March 7th, 2019
Tomorrow, the 8th of March, the International Women’s Day, Barcelona will be full of feminist mobilizations during the whole day, in order to protest against the inequality that women suffer today.
You can enjoy this great day in an active way and/or being respectful with people who are fighting for their rights.
February 27th, 2019
From Thursday, the 28th, with the ‘Dijous Gras’, one of the fiestas which looks better on Barcelona will be started, are you going to miss that?
Photo by BenKerckx on Pixabay
One of the favorite celebrations of the city of Barcelona is Carnival or, at least, we love the colorful of this fiesta.
On Thursday, the 28th of February, all the activities, that will continue during Friday, Saturday and Sunday, are going to start in Barcelona with the famous Catalan celebration ‘Dijous Gras’. During this Thursday is practically obligatory to taste the Catalan egg sausage sandwich and a walk through the Ramblas at the sunset, the perfect scenario for the arrival of the Carnival’s Emperors.
During Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the city and all its districts are going to be full of activities. So, take your bicycle and don’t miss anyone of them. You can check them on the official program (you can access clicking here).
And among all this mess, don’t forget your costume, because thanks to the magic of this weekend you can be who you most desire.
February 20th, 2019
Are you taking advantage of these idyllic days in Barcelona?
Photo by Walkerssk in Pixabay.com
For some weeks now, Barcelona and, obviously, some other parts of the territory are rejoicing in some days of idyllic weather, perfect for enjoying the city by bicycle. This is something that “professionally” we call “not a very cold weather, neither a very warm weather”. You will not need a lot of cloth layers in order to feel the warmth of the bicycle exercise, but, even so you will not feel the sticky weather of the summer.
So, you should take advantage of free afternoons and weekends. Enjoy the parks and gardens of the city: Parc de la Ciutadella, Labyrinth of Horta, Montjuïc, Collserola… Practically every district of the city has a natural space. Although, if you are not looking for the refreshing green, you can take advantage of the fact that there are not so many brave swimmers, and go to ride through the Passeig Marítim. La Barceloneta is a neighborhood where, during weekends, it is difficult not to find some kind of activities. And if there are not any of them, the tapas (appetizers) that you can get there will be a marvelous consolation prize.
Even though, if you are the kind of person who prefers going shopping, our suggestion for you is taking advantage of the big network of bike lanes and visiting the nice and great markets of Barcelona. In addition to the big offer, especially talking about food, they are Modernist works of art, so you shouldn’t miss them if you are interested in the architecture of Barcelona.
This weekend you don’t have any excuse, clean the dust off your bike and go out for pedaling through Barcelona!
Valentine’s Day has awakened a lot of critiques about romantic love. But, when we realises that, why not take the positive part of it?
Born Bike Tours Barcelona working for an inclusive celebration.
February 7th, 2019
From the 8th to the 12th of February, one of the greatest fiesta of the city will be celebrated: Santa Eulàlia.
Photo by freestocks.org in Pexels.com
Castellers, correfocs, giants, sardanes, bastoners, concerts… and every kind od activities for elder and young people during the saint and the daughter of the city fiesta: Santa Eulàlia. You can consult all the activities in the official program clicking here.
The Great Winter Fiesta of the city is the perfect opportunity to get to know a great part of the popular culture and tradition of Barcelona, together with all the local people who make it possible.
In addition, most of the activities are going to be celebrated through the old and magic central streets of Barcelona: in Ciutat Vella and the Gótic -where, we can assure you, it is better to circulate by bicycle than by car or motorbike-.
As we always say, the fiestas are the best option to get to know the popular culture of a city. So, you shouldn’t miss that one!
February 1st, 2019
This is a wonderful city, and it is due mostly because of its interculturality. In this sense, this Saturday you shouldn’t miss the Chinese New Year’s celebration.
Photo by Miguel Á. Padriñán
This year, the 2019, as the Chinese lunar calendar says, is the Pig’s Year and it is going to start on the 5th of February. Because of that, taking advantage of the weekend, the Chinese community in Barcelona has decided to celebrate it this Sunday, the 2nd of February.
This fiesta, every year, has more and more followers and that’s because it offers a lot of performances and activities to the most elderly and to the youngest people. This year, in addition, they have a honorable Catalan guest: la Porca de Sant Antoni.
It is said that the personality of the pigs is characterized by their diligence, their indulgence and their generosity. It is an animal that when it starts something, then it has to finish that. Although it’s really easy to it to let itself be fooled. So, you should try to apply these qualities in order to resolve your daily challenges and let yourself be fooled every now and then, as long as it is for taking yourself to a great party, such as this one.
In Born Bike Barcelona, we are very happy, because this fiesta will be celebrated very close to us. The opening show will start at 11.30 a.m. in the Parc de l’Estació del Nord and the fiesta will continue the whole day in the Passeig Lluís Companys.
‘Interculturalize’ yourself enjoying this great fiesta in Barcelona!
January 21st, 2019
Ok, ok… We also like to take a break and collapse ourselves in the sofa. But let’s never forget that the best way to get rid of the cold from our bodies is riding a bicycle, enjoying the city or some mountain route.
Photo by Luca, Papagnoc in Pixabay
This January has been very “refreshing” in Barcelona, but it hasn’t been serious enough to stop us from keeping pedaling. No matter how much our sofa has been calling us, thanks to the bicycle we have become the heroes of our movies. We have discovered new corners of our incredible, insatiable, traditional and intercultural city. We have pedaled up to our last breath in order to get the best views. And we have met some marvelous people.
Don’t succumb to the trap of falling into the blanket and do this by keeping yourselves active and happy. In addition, it gives to you the break that you need for facing all the daily challenges.
Don’t think more about it. You simply leave the sofa, ride your bicycle and you will suddenly realize that you are having a great time.
January 15th, 2019
Some weeks ago we informed you about the new regulation which has been applied this January, month dedicated to the bicycle circulation in Barcelona, so, today, we are going to present a reminder just in case you have forgotten it.
Photo by Claudia, einszweifrei in Pixabay.com
From the very first of this month of January 2019, the cyclists must circulate away from the sidewalks in Barcelona, in order to ride through the almost 1,000km (620 miles) of the city’s bike lane. And, why do you have to circulate away from the sidewalks? Because the cost of riding a bicycle on the sidewalks could be punished with fines of up to €500, so, save yourself this fine and the annoyance following this simple cohabitation rule.
We want to remind you that the only way allowed to circulate on the sidewalk is when it measures a width of more than 5 meters and 3 meters are free (and you haven’t any other alternative or bike lane closer) or if you are younger than 12 (years old) and you are circulating with your own bicycle and accompanied by an adult.
And returning to our wise words: Even if you usually pedal through the streets of Barcelona or because you are visiting this great city, remember, share and obey this regulation. All together we are building a healthier city and a good cohabitation is one of the keys.
January 8th, 2019
The returning to the routine with some more kilos and less money could be very hard, because of that, the bicycle can be much more helpful than you think.
Photo by Kaique Rocha in pexels.com
This week a lot of people are returning to work, so it will be difficult to avoid the early mornings, the hurry and the work updates. In addition, if everything has gone as it should be these last dates, you have surely gained some weight, at the same time, our pockets and wallets have lost some volume.
So that’s our suggestion: put a bicycle in your life.
When you start to pedal to work every morning you will notice that you aren’t sleepy very quickly. You will avoid traffic jams and you will feel better physically, something that will help your mind to keep a high level during all day.
In addition, the bicycle will help you to burn these extra kilos which Christmas’ nougats have gifted you and without wasting money and saving us up the gym.
Have you been convinced? Be up for the #ToWorkByBike club, everything are benefits for you and your city.
December 31st, 2018
In this very especial date, we just want to wish you a happy new year 2019.
We wish you to achieve all your challenges with the same strength that we use to keep us pedaling.
December 27th, 2018
We usually think about our objectives when we start the year, but it could be so much easier if you do that at the end of this year.
Photo by Gerd Altmann in Pixabay
Try to search in your memory, for sure that you can remember some of the challenges from last year, he ones you have not achieved yet. This week could be your last chance.
Trying to do that with a clear deadline and with the motivation of the good vibes of these dates, could be the best way to achieve these objectives once and for all.
This sprint could be, also, a warm-up exercise in order to keep you pedaling for your objectives constantly during your next year.
Try it! Close your year crossing out your objectives, this is a revitalizing way for starting the new year.
13th December, 2018
Guides, blogs, social networks… They are huge sources of information which will help you to get inspired this Christmas.
Photo by StockSnap from Pixabay
If Christmas is a good time to spend with the family, we are sure that you can find some free time to relax yourselves and digest the big meals.
You can organize bicycle tours with the family and friends during the non-official vacation days, it could be a great opportunity to get to know closer places that, during our daily routine, we have no time to discover and enjoy.
In order to organize a route which adapts to you, there are thousands of resources in just over two clicks away. Blogs, guides, key #hashtags (tags) in the social networks… all of them are going to help you to discover up to the last corner of the places that, maybe, you think you already know.
This vacation you shouldn’t leave your bicycle at home. Digest the nougats pedaling, you will see how good it feels.
And if you need help planning your route… you know where to find us.
December 5th, 2018
Kara De Leos
After the extension of the bike lane in the city, almost 1,000km (620 miles) adapted to the bicycle circulation, the City Hall of Barcelona considers that the bike circulation through the road is safe enough to forbid the circulation of this vehicle on the sidewalks.
The City Hall of Barcelona is in the middle of a campaign in order to make public, to every urban cyclist, local and temporary ones, that, as of the 1st of January, the circulation on the city’s sidewalks will be punished with fines up to €500. Their motto, “When you are riding a bicycle, leave the sidewalk”, is covered by a second slogan: “You have almost 1,000km of alternatives”.
The only way allowed to circulate on the sidewalk is when it measures a width of more than 5 meters and 3 meters are free (and you haven’t any other alternative or bike lane closer) or if you are younger than 12 (years old) and you are circulating with your own bicycle and accompanied by an adult.
Even if you usually pedal through the streets of Barcelona or because you are visiting this great city, remember, share and obey this regulation. All together we are building a healthier city and a good cohabitation is one of the keys.
November 28th, 2018
If you are visiting Barcelona or you still have no plans for this weekend, here you have a suggestion to keep you pedaling. A healthy and enjoyable activity for everyone.
