Barcelona is a city that’s made for cyclists. With miles of bicycle lanes and beautiful tree lined streets to explore, seeing the city on two wheels is one of the most exhilarating experiences there is. But where should you go once you’ve rented your bikes? And what will you find there? Here are some great places you can peddle to.
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Barceloneta beach and beyond
Photo by Moyan_Brenn via Visualhunt
If you’ve been to Barceloneta before, you will have noticed the many bicycle hire shops along the Passeig de Joan de Borbo. They’re there for a reason: the stretch of coastline that runs north from Barceloneta can be cycled for miles, without having to go near a single road. Along the way, you’ll come across a plethora of chiringuitos (beach bars), as well as all the best places to swim, sunbathe and play volleyball to your heart’s content.
Arc de Triomf to Parc de la Ciutadella
The huge monument at Arc de Triomf may not be the same as the one in Paris, but it’s the place to hang out if you like street performers and, of course, cycling. Cycle your way from the Arc along the huge pedestrian walkway that leads down to Parc Ciutadella and you’ve covered two of Barcelona’s best places to hang out on a sunny day. Slowly meander your way through the park’s pathways and you’ll discover fountains, a pond with boats, a giant mammoth (strange but true!) and even Barcelona zoo. People from all walks of life come here to practice ping pong, walk their dogs or play the bongos. So, why not cycle over and join them?
Gran Via to Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC)
Photo by San Diego Shooter via Visualhunt
Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes is one of Barcelona’s super streets, stretching the whole way across the city through several neighbourhoods. But there’s one particular stretch of it that cyclists will love, and that’s the area from Plaça Universitat to Plaça d’Espanya. The street has two off-road bicycle lanes (one on each side of the street), so novice cyclists won’t need to cycle on the busy roads. Once you’ve reached the roundabout at Espanya, a stunning sight awaits you at the end of Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina: the majestic building of the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, flanked by the famous Magic Fountain. Park your bike and climb the steps to the museum. You’ll be rewarded with one of the most spectacular views in Barcelona.
Happy cycling!
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