Barcelona to standardise La Rambla terraces under new design code

Barcelona is set to standardise the appearance of outdoor bar and restaurant terraces along the famous La Rambla boulevard in an effort to improve the streetscape and create a "unified" visual identity.

The city council, Barcelona Restaurant Association and Friends of La Rambla (Amics de la Rambla) have agreed on a new design code setting out technical and aesthetic criteria for tables, chairs, parasols and other terrace elements.

Under the plan, several table and chair models will be permitted within a defined range of options. All furniture must be made of polypropylene. Covers and cushions will be allowed to help identify individual establishments, provided they follow a specific colour palette.

Parasols will be required to be cream-coloured and uniform in height.

Restaurant advertising banned

The design code also regulates branding, allowing restaurant names to appear only on chalkboards or on chair backs. Advertising, however, will be prohibited.

The aim is for all terraces to adopt the new model by February 2027, when redevelopment works on La Rambla are scheduled to be completed.

Construction work on the central section of the boulevard is currently underway, with terrace licences in the area temporarily suspended. 

Paella photographs "incompatible"

Barcelona mayor Jaume Collboni said that in landmark locations such as La Rambla, "it is worth making an effort" to prioritise quality, design and aesthetics.

"I don't need to tell you where we were coming from, but it is a place we will not return to," he said, adding that the appearance of terraces along La Rambla "will be carefully curated down to the smallest detail."

He also said that elements such as panels displaying paella photographs or freestanding chalkboards along the promenade would be "incompatible" with the new model.

The new layout will increase pedestrian space in the central section by 33%, according to the mayor.

Once works are completed, La Rambla will have a total of 322 tables, around 16% fewer than the current 382.

The city council will launch a public design competition for three elements, including a chalkboard.