Photo by Silvia (Sipa at Pixabay)
We are always talking about the improvements of the bike lane, which have achieved transforming the city into a paradise for the urban cyclist, but we cannot forget about the Ronda Verda -Green Beltway-. This road surrounds the whole city, connecting it to the neighboring cities, offering us a huge means of connection of 72km and a fantastic lane for riding a bicycle.
This lane connects Badalona, Barcelona, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Sant Adrià de Besòs, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Esplugues de Llobregat y Montcada i Reixac. In addition, it has 6 sections, so we can decide if we prefer to ride the whole route or only enjoy one of its variated zones that we can find in this sea and mountain city. For example, we could dedicate our morning to riding through the mountain of Collserola, or spend our afternoon at the now very quiet beaches of Barcelona. In addition, we could start our route through the beach from the Front Marítim and get to the mountain through the Montjuïc route.
The options are very assorted, so take advantage of Barcelona and of every one of the marvelous options that this city offers you.
November 21st, 2018
Photo by Tim Mossholder
This 22nd of November Barcelona will release the Christmas of this 2018 by the illumination of its streets. This year, the performance will be situated in rambla de Guipúscoa with Julián Besteiro street, in the neighborhood of Sant Martí.
It is not necessary to be very observant in order to realize that the shop windows are full of Christmas’ decoration. But among all this adornment, which tries to make us shopping compulsively, in the same city, we can also find some of the tradition of this celebration. An example is the illumination of the streets, which will arrive together with an official act from the city hall and a performance by the Efímer company.
And if the last year this illumination started at the city center, in Les Rambles, as a symbolism of the solidarity with the victims of the 17th of August attack, this year it’s being situated in the neighborhood of Sant Martí, in the crossroad of rambla de Guipúscoa with Julián Besteiro street. A neighborhood where, during these last years, the city hall has been working in order to transform it in a nicest place, with more green and pedestrian zones and, of course, with more kilometers of bike lane.
Take advantage of this season and ride your bicycle through the illuminated streets of Barcelona.
November 12th, 2018
The number of urban cyclists in Barcelona has an exponential growth thanks to the extension of the bike lane during these last years in Barcelona. The security that these lanes provide is translated in a lot of people who enjoy the advantages of moving around with this very sustainable vehicle.
Photo by Joan Cabotti
Any person who has ridden a bike any time of his/her life will be realized that when you move the pedals backwards it’s useless. The bicycle has been designed for moving forward and if you need to go backwards you will have to do facing it, being fully aware of what you are doing and where we really want to go.
And, why is so interesting this consideration nowadays? Because in our 10 years of experience pedaling through the streets of Barcelona we feel astonished (in the good sense of this word) about how the kilometers of the bike lane in Barcelona have been so extended and, especially, how a lot of urban cyclists have leaped to take advantage of even the last signalized meter of lane.
The bicycle will continue advancing in Barcelona and it is going to do that in a conscious and safe way, transforming the city in a cleaner, more tranquil and more sustainable place each time.
2 de noviembre de 2018
This last week, in Barcelona and in Catalonia, the temperatures have suddenly fallen and with this descent the rain has come too. But this doesn’t to be a reason for stopping pedaling in the city.
Photo by Mabel Amber
In Barcelona, as a Mediterranean city, we have a really nice temperature which allows us to pedal without any problems, and if you don’t believe us, ask our neighbors in the north of Europe, where not even the snow can stop them.
For this reason, we shouldn’t stop pedaling during the cold days, because, in addition, with the movement and the sport that we do riding a bicycle, we will again feel the warm sensation that we usually miss. That’s why our first tip is that you should wear different layers, such as an onion, because, at the same time that you are feeling warmer your body will need you to remove some of these clothes layers.
Second tip, you should prepare yourself in order not to be surprised by the rain. Use waterproof clothes (also trousers) and also suitable shoes.
Third tip, something that you always have to keep in mind, whether it’s raining, snowing or it’s a really sunny day: you should keep your bike ready. Clean and greased chain, pumped up wheels (you can deflate a little bit your wheels if it’s raining in order to achieve a better adhesion, but not too much, because you could suffer a puncture), front and back lights and, in addition, it’s interesting to use a mudguard, because we will arrive at our jobs more decently.
If we follow these tips and we keep alert, we even will enjoy the cold and rainy days!
October 16th, 2018
Photo by Pere Serrat
Who usually use the bicycle for moving around the city have another point of view about it. Ride one and stir up your life.
The continuous pedaling changes many things. We can assure this because we move constantly around Barcelona by bicycle.
For us the bike is a physical revolution, but also a mental revolution.
That’s physical in the sense of the health exercise as the reward of our work, because of the reduction of the CO2 and because the completely change of the city’s view. For us, several noiseless bicycles going through the streets is a present for the eyes and for the ears, especially if we compare it with the motorized vehicles traffic.
But we cannot forget the mental revolution. The exercise and the simplicity of the bicycle release your mind and it allows you to observe around. And that’s a really good exercise to make you reflect and inspire.
If you not agree with us, ask to the people who usually meet every first Friday of the month to ride their bicycles in Barcelona. The next excursion will depart from Arc de Triomf.
Come to the healthiest movement! The pedaling through Barcelona 😉
October 9th, 2018
Autumn comes with rain in the city, but for the people who love to ride a bicycle, this is an unimportance challenge, because, finally, the rain cleans and purifies the city. What else can we ask for the people who like to breath clean air?
Photo by ORNELLA BINNI on Unsplash
Dear city cyclists,
Today, this post is for thank you for keeping pedaling this raining days in Barcelona or in any single city. For understanding the importance of this meteorological phenomenon in the city. For keeping calm and patient with the other drivers. And for being alert with the segurity, because this is very important these days.
The rain in Barcelona is not so usual than in other cities, because of that, during the week days, when the traffic jams in the city is normal, the rain could be a nuisance. For this reason, we should keep this though in our mind: the water from rain cleans and purifies the environment because it drags away the damaging particles. And for everyone who breathes the city air daily this is the key.
In addition, if we have the suitable equipment (nothing very especial) and we keep alert, the rain won’t be and impediment to pedal.
Appropriate equipment, waterproof clothes, a footwear which resists rain without problems and all the elements which make you being more visible, especially for the motor vehicles: reflective clothes, the front and the back bicycle lights. A back mudguard will avoid you to arrive at your destiny with your back full of mud.
Get your bicycle ready, you can help to improve adhesion on the road by reducing the tire pressure (a little bit! If not, you will be in danger of getting a flat tire) and be sure that the treads of your tires are well marked. It is also important to maintain the chain clean and lubricated. And, specially (with or without rain), check if your brakes respond quickly.
The rainy days are perfect to show our skills with the bicycle. We are talking about reinforcing your concentration on the road. Brake before a curve and take it slowly. Keep a safety distance with regard to the other vehicles; avoid puddles, marks painted on the road and the multicolour marks that appear on the road (they are car oil).
With these tips, the only thing that we want to repeat again is: thanks for keeping pedaling.
October 1st, 2018
Photo by Pexels
October is right here, and with it the last remains of summer are gone. But don’t be sad, you can ride your bicycle also during the autumn, specially in a city like Barcelona.
For us, the return to the routine is an opportunity. The opportunity of carry out with all the good challenges that we have formulated when we were inspired by the calm and the good vibes of the summer holidays. And, a good challenge that could be nice for everyone? Using more the bicycle.
During your daily, the bicycle could be a key element for improving yours and everybody’s mobility, improving, at the same time, your physical and mental health.
But, using a bicycle during your daily for going to work, to shopping or for other errands is not the only interesting use of your bike. It could be also interesting to use it during weekends. The vacation time don’t need to finish yet, you could do excursions with the family, friends or alone through close places. Because, a lot of times, we leave getting to know these close places for late, when they could be so incredible as a lot of exotic destinies, which make us save money during all year.
So, now you know, this autumn, note to practice a little bit more of local tourism by bicycle down your challenge list. For sure you will be able to discover a lot of treasures in Barcelona!
September 20th, 2018
Photo by Feradz
From the 21st to the 24th of September, you have a very important date with Barcelona, in order to enjoy the cultural activities that the city has prepared only for you -well, and for other miles of people too-.
As we always say, the best way to get to know a city is introducing yourself in its festivities, because popular celebrations are the best show of the local’s environment, their culture, their tradition and their gastronomy. In Barcelona, the most remarked festivity -because each neighbourhood has each own festivities- is La Mercè celebration. And this year it will be celebrated from the 21st to the 24th of September.
From expositions, “cercaviles”, castellers, giants, sardanes to the night concerts and light shows.
You should be fit riding the bicycle, if you want to arrive at everything!
Take a look to the daily activities programming in https://www.barcelona.cat/lamerce/en and take the most advantage of this celebration. You only can enjoy it once a year.
September 1st, 2018
Although the summer holidays have finished with the August’s month for a lot of people, for other ones, who have suffered the hot weather in the work place while they saw how the work mates departed to remote countries, the good time starts now.
Photo by Katerina Zhang
Barcelona is not going to disappoint all the people who have been waiting for the arriving of their well-deserved vacations. On the contrary, the activity of the city is not going to let anyone to get bored.
From refreshing ridings through the beach by bicycle, to the challenge of getting to the top of the hill of Montjuïc, where you will be awarded with the amazing views of the city. Everything with the nicest weather and avoiding the July and August build-ups –overbooking in hotels, in restaurants and, even worst! in the streets-.
And, if it was not enough, we cannot forget that the great fiesta of La Mercè 2018 is very close. A festivity that, as always, will get you closer to the culture and tradition of the city.
Barcelona is waiting for you with open arms, take your bicycle and come to pedal!
August 16th, 2018
If this summer you are ridding a bicycle though the streets of Barcelona, you shouldn’t miss to get to the Great Fiestas, the best show of culture and tradition in the city.
During summer, Barcelona doesn’t stop, on the contrary, that’s really strange to find a week without any Great Fiesta. Next, a brief calendar with which you can check if your trip to Barcelona coincides with a neighborhood’s festivity.
Festes de Sant Roc from the 14th-18th of August.
Festes de Gràcia from the 15th-21st of August.
Festes de Sants from the 20th-28th of August.
Festa Major de la Bordeta from the 28th of August to the 15th of September.
