RAMBLA, Second Part

You've reached the Rambla de Sant Joseph, which is where the real Barcelona life starts. The Avenue comes alive with street artists and flower stalls, so much so that this part is also called Rambla de les Flors/The Flower Rambla. In Plaça de la Boqueria, between one stall and another, keep your eye on the floor where you can admire a beautiful mosaic made by the Catalan artist Juan Mirò.

Opposite the market you can visit the Museu de l'Eròtica, with a private collection dedicated to art and eroticism through the ages. A bit further down you'll see Palau de la Virreina, a magnificent rococo palace that owes its name to the widow of the viceroy of Peru; it is home to the "Centre de la Imatge", a modern space with exhibitions dedicated to avant-garde photography. Don't miss the 18th-century double staircase, which is quite scenic.

Continuing towards Plaça de Catalunya, the Rambla becomes "del Estudis", paying homage to the University of General Studies founded in 1400. This part is also known as Rambla del Ocells, not only for the presence of bird vendors, but also because its trees are home to colonies of sparrows....