One of the things that still leaves me baffled about the Ramblas, is the amount of drugs and pick-pocketing that goes on, despite the high police presence. If you're too shy to ask for your drug of choice, not to worry, your local Ramblas dealer will make you an offer mere moments after taking your first steps along the famous walkway.
Who knows, maybe that's why it's such a popular place to visit? But seriously, we were offered no less than 10 times while walking from one end to the other. To be fair, the Ramblas is arguably pleasant during the day; the tree-lined walkway elicits a nostalgia of a time gone by. But visit it at night, and it feels like all of Barcelona's chancers and swindlers are out in full force either trying to sell you a counterfeit Fendi purse, or rifle through your backpack when you're trying to take a photo.
If there was an award for the most over-rated tourist destination globally, the Ramblas has to be it. Maybe Tripadvisor should do a "Top 10" on that? Of course it is touristic and like that, there are a lot of things like pick pockets and over priced places, but it is very enjoyable and you can find great food off of the main street. We found a nice little restaurant - Eucaliptos - in a side street with a delicious chicken and sausage, and a great sangria with a very affordable price.
Love walking up and down La Ramblas, great atmosphere and buzz, visit the boqueria market and enjoy the street entertainers. If you want to eat I would recommend heading up the side streets toward Barri gotic for a great range of quality eating places.
Local people do not go on this street except in open market. Its quite expensive so think first before u buy something there or eat there. I'd done a lot of research on Barcelona ahead of time.
