3 Bike Routes in Barcelona
The Barcelona Century Hotel invites you to discover Barcelona by bicycle.
A beautiful and healthy way to explore Barcelona is by bicycle. Our city's network of bike lanes is extensive and relatively flat compared to other cities, making your ride comfortable and effortless.
You can enjoy beautiful urban views while feeling the wind on your face, not to mention that it is an ecological and sustainable activity, which Barcelona will thank you for.
But before we begin our route, you should keep in mind certain rules and tips so that you can fully enjoy the experience.
- Use the bike lane. Barcelona has almost 250 kilometers of bike lanes, so for your safety, we encourage you to use them. If there isn't a bike lane on the street you're riding on, you can ride on the sidewalk, as long as it's more than 5 meters wide. If you ride on the road, always use the right-hand lane.
- There is no obligation to wear a helmet, except for those under 16 years of age.
- Plan your route before you set off. Here's a link to the updated bike path map so you can visualize the route before you start your ride.
- No headphones while cycling. It's prohibited to cycle while listening to music or talking on your mobile phone. Being fully alert is essential for cycling in Barcelona. And, you also risk receiving a fine.
- Make sure you're visible at night. When you rent your bike, make sure the lights are working properly: white front light, red rear light.
- Keep an eye on your bike. If you're going to stop for a break, visit a monument, grab a bite to eat, etc., make sure you lock your bike properly to prevent theft. The rental shop will surely provide you with a lock.
- And above all, enjoy the walk.
Where to rent your bike?
At the Barcelona Century reception, we have information about different companies that rent bicycles. We'll suggest several options, and you can decide which one you'd like to use.
Key spots in Barcelona to visit when you're cycling.
Now we're talking! Here are 3 routes that include iconic places in Barcelona, so you can explore the city by bike.
ROUTE 1: Sagrada Familia – Modernism
Departure from Barcelona Century: 9 minutes (2.8 kilometers)
100% bike lane.
Easy level.
This route is very easy; just follow Carrer de València. When you reach the intersection with Passeig de Gràcia, you can continue your route to the Sagrada Familia, or take a detour and explore the street with the most Modernist buildings in the city. If you choose the latter and walk up to the intersection with Carrer de Provença, you can visit Casa Milà, perhaps better known as La Pedrera (here's how to get there). Alternatively, if you decide to walk down Carrer d'Aragó, you'll find Casa Batlló and Casa Amatller, other iconic Modernist buildings. We've included this link, where we explain a bit more about this walk and its Modernist buildings.
Following the route to the Sagrada Familia along Carrer de València, you'll reach Passeig Sant Joan. Once there, simply walk uphill until you find Carrer de Provença again. You can't miss it. Once you're on Provença, if you look towards the horizon, the towers of the Sagrada Familia will welcome you. When you arrive at your destination, you can not only visit the sacred temple designed by Gaudí, but also explore the surrounding streets and the park located in front of the basilica.
After your bike ride, we recommend you enjoy a refreshing drink and culinary specialties on one of the terraces along Avenida Guadí.
ROUTE 2: Parc de la Ciutadella – Born
Departure from Barcelona Century: 10 minutes (3.4 kilometers)
100% bike lane.
Easy level.
Since 1888, this beautiful park has offered a relaxing respite to locals and tourists alike. Within its gardens, lakes, and fountains are several museums and the Barcelona Zoo.
If you decide to go, a little before arriving, you will find l'Arc de Triomf, at the end of Passeig Sant Joan and, if you decide to explore its surroundings, you will reach the Born district (we leave you the map so you know how to get there), with narrow streets like Montcada street (where the Picasso Museum is located, among others), you can visit the old Born market, now converted into a museum, because of the Roman ruins that were found, or the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar (famous for the novel La Catedral del Mar, written by Ildefonso Falcones de Sierra).
Another luxury of visiting El Born is enjoying tapas in one of the area's many restaurants. The icing on the cake is l'Estació de França, a working train station worth visiting for its picture-perfect lobby alone.
ROUTE 3: Barceloneta – Beaches
Departure from Barcelona Century: 13 minutes (4.1 kilometers)
80% bike lane.
Easy level.
If you decide to go down Villarroel Street, you can stop at the Mercat de Sant Antoni, a recently renovated market where you can not only visit its stalls selling fruit, vegetables, fish, sausages, etc., but also have a first snack in one of the restaurants in the surrounding area.
If you go down Las Ramblas, the journey will be 4.6 kilometers (here is the link to the alternative route) and we cannot guarantee that pedestrian and car traffic will be light, but you will enjoy one of the most famous and visited streets in Barcelona.
Whichever route you choose, upon reaching Barceloneta, you can either lock your bike and take a dip in the sea (or explore the neighborhood's narrow, picturesque streets), or continue along the Passeig Marítim to the Forum. This seaside promenade, with the sea always in the background, is a vibrant mix of pedestrians, runners, cyclists, skaters, and more, and provides access to the eight beaches along Barcelona's coastline. If you cycle to the Forum, the total distance will be approximately 8 kilometers. (Link to map)
We hope you enjoyed these 3 cycling routes in Barcelona. You can download the guide here.
We remind you that if you want to visit our city, be sure to visit our website to book at the best price at the Barcelona Century Hotel.
We have the best price guaranteed!
