Europe's most famous street 'past its sell-by date' as tourists vow never to return

The most known street in Barcelona - and possibly the most famous in the whole of Europe, has left some of its visitors disappointed.

Las Ramblas is a tree-lined pedestrian street which stretches for just under a mile and is dotted with places of interest - including a mosaic by Catalan painter Joan Miró.

Linking the Catalan city's centre, Plaça de Catalunya, to the Christopher Columbus Monument at Port Vell, Las Ramblas leads those who walk through it to some of Barcelona's most attractive and interesting spots. 

But this landmark has failed to conquer some of those who visited it, with one tourist arguing it is "past its sell-by date".

Taking to review and travel advice website Tripadvisor, online user Ritchie_7 wrote: "Very disappointed. Expected more reading the reviews. I think it’s past its sell-by date. Lots of tacky souvenir stalls. It’s dirty smelly and full of graffiti."

The user from London then drew a peculiar comparison, as they wrote: "Reminded me of Croydon High Street. Don’t waste your time walking Las Ramblas there are far better places to visit in Barcelona."

Others noted the famous landmark can feel unsafe at times, as the large number of people crossing it every day attracts pickpockets and petty thieves.

Las Ramblas is also known to attract scam artists, with people reportedly trying to get tourists to bet on street games or distract them to aid robbers.

New Yorker and Tripadvisor user Inspire19535078677 shared their experience with thieves on Las Ramblas, writing: "Be careful walking through this area. Petty theft. Two-man operation. One man would bump into you and quickly snatch your necklace.

"Luckily my son was quick ran after the first guy who passed the item to the second guy... my son was able to catch up to the second guy and loudly say in Spanish you are a thief and took my item... the item was returned due to the loud commotion. Avoid this area if you can."

Another Briton, with the online nickname DangerousPaddy, shared that they had been left "hugely disappointed" by Las Ramblas for its lack of street performers.

While the pedestrian street is famous for street artists - including human statues - they claimed not to have seen any, as they wrote: "We were hugely disappointed with this space as we had heard there were many street performers located here. Couldn't be further from the truth.

"Whether it is because we came on a national holiday, I don't know. There were enough traders selling tat though so... Disappointed though and would not rush back."

These negative experiences and views aren't shared by all those who have seen the landmark, with many of the millions of people who cross Las Ramblas every year being in awe of it while acknowledging its flaws.

The street, which is just off the picturesque Plaça Reial and its Gaudi-designed lampposts, the bustling market of La Boqueria as well as the Gran Teatre del Liceu, was described as the "nicest place" in Barcelona by one visitor from India, internet user Mbhoot.

They wrote on Tripadvisor: "Awesome 'barcelonic' vibrancy 24x7. I recommend you stay right on this street. Start from the river end, walk through many many food shacks, etc. ending in the shopping district on the other end."

And Nesligül D from Istanbul wrote: "I may be exaggerating but La Rambla is as famous as the city itself.

"I had heard so much about it (including the pickpockets) that I wanted to see it as the first thing in the city.

"The idea itself is enough, a wide pedestrian street lined by trees in the middle of an avenue. There are many cafes, flower and gift shops on the sides.

"Yes, it is full of people, mostly tourists but it is a lovely walk, looking at the beautiful buildings on each side. The famous Liceu opera house is one of them."