Tag Archives: Bornbike

The Carnival of Barcelona: Pedaling to the Rhythm of the Celebration in February

As early as the 8th of february and up to the 14th, Barcelona brings forth a wave of colors, laughter, and boundless energy with one of the most anticipated events of the year: Carnival. Celebrated with enthusiasm throughout the city, the Carnival of Barcelona offers a unique experience that combines festive traditions and modernity. An original way to partake in the festivities while adopting a healthy and eco-friendly mode of transportation is to join the practice of cycling during this jubilant period.

Every year, the Carnival of Barcelona transforms the city into a lively spectacle, where streets are adorned with extravagant costumes, frenzied dances, and contagious music. Residents and visitors are invited to cast aside inhibitions and immerse themselves in an atmosphere of infectious joy. At the heart of this effervescent celebration, the bicycle proves to be a fun means of transportation, allowing one to navigate through bustling streets with ease.

The iconic parade of the Barcelona Carnival, also known as “La Taronjada,” is a burst of colors where decorated floats parade through the streets, showering confetti and candies. Moving around on a bicycle during this parade offers a unique perspective, enabling cyclists to experience the event more intimately. Many cyclists even participate in the parade themselves, adorning their bikes with festive decorations and adding an eco-friendly touch to the celebration.

The heart of the carnaval’s festivities will be the Born district (where you will also be able to rent bikes from our shop) aswell as other areas from the center of Barcelona

In addition to the main parade, many neighborhoods in Barcelona organize special events, costume contests, and open-air concerts during Carnival. Traveling by bicycle from one location to another allows attendees to fully enjoy this diversity while avoiding potential traffic or public transportation-related issues.

Barcelona’s Carnival is also known for its nighttime festivities, with evenings dedicated to fun and dancing. Using a bicycle as a mode of transportation makes it easy to move from one party to another without worrying about parking or traffic jams.

By encouraging the use of bicycles during Carnival, Barcelona not only promotes a sustainable mode of transportation but also an active and enjoyable way to participate in this exceptional celebration. Don’t hesitate to come and rent your bikes from BornBike Tours Barcelona so you can enjoy Barcelona Carnival by bike!

In conclusion, the Carnival of Barcelona provides an ideal opportunity to combine revelry and cycling. Pedaling to the effervescent rhythm of this celebration, participants can live a unique experience that blends tradition and modernity in an electrifying atmosphere. So, put on your most festive costume, hop on your bike, and let yourself be carried away by the magic of the Barcelona Carnival

40 years of bike lanes in Barcelona

40 years ago, a group called the “Amics de la Bici” laid out Barcelona’s very first cycle lane. Since then, the city has continued to expand its cycle network. But it hasn’t always been so easy.

The first bike lane in Barcelona


It’s interesting to note that Barcelona wasn’t always the bike-friendly city it is today. 40 years ago, it was very difficult to get around the city by bike. The environment and soft mobility were not yet major issues, and the city council was not determined to change things.


This was without counting on the cyclists’ group Amics de la Bici, an association that still exists today, and which was campaigning for Barcelona City Council to create spaces dedicated to non-motorised vehicles. When their request went unheeded, the group decided to inaugurate Barcelona’s first cycle path on the 15th of July 1983. It was built illegally in the heart of the Eixample.

Amics de la Bici, a group that fights for the development of bycicle lanes in Barcelona.

Today, Barcelona City Council is trying to reduce its environmental impact and is working hard to develop bicycle transport. If you’re planning to visit Barcelona in the near future, we recommend that you use a bicycle to discover this beautiful city. It’s a fun and environmentally-friendly way to enjoy your trip!

discover our offers at Born Bike Tours Barcelona!

El Mercat del Born

The Mercat del Born, located in the heart of Barcelona’s Born district, is a little-known spot for tourists. Yet it is a cultural site brimming with history that is well worth a visit!

First, an ordinary market…

The Born covered market, designed by the architect Josep Fontserè, was inaugurated in 1876. It was one of the first iron buildings in Barcelona. For 95 years, the Mercat del Born fulfilled the function for which it was built: It became an emblematic location for fruit and vegetable wholesaling in Barcelona.

In 1971, the market closed its doors and was left derelict for many years. Initially, it was to be demolished, but several disapproving Barcelonans allowed the building to be preserved.  

The Mercat del Born in Barcelona is a place of culture and history!

…Now an archaeological site

In 2002, a remarkably well-preserved medieval and modern city was discovered in the basement of the Mercat del Born while work was being carried out to convert the old market into a library. This city corresponds to the old quarter of la Ribera, which was destroyed as a result of the War of Succession in 1714.

Today, you can visit the market, which has been transformed into a museum and cultural center providing information on the Spanish War of Succession.

The Mercat del Born in Barcelona: an archaelogical site

Easily accessible by bike, the Mercat del Born is an essential stop on our Beach Bike Tour. Book one of our Bike Tours, and your guide will be happy to tell you more about this and other must-see places in Barcelona.