Festes de Vallcarca coincides with the first two weeks of September.
Festa Major del Farró from the 7th-11th of September.
Festa Major de la Barceloneta, coinciding with the Sant Miquel festivity, around the 29th of September.
Festes de la Mercè from the 21st to the 24th of September.
Try to confirm this calendar in the City Hall web site, when the date comes closer. Some variations could be possible.
And, above all, enjoy this amazing fiestas!
6th August, 2018
One of the most common questions made by those who have just started their urban cycling is: “What type of bike is the best for the city?” For us, it is important to select a model that will make the coexistence with the traffic in the city easier, so it has to be safe.
Upon forming part of the traffic of the city, it should be easy to put the feet on the ground when you’re waiting for the traffic light to change.
This is important when you have to move the bicycle to cross and intersection or change lanes.
It’s important to maintain yourself visible to other users. For this objective, you should have good front and back lights.
The straighter up the cyclist rides, the easier it is for him to see what is happening around you.
Take into account that the hand signals are extremely important in order to maintain an adequate communication with drivers and other cyclists.
The diversity of the speeds depends on the topography of your city and the distance that you have to go. More important than the number of velocities is the range you have available. If there are many slopes in your city, you need a low range of speeds. The contrary happens in a city that is relatively even.
The back suspension and the common rims in the case of mountain bicycles are not recommended for a city bicycle. Even though this is useful for the mountains, the suspension (especially the rear one) absorbs part of the energy we apply to the pedal. If you plan to use your mountain bicycle in the city, you should make some modifications.
As we have already said, there are a great variety of bicycles. It’s important that you like the bike, that I has the right size and be according to your necessities.
Now you know some of the important things about our bicycles, so, start to pedal!
July 31st, 2018
Photo by Enes on Unsplash
Here you have a list of activities in Barcelona during this August, in order you don’t miss anyone during your trip.
2018.07.31 – 08.31 – Mas i Mas
The Mas i Mas Festival returns to Barcelona in the summer with jazz, flamenco, classic, techno and much more.
2018.08.10 – 11 -DGTL – Festival Barcelona
The DGTL Festival will make you dance in Barcelona at the rhythm of music house and techno.
2018.026.02 – 08.30 – Music in the Parks
This season, 2018, the program includes 49 concerts and all of them free. From June to the end of August you can listen to music in the parks of Barcelona. These have been taking place for the past 15 years and include best quality music. Not only this, it is also great for sitting in a pleasant place at night with good music, friends and family.
2018.07.01 – 09.16 Brunch in the Park
Take your picnic basket, your plaid table cloth and get ready to …. Dance without stopping until the 17th of September..
2018.07.06 – 08.31 – Mecal Air, outdoor movies
In summer we all want to spend a lot of time outdoors -and what a better way than watching short films with friends while having a glass of wine. Mecal Air is a summer alternative to the classical cinemas, It is the one preferred by the Barcelona neighbors. The good part is that there is a combination to “short films” and a gastronomical offer. The entrance is free.
2018.06.29 – 08.03 – Outdoor movies – Sala Montjuïc
Important recent films and concerts that take place outdoors.
2018.06.28 – 08.02 – Free films t the Barcelona beach
Free movies at the beach during the summer nights.
During summer from Thursday to Sunday from 9:00p.m to 11:30p.m. – The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc
In the summer from Thursday to Sunday from 9:00p.m to 11:30p.m. the spectacles take place every half an hour.
2018.08.09 – 19 – Circuit Festival
Don’t miss the most fun gay Festival in Barcelona.
2018.08.05 – 05 – Joan Gamper Trophy from the FC Barcelona
Experience the Barcelona Football Club Joan Gamper a the Camp Nou!
Have a good time!
July 26th, 2018
With the inauguration of the bike lines in the streets of Bilbao and Jonquera, which have been added to the street of Navas -look at the map and you will understand it better 😉-, the axis which will allow us to go from the Parc del Guinardó to Marbella beach is completed.
Something very especial from Barcelona that we always try to remark is that this city is a sea and mountain city, where the landscape and the environments are very varied and it allows us to enjoys its different modalities.
Up to now, a very important bicycle route was the one where you can go from the Port Olimpic to Montjuïc mountain in the Sants-Montjuïc district. In just one day you can enjoy the sea breeze and the mountain views. Now, to this amazing route, we have to add another one from Guinardó to the Marbella beach, so we have a new one for changing the views and the environment of the beach.
The most important thing of these routes is the fact that now we can do that in a safe way thanks to the extension of the bike lane in Barcelona.
This summer experience Barcelona to the maximum and discover the last of its corners by bicycle.
Photo by Autumn Studio
July 27th, 2018
This summer you shouldn’t forget your bicycle at home. It will be your best trip mate.
If you have kept yourself fit all year getting around everywhere by bicycle, this summer you cannot waste all this effort. Moving around the cities by bicycle is the best investment that you can make.
With the bicycle, you can get to know all the cities at street level, without any problem when you decide to park, and enjoying the city environment directly.
The respect for the environment, the noise and the neighbors are synonyms of bicycle. This will make you earn points with the local people who are sharing the city with you.
Flexibility of movement, especially in Barcelona, city of sea and mountain. By bicycle, the moment you wake up, you can decide if this a mountain or a sea day. It will make you enjoy the trip and allow you to stop anywhere you want. It doesn’t matter if you want to immortalize the moment by taking a photo or if you want to have some tapas -Spanish appetizers- in a bar that you like.
All these advantages, combined with the bike lanes which the city is taking from the space of the cars, make the bicycle the best trip mate during our summer adventures.
July 3rd, 2018
We have to insist that the best way to travel is by the ecotourism, achieving that our passing through the city be the most sustainable and positive possible, and generating the best memories for us and for the people who live in the city and who turn it into a marvelous place.
Photo by Sergi Larripa
The City Hall of Barcelona has initiated a new campaign this summer: ‘Compartim Barcelona’ -Let’s share Barcelona- where they gather some tips for everyone who visits and lives in the city. We feel very identified with them, because they are something that we try to transmit in many of our mails.
Sharing the public places, taking care of the urban furniture, not obstructing the life’s rhythm of the people who live in the city, not making noise after a celebration and, in general, controlling the volume… these are some basic tips from the web site. It seems very logical, isn’t it? Well, these are annoyances that the people who live in Barcelona are experiencing continuously, and which complicate their day-to-day. For this reason, we are sharing it in our blog, in order to do our part to achieve a more habitable city for everyone.
To all these tips, obviously, we want to add another one: riding a bicycle when you visit the city. This means of transport doesn’t make noise, doesn’t dirty it and, thanks to the extension of the bike lane, we can practically move around the whole city in a safe way for us and for the pedestrians. Of course, in order to make this idea a reality, we need your help by respecting all the traffic sign, the places to stop and park and this rhythm of the people who live in the city that we have talked about. Because, they are sharing their bicycle routes, so try not to obstruct the rhythm of these.
Take these tips with you and enjoy Barcelona by bicycle!
June 28th, 2018
Some weeks ago, the temperature increased significantly in Barcelona and, in addition, the sweltering. This, sometimes, make us feel lazy, but, keep calm, the experience has given us some tips to fight against this laziness and riding again our bicycle.
Photo by Alex Blajan
The breeze from the beach and the calm shade in the parks
If you are going to move around Barcelona in the morning, maybe it’s better if you don’t go through the sunny spot of the Eixample. There are some shades, but the accumulated hot weather, especially from the motorized vehicles, are going to make you feel tired. Going to the beach or to some of the great parks in Barcelona will be a better option. With the breeze or the fresh air that comes from the plants, you are going to feel much better. Go to the Sagrada Familiar or to the great modernist works of Passeig de Gràcia in the afternoon, when the sun has gone down a little.
Take cover in a tapas bar or restaurant
The worst hours of the heat are at midday, so, at this hour, you should look for a bar or restaurant -especially if you are at the beach- where you could find refuge from the worst sun rays and taste some of the delicious food from the gastronomy of Barcelona.
You shouldn’t stop hydrating yourself
A continuous hydration, especially if we are moving around by bicycle, is essential in order to avoid sickness. Always take a bottle of water with you and put a little bit of lemon inside it. It will make you feel great!
In addition, you will always find an ice-cream parlor and you will be able to refresh yourself with your favorite flavor.
June 19th, 2018
Summer is very close and we cannot avoid to remember you some tips that will help you to plan an unforgettable trip, respecting the environment and people who you are going to visit.
Born Bike Tours Barcelona are very fans of ecotourism, this combination of activities that allow us to travel respecting the environment and the people who live in this place. But, although this point of view comes from the respect, ecotourism is much more. We are going to sum it up in the 8 tips presented by the International Ecotourism Society:
You are going to see that a lot of these points are easy to resolve if you visit the place by bicycle 😉
June 14th, 2018
One of the best ways to grade our trip experience is through the integration level. In order to reach the maximum grade in Barcelona -or anywhere- we suggest you to take a map of the bike lane and to get fit with your bicycle, the best means of transport to enjoy the city at street level.
Photography by Alejandro Lopez
June smells summer and, with the arriving of summer, we cannot avoid to start to think about our well-deserved holidays. For this reason, today we want to remember some ideas that we have set out in the blog, because we think that they are very important for achieving the best experience in Barcelona.
Bring us close tot the city people through their culture, their history and their social habits is a basic thing and, for achieving this, to move us at street level is very important, in order to don’t miss any detail.
When we know exactly our means of transport, the next more important thing is the destination. And for this part of the planning is very important to get informed before to leap to our trip. Be informed about the greatest monuments, to explore some more specialized corners and, above all, try to coincide with some popular celebration.
If you achieve getting into the plane, bus or train – whatever it is the means of transport that you use to come to Barcelona- knowing all the lessons, your trip will be incomparable. If you don’t have enough time for that, keep calm, the city is full of services where we can help you sharing all our knowledge.
June 5th, 2018
Photo by Luis Gonzalez
We can move us free around the city by bicycle, but, in order to achieve all our objectives with the cooperation of the local people, knowing some words and expression will be so useful, and we can increase them during our stay.
Here you have a very basic dictionary with some words and expressions which will help us to move around Barcelona:
Bon dia = Good morning
Bona tarda = Good afternoon
Bona nit = Good night
Si us plau = Please
Com et dius? = What is your name?
