La Rambla terraces are set for a major transformation as part of Barcelona’s ongoing renovation, with the city council prioritising pedestrian space over restaurant seating.
The next critical phase of works begins on 19 January 2026, moving decisively into the central promenade and directly impacting the avenue’s most sensitive feature: its famous outdoor dining areas.
La Rambla Terraces Redesign Aims for Pedestrian Gains
As construction advances, existing terraces will be temporarily removed.
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Consequently, the council is now defining their final configuration, although negotiations with restaurant owners remain ongoing. The municipal government’s starting premise is clear: the future Rambla should have fewer tables, but not necessarily fewer terraces, and must above all provide more room for people walking.
One method to achieve this pedestrian expansion involves moving terraces closer to the pavements lining the central walkway. Currently, outdoor seating begins after the tree pits; in the future, it could be situated between them. This strategic setback would liberate significant space for foot traffic.
According to the most optimistic plans, this change could transform current pedestrian bottlenecks of less than 4 metres into spaces exceeding 9 metres for walking. The council estimates that, overall, pedestrians will gain a substantial 33% more space compared to the previous situation.
Deputy Mayor Raquel Gil has presented these plans with the stated intention of achieving a “reduction of tables.” However, for Roger Pallarols, Director General of the Restaurant Guild, this is merely a “starting point for agreement” that must balance a more pedestrian-friendly Rambla with “securing the future for Rambla restaurateurs.” Both officials, speaking at a joint press conference, agreed that no final number of tables and chairs has been set, but Pallarols expressed confidence in reaching a deal in the coming weeks.
This new construction phase is scheduled to last one year, aiming for full completion in early 2027. Work in January will focus on infrastructure, paving, lighting, and street furniture in stages from Liceu to Pla de l’Òs and Nou de la Rambla. The renovation has already entered the central stretch between Plaça Catalunya and Santa Anna street, leading to the removal of three restaurant terraces and the imminent provisional relocation of three news kiosks.
With the expansion of the works zone into the main central section from January 2026, the council will tackle reconfiguring public space occupancy. New territorial planning criteria, oriented towards gaining walking space and improving commercial and restaurant offerings, will guide this process. This context will also see the provisional relocation of news kiosks and florist stalls due to the works.
The current Rambla hosts 62 bar or restaurant establishments, representing 30% of its active commercial premises. Half of these currently hold a terrace licence, previously allowed on both sides of the central walk and the lateral pavements. Under the new scheme, outdoor seating must be located exclusively on the central promenade.
A general criterion will ensure terraces are positioned to guarantee ample free passage. The reform aims to increase width from the current 2.4 metres in the most congested stretches to between 8.5 and 9.6 metres, depending on the section. Therefore, pedestrian space will be approximately three times greater, a significant improvement prioritising comfort, safety, and accessibility for all citizens. This ambitious overhaul mirrors other urban improvements in the city, such as the recent Via Augusta overhaul that delivered a new pedestrian zone.
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