after the noted Spanish artist who created it, this circular tile attracts thousands of art enthusiasts to the area each year, as does the Barri Gotic, the Gothic section of Las Ramblas. There, one can find many representative works of Gothic architecture from Catalonia's Golden Age, such as the awe-inspiring church of Santa Maria del Mar. The famed La Seu cathedral is also located in the Barri Gotic. It stands in what would be the heart of the original city and is a rich repository of Barcelona's two thousand year old history.

Moreover, Las Ramblas is a haven for culture and the arts. Whether it is the informal shows of professional street musicians, or the more structured afternoon concerts at Sant Josep Oriol, Las Ramblas holds much appeal for music lovers. A walk along the Carrer de de Montalegre is also recommended for a taste of Barcelona's rich culture. There, one can visit the Centre de Cultura Contempornia (Culture of Contemporary Culture), which is home to the restored Museu d'Art Contemporani (Musuem of Contemporary Art). With its vast array of roving and permanent exhibitions, the Museu d'Art Contemporani is a must for any one wanting to understand Barcelona's artistic heritage.

For local cuisine, the Barri de Raval district tops the list. Formerly the red-light district of the city, the Barri Raval has since been remodeled into a respectable mall of small restaurants and bars. On evenings, these popular eating places throw open their doors to hungry locals and tourists alike, and the smell of fine dining fills the air. The laid-back Cafe de la Opera is highly recommended for a bracing cup of Barcelona style coffee. Or, for a more down-to-earth culinary encounter, visit the famous Mercat de la Boqueria and sample a winde range of fresh produce.

Most of all, while in Las Ramblas, you will probably want to do some shopping. The central boulevard boasts everything from small clothing boutiques, to antique stores, to the seven-story El Cortes Ingles department store, located at the northern end of Placa Catalunya Square. Also, be sure to visit Portal de l'ngel and Portaferrissa for an outstanding shopping experience. With so much to see by way of night life, culture and amazing sights, you could very well spend your entire vacation in the Las Ramblas area of Barcelona. With the area's reputation as a shopping mecca, you'll have to be careful that you don't spend your entire bank account as well!