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Why Barcelona Is Falling behind in the Cycling Rankings

Barcelona once enjoyed a strong reputation when it came to cycling mobility.

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A few years ago, the city even ranked among the top thirteen in the world. However, in the new Copenhagenize Index 2025, it has dropped to the forty-second position. This is a significant decline, especially considering that in 2017 Barcelona was still ranked eleventh. For a city often cited as a model of urban transformation, this drop is a clear warning sign. Discussions about sustainable transport models are everywhere, but real progress does not always keep pace with official plans.

Factors in the Assessment
In 2019, Barcelona held a solid thirteenth place among the most bicycle friendly cities. Now, the city has slipped into the middle range of the ranking. The evaluation takes into account factors such as the expansion of bike lanes, road safety, urban planning, bike sharing systems, parking options and the share of cycling within overall mobility.

However, the Copenhagenize Index identifies three key elements:

1. reliable and stable funding
2. consistent political direction
3. an administration capable of carrying out projects effectively

In other words, cities that create new plans every year but fail to implement them consistently inevitably fall behind.

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Barcelona Is No Longer Spain’s Top Performer
For many years, Barcelona was the highest ranked Spanish city. This year, the situation has changed. Vitoria Gasteiz now enters the ranking at position twenty seven, while Valencia rises to thirty one. Both cities are now ahead of Barcelona. This clearly shows that the issue is not Spain as a whole, but Barcelona’s own priorities.

Utrecht and Paris Lead the Way
The top position in this year’s Copenhagenize Index goes to Utrecht. The Dutch city has long been a model for its consistent and well planned cycling policies. It offers a dense network of safe routes and treats the bicycle as a central element of daily mobility. As a result, around one third of all trips there are made by bike.

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Paris is also among the major climbers in the current ranking. In recent years, the city has invested heavily in new bike lanes, traffic calming measures and a modern mobility network. The official Plan Vélo shows how a clear political prioritization can lead to a significant boost in just a few years.

Conclusion
The director of Copenhagenize sums it up well. Cycling is no longer considered a secondary issue, but a core component of climate action, public health and overall quality of life. Therefore, cities that understand this work in a structured and long-term manner. Barcelona still has much to learn in this regard and can no longer rely solely on pilot projects.

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Winter Escape: Your February Holiday in Barcelona

Looking for ideas for your future February vacation in Barcelona, or simply to find out about great things to do in our beautiful city? You’ve come to the right place!

Here we present you with the must-see must-sees to feast your eyes on, as well as temporary activities to do during the February vacations!

Places of worship:

Discover the Sagrada Familia:

This famous church, whose construction began in 1882, is now one of Barcelona’s defining landmarks. It is world-famous and visited by millions of people every year, so why not you?

You’ll discover a building full of history that will dazzle young and old alike, with its many towers and three facades depicting the different stages in the life of Jesus Christ.

Part of this heritage site was built by the famous architect Gaudi, and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2005.

Come and see this monument in our “Historical & Modernist Tour” to find out all about this magnificent heritage of Barcelona.

The hidden gem: Sant Pau del Camp church:

Located in the Raval district, this 12th-century Romanesque church is one of the city’s oldest. Its simplicity and uncluttered architecture, with medieval elements and ancient frescoes, make it a place of calm and beauty, often ignored by the tourist crowds.

Natural landscapes:

Visit MontJuic:

This famous hill, 173 metres high, offers breathtaking views of the whole of Barcelona. You’ll catch a glimpse of the Sagrada Familia, the Mediterranean Sea and many other Barcelona highlights.

If you wish, you can explore the Montjuïc Castle and immerse yourself in its exhibitions on a wide range of subjects: the Mount’s biodiversity, Franco’s dictatorship and the castle’s history.

Tibidabo summit:

This 500-metre-high mountain offers a view of Barcelona. Several monuments have been built here, including a small amusement park, a church and an observatory. If you like walking, you can get there on foot via the footpaths provided. For those with less time or who don’t want to go on foot, we recommend taking the funicular, private transport or public transport.

Relax on Barcelona's beaches:

Even in February, you can enjoy a picnic or a rest on one of the city’s many beautiful beaches. After a day wandering around Barcelona, what could be better than a moment of idleness, sipping a drink on one of the terraces or sitting on the golden sands of Barcelona’s beaches?

The hidden gem: Parc del Turó de la Rovira (Bunkers del Carmel)

Like Tibidabo, this site offers spectacular panoramic views of Barcelona, but without the crowds. It’s a former bunker from the Spanish Civil War, now a popular spot for relaxation and picnics. This park is ideal for sunsets.

