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

The 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 Spanish city each year.
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The entire city is accessible, with good metro links and flat walking.
There is a wealth of cultural and historical attractions - and that's not to mention the iconic architecture.
However, one spot in the city has now been named the continent's worst tourist trap - the famous Las Ramblas.
According to Nomad - an international eSim company, Las Ramblas is the second worst tourist trap in the world and the top in Europe - based on 826 reviews.
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.
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 city's cultural centre with multiple 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 Harry Potter's Ollivanders but for sheet music not wands.
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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 food markets.
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 market's website.
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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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 Antoni Gaudi's first notable designs and is a seven-story palace built between 1886 and 1890.
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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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 museums to investigate including the wax museum and a maritime museum.
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.
Top holiday trends for 2025
Detour Destinations – visiting other hotspots near the main destination.
Goods Getaways – holidaying specifically to buy a viral product.
All Inclusive Eras – a rise in Gen Z looking for all-inclusive trips.
Hotel Restaurant Renaissance – travellers booking hotel restaurants more often.
JOMO Travel – doing less on holiday, and loving it.
The Phenomena-List – travelling to see natural wonders.
Set-Jetting – trips that take in famous sights from TV or movies.
One-Click Trips – shoppable travel storefronts curated by social media curators.
Another Spanish city has been nicknamed the 'Cuba of Europe' with Havana-like streets and a James Bond beach.
Plus, another Spanish city rarely visited by Brits has been named the top destination this year with new train routes and world-famous cider.