It’s always nice to go back to Barcelona. Either it’s a long weekend, a stop over or a longer workation. What I love the most about the Catalan capital is the vibe in the city. Of course Barcelona offers also a great sightseeing options, extraordinary architecture and marvelous coastal views. The public transport is well organized and you don’t need a car to move around. The city fully embraced the ecotourism and in recent years many bike lanes were built. As you could probably figure out from the title, this post will be about cycling through Barcelona. Many people in fact choose Northern Europe for their cycling vacation, but believe, me the extensive cycling network in Barcelona makes it a dream destination for cyclists of all levels. Whether you’re looking to explore the city’s famous landmarks, enjoy scenic coastal rides, or venture into the surrounding hills, Barcelona will not disappoint you. In this little guide, I will try to cover everything you need to know about cycling in Barcelona, from the best routes and bike rental options to recommended accommodations and public transport connections.
Why Cycle in Barcelona? 🚴♂️
Barcelona is an ideal city for cycling due to its well-developed infrastructure, mild Mediterranean climate, and relatively flat terrain. The city has over 240 km of dedicated cycling lanes, making it safe and convenient for cyclists. Just imagine to enjoy stunning views of landmarks like Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and Barceloneta Beach while cycling. Travelling on a budget? No problem, renting a bike is cheaper than taxis and more flexible than public transport. Are you a fan of sustainable travel? Well, cycling is a great way to explore Barcelona while reducing your carbon footprint.
Best Cycling Routes in Barcelona
Now that you know why it’s worth cycling through Barcelona on your weekend trip, let’s explore a couple of routes:
1. Barcelona’s Coastal Route: Barceloneta & The Seafront
Distance: 10 km | Difficulty: Easy | Duration: 1-2 hours
If you’re looking for a relaxing ride with beautiful sea views, this route is perfect. Start at Barceloneta Beach, cycle past the Olympic Port, and continue towards Diagonal Mar Park. Stop for a coffee or fresh seafood at one of the beachside chiringuitos (beach bars). Suitable for all leveles, families included: you will pass several playgrounds your way.
2. The Gaudí Route: Architectural Marvels on Two Wheels
Distance: 8 km | Difficulty: Moderate | Duration: 2-3 hours
Discover the genius of Antoni Gaudí by cycling through his most iconic works. Start at Sagrada Família, then head to Casa Batlló and La Pedrera on Passeig de Gràcia. Make your way to Park Güell, where you’ll need to park your bike and explore on foot.
3. Montjuïc Hill: A Panoramic Challenge
Distance: 12 km | Difficulty: Challenging | Duration: 2-3 hours
For those looking for a bit of a challenge, cycling up Montjuïc Hill offers rewarding views. Visit attractions like the Magic Fountain, Montjuïc Castle, and the Olympic Stadium. The climb is steep but worth it for the incredible scenery. This is the only itinerary inside the city that is a bit challenging but if you are fit enough or fancy to rent an electric bike, then go for it!
4. The Green Route: Parc de la Ciutadella to Tibidabo
Distance: 15 km | Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging | Duration: 3-4 hours
Start at Parc de la Ciutadella, then ride towards the scenic Carretera de les Aigües, which offers breathtaking views of Barcelona. If you are an experienced and fit cyclist, extend the route to Tibidabo, the highest point in the city. The ascent can be challenging, especially during the summer but the views from the top are worth it!
Where to Rent a Bike in Barcelona 🚲
There are plenty of bike rental shops and services in Barcelona.
Some of the best options are:
- Donkey Republic – App-based bike-sharing with stations across the city.
- Rent Bike in Barcelona – Offers a range of bicycles, including e-bikes, city bikes and kids bikes.
- Born Bike Tours – Great for guided bike tours and daily rentals. Here you will always find the right bike for you: adults, kids and bikes with a safe baby seat.
- Green Bikes Barcelona – The best prices for the rentals and super friendly staff. The shop is open every day and they have a great selection of bicycles.
EXTRA TIP:
If you love Barcelona to the point that you will decide to move here (at least for half a year) and you will get the resident status then, you should consider a subscription to Bicing. This bike sharing app offers different types of contract for regular or casual rentals of all sorts of bikes. It’s super convenient but you must be at éeast 18 year old to use it. Teens older than 16 need an official authorization of an adult in order to get a subscription. Check the official website for more info. Keep in mind that it’s only in Spanish and in Catalan – as said just for residents of Barcelona.
Cycling Rules & Safety Tips
Before you hop on a bike, it’s important to be aware of Barcelona’s cycling regulations. It may seem obvious to most people but tourists sometimes forget the basic rules of cycling and it does get on nerves of the locals. So just a quick recap of the main mandatory rules:
- Stick to designated cycling paths whenever possible.
- Helmets are mandatory outside urban areas but also recommended in the city.
- Avoid cycling on sidewalks unless there’s a designated bike lane.
- Obey obey all traffic lights and signs.
- Always use a sturdy lock to prevent theft, especially in busy areas. Most of the rentals include them in their offer.
Recommended Accommodations for Cyclists 🏨
You can stay whenever you want. Barcelona offers plenty of options for all sorts of travelers. However, there are couple of hotels super bike friendly with a free rental options and a safe storage for the bicycles. For a hassle-free cycling trip, check these bike-friendly hotels:
- Bed & Bike Barcelona – Centrally located hostel offering shared and private rooms. International vibe, bike rentals and bike tours plus a safe storage if you have your own bike. Perfect place if you want to meet other travelers and enjoy to the fullest your cycling vacation.
- Four Points by Sheraton – Centrally located in Diagonal with easy bike lane access and a convenient bike rental service. As part of Marriot group it offers up scale accommodation and it’s very family friendly.
- Petit Palace Boqueria Garden– I love this place! It offers not only free bikes but also a free late check out. If you are traveling with kids, book directly on the official website and you will receive a small gift for your little ones. This hotel actively collaborates with Unicef and Save the Children. The concept of sustainable tourism is seriously taken into consideration here. Location is also perfect, close to all the attractions and directly on the cycling lane.
Getting to Barcelona & Public Transport 🚇
Arriving at Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN)
Barcelona’s main airport, El Prat, is well connected to the city center. You can get to the city using:
- Aerobús – The quickest option to Plaça Catalunya (35 min).
- Metro Line L9 Sud – Connects the airport to the metro network.
- Train (Rodalies R2 Nord) – Direct connection to Sants Station.
- Taxis & Ride-Sharing – More convenient but pricier options.
Public Transport & Bike Accessibility
Barcelona’s public transport system is cyclist-friendly. Bicycles are allowed on metro trains (except during rush hours) and on FGC trains. Many buses have bike racks, and trams are also a good option for mixed transport. If you choose an accommodation in the city center, you should have n o problems in getting everywhere by bike. Check the little map below!
Cycling in Barcelona is one of the best ways to experience the city’s culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you prefer a leisurely ride along the coast, an architectural tour of Gaudí’s masterpieces, or a challenging ascent to Montjuïc, the city has something for you. With excellent bike rental options, a growing cycling infrastructure, and a variety of scenic routes, we can finally say that Barcelona is truly a cyclist’s paradise.🚴♂️🇪🇸
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