Encantat/encantada d’haver-te conegut = Nice to meet you
Bon profit! = Enjoy your meal! (You should say it with joy)
Gràcies = Thank you
Moltes gràcies = Thank you very much
De res = You are welcome
On és el lavabo? = Where is the toilette?
Esmorzar = Breakfast
Dinar = Lunch
Berenar = Have a snack
Sopar = Dinner
El compte = The bill
(Which is not…)
Compte! = Take care!
Déu-n’hi-do= (this expression can be use in a lot of situations, it depends of the tone of voice, but we will translate it as…) My goodness
And finally… A reveure! = See you later!
May 23rd, 2018
After some years, the Sant Antoni Market opens its doors to the public and it does that on a large scale. One unique opportunity to move beyond the center of Barcelona and surround yourself by its culture.
Photo by Enric https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Enric
In many other mails, we have insisted that, if you are getting to know the city, a visit to the markets of Barcelona is indispensable. Because of its architecture, its traditional products combined with the modern gastronomy of the city, because of the interaction with the local people… But, specially this weekend, the Sant Antoni Market is going to celebrate a great inaugural party, where all the ingredients which we have mentioned before are going to be complemented by sport, musical and dance exhibitions, workshops for kids, poetry, art and culture.
If you are visiting Barcelona and you like cultural immersions, you should not miss this opportunity. Ride a bicycle, for us the best means of transport in the city, which will transport you directly to the activities, through the bike lane of the Compte d’Urgell street -the one that goes through Ronda Sant Antoni, the location of the market, is under construction-.
Barcelona never stops, take advantage of that by bicycle!
May 16, 2018
We love to talk about how useful is going around Barcelona by bicycle, but, what do de know about this incredible and, at the same time, simple means of transport? Here you will find some interesant notes about its history.
Photo by Oberholster Venita
There are many different histories of the bicycle. One source claims that it has a history that goes back about 600 years and is quite different than the bike as we know today. Another day we will speak about the source that claims the history of the bicycle began in 1815 after a large volcano, Mt. Tambora, erupted in present-day Indonesia.
Following we highlight major milestones for the bicycle that show the evolution leading up to the modern bicycle:
1418 – Giovanni Fontana builds the first human-powered land vehicle. It has four wheels and uses a rope connected by gears to the wheels.
1790 – Comte Mede de Sivrac invents the celerifere. It has two wheels and a seat, but no steering or pedals.
1817- Karl Drais invents the steerable “Laufmaschine”.
1866 – James Starley, a British engineer, invents the penny farthing.
1870’s – The unicycle is invented.
1878 – The first portable bike is made by William Grout.
1879 – Henry J. Lawson patents the bicyclette – a rear wheel, chain-driven safety bicycle.
1880’s – The adult tricycle is invented and offers a more dignified alternative to its high-wheeled counterpart.
1885 – John Kemp Starley invents the Rover safety bicycle in England.
1894 – Michael B. Ryan is granted the first patent for a folding bike.
1924- The velocar is invented by Charles Mochet.
1933 – Cruiser bikes are invented and sold by Schwinn.
1979 – Joe Breeze creates the mountain bike.
1989 – The Sanyo Encale electric bike is released with NiCd batteries – a big advancement from lead-acid batteries.
1989 – Michael Kutter develops what is considered to be the first pedelec, an electric bike where pedaling causes the motor to assist the rider.
1991 – The conference bicycle is invented.
I would like to share what Ernest Hemingway said about riding a bicycle.
It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. ― Ernest Hemingway
April 4th, 2018
The 30 days biking challenge, which a lot of us achieved during the month of April, has been a great success. If you don’t believe us, look at this marvelous map which shows you the bike’s circulation in Barcelona during this last month. You are going to be amazed 😉
You can find this map in the Hall City web page, the one which is dedicated to the bicycles, and where they have done an important informative campaign about this event. The fact is that Barcelona is working hard to become a sustainable city, accompanied by the vehicles which have 0 pollution.
The alert levels usually shoot up and to improve in this aspect is a job for every one of us, although, the environment of Barcelona is transforming itself to facilitate safe and pleasant routes. Some examples are the zones of the Parc de la Ciutadella, the Fòrum zone or the bike lane and the 30km/h routes, although, we have had these for a long time. Other examples, which are being key ones, are the extension of the bike lane up to 180km or the new green zones such as the Plaça de les Glòries.
Little by little, bicycles have won their well-earned ground, improving the environment of the city and its surroundings.
April 26th, 2018
These last days in Barcelona, the temperature has increased, so, here you have some tips about how you can take advantage of this moment pedaling a bicycle.
Appetizers, soft-drinks and a bicycle is our recipe for the warm days in Barcelona. Spring always invites us to carry out some activities and Barcelona is full of opportunities for enjoying every minute of a day. Today’s tip is that you should concentrate on the city’s gastronomy.
One referring to the sea and the mountain. There is a great variety of tours in Barcelona, but, if you feel like it, we can start by talking about beaches. An outing by bicycle through the promenade, stopping for a quick dip (this is only for the most courageous), has to be compensated by some tapas (Spanish appetizers) in more than one of the different bars and restaurants of this zone. In addition, by pedaling only 5 minutes, you can go to the center of the city, where you will not be disappointed.
And, from enjoying some fish and shellfish to the “pa amb tomàquet” (bread with tomatoes rubbed on it) with some home-made croquettes, some cold meat, olivada (an olive pure) or whatever you prefer. In Barcelona, the combination of flavors and textures is infinite, because, besides the local gastronomy, a lot of restaurants and bars bet on incorporating products from many other cultures.
So, now you know that, after some important pedaling, you have to recover energy!
And if you need more information, we, Born Bike Tours Barcelona, are going to be glad to help you 😉
April 18th, 2018
This weekend, the 21st and 22nd of April in Barcelona, you shouldn’t miss the great Earth Fair, which is celebrated at the Parc Central de Nou Barris.
Photo by Fran Priestley
In Barcelona, the Earth Day is celebrated with a great street market with handmade, ecological and proximity products and that intends to report the bad behavior of our society with regard to nature.
A nice initiative, isn’t it?
Join it doing something good for environment, such as going to the great street market by the cleanest means of transport: the bicycle. In this way, you will add some more pedaling to the 30 days of biking, which are still active this month of April in Barcelona.
And, if after walking through this street market, you are still interested in something more, on Monday, the 23rd of April, Barcelona will be full of books and roses in order to celebrate the Sant Jordi’s tradition. Again, we insist that you don’t leave your bike at home. With the bicycle you will be able to move around in a comfortable way and you will avoid streets closed to traffic and the mass of people.
Barcelona doesn’t stop, keep its rhythm pedaling!
April 10th, 2018
The “30 Days by Bicycle” challenge is still active in Barcelona, so, here you have some reflections in order to motivate you even more after this first training week.
If you have achieved the first week of pedaling, we are sure that you have seen a lot of the advantages of the bicycle and that you have achieved some of its challenges. Sharing your experiences in the social networks is the key to motivate and help other people. So, don’t stop doing that.
For example, you can talk about how pleasant it is when you arrive at work, or at any other place, after pedaling your bicycle: how you avoid traffic jams, how you enjoy the city environment, how you greet the other cyclists and how you activate your body as soon as you are awake. The physical exercise is a key element for motivation and creativity, we are sure that you have performed even better these working days.
In addition, you can talk about annoying fumes, which come from the other motorized vehicles -not the electrical ones, of course-. Imagine how nice the city could be without all the atmospheric and acoustic pollution.
And yes, you can talk about how you have overcome other things that were not so good, such as the rain of some of these days. We bet that it wasn’t as terrible as you imagined before leaving home. If you have the equipment, you will see that going by bicycle while it is raining is not a problem. In order to reach the step of leaving home, think about the importance of rain for the purpose of dispersing the polluting particles from the air. This always encourages us.
You can achieve the “30 days of biking” challenge. Do that for you and for your city.
March 4th, 2018
Photo by Soroush Karimi
These days, this very special hashtag for us is shared in the social networks, because the pedaling is the best social movement for us, our neighborhoods and our city.
30 days of biking is the best challenge of the year. The 30 days of April pedaling for going from one place to another one in the city, for going to work, taking kids to school, going for errands or, basically, enjoying pedaling through the city. A challenge with which the most part of the participants, who have in the bicycle world, will not be able to ever leave it again.
In addition, we shouldn’t forget to share it in the social networks in order to inspire even the the laziest people to participate. A lot of photos have already been distributed in order to awaken the envy -very healthy in this case- and the motivation of a lot of people.
The 30 days of biking comes with a lot of activities organized by entities and collectives from the city, whereby every one of these is gathered in a specific web page (you can access it right here).
If you are tired of traffic jams and pollution since quite some time ago, this is your opportunity to immerse yourself into the bicycle world and start changing things.
March 27th, 2018
Photo by Mari Carmen Díaz
This Easter Week say goodbye to the umbrella and prepare yourself for a tour through the activities in Barcelona with your bicycle. Here are some suggestions.
Park and garden tour
Barcelona is a beautiful city because of its beaches, its architecture, but, also because of its parks and gardens distributed through different points of the city. One of our favorite parks is the Parc de la Ciutadella. By bicycle or walking, this lovely and immense park, in the center of the city, is one of the most passed through parks.
But, if you feel more courageous, you can go to the Laribal’s Gardens by bicycle, in the district of Sants-Montjuïc, away from the center, but with incredible views.
And, in order to close the triangle, in the other extreme of Barcelona, we have the Horta’s Labyrinth, the oldest park of Barcelona.
One of beaches, please.
Pedaling through the Passeig Maritim, you will enjoy the tranquility of these days at the beach. Although you could think that this is a perfect destination for summer, these days the beach is also beautiful and very, very calm. So, it is one of the best moments to enjoy its breeze.
Gastronomic tour.
From the beach to the center is a nice pedaling experience by bicycle, without hills and full of bars and restaurants where you can rest, refresh yourself and eat some tapas –the typical Spanish appetizers-. But, if we are talking about eating during these days, above all, you shouldn’t miss the famous Easter “mona” cake. Although it is supposed that it has to be a present for our godsons and goddaughters, these cakes are delicious and this is a dessert that we should enjoy.
