Barcelona à vélo

The bike share system in Barcelona is one of the best in the world, offering citizens a greener public transport alternative for short routes. With its registration cards only available to Catalonian addresses, it doesn't presently encourage extensive use by tourists –  head to one of the many bike hire shops for a cheap, easy and novel way to see the sights of the large city and pedal away without the 30 minute time restriction.

Cycling in the Gothic Quarter – the Barri Gotíc – takes you from medieval to modernist architecture in a heartbeat. Circle the Plaça Reijal in the heart of the old town, then come back at night for the hustle and bustle of the outdoor cafés and bars. Take a shopping tour down La Rambla and don't forget to marvel at the Sagrada Familia, the world-famous Gaudí cathedral which has been under construction since 1882.

For heart-stopping views, head to Parc Guell, a public park system on Carmel Hill in Barcelona. The unconventional, playful, organic architecture by Gaudí is expressed in its artistic buildings and sun-drenched terraces. The park is often crowded and for pedestrians only. A walk past sculptures covered in mosaic, melting columns, bird nests and aesthetically planted trees await you after a climb that can get strenuous depending on your gears and the heat.

Parc de la Ciutadella is the green lung of Barcelona, and very much worth a visit on two wheels. Built on the grounds of a destroyed fortress which lends its name to the park today, there is much to see and explore here: the monumental waterfall, a greenhouse, the Arc de Triomf, the Castle of the Three Dragons and beautiful statues such as the heartbroken female figure and the giant mammoth. There are bike lanes criss-crossing the park. Simply bring a picnic and some free time for a perfect day out!

When in Barcelona, a must-do cycle route is the seafront, where a safe cycle path allows for carefree cruising. This once neglected area received a major facelift for the 1992 Olympics and comes with stunning views of the Mediterranean and the busy beaches of Barceloneta. This is an easy, accessible and fun route for everyone to enjoy and offers a much-needed respite from the lively city center.