On your bike! The best cycling routes for exploring Barcelona
Fresh air, a sea breeze and fantastic weather make our city the perfect place for some urban exploring by bike and discovering all the secret treasures in Barcelona. In today’s post, we’ll tell you all you need to know about the best routes you can follow by bike to see the city in a whole new light.
Montjuïc, Barcelona’s green lungs
One of the best routes we can suggest is the wonderful nature trail that Barcelona provides. Now we’re thrilled to be able to show you just how easy it is to get some fresh air right in the heart of the city.
We recommend you spend a full day on this route as Montjuïc has lots of great places to see and, as you cycle, you’ll be able to appreciate some other fantastic places along the way, such as Montjuïc Castle, the Olympic Stadium, the Palace of Sant Jordi, the Gardens of Miramar, Costa Llobera, the Poble Espanyol, as well as Barcelona’s Botanical Gardens. This route is perfect for people who want to get out and about on their bikes, but mainly for those who have a little experience in the saddle, as it’s quite a hilly track where you’ll find plenty of ups and downs.
An urban tour of Barcelona by bike
Another great option we can suggest is discovering the urban heart of Barcelona on your bike.
We suggest you start at Plaza Catalunya, heading down Las Ramblas to Drassanes, following Passeig Colom until you get to Parque de la Ciutadella, before continuing along Passeig de Lluís Companys, where you’ll be able to take in the astonishing Arc de Triomf. Afterwards, head towards Gran Vía, stop off at the Sagrada Familia and end your day at Paseo de Gràcia.
It’s a broader route, taking you past all the top sights you’ll want to see as you discover the urban side of Barcelona.
The Barcelona coast by bike
The final route we’d suggest lets you discover Barcelona’s long and beautiful coastline on two wheels. Enjoying the magnificent sea views as you ride along the coast is one of life’s true pleasures, and something you’ll definitely want to do again. We recommend you cycle along the beaches before stopping off for a refreshing drink, something to eat, or simply to watch the waves hit the shore. Total relaxation to help you totally switch off.
Urban Parks Route
If you’re looking for a more tranquil and relaxing experience, we recommend a route through Barcelona’s urban parks. Start your journey at Parc de la Ciutadella, an oasis of greenery in the middle of the city that houses the impressive Arc de Triomf, the Barcelona Zoo, and numerous charming corners to explore.
From there, head to Parc de la Estació del Nord, a lesser-known but equally beautiful park, perfect for a relaxed stroll. Continue your route to Parc de Joan Miró, where you can admire the iconic sculpture “Dona i Ocell” (Woman and Bird) by the famous Catalan artist. Finish your tour at Parc de Montjuïc, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the sea from its numerous viewpoints.
Discover the Neighborhoods of Barcelona
Another fascinating route for cyclists is exploring Barcelona’s most traditional and authentic neighborhoods. Start in the charming Gràcia neighborhood, known for its cozy squares, narrow streets, and bohemian atmosphere. From Gràcia, head to El Born, where you can stroll its cobblestone streets, visit the Mercado del Born, and discover the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar.
Then, continue to the Gothic Quarter, the historical heart of the city, where you can get lost in its maze of medieval streets and discover architectural gems like the Barcelona Cathedral. End your route in the Raval neighborhood, known for its vibrant cultural life and mix of cultures, perfect for enjoying a meal or a drink in one of its many bars and restaurants.
Modernist Architecture Route
For architecture lovers, Barcelona offers a bike route focused on its most emblematic modernist buildings. Start your journey at Casa Batlló, one of Antoni Gaudí’s masterpieces, located on Paseo de Gracia.
From there, head to Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera, another impressive Gaudí building. Continue to the Hospital de Sant Pau, a modernist jewel designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, and then visit the Sagrada Familia, Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece. End your route at Park Güell, where you can admire more of Gaudí’s works and enjoy spectacular views of the city.
Barcelona is an incredibly diverse city, rich in experiences, and exploring it by bike allows you to enjoy its beauty and charm in a unique way. Whether you prefer nature, the coast, urban parks, traditional neighborhoods, or modernist architecture, there is a bike route for you. So, if you’re in the city, don’t hesitate to rent a bike and venture out to discover all the corners Barcelona has to offer. We guarantee it will be an unforgettable experience!
Categories: barcelona