Haven’t you you decided yet? Come to Born Bike Barcelona Tours, we are going to help you 😉
March 20th, 2018
Photo by Mabel Amber
The beginning of Spring has come accompanied by a cold snap and by a bit of snow. Here we are going to explain how you can manage this situation.
Today, the typical conversation about weather makes sense. From the start of the week the decrease of the temperatures has become noticeable and this Tuesday it has arrived accompanied by a snow alert at minimum levels.
This doesn’t mean that you have to leave your bicycle at home, if you usually use it as your habitual means of transport. With the correct kit, the bicycle will help you to keep yourself warm.
When you dress, you should use the onion trick, which means wearing various layers of clothes. You will start to pedal warm and at the same time that you get warmer, you will be able to remove the different layers of clothes. You should use a neck gaiter to protect your face, the wind is a bit cold.
Wearing waterproof clothes is very important, and this is not only important for protecting your torso; it is also for protecting your legs. Although at this moment it is not raining or snowing, if the streets are dirty, you will avoid mud splashing your clothes.
Finally, make you sure that your bicycle is in a good shape. A professional service is always useful. But, the most important thing is being sure that your chain is clean and lubricated, that the breaks work well and that the wheels are not deflated, because you could have a flat tire.
With these tips you will be able to arrive anywhere and you will avoid the typical traffic jams of these days when everyone takes car.
March 14th, 2018
Photo by Rang Oza
We never stop in Barcelona. This weekend the Pi’s Fiesta, also called Sant Josep Oriol’s fiesta, are going to start. We offer you some information in order to whet your appetite…
This Saturday, the 17th of March, the starting stroke, in this case, to the popular Pi’s Fiesta will take place at the center of Barcelona with a proclamation, sardanes -the traditional Catalan dance- and the popular four original Pi’s Giants dance. You shouldn’t miss that since it is only repeated once a year. Although the celebration beginning will not stop here. During the afternoon it will continue with the castellers and the theatre. And on Sunday, you shouldn’t miss the “Bestieses” event, a very original dance.
This fiesta is celebrated every year around the 23rd of March, with the arrival of the Spring. For this reason, the 22nd, 23rd, 24th and 25th of March are going to be days full of activities for every one and for every age.
The fiesta is a tribute to Sant Josep Oriol, who was born and who lived in the district of Ciutat Vella of Barcelona, during the second half of the XVII century.
If you want to get to know things about this saint, his popular celebration and its traditions, don’t doubt about coming by bicycle and experiencing that personally.
March 7th, 2018
Susan B. Anthony North American suffragist, (1898)
This Thursday, 8th of March in Barcelona we are going to celebrate the International Working Women’s Day and, in the whole of Spain, it is going to be a great feminist strike, which will coincide with a lot of activities in favor of the women’s rights.
If you are in Barcelona this week you should be aware of the fact that it’s not just any week. For the 8th of March of this year 2018 a big women’s strike is planned in the whole State with the claim: “If women stop, the world stops”. The intention is that every working woman, remunerated or not, takes part in the strike to make her work visible, as well as giving importance to the incidence of her work in the society.
The strike will take place in an ambient of celebration. For this reason, a lot of activities will be carried out in the different districts of Barcelona: from breakfast to vermouths, popular lunches, etc. And at 6:30 p.m. the great demonstration, which will start at the crossing of Passeig de Gràcia with Diagonal, and will finish at Plaça Catalunya, where women will read the manifest and where various performances will take place until 10 p.m.
In addition, during this week, various expositions are available at different places of the city.
Get more information and cooperate with this great popular movement in order to enjoy it!
February 20th, 2018
‘Bicia’t’ certifies the ‘bicycle friends’ buildings, which favor the bicycle use among their workers and prepares a recommendation guide.
As we have talked about since quite some time ago, Barcelona is working a lot on the sustainable means of transport matter. And, which is one of its preferences? The bicycle, a means of transport without contaminant emissions, which keeps you fit, which adapts itself to your life and gets you into harmony with the environment of your city.
One of the ways that the City Hall has found to promote this means of transport is through rewarding everyone who works in its same line, with the creation of various grants and promotional programs. In this case, we are going to focus on the Bicia’t program of the City Hall of Barcelona in collaboration with BACC -Bicicleta Club de Catalunya-. If you are used to going to go to work by bicycle, find out about the activities of this program, because it could help to add more work mates to your cause.
With Bicia’t, the City Hall certifies the “bicycle friends” buildings and it recommends a necessary remodeling for achieving the highest emblem. In addition, it promotes the bicycle use with free bicycles for hiring, circulation and mechanical training, organized excursions, parking installations and so on.
¿How many reasons do you need to join this movement? The healthy movement of cycling.
February 13th, 2018
Photo by Di Zhang
There are a lot of reasons for using bicycle as the usual means of transport, but one of the most important ones is the reduction of pollution. And which is the other element that helps to clean the city? The rain.
If we usually take the bicycle to move around Barcelona, it is possible that when you wake up in the morning and you see that it is raining you feel a bit irritated. For this reason, we suggest you to focus on this idea: rain is an indispensable factor to reduce pollution in the city, so don’t consider it your enemy, consider it your ally.
The water from rain cleans and purifies the environment because it drags away the damaging particles. And for everyone who breathes the city air daily this is the key.
The World Health Organization (WHO), in its report WHO, GBoD 2016, estimates that “some 3 million deaths a year are linked to exposure to outdoor air pollution”. This profound exposition to a high level of pollution could cause: an increase of allergy among the population; a development of cardiac illnesses; respiratory diseases, etc.
So, take advantage of every rainy day wearing the suitable bicycle equipment for these days and enjoy this phenomenon, which is very necessary for life.
6th February, 2018
This week from 9th to 12th of February in Barcelona, we are going to celebrate the Great Fiesta of winter, Santa Eulàlia, coinciding with Carnival!
Photo by Ylanite
The streets of the Gòtic neighborhood, in the center of Barcelona, are a monument by themselves that you shouldn’t miss. But, in addition, during the 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th of February the popular festivity of Santa Eulàlia is going to be celebrated, an opportunity which is only repeated once a year. This festivity mixes all the years of history of these streets with a show of popular Catalan culture.
Giants, cabezudos, colles de castellers, sardanes, correfoc… Are the ingredients of this festivity. If you are closer, you don’t have any excuse. This is your chance for blending yourself into the people of Barcelona and share their traditions.
But that’s not all! The 8th of February, also in the center of Barcelona, the Carnival’s king will proclaim the start of his festivity. During a week Barcelona will be full of Catalan egg sausage, parades and sardine’s burial.
The best you can do is forgetting the car or the motorbike for arriving at the activities, this only will cause you a headache, specially if you want to park closer. The best is to bet for the best means of transport: the bicycle.
The best week to take advantage of every one of its days in Barcelona.
30th January 2018
Photo by Zhivko Dimitrov
Ok, no, the European City Challenge is not here yet, this great event is in May but, we have spent 31 days since New Year Eve’s. Have you achieved all your proposals? If your answer is yes, congratulations! And if your answer is no, don’t worry, you still have 11 months for achieving them. We suggest some ideas to you.
For starting, we only want to remind you of the three main questions that you have to raise again: Are your intentions specific enough? Do you have a deadline? And, are these realistic?
We insist on these questions because, for us, they are the key when you want to achieve solid intentions.
We are going to give a random example: “Doing more exercise for keeping us fit and healthy”. It is a great initiative, but is a bit generic and you can achieve it in a lot of different ways. With the first question and basing ourselves on our routines, we can develop different task. For example, going to work by bike, shopping healthier proximity products, and practicing ecotourism pedaling during this summer… easy, right?
Now, consider the next question: do you have a deadline? In this case we have task that we want to apply to our routines so, talking about time, the most important thing is getting us firm doing that during a month. We are sure that if you spend 31 days pedaling through a city like Barcelona for going to work, you will not be able to leave it.
And, finally, are they realistic? If you imagined, when you decided to do more exercise, that you could spend 2 hours in the gym everyday… Well, maybe you will achieve that, or probably, after one week you will miss too many things that you have given up for spending more time in the gym.
We hope that all these tips will help you for achieving your goals or for following them, because reaching the target, in these cases, is a big pleasure.
January 24th, 2018
In 2015, the City Hall of Barcelona promised us 308km of bike lane, nowadays the city has 184km and, although the final goal for the end of the year is lower than the first one -233 of 308km-, the 89% of the citizens of Barcelona already have a bike lane at a maximum of 300 meters from their homes.
The City Hall of Barcelona can already boast that in the last two years they have extended the cyclist infrastructure of the city, also improving the security. And this is something very important to promote the use of ecological and alternative means of transport such as the bicycle.
We have already noted this promotion because, according to the information of the City Hall, between 2015 and 2016 the average of urban cyclists increased by 14%.
The fact that the City Hall continues betting on bicycles is something we all have to work for. Going to work by bike means a healthy routine, getting fit and an ecological benefit for the whole environment of the city.
We cannot feel happiest seeing that every day Barcelona is closer of being a big net for bikes 🙂
January 16th, 2018
This week, we have wake up with this marvelous mail’s blog from Silver Stories, by Caroline, where she explains its riding by bike through Barcelona together with Born Bike Tours Barcelona.
Photo by Judit Aranda
Before start a trip, long or short, it is essential to inform us about which kind of things are we going to find in our destination. This information that we used to find in guidebooks, now, we can also find it in an unlimited number of blogs, where people show their own experiences while they were traveling.
Just as when you visit a specialized bookstore looking for the guidebook which show you all the things in the littlest possible space, which has been actualized during the last year and which allows you to move as a local when you arrive at the city, more and more, people look for this specialization in a blog. Recently blog entries, updates and the experience of the person who has written it are the elements which give us the confidence to accept their tips and write it down in our trip’s notebook.
This is something that we find in blogs, as Silver Stories, where you quickly see that Caroline has a great experience traveling and, in addition, she loves it.
Always is a pleasure to meet people like she, for this reason we love our job.
January 10th, 2018
Photo by Engin Akyurt
If, some days ago, we were elaborating a never-ending good intentions list for the new year, surely, with the return to the routine, this list becomes a hill. But don’t give up hope, here you have some tips, in order to don’t throw in the towel.
Achieve our good intentions list is not an easy work. We want to formulate 3 questions, which will help you to reach your goals.
