Barcelona is well known for its beaches, shopping streets such as Passeig de Grácia and Les Ramblas, and breathtaking architecture. Whatever the season, the city welcomes visitors from all over the world. But beyond the well-known tourist attractions such as Casa Battló, La Pedrera and La Sagrada Familia, the city has many hidden treasures, secret places and little-known districts that often escape conventional itineraries. So if you want to get out and about in Barcelona, but want to discover some lesser-known places, Born Bike Tours Barcelona has put together a short list of hidden places that are completely accessible by bike! In this article, we take you away from the crowds, where the city’s authentic charm is fully revealed. Get ready to pedal through picturesque alleyways, quiet parks and unusual places that will show you Barcelona in a whole new light.
1- La Casa Vicens
This was Gaudí’s first house. Although it is less well known than La Pedrera or Casa Batlló, it is no less impressive. Located at the top of the city, you can combine your visit with one to Parc Güell. Built in the 1880s, this house with its red, white and blue exterior is a perfect reflection of Gaudí’s love of nature. Thanks to a free audio guide provided by the Casa Vicens, you can discover the architect’s way of bringing Nature inside the walls. The iron spider’s web used as a drip system, the ceramic ivy climbing up the walls, the paintings of birds giving the impression of an open sky (it’s almost like being in the Sistine Chapel), all offer a break from time and the hustle and bustle of the city. A little extra: the roof offers a magnificent view of Barcelona!
Cycling time from Born Bike Tours Barcelona: 17 minutes
Places of interest accessible by bike nearby (sporting) : Parc Güell, Tibidabo
2- Els Quatre Gats
Why put a bar on a list of unusual places to visit? Because Els Quatre Gats is more than just a bar. It was the place where Pablo Picasso and his modernist artist friends liked to meet. It was here that Picasso first exhibited his work. Drinking a coffee in this bar has a special flavour, like a taste of going back in time and imagining the discussions of these world-famous artists who started out at the Llotja School of Fine Arts in Barcelona.
Cycling time from Born Bike Tours Barcelona: 7 minutes
Places of interest accessible by bike nearby: Barcelona Cathedral, Plaça Catalunya, Joan Fontcuberta’s Kiss of Freedom, Palau de la Música Catalana
3- El Palo Alto
If you’re planning a trip to Barcelona, you’ve probably heard of the Boquería Market on Las Ramblas, but if you’re reading this article, you’re looking for alternative, less crowded places, so we suggest the Palo Alto Market. Held once or twice a month, it’s worth checking the dates of events. This lesser-known market offers food, craft and fashion stalls, showcasing new designers. It’s a place where you can discover innovations from the artistic, cultural, social and environmental worlds.
Cycling time from Born Bike Tours Barcelona: 13 minutes via the parks and the Olympic city / 15 minutes via Barcelona’s beaches
Places of interest accessible by bike nearby: Forum Park
4- Jardíns de les Tres Xemeneies
Are you a fan of street art and city stadiums? Then we’ve got just the place for you! The Three Chimneys Garden used to be an industrial site. When the industry came to a halt, the three chimneys were left standing and the city decided to turn the site into a dedicated street art area. Here, you’ll never see the same tags twice – they’re constantly being covered by new ones, making the place an open-air gallery!
Cycling time from Born Bike Tours Barcelona: 8 minutes
Places of interest accessible by bike nearby: Monument Columbus, la Cara de Barcelona, las Ramblas
5- The Poblenou cemetery
If visiting a cemetery has never been on your list of things to do on holiday, then now is the time to discover this unusual place. The Poblenou cemetery was built in 1775 by Antonio Ginesi and rebuilt after its destruction in 1819. So far you might think it’s a normal cemetery, but the tombs are real works of art, with statues several metres high that make the place famous. Still not convinced to take a tour? We’ll show you the kind of sculpture you’ll be able to see!
Cycling time from Born Bike Tours Barcelona: 9 minutes
Places of interest accessible by bike nearby: Rambla del Poblenou, El Tío Che (for gourmets)
6- Palau de la Música Catalana
Located in the Gothic Quarter, the Palau de la Música Catalana is set in a narrow street where you’d never think an impressive building was lurking. Once you’re in front of the main entrance, you’ll be overwhelmed by the building’s architecture, both inside and out, its statues and sculptures and its colours.
Cycling time from Born Bike Tours Barcelona: 5 minutes
Places of interest accessible by bike nearby: Els Quatre Gats, Holy Cross Cathedral, Front of the Ohla Hotel
7- Hotel Ohla Barcelona
The whole of this 5-star hotel is based on art, but the façade, designed by a Catalan artist, is astonishing. The hotel looks at you with a thousand eyes. If you want an even more surprising experience, you can visit at night, as the façade is illuminated, giving the place an even stranger atmosphere.
Cycling time from Born Bike Tours Barcelona: 5 minutes
Places of interest accessible by bike nearby: Palau de la Música Catalana, Els Quatre Gats, Barcelona Cathedral, Kiss of Liberty
Our list of little-known, uncrowded and sometimes unusual places in Barcelona ends here. So what better way to discover them than to get on a bike and explore at your own pace with a bike hired from us? Would you prefer to visit these monuments with a guide to benefit from his knowledge and explanations? Don’t worry, we also offer guided bike tours! Ready to go? Three, two, one… pedal!