Tag Archives: market

Barcelona’s Christmas markets: the magic by bike

At Christmas time, Barcelona dons its fairytale cloak and transforms itself into a winter wonderland. The city is decked out in thousands of lights, and Christmas markets spring up all over the city to offer locals and visitors alike a magical getaway. The Christmas markets, also known as Firas de Nadal in Catalan, offer a timeless experience for anyone who loves this time of year. 

Mercado-Navidad-Barcelona-Magia
Mercado de Santa Llucia

So why not enjoy the experience in a different, eco-friendly way?

Barcelona offers an original, practical and environmentally-friendly way to discover its markets. Born Bike Tours tells you all about it. 

A pleasant, accessible route in a warm, festive atmosphere

Barcelona is a city that’s easy to visit by bike. Its well-developed cycle paths and pleasant climate, even in winter, mean that you can enjoy the city in the open air all year round. Visiting the city by bike means you can discover it more quickly, away from the crowds of public transport. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cyclist, you’ll love visiting Barcelona by bike.

When Christmas comes around, the city’s markets are a must. You’ll find them in every corner of the city, at the foot of emblematic monuments or high up in the mountains, Barcelona’s markets each offer a unique and unmissable experience. 
Barcelona’s main Christmas market is the Fira de Nadal in the Sagrada Familia. This market features hundreds of stalls selling handmade Christmas decorations and local specialities. There’s also a children’s area in the centre, where they can immerse themselves in the magical world of Christmas. What’s more, you can get to this central market easily by passing through emblematic districts such as L’Eixample or Gràcia. 

Next, one of Barcelona’s most unique markets is Montjuïc. This market is located at the top of the mountain of the same name. As well as offering local products and crafts, this market offers a magical view of the city.

Mercado-Navidad-Barcelona-Tradicional
Tió de Nadal

Barcelona is transformed into a Christmas village during this magical period. You’ll find stalls selling local food and warm drinks to comfort you in the cold Mediterranean winter of Barcelona. You can also pedal your bike through the streets of Barcelona to enjoy the light show created by the Christmas decorations all over the city. 

A magical ride with many benefits

By visiting Barcelona in winter by bike, you’ll be able to enjoy the city without the crowds of summer, far from the overcrowded public transport system. You’ll also be able to discover the city more quickly than on foot, so you can enjoy each of its markets without having to make a choice. 

Born Bike Tours Barcelona offers you a unique way to discover the city’s emblematic markets by bike. 

Start your tour from Plaça Catalunya. Barcelona’s largest square offers an ideal starting point thanks to its central location. From here, you can join the Rambla de Catalunya or cross the Eixample to your next stop. 
After enjoying Plaça Catalunya, head to the Sagrada Familia to visit the Fira de Nadal, located at the foot of the basilica minor. You can admire the city’s most emblematic landmark while enjoying a Turon or a good hot chocolate. If you want to learn more about Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece, join our historical bike tour!
From the Sagrada Familia, head for the Fira de Nadal de Santa Llúcia. This Christmas market is the oldest in Barcelona. The first one dates back to 1786 and already offered a wide range of stalls and handcrafted decorations. We then invite you to continue on to the Fira de Nadal de Montjuïc. It’s a pleasant cycle ride along the seafront, before discovering the magical presence of the Montjuïc mountain. Once there, enjoy the local produce on sale at the hundreds of stalls, but above all admire the breathtaking views of the city from the mountain.

Finally, head for the Fira de Reis on the Gran Via. To get there, you’ll have the pleasure of crossing the mountainous landscape of Montjuïc before descending into the city. This market has almost 200 stalls, the majority of which are dedicated to selling toys. This children’s paradise is a must-see!

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If you follow our itinerary, you’ll be able to enjoy all 4 markets in one day, with no rush.

What’s more, you’ll learn that visiting Barcelona at Christmas by bike offers many advantages. 
First of all, you’ll be doing your bit for the planet by choosing a sustainable and environmentally-friendly mode of transport. You’ll be contributing to a greener Christmas and doing your bit for a city that is increasingly encouraging soft mobility.
Secondly, you’ll be discovering the city in a more practical way. Barcelona is relatively flat, which makes cycling accessible to everyone. You’ll also have the time advantage of avoiding the interminable waits on the metro, as well as traffic jams. 
What’s more, this mode of transport takes the stress out of travelling. You won’t have to worry about where to park your car, and you’ll avoid the surprise of an expensive parking ticket. Parking your bike in Barcelona is very easy, thanks to parking bays on almost every street in the city. 
Finally, exploring the city by bike is a great way to take in the sights. You can stop wherever you like between markets to take photos or simply enjoy the fresh air. Why not replace the underground landscape of the metro with the sublime Christmas lights of Barcelona’s enchanted streets?