Are your intentions specific enough?
Preparing another sublist with the specific and definite tasks, which we have to achieve in order to reach our goals, will help us to see our way easily.
Do you have deadline?
365 days are a too many days. If we delimit a clear date to every one of our task in our new calendar, we will be able to review all our progresses.
Are these intentions realistic?
The goals, the task and the deadline. Only us are conscious about our limits, but sometimes we err being too much optimistic. If you demand too much of yourself, it is possible that you feel overwhelmed, so, if you have too many intentions, leave some of them for the next year, you have all life for doing that!
Some of the intentions that we think you cannot miss in your list for this new year are:
For this new year, we wish that you achieve all the goals that you have decided.
January 3rd, 2018
After Christmas Day and the New Year’s Eve, there is another important moment of these days: the arriving of the Three Wise Men. What are you going to wish for? We will explain how to contact with them here.
If you are one of the persons who has been doing things in an unlimited way these last days –eating non stop, visiting your family and playing games with the kids-, surely, the first thing you will wish for is some outdoor activities.
These days Barcelona is full of activities referring to the Three Wise Men, because the people can walk through its streets and enjoy the last days of Christmas. The Three Kings’ toy factory will be active until the 4th of January at the “Fabra i Coats – Fàbrica de Creació” facilities. Do you know anything about this place? It is a spectacular industrial building in the district of Sant Andreu, which has been remodeled to become a place full of activities, where different businesses and projects live together. Take advantage of this event to leave the center and discover a bit more of this city. In addition, you will enjoy a tour full of magic and you will see how the letters to the Three Wise Men are transformed into presents.
You can also deliver your wish list to the helpers of the Three Wise Men, Estel and Omar, who are at Plaça Catalunya from Tuesday to Thursday, in order to assist the Three Wise Men with their work.
And, certainly, you shouldn’t miss the Three Wise Men’s parade of the 5th o January, which will start at 6 p.m. You can follow the planned trajectory or you can wait for their arrival at one of these points:
6 p.m. Av. Marquès de l’Argentera
6.10 p.m. Pla de Palau
6.25 p.m. Via Laietana
7 p.m. Pl. Urquinaona
7.05 p.m. Fontanella
7.10 p.m. Pl. Catalunya
7.25 p.m. Pl. Universitat
7.35 p.m. Rda. Sant Antoni
7.45 p.m. Sepúlveda
8.25 p.m. Paral·lel
8.35 p.m Pl. Espanya
8.45 p.m Av. Reina Maria Cristina
Remember to include non-sexist presents in your list, for example… a bicycle 😉
20 de desembre de 2017
The end of the year is closer and with that our reflections about Christmas in Barcelona, pedaling our bicycles, increase.
You can contact with the Three Wise Man by email. Girls can order race cars and boys can order kids’ play kitchens. An original present is the one which is related to sustainability, education… There are a lot of examples about what we can find nowadays at Christmas, which shows that we are making progresses for a more equal and sustainable future.
In Barcelona, we are maintaining the tradition, but we also make aware about that, because this is not based on consumerism nor discrimination. So, in order to don’t miss this tradition, it is important to maintain the basic values, either at Christmas, at Carnival or Halloween.
So, we couldn’t avoid to do that, we have related a good Christmas with a bicycle.
The bicycle is for everyone, without regard gender or economic level, because we can find it with a very affordable price. It can be adapted to any situation easily. It is completely sustainable, it doesn’t contaminate or waste. And the energy that moves it is ourselves.
If you are agreed with these values, make the exercise of comparing your Christmas with your bicycle, what else do you want for your celebrations?
December 14th, 2017
As every year, during these days, Barcelona is full of Christmas activities for everybody. One of the most important ones is the Christmas streets markets for their tradition, culture, proximity and sustainability. Discover the most popular ones and the alternatives too.
If during these days you are in Barcelona, you shouldn’t miss these Christmas streets markets:
Santa Llúcia Market
One of the most important markets. Situated at the Catedral Avenue, this market, with a religious tradition, is where you will find all kinds of Christmas products, in addition to the Christmas trees and different gastronomic products.
Sagrada Família Christmas’s Market
With an enviable view towards the Sagrada Família, this market has all the traditional products of Christmas. So, you shouldn’t miss it!
III Market of Responsible Consumption and Social and Solidary Economy
Younger than the other two markets, this one has the innovative element of responsible consumption and social and solidary economy. If during Christmas we feel the solidary spirit, it doesn’t necessarily wake up every time we buy our presents. So, you know, go to the Plaça Catalunya and get new ideas and enjoy the other activities organized at this place.
Lost & Found Market
And within our selection of alternative markets, we want to highlight this second hand one. Situated at the Estació de França, this is one of the shortest lasting ones, because it is only celebrated the 16th and the 17th of December. You shouldn’t miss this opportunity because it’s absolutely certain that you will find a good and original present here.
December 6th, 2017
Photo by Karen Arnold
Cities like Barcelona allow us to experience a very active life but, sometimes, all this activity could be absorbing. Don’t stay on the sofa when it happens. What is the best you can do? Take care of your body and your mind.
Some weeks can be complicated and the rhythm can be wild. If, with this situation, we add other realities, which are out of our control, and the fact that Christmas is very close… The sensation of being about to explode and give up could seem the best option.
Instead of doing that, we advise you to redistribute your time and find some spare time to take care of yourself. As we always say, taking the bicycle to your work gives you some peaceful minutes. No traffic jams, no bad news… only the morning breeze in your faces and the natural warmth of your bodies.
The exercise will be amazing for your mental health, but for getting the most out of it, a balanced diet and a good hydration is also very important. Almost everybody abuses in the case of coffee and the restaurant menus during the stressful days. Controlling what we eat preparing our lunch box or ordering the healthiest menu give us control over ourselves, something very necessary, which make us feel better. This is a gesture that we make for ourselves and for no one else and, in addition, it will give us the energy for finishing all the daily challenges, which will make us feel better at the end of the day.
Don’t allow the stress to dominate you, make it succumb by taking care of yourself!
November 28th, 2017
Shahariar Lenin
It is normal that, during these dates, we relate the bike routes with the forests and mountains. Although, we love to remember that, during November and December, beaches, less visited than during summer, are the perfect option to ride our bike and find a bit of calm.
Barcelona, as we like to remember, is a sea and mountain city. Just riding your bicycle, you can go from Montjuïc -and its amazing views- to the beach in an easy way.
Why don’t do that during winter?
If during summer the beaches of Barcelona are the meeting point of millions of tourists who visit the city, during November and December months, this coming and going of people becomes calm and tranquility for all the people who dare to go there. The bike lane, parallel to the promenade, goes through all the beaches of the city, a fact that become itself in a perfect route to enjoy the landscape and the sea breeze. We can pedal during a long time since we decide to stop and rest. Then, we can lie down on the sand -of course, remember to take something to wrap you up warm- and focus yourself in the swell sound.
¿Haven’t you feel like to experience something like this? For us, who are very close to the beaches, this is the best you can do for relaxing yourself and disconnect from the frenetic rhythm of these days.
November 21st, 2017
This year, 2017, the Christmas lights take on a new meaning. The City Hall of Barcelona has decided that this illumination will start on the 23rd of November at 7 p.m. in a very specific place, La Rambla de Santa Mònica.
Photo by Rang Oza
If, until now, the Christmas lights disguised the beginning of the campaign of these dates, this time, they will be used in order to pay tribute to the victims of the 17th of August attack. In addition, they pretend to pay homage to the Rambla’s shopkeepers in gratitude for their responses and for their generosity.
For this reason, this year, the illumination will include the dove of peace, symbolizing what represents the day of the attack and the next days, when the people of Barcelona and a lot of other people return to open the Ramblas with the motto of “No tenim por” -We are not afraid-.
Remember, if you want to participate in this act of solidarity, go to the Rambla Santa Mònica on the 23rd of November at 7 p.m.
November 14th, 2017
This week the cold weather of Barcelona has inspired us to remember some tips for keeping on pedaling also during the winter.
Photo by Ben Kerckx
From one week ago, in Barcelona, we have observed a significant descend of the temperatures, although the weather of this city uses to be between comfortable limits.
In any case, if we want to keep us pedaling during winter, to focus us in our clothes in order to avoid unnecessary colds is very important. In spite of the fact that when we do exercise we use to warm up quickly, so as to avoid the drastic changes, it is important to use tight clothes which could be made of cotton or some other material which should be breathable and comfortable. Over these clothes, in order to avoid the wind and, if it is necessary, the rain, we suggest you to use a coat made of nylon. If we wear various clothe layers, we can adapt our clothing to the corporal temperature during our trip.
Other important part of the body, which we should keep in mind, are the hands. A pair of gloves will be perfect for avoiding that the cold chaps our skin. It is also important to keep our feet warm, so the best we can do is to use warm and comfortable socks.
For your head, if you use to wear a helmet, which is the most recommendable, you will not suffer for it.
In spite of been winter, you should remember that being hydrated by drinking water is very important.
And, at last but not least, remember the front and the back lights. In Barcelona, they are obligatory, specially, during winter, because it gets dark early and they are essentials for your security.
Don’t be stopped by anything ¡Keep on pedaling!
November 10th, 2017
Photo by Iris von Lienen
Barcelona, in spite of being a big city and for this reason extremely edified, it also has some important natural places which allow us to disconnect from the frenetic madness of the city during some hours. Discover which these zones are and go to there by bicycle.
The parks and the gardens
There are for everyone’s tastes. For us, the best park is the Parc de la Ciutadella, where you can pedal on your bike or take a walk. Although this is a very frequented track, due to the fact that is a centric place and within it you can find the Parlament de Catalunya.
For this reason, if you are interested in some more tranquility, you can go pedaling to other proposals: the Laribal’s Gardens. These gardens are situated in the district of Sants-Munjuïc, further away from center, but with a perfect access by bicycle. The park is composed of various terraces that communicate through pathways and stairs, which are flooded over by the vegetation which will allow us to breathe in a little bit of peace. If you go there, please don’t miss the famous Font del Gat and discover its legend if you haven’t done it yet.
In practically the other extreme of Barcelona, we have the Horta’s Labyrinth. If the stress doesn’t allow you to think, lose yourself within the knowledge of the oldest park of Barcelona. Sometimes, disconnecting is the best way of looking for answers.
