Enjoy Barcelona by Bike

Barcelona is a city rich in history and culture, and there’s no better way to explore it than by bicycle. With its mild climate for most of the year, this city is perfect for discovering on two wheels. In this article, we present the five best routes to discover Barcelona by bike, from the most touristy areas to the hidden corners of the city and its surroundings. Each route offers a unique perspective, allowing you to enjoy the cultural, natural, and architectural wealth of the Catalan capital.

Discover the Best Routes to Cycle Through Barcelona

Tourist Route

The tourist bike route is ideal for those who want to soak up the essence of Barcelona. Start at the iconic Plaça Catalunya, a nerve centre of the city that connects several main arteries. From here, head towards Las Ramblas, Barcelona’s most famous promenade, where you can enjoy the hustle and bustle of street performers, flower stalls, and the iconic Christopher Columbus statue.

Upon reaching the Mirador de Colom, you can take in views of the harbour and the Mediterranean Sea before continuing to the Gothic Quarter. This labyrinth of narrow streets will transport you to the past, with must-see stops at the Barcelona Cathedral and the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar. Continuing along Passeig de Gràcia, you’ll discover Antoni Gaudí’s masterpieces: Casa Batlló and La Pedrera. Finally, the route culminates at the majestic Sagrada Familia, an unfinished temple that remains one of the city’s most recognised symbols.

From Sant Cugat del Vallès to Sant Medir

If you fancy getting away from the centre of Barcelona and enjoying nature, the route from Sant Cugat del Vallès to Sant Medir is a fantastic option. This trail, which crosses the Collserola mountain range, is perfect for those seeking a more tranquil experience in contact with nature.

The Collserola mountain range, considered the green lung of Barcelona, offers a break from the urban hustle. During the ride, you’ll pass through lush pine and oak forests and enjoy panoramic views of the city in the distance. The route is relatively easy, making it accessible for cyclists of all levels. The Sant Medir hermitage, a small sanctuary hidden among the mountains, is the perfect place to stop, enjoy a picnic, and rest before returning to Sant Cugat.

Olympic Montjuïc

Montjuïc is a mountain steeped in history and culture, and cycling around it is an experience that combines sport and sightseeing. This route begins at Plaça Espanya, where you can admire the Magic Fountain and the Venetian Towers before starting the ascent towards the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium.

This route will take you through some of the most significant points of the 1992 Olympic Games, including the Palau Sant Jordi and the Calatrava Communications Tower. Additionally, Montjuïc is home to several renowned museums, such as the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC) and the Joan Miró Foundation, which you can visit during your ride. Don’t miss the Montjuïc gardens, a peaceful oasis where you can take a break surrounded by greenery. The views from the top of the mountain, encompassing the entire city and the harbour, are simply spectacular.

Tibidabo from Sant Cugat

For more experienced cyclists, the route that climbs to Tibidabo from Sant Cugat del Vallès presents an exciting challenge. This route, which requires good physical condition, will take you to the summit of Barcelona’s highest mountain, offering unparalleled views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea.

Tibidabo is known not only for its altitude but also for its amusement park and the Sacred Heart Church, whose silhouette dominates Barcelona’s skyline. The climb is steep and demanding, but the effort is more than rewarded upon reaching the top. Here, you can relax in the amusement park, enjoy the rides, or simply revel in the views from the viewpoint. The fast and thrilling descent will bring you back to Sant Cugat full of adrenaline.

Besòs Park

If you’re looking for a more relaxed route suitable for the whole family, Besòs Park is the perfect choice. This route follows the course of the Besòs River, in a completely urbanised environment, yet it retains an important green strip. The route is completely flat, making it ideal for cyclists of any level, including children.

The path is paved and well signposted, ensuring a safe and comfortable ride. Along the way, you can enjoy grassy areas, playgrounds, and rest spots, making it a perfect place to spend an afternoon with the family. Moreover, Besòs Park offers a direct connection to the sea, so you can combine your bike ride with a visit to Barcelona’s beaches.

Move Sustainably and Enjoy the Scenery

Barcelona is a city committed to sustainability, and cycling is one of the best ways to contribute to environmental protection while enjoying its scenery. With an extensive network of bike lanes and numerous initiatives to promote urban cycling, Barcelona has established itself as a bike-friendly city.

Opting to cycle not only benefits your health but also allows you to explore the city at your own pace. You can stop at any time to admire a monument, rest in a park, or enjoy a terrace in the sun. Additionally, cycling gives you the flexibility to explore both the heart of the city and its surroundings, from the beaches to the mountains that encircle it.

For those visiting the city, Barcelona offers multiple bike rental options, from traditional to electric bikes, which make climbing its hills easier. If you decide to stay in the city, consider booking at Ocean Drive Barcelona, a hotel that offers all the amenities for cyclists, including bike rental and storage services.

In conclusion, whether you’re an experienced cyclist seeking a challenge or a tourist wanting to discover the city in a relaxed way, Barcelona has the perfect route for you. Get on your bike, strap on your helmet, and start exploring everything this wonderful city has to offer!