Barcelona by bike: Visit the Mercat del Born with Born Bike Tours Barcelona.

Barcelona by bike.

Barcelona is known for its excellent transport network. Recently, Barcelona has focused on sustainable mobility and, in particular, on bicycle transport by building more and more bike lanes. And it’s working! According to Barcelona City Council, between 2021 and 2022, the use of bikes and scooters in the city increased by 11%.

bike lanes in Barcelona

Between November 2022 and June 2023 alone, 32.6 kilometers of bike lanes were built, and 11.7 kilometers were renovated to make them more accessible. Barcelona now has more than 270 km of bike lanes throughout the city, including some of the most popular tourist spots! The Arc de Triomf, Casa Milà, Casa Battló, Barceloneta beach, Parc de la Ciutadella, Montjuïc, etc. In short, there is something for everyone when it comes to cycling.

Guided bike tours in Barcelona by Born Bike Tours Barcelona.

Born Bike Tours Barcelona allows you to visit Barcelona by bike, in the most sustainable way possible! We offer bike rentals for the more adventurous (you can find a map of Barcelona’s bike lane network here), and we also offer guided tours with guides led by knowledgeable guides who are well-acquainted with Barcelona and will share their anecdotes about the Catalan capital.

Are you planning a visit to Barcelona soon? Treat yourself to a guided tour with Born Bike Tours Barcelona.

On the 23rd of June, we celebrate Saint John’s Night in Barcelona!

Like every night from the 23rd to the 24th of June, Saint John’s Night (Noche de San Juan in Spanish) will be celebrated in Barcelona! If you visit the city on these dates, don’t miss the festivities of the shortest night of the year!

Bonfires on Saint John's Night (Noche de San Juan) at Barceloneta Beach in Barcelona.

Where does Saint John’s Night come from?

Saint John’s Night is a celebration of pagan origin that was already celebrated in Europe in the Middle Ages. It was originally intended to celebrate the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. The night before, bonfires were lit in the fields and at street crossings to prevent evil spirits and witches from passing through, but also to ward off storms and tempests. It was hoped that this tradition would lead to a good harvest. 

Later on, the festival was Christianized and dedicated to Saint John, set for the 24th of June. Today, the summer solstice or Saint John’s Night is still celebrated in many countries, especially in Scandinavia and Spain.

How to celebrate Saint John’s Night in Barcelona?

Barcelona is no exception!

This year’s festivities will once again take place on the night of the 23rd to the 24th of June, and you won’t be able to avoid them if you visit the city. Fireworks will be set off all night long, and bonfires will be lit all over the streets of Barcelona.

If you want to enjoy Saint John’s Night, we recommend you visit Barceloneta beach, where the locals like to gather during the Noche de San Juan.

Fireworks on Saint John's Night (noche de San Juan) at Barceloneta Beach in Barcelona.

You can find more articles about Barcelona traditions on our blog!

La fiesta de la bicicleta returns in Barcelona in 2023!

La fiesta de la bicicleta (bike festival) is back in Barcelona for another edition on Sunday the 11th of June 2023. Organized every year by the city hall of Barcelona to promote sustainable mobility for everyone, la fiesta de la Bicicleta should once again be a great success this year.

La fiesta de la bicicleta (bike festival) in Barcelona, the 11th of June 2023.

On the agenda of la fiesta de la bicicleta

The event will take place from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm, Passeig de Lluís Companys (Between the arc of Triomf and the Ciutadella Parc).

On the agenda, activities for young and old:

  • Games and workshops around the theme of the bicycle
  • Raffle to win various prizes
  • Presentation and testing of various bicycles such as cargobikes or bicings (Bicycles available to everyone in the streets of Barcelona, offered as an alternative to polluting transport)
  • The traditional Bicicletada
La fiesta de la bicicleta (bike festival) in front of the arc of Triomf, Passeig de Lluís Companys.

The Bicicletada: the famous bike ride of la fiesta de la bicicleta

Every year, on the occasion of la fiesta de la Bicicleta, a bike ride of a dozen kilometers is organized in the streets of Barcelona. The Bicicletada connects the intersection of Carrer d’Aragó and Passeig de Sant Joan to Passeig de Lluís Companys, passing through several emblematic places of Barcelona. You will be able to discover the Eixample, Ciutat Vella and Sant Martí districts while pedaling! 

Are you convinced?

Then meet us on Sunday the 11th of June 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the intersection of Carrer d’Aragó and Passeig de Sant Joan to participate in the Bicicletada.

It is advisable to arrive 30 minutes early.

The bicicletada from la fiesta de la bicicleta (bike festival) in Barcelona.

We hope to see you at la fiesta de la bicicleta on the 11th of June. But, if by chance you are not available that day, discover Barcelona by bike is possible every day of the year at Born Bike Barcelona.

Merry Christmas from BornBike Tours Barcelona

December 24th, 2016