La Rambla del Mar, Barcelona

La Rambla del Mar is a seaward extension of Las Ramblas. If you let yourself meander beyond the dazzling chaos that is Las Ramblas, your wandering feet will take you out over the Mediterranean Sea on La Rambla del Mar: a pedestrian walking street in the form of an elegant dock that extends out onto the water.

Often, La Rambla del Mar gets lost in the rush to check off all of the activities highlighted in the guidebooks. You may not have even realized that it was there (I didn’t until after living in the city for over a year). The dock and the surrounding harbor are simply stunning and well worth a visit.

La Rambla del Mar is part of Port Vell, meaning Old Harbor, and the dock extends down and over the water to Maremàgnum, a high end shopping mall, that includes an IMAX theater and restaurants. If you’re in the mood for a fancy cocktail and a panoramic view, head to Alegra at the top of the mall for a drink and soak it all in.

In addition to the mall, at the end of La Rambla del Mar there are a number of boating clubs such as Reial Club Nàutic and Reial Club Maritim.  Also close by is L’Aquarium, which houses 450 different species and a 260 foot (80 meter) underwater glass tunnel.

The harbor and the dock are just as beautiful in the evening, so don’t let the time of day stop you from visiting. If you’re looking to combine your visit with seeing a few other sites, start your walk at Plaça de Catalunya, continue all the way down to the end of Las Ramblas, cross the street at the Monument of Christopher Columbus and stroll on down to the harbor.

THE RUNDOWN

What: La Rambla del Mar, a pedestrian walking dock overlooking the harbor

Where: Downtown Barcelona along the sea

Time to Spend: Half an hour

What Else to Know:

• You can combine the activity with a stroll through Plaça de Catalunya and Las Ramblas. If so, set aside half a day.
• Also of note in the area: Maremagnum (shopping mall) and L’Aquarium
• If you’re in the mood for a cocktail stop by Alegra at the top of the mall.