The Natural Park of Collserola
For the most courageous cyclists, the natural park of Collserola, which protects Barcelona, could be the best option. Take the whole day to pedal through this mountain. In order to take a break. You can use its picnic zones to eat something and, in general, enjoy this jewel so close to your home.
*Remember: please take care of the environment and ride the bicycle only within the indicated zones. We are not the only ones who need these places to disconnect. We hope the next person finds the park in the same or in a better condition.
October 24th, 2017
Although the popular party is going to be celebrated at All Saints’ Day, the 1st of November, during this week, we will be able to enjoy some of the activities which will be celebrated on the occasion of this festivity. And the most important, we can stuff ourselves with chestnuts and “panellets”.
Maybe some people don’t know it yet, but the chestnuts, the fruit of the chestnut tree, are very typical in Catalonia, in special during their harvest season, which coincides with October and the beginnings of November. For this reason, in the middle of some streets, we can find the typical stand with the “castanyera” (the person who sells chestnuts), roasting chestnuts and selling them in a cone, made by a sheet of newspaper, and accompanied by roasted sweet potatoes. And, as far as we are concerned, at home, we have never achieved ones as good as the ones we bought in these stands.
On the other hand, these days, the “panellets” are also very typical. They are little cakes, make by a sweet dough, which contains: sugar, ground raw almond, egg and potato or sweet potato. There are the chocolate ones, the coconut, the candied fruit and, for us the best ones: the pine nut ones.
If these days you are in Barcelona, you can enjoy all the organized activities and taste some of these culinary delicacies. And, then? Going to pedal in order to burn all these sweets and being able to repeat 😉
October 17th, 2017
These autumn months haven’t been so wet as always and, although some people appreciate the convenience that this means when you have to take the bike, we need to be aware about the importance of the rain in the city.
Photo by Liv Bruce
Rain is an indispensable element for life and, specially, in the city, this is a key element for cleaning the accumulated pollution. If you are a person who pedals through the streets of Barcelona daily, breathing a clean atmosphere is very important for you. So, when the autumn rain will arrive, the best we can do is waiting for them with excitement and ready.
Remember wearing the appropriate equipment, waterproof clothes, a footwear which resists rain without problems and all the elements which make you being more visible, especially for the motor vehicles: reflective clothes, the front and the back bicycle lights. A back mudguard will avoid you to arrive at your destiny with your back full of mud.
Get your bicycle ready, you can help to improve adhesion on the road by reducing the tire pressure (a little bit! If not, you will be in danger of getting a flat tire) and be sure that the treads of your tires are well marked. It is also important to maintain the chain clean and lubricated. And, specially (with or without rain), check if your brakes respond quickly.
The rainy days are perfect to show our skills with the bicycle. We are talking about reinforcing your concentration on the road. Brake before a curve and take it slowly. Keep a safety distance with regard to the other vehicles; avoid puddles, marks painted on the road and the multicolour marks that appear on the road (they are car oil).
With these preventive measures you will arrive dry and happy to your destination 😉
October 10th, 2017
Fotografia de David Marcu – Fuente: Unsplash
Wake up, have a quick breakfast, take the car, wait in the traffic jam, sit in your chair and work, take the car, wait in the traffic jam… go to sleep. Wake up, have a quick breakfast, take the car, wait in the traffic jam, sit in your chair and work, take the car, wait in the traffic jam… go to sleep.
Every now and then, we like to remind you that sometimes our society pushes us towards an unhealthy routine, which is not good for our physical, mental and atmospheric health.
If you break with just one of the elements of this routine, and, of course, it cannot be one of the basic needs, you can achieve great changes in your life. For example, what could we change if we took the bicycle instead of the car?
“You wake up, you dress, you have breakfast and… you take your bicycle; you enjoy the fresh air of the morning and the first sleepy faces; your muscles become more active in the same way that your mind does. And when you get to work you park just in the entrance. You sit in your chair at your desk, but this time you are ready for the next 8 hours”.
We wrote this 2 years ago, and since then, things have changed. Maybe you are one of the nice people who has changed his routine, improving your life and the life of the other people. Or, maybe, you are one of the indecisive person who has seen the creation of a new bike line near your house and now you are contemplating whether or not to go to your work pedaling.
Try it. We are sure that with one week of going to work by bike, you will not be able to return to the old routine.
October 5th, 2017
Among all the events which are taking place these last days in the city, we shouldn’t forget the importance of the bicycle and all the mobilization that goes with it. For this reason, we shouldn’t miss this festival.
Have you thought about disconnecting these next days? The best cultural suggestion that we have found is this festival about cyclist cinema in Barcelona, which will be celebrated from the 5th to the 8th of October.
This is not only an exposition and a competition of films, this is also a variety of activities for adults and children, which will induce us much more in this cultural space dedicated to the bicycle.
Discover unique cinematographic works with one common element: the bicycle. Connects with this style of life on another level. It will be one of the best trips that you will take with this vehicle.
September 27th, 2017
The new season has been a cause of reflection, because we love riding a bike in Barcelona and here you have some of the reasons
Every season is good
We love summer. Tourism, vacation, beach, tapas… During autumn the sweat is finished, the mountain is really beautiful and we again start with renovated energies. Winter, Christmas holidays, weekend breaks with a bike, the opportunity of getting to know closer places, the warm food after a nice day pedaling… And again spring, discovering gardens and tracks which are blooming, with a scented air that fill our lungs when we are doing exercise.
We improve the good vibes in our city
Mark physical challenges, although they can so easy as going to work by bike, will improve our creativity and productivity when we were working. “Mens sana in corpore sano” -healthy mind in a healthy body-. How couldn’t we feel better, with ourselves and with the other people, after this personal growth?
We improve the environment in Barcelona
For each person added to the pedaling, one exhaust pipe less.
If you are not already decided to pedal through Barcelona, try it, you will not be able to leave it! 😊
September 19th, 2017
This week is the #MobilityWeek in terms of sustainability. If we combine that with the beginning of the celebration of “La Mercè”, this Friday, the 22nd, coinciding with the Day Without Cars in Barcelona, the plan cannot be better.
Photo by Feradz
Are you ready to pedal? This week you don’t have any excuse. Keep yourself fit these days, because on Friday you will not be able to avoid enjoying this great city breathing the clean air, which is not going to be contaminated by the private vehicles.
The 22nd of September of 2017 will be a great day, because it will coincide with the day without cars and the beginning of the great fiesta of “La Mercè”. So, you will be able to enjoy all the organized activities during the day and the macro-concerts at night, riding around with your bike.
And the rest of the day? Pay attention to us… don’t stop riding a bike. The streets of the center, narrow and busy enough in themselves, can be worse during the fiesta. In order to move around, the best vehicle will be the bicycle, it will give you flexibility when you are pedaling through the streets and when you need to park it. Because, although there will be activities all around the city, the streets of the center are the place where the big cultural events will be concentrated: castellers, giants, trabucaires and so on.
Enjoy the fiesta, pedaling!
September 12th, 2017
Next week we are going to embark on many activities and events, before we would like to remind you of some basic safety tips when using a bicycle
Photography by Alejandro Lopez
Wear a Helmet
Only in the U.S. more than 6,000 cyclists need emergency care for head injuries each year. Choose a well-fitting helmet.
Start Slowly
A good training could be only to pedal about 30 minutes on flat terrain during the first three or four weeks.
Dress for Comfort
Choose comfortable clothes.
Go Bright When there is only Low Light 😉
Try not to ride at night, but if necessary, make use of the lights.
Always Use Good Road Sense
Respect all traffic signs and norms. It’s well worth while for everyone.
Be Traffic-Aware
If there is heavy traffic, ride in the lane with the cars, not to the side.
Use your Brakes Adequately
For optimal pressure, put your hands at the ends of the levers. Apply firm pressure to the brakes.
Get In Gear
Try not to pedal in high gear during long periods to avoid pressure on your knees.
Taking these simple tips into account, you’ll get more enjoyment out of biking!
September 04th, 2017
Holidays are finished but, for sure, more than one person feels like having a rest, returning to his/her routine with recharged batteries and with the fresh air of September. In addition, we always have the weekend plans!
Photo by Alisa Anton on Unsplash
During September, the tourism period becomes more relaxed. Although the warm weather continues during this month, it is not that intense anymore. And the routine, sometimes, results in a relaxing time after having had intense trips. So, September, welcome to our life.
With the return to work, you can also return to the weekend plans, more relaxed and nearer by. And if you have followed our tips and you have taken advantage of bike as a means of transport, you cannot miss all you have achieved and learned. Enjoy your city and #GoToWorkByBike –with this hashtag you will find a lot of motivation in the social networks- and during the weekend look for the places that you have yet not gotten to know in your city and organize a bike tour with your friends.
Sport activates the mind and the motivation, new challenges and objectives, such as the ones we have recommended, will avoid your thinking about any post-vacation depression 😉
August 15th, 2017
Another year, TripAdvisor has awarded us with the Certificate of Excellence in its social network thanks to the score and the flattering comments that you have given us.
Ernest, the Gaudí of the guides
Revolutionary, genius and fantastic are the adjectives which we use to make reference to the master Gaudí.
The paradox arrives when the very one guide seems an incarnation of the character. A man out of the boring rationalism which other guides use to offer, without falling into the lack of precision with the datum and showing a great passion for the profession.
An artisan of his work.
This has been the best way of discovering this curious city.
Thanks Ernest.
Signed by Los cuatro Gallegos
Although it could seem that we have had looked for the best comment in a very long list, this is the last comment that we received in our Spanish page of TripAdvisor. The poet is Alejandro and we cannot stop thanking him and all the other people who have participated in our project during this last year, because, although it sounds typical, they are the ones who have achieved that we enjoyed this last year so much.
With this kind of presents, we feel like keeping pedaling more than ever!
August 8th, 2017
If you like getting to know the popular culture of the places where you travel, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity of enjoying the great fiesta of the district of Gràcia, which will be celebrated from the 15th to the 21st of August.
Every year we dedicate a mail about this very special fiesta and this year we cannot fail because it is going to celebrate its 200 anniversary and nobody looks better at this age. Although, the fiesta starts some days away, you can see some neighbors preparing the details which will dress the streets of different themes for the annual competition. You can feel the festivity in the ambient.
If you are in Barcelona from the 15th to the 21st you shouldn’t miss the activities which will be celebrated during the day nor the concerts of the night. You will enjoy the popular culture very near: sardanes, castellers, giants…
For sure, you will find all the streets closed to the traffic, so the best you can do is get there by bike, you will arrive more away and you will not find problems to park 😉.
If you are not here during these dates, don’t worry, you will have another opportunity the next week with the great fiesta of Sants.
August 1st, 2017
Among the notes of the trip, remember the keys of the ecotourism is nice in order to achieve that our footprint is always positive in the different places of the world.
Summarized in the 8 points presented by the International Ecotourism Society, these are the keys which we should follow during our holidays:
Obviously, at this point we cannot stop insisting on the kind of means of transport that we use. We, of course, prefer the quick, efficient and non-contamination bicycle, always knowing and respecting (the) each city‘s regulations.
And an interesting way to do that is moving around the city to the maximum in order to get to know its history, its art and its culture, in addition to its surroundings, especially if they are a source of nature and always leaving a minimum physical trace of our visit.
Knowing local people and sharing experiences with them will always make our trip so much richer. In order to do that, it is usually enough to be respectful and friendly.
Collaborating, as far as possible, with these places which we love to visit.
To go and use local shops and services will get us closer to the people of the place and to the way that they live together. So, why do we have to go to the same shops, which, surely, are also in our city?
The present context will indicate much about the place and the people that we are getting to know.
Something so basic that we surely will always intend to comply with it in our daily life.
Something so basic that we surely will always intend to comply with it in our daily life.
July 25th, 2017
Fiestas, gastronomy and architecture are the three keys that will help you to enjoy Barcelona as though you had lived here all your life.
Barcelona keeps its high level of activities during the whole year, but, during summer, coinciding with the fiestas of some of its districts is much easier.
During these fiestas, all families in the neighborhood work in the organization and in the celebration. For this reason, if you are looking for typical elements of the popular Catalan culture -sardanes, grallers, giants, music…-, in these fiestas, you will find them.
During the next weeks we will announce them.
Gastronomy is another one of the essentials keys, in order to get to know the culture and, in addition, this is one of the best pleasures which we can access easily. In Barcelona, walking through the narrow streets in the center, at the Gòtic or the Born, at the port or, even, in other neighborhoods like Gracia or Sants-full of pedestrian streets and squares- we will be surrounded by restaurants and bars, where we will be able to eat some tapas -Spanish appetizers.
Finally, architecture, the one which we can find walking at the street level, is the key that has converted Barcelona into the most important modernist city. You shouldn’t miss that.
The best of all of this is that you can achieve all these key points while you are riding your bike placidly around the city.
July 11th, 2017
Barcelona is a city with a Mediterranean weather, which means that its temperatures are not extreme, on the contrary, are perfect for moving around pedaling. Even so, during summer, the best we can do is ride the bike close to its beaches, just in cas the warm weather gets too hot and we need a swim.
During summer, in Barcelona, the temperatures can exceed 30ºC. For this reason, our tip is to keep yourselves hydrated at every moment and to look for fresh places. And, which is the best way of refreshing ourselves than with the fresh water of the beaches?
The different beaches of Barcelona are perfectly connected, and to ride from one to another by bicycle is very easy and safe. With a tour through the beaches you will be able to enjoy the sea breeze and stop to cool yourselves off whenever you want, because you will be able to park your bike easily.
In addition, this zone is full of bars and restaurants, where you can stop for drinking a beer -remember that a bicycle is also a means of transport, so it is better to drink in a moderate and responsible way- with its corresponding tapa -Spanish appetizers-. For making the best choice, let yourself be guided through the different aromas.
Without a doubt, for us, this is the best way to enjoy the summer holidays.
July 4th, 2017
In our opinion, this is the number 1: Parc de la Ciutadella. Why? Because it has a perfect access for bicycles and converts it into one of our favorites places in Barcelona. More than 17 hectares where you can walk, ride, look it over, stop to rest and, even do some rowing, because the park has a little lake.
Although, if you really want to get away from the city, there are two parks, which are very special for us. On the one hand, we have the Laribal’s Gardens, situated in the district of Sants-Montjuïc. We can get there on bicycle, even though, we will have to park it at the entrance. There, we will be able to enjoy the great vegetation and the different ponds and waterfalls. In addition, we shouldn’t miss the famous Font del Gat (The Cat Fountain) and getting to know its legend. And, on the other hand, we have the Horta’s Labyrinth in the district of Horta-Guinardó. This is the oldest park of the city, but it preserves a great beauty in its vegetation, streams and statues of mythological characters.
Soon, the city will have a new green lung in Glòries. The City Hall of Barcelona has already presented the project of a great park which will give life to this end, which, until now, has been a grey point in the city.
June 27th, 2017
Sports, the reduction of the pollution in our city or the simple and marvelous fresh air on our faces are the reasons that push us to take the bicycle during our daily life. Why are we going to leave it at home during the holidays?
The daily pedaling is one of the best habits that we can achieve, something that the grumpiest people, with regard to the bicycle, cannot deny. Giving it up during the summer months is one of the worst errors that we can commit, especially, because, in the new cities, it is also very beneficial.
Getting to know new corners at the street-level, pedaling together with local people, parking anywhere we prefer, these are the pleasures that we can only achieve by one special means of transport: the bike.
Haven’t you tried it yet?
So, write down in capital letters in your good intentions’ notebook: TURNING THE BICYCLE INTO THE BEST MEANS OF SUMMER TRANSPORT. If you achieve this challenge, you will not be able to stop pedaling during the whole year!
June 6th, 2017
This 2017 has been declared International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development by the United Nations.
Photo by Homestage Multimedia
Although in Barcelona we have noticed the warm weather of summer, this season hasn’t arrived officially until this week and with it the holidays of some people are going to start.
The United Nations has declared this 2017 the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. So if we are planning a trip it will be nice to be on the ecotourism plan, following the guidelines which have been reminded by this international institution: “The declaration by the UN of 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development is a unique opportunity to advance the contribution of the tourism sector to the three pillars of sustainability – economic, social and environmental -, while raising awareness of the true dimensions of a sector which is often undervalued” said World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai.
Generate wealth during our trips and don’t destroy a place where people welcome us is a responsibility of every one of us. The best experiences are experienced through the streets join with the local people who share their culture.
June 13th, 2017
Such as we have previously announced, Barcelona has decided to bet on the bicycle as the future vehicle. For this reason, there is an effort to improve the traffic safety that is relative to this means of transport. One of the improvements is the one related to the extension and the updating of the bike lane in Barcelona.
If you are thinking about spending a few days in the city, obviously, we advise you to use the bicycle. It is quick, easy for parking and it allows you to enjoy the city at the same time you are moving around. In addition, you will help to improve the pollution levels in the city, a very nice touch for people who live in the city and welcome you to it.
You can prepare different routes for all the days. In order to do it in a safe way, have a look at the updated bike lane map. You will quickly realize that almost no corner is out of range of being visited by bike.
¡Barcelona is almost ready to welcome, in a safe way, all the urban cyclists of the whole world!
June 6th, 2017
This Sunday, the 11th of June, the Bicycle Fiesta will be celebrated in Barcelona with a pedaling from the center of Barcelona, crossing Sants-Montjuïc and the port, to Poble Nou.
If you would like participating in this event, at 9.30 a.m. you should be all ready at Aragó with Roger de Flor street. From this point, you will circulate to the Tarragona Street. From there you will go down to the Espanya Square, and then from Avinguda Paral·lel to Floridablanca Street, until arriving at the center. Although the route won’t finish there, but rather, it will continue to Marina, at this point , you will go down to the sea and then up for going to ride through some streets of Poble Nou. The tour will be finished at the Passeig Lluís Companys, to end up where the great Bicycle Fiesta will take place.
Totally, 12km of enjoyment. So, take a bike and don’t miss this opportunity!
May 25th, 2017
Before 2020, the Catalan government will have invested between 20 and 40 millions of euros to improve and increase the bike lane in Catalonia, it was announced in this way by Josep Rull, minister of Territory and Sustainability of the Generalitat de Catalunya. Next October, the local help call will be opened for City Halls, regional councils, etc.
These investments are within the growth of the habitual cycle users who have exceeded all expectations. According to the Institut Opinòmetre’s survey, requested by the Department of Territory and Sustainability of the Generalitat, a total of 190,000 people have changed the car or motorbike for the bicycle.
A series of numbers which don’t stop indicating that the bicycle is here to stay. Citizens are already making the first effort of the change and, it seems that institutions are also getting moving in order to achieve that this transition becomes safer for all the users.
We cannot stop imagining a future where the streets of Barcelona, including the Eixample, are clean and tranquil passages where we can circulate with our favorite means of transport. And it seems that this idea is getting closer!
May 16th, 2017
Photo by Javier Lastras
Barcelona gathers the most traditional food of the Catalan cuisine. The major part of the bars of Barcelona have menu which combines sea and mountain foods perfectly.
In order to get familiar with a city, its people and its culture, getting close to the bars and restaurants which offer us the popular gastronomy of the place is essential.
Barcelona is not different in this aspect, and all its tapas (Spanish appetizers) and menus are characterized by their perfect mixture of sea and mountain. So, in this case, bars, restaurants and markets are an obligatory visit.
You cannot only eat the “pa amb tomàquet” (tomato rubbed on bread). In spite of being one of the best inventions of our gastronomy, you shouldn’t miss combining it with some cold meat (fuet, llonganissa, cheese, ham…) or with fried squid or with some “seitons” (anchovies) in vinegar.
When you choose the menu, you should be guided by the seasonal food. During winter, you will be grateful for a good stew, a Catalan “escudella” or a fricassee. At the beginning of spring it should be some “calçots” with romesco sauce. During summer the “coca catalana” (Catalan tart) or the “escalivada” with cheese will help you renew energy. For autumn, a soupy rice with mushrooms. And the jack of all trades during the whole year is the Catalan sausage with beans.
Obviously, to base the typical Catalan gastronomy only on these dishes is miscalculate the Catalan food, but a list with all the typical Catalan dishes won’t fit into only one blog post. So, you should get a good gastronomic guide which will help you not to miss any of the delicious morsels that Barcelona offers.