In conclusion, by choosing to travel by bike, you’re opting for a pleasant, eco-responsible and practical visit. You’ll be seeing Barcelona in a whole new light, discovering the city’s hectic daily life. Treat yourself to an unforgettable experience and enjoy a sustainable and magical Christmas in Barcelona by renting bikes from Born Bike Tours Barcelona! Don’t hesitate, the magic of Barcelona awaits you!

Cycling around Barcelona: make the most of the Catalan Christmas festivities

Barcelona’s Christmas festivities are good experiences, combining Catalan traditions, a festive atmosphere and magical decorations. If you want to make the most of this magical time of year, why not explore the city by bike? Barcelona has an ever-expanding network of cycle paths, allowing cyclists to weave their way through the narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter, along the Mediterranean beaches and through the lush green parks. Here’s how to make the most of Christmas in Barcelona by exploring the city by bike.

Start from illuminated La Rambla :

Start your festive ride by hiring a bike from Born Bike Tours Barcelona. This iconic avenue is beautifully decorated for Christmas, with twinkling lights and a joyful atmosphere. Ride along this lively thoroughfare, soaking up the festive spirit and admiring the street artists who add an extra touch to the atmosphere.

Explore the Christmas Markets:

Pedal your way to the Christmas markets dotted around the city. The Cathedral market is particularly recommended for its warm atmosphere and handicrafts. Stop off to sample Catalan specialities, buy unique gifts and feel the Christmas magic in the air.

Ciutadella Parc and the Velodrome:

Head to Ciutadella Parc, a green haven in the heart of Barcelona. Take to the park’s winding cycle paths and stop off at the velodrome to watch the local cyclists train. You might even be tempted to do a few laps yourself for a unique festive experience.

Barceloneta beach:
Ride on to Barceloneta beach for a stroll by the sea. Even in winter, the sea air and views of the Mediterranean create a soothing atmosphere. You might even be able to catch one of the special events organised on the beach during the festive season.

Illuminated Gothic Quarter:

Finish your stroll by walking through the Gothic Quarter, where the narrow streets are illuminated by strings of lights. Admire the medieval architecture, explore the small shops and cafés, and soak up the history of this emblematic part of Barcelona.

Exploring Barcelona by bike over Christmas offers a unique perspective on this vibrant city. Between the Christmas markets, the twinkling lights and the Catalan traditions, every corner of Barcelona becomes a festive destination to discover on two wheels. So get on your bike, breathe in the fresh Mediterranean air and enjoy the Catalan festivities like an adventurous cyclist.

Feria y Mercado de Navidad/ Christmas Fair and Market

December is just around the corner, which means that the Christmas celebrations are starting!

Can you think of a better way to gradually get into the magic of Christmas than by taking a walk through these famous markets and fairs? From the smell of Christmas trees, to the colours and lights of the decorations, to the products of the local craftsmen, it’s a real immersion in the heart of this festival that awaits you.  Barcelona has many Christmas markets and fairs, both old and new, with their own history and identity. Among all these events, there are three that are part of the city’s history.

Feria de Santa Llúcia:

This is the oldest fair that revolves around the world of nativity scenes and Christmas traditions. It is therefore the most authentic fair in Barcelona. It was founded in 1736, so this year we are celebrating its 235th anniversary. For this reason, the organisers have gone to great lengths to put up more than 20 illuminated Christmas trees.

Located in the Avinguda de la Catedral, it has a total of 170 stands. It is the only fair in the world where you will find more than 140 spaces for the sale of strictly Christmas products, such as cots, figurines, foam, Christmas trees, accessories for your home and many others. In addition, you can also enjoy more than 25 spaces dedicated to gift items, such as textile accessories, ceramics, jewellery, leather, etc.

It runs from 26 November to 24 December!

catedral gotico market festival stars present christmas family holidays

Feria de Reyes de la Gran Vía:

As it has every year since 1877, the Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes will host the Epiphany Fair (Feria de Reyes), which will open its doors from 17 December to 6 January 2022. It is the second oldest Christmas fair in Barcelona.

Initially, the 18 stands of this fair were dedicated to the sale of toys and sweets. Today, the number of stands has increased and diversified. You will of course find the famous traditional toys and stuffed animals, but also many traditional and handicraft products or various stands of Catalan crafts. This market is therefore perfect for finding last minute gifts!

Don’t forget to stop at the famous Churrerías, spread throughout the fair, to try the famous “churros con chocolate caliente”, