Monumental buildings, a centuries-old produce market and a long pedestrianized boulevard sprinkled with shops and restaurants are just a few of the reasons to visit downtown Barcelona. While exploring, stop by notable sights, including a 14th-century cathedral and seaside promenade.

Start your downtown visit in the Plaça de Catalunya, Barcelona's main square and the city's epicenter. This 12-acre (5-hectare) space is surrounded by imposing buildings, shopping centers and department stores and is decorated with statues of prominent Catalans.

Leading off the square is La Rambla. Barcelona's most famous street is packed with people all day long and filled with shops, flower stalls, restaurants, cultural centers and street performers. Explore this long tree-lined boulevard, which was laid out in 1766 and is pedestrianized for the most part. Shop for books, clothes, jewelry and much more.

A few steps off the busy thoroughfare is La Boqueria, the oldest market in Barcelona. This large and lively fish and produce market started in the early 13th century. Browse more than 200 stalls selling everything from spicy Catalan sausages and churros to craft beer and cured meats.

Take other short detours from La Rambla. A short walk down side streets will bring you to Plaça Reial, a beautiful square in Barcelona's gothic quarter.

At the lower end of La Rambla is the 197 foot (60 meter) Columbus Monument, a memorial to Christopher Columbus. It was in Barcelona that the Italian explorer was welcomed by Queen Isabella I and King Ferdinand V after his first voyage to the Americas.

Take the elevator to the glass-enclosed viewing platform just below the statue of Columbus that crowns the structure. From here, enjoy 360-degree views that encompass La Rambla, the port, the gothic quarter and the castle topping Montjuic.

Just beyond the monument is the Rambla del Mar, a wooden walkway at Port Vell that leads to the Maremagnum shopping mall.

Be sure to put other Downtown Barcelona attractions on your itinerary such as the old town and Barcelona Cathedral, a huge gothic temple.

With boulevards and pedestrianized areas, downtown Barcelona is easily walkable.