Hello dear travel enthusiasts. Today I'd like to invite you on a walk through the center of Barcelona. I started my walk from Catalonia Square. This square marks the beginning of tourist life in Barcelona. For instance shuttle services from airports and city tours start from here.
This square is also a place where pigeons gather. I think one of the constant things here is these pigeons. Despite it being a dry second year where everything, including Barcelona's fountains, is closed. Feeding pigeons in the square is prohibited, but people still throw food to them. Another highlight of this square is umbrella vendors and costumed characters eager to take photos with tourists. Since this area is usually packed with tourists, it's wise to be cautious.
Another notable thing in Catalonia Square is the upside-down staircase statue. This statue carries a meaning criticizing Catalonia's development within Spain. Catalan independence advocates are quite active in this area.
After the square I walked towards La Rambla street. Here there is a memorial area lit with candles in memory of Alexey Navalny. The drinking fountain here is also very important. While decorative fountains are usually closed in Barcelona, these drinking fountains are functional. They hold historical significance and are adorned with the coat of arms of Catalonia. It's possible to drink water here. Normally water can be quite expensive in tourist shops, but these drinking fountains are free.
There are many shops along Las Ramblas. Here you can buy souvenirs and sweets. You can also send postcards to your loved ones. Perhaps some of you still uphold this tradition.
Continuing through this area, my next stop was the city's flower market. Here you can find flower bouquets, seeds and various plants. Prices at this market are very reasonable.
After the florists, there's a market where all kinds of food products are sold.
There are many restaurants here. It was quiet when I walked through in the morning, but as I walked further towards Royal Square, I encountered more options. There are many beautiful historical buildings and places here. So this is truly a place worth exploring.
After finishing with the restaurants, I entered the section where street art begins. Along Las Ramblas, you can encounter painters and cartoonists. There are also living statues. Paintings are sold here. Prices are not specified, but you can get a cartoon for 10 euros or a family portrait for 15 euros. The main business here is drawing cartoons. Portraits are rarely done.
If you want to walk to La Rambla, mornings between 8-10 are ideal. There are fewer tourists during these times. You can see a different side of Barcelona with a non-touristy street.
Later on the street I passed, there are different scents, very narrow and dark. It's not safe to walk here at night because it's not very safe. Besides residents or lost tourists, there are hardly any people here. There are graffiti on the walls, everything is very messy and colorless.
Today I explored Barcelona especially the La Rambla area. I hope you enjoyed my trip. Thank you for reading.