The markets:

Stroll through the alleys of the Boqueria market:

This market on Barcelona’s Rambla offers an explosion of flavors, colors and aromas from all over the world. With over 2,500 square meters and 300 stands, you’ll be able to sample all kinds of products: fruit and vegetables, fish and seafood, cheeses, cold meats, pastries, spices, etc. The market is open from 8am to 8:30pm, Monday to Saturday, so you’ll have plenty of time to discover it on your Barcelona vacation.

The hidden gem: the Mercat de Sant Antoni :

This little-known but absolutely magnificent market will introduce you to fresh local produce. The market building, built at the end of the 19th century, has recently been renovated and offers a beautiful combination of modern and traditional styles, with its wrought-iron structure and large arcades. On Sundays, it transforms into a book market: perfect for book lovers of all kinds.

Architect Gaudi:

Admire Gaudi's houses:

If you’re a lover of art and architecture, you’ll love the houses built by the architect Gaudi. Casa Milà and Casa Batlló, both located on Passeig de Gràcia, will introduce you to the world of Gaudi, both built in the early 20th century. You can admire these houses all day long, and even part of the night, as they are illuminated.

To discover Gaudí’s first house, Casa Vicens, built between 1883 and 1889, head for Carrer de les Carolines, in the same direction as Casa Milà and Casa Batlló.

Gaudi's hidden gem: La Crypt de la Colònia Güell:

Located in Santa Coloma de Cervelló, some 20 minutes from central Barcelona, this crypt is often overlooked by tourists, making it a peaceful and authentic place to visit.

It is an unfinished project by Gaudí, commissioned by Eusebi Güell for the workers of his textile colony. Although it was never completed, the crypt is considered a laboratory of ideas where Gaudí experimented with techniques he later applied to the Sagrada Família.

Local gastronomy:

Tasting tapas in local restaurants:

How can you come to Barcelona and not try tapas? Tapas are small portions of dish or appetizer, typical of Spanish cuisine, and can be served hot or cold. There are many different types to suit all tastes: with cheese, fish, chicken or vegetables. Tapas bars can be found on every street in Barcelona, but to enjoy an authentic and more affordable taste experience, we recommend moving away from the tourist hotspots

The Gothic Quarter:

Explore the Gothic Quarter:

Even in winter, strolling through Barcelona’s medieval streets is a pleasure. You can visit Barcelona’s Basilica and Plaça del Rei. You’ll also be able to enter Barcelona’s many souvenir and clothing stores.

This district's hidden gem: Festa de Santa Eulàlia:

From February 9 to 12, 2025, Barcelona celebrates its co-patron saint, Saint Eulalia, with parades, castells (human towers) and traditional dance performances. The streets of the Gothic Quarter come alive with activities for all ages.

Museums:

Visit Barcelona's many museums:

If you love art, you can visit the Picasso Museum, where you’ll discover the artist’s early works. There’s also the Joan Miró Foundation: come and admire Miró’s modern and surrealist works. The National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC) is renowned for its romantic frescoes and panoramic views over the city.

The hidden gem: The Banksy Museum:

Who is the most famous anonymous artist of our time? Banksy, of course! Come and discover his art in this exhibition featuring a hundred of his works.

Local culture:

Enjoy Barcelona's nightlife:

The city combines partying, culture and gastronomy to give you unforgettable evenings! Enjoy tapas bars, aperitifs and cocktail bars. For the more festive among you, you can dance the night away in the discos. Shows, flamenco and night-time events are also on offer in the city. Take a look at what’s happening when you visit! Cabs and the metro are available all night long, so you can enjoy your evening without worrying about getting home

Visit the city by bike with Born Bike Barcelona:

Come and rent bikes for the day or take a guided tour lasting several hours to learn all the secrets of Barcelona. We offer a wide range of tours to suit every taste. Don’t hesitate to join us on a tour of our beautiful city!

The hidden gem: Barcelona Carnival:

From February 27 to March 5, 2025, the city comes alive with colorful parades, extravagant costumes and festivities in various neighborhoods, including Sitges, renowned for its spectacular carnival.

We hope this article has inspired you to plan your next trip and discover all that Barcelona has to offer. With its unique architecture, vibrant culture, delicious cuisine and sunny beaches, this city has it all. So don’t wait any longer: come and experience Barcelona and let yourself be carried away by its incomparable energy. See you soon in Barcelona!