PLAÇA DE CATALUNYA AND RAMBLA DE CANALETES

Rambla de Canaletes

In this post we are going to present you one of the most important squares in the entire city: Plaça de Catalunya. Also, we are going to explain the first part of Las Ramblas known as La Rambla de Canaletes.

La Plaça de Catalunya can be considered as the union point between the old Barcelona and the modern one. That is because it is settled at the end of what is known as “the medieval Barcelona” and connects through the Passeig de Gràcia with the city built during the 19^th century. This connection can be seen while looking at the different commercial stores. In the same square you can find many bars that have been there for many years, such as Café Zurich, but also you can find a big new mall called el Triangle.

Café Zurich 1900

Café Zurich nowadays

Just down Plaça Catalunya, you will find the first part of Las Ramblas. His name, Rambla de Canaletes, came from a fountain that can be seen there –la font de Canaletes–, and as we told in one post before this is the place where FC Barcelona supporters come to celebrate their victories. 

Font de Canaletes

Coming back to Montalbán’s book, and as we have already told, this is the main starting point of their promenade; here is where Ventura wants everyone to go before starting the night. Actually, the first bar where they stop is in that part of Las Ramblas: la Cocteleria Boadas. This bar appears in all the touristic guides of the city but we highly recommend you to visit it because it is a symbol of identity of our city. This bar has been part of Barcelona for more than seventy years –it opened in 1933–, and can be considered a bastion of authenticity due to his long and interesting history. Finally another important thing to recognise here is the Teatre Poliorama, that has opened in 1906 and has been a symbol of Las Ramblas and Barcelona.

Entrance of Cocteleria Boadas at Las Ramblas with Carrer Tallers

Cocteleria Boadas

See you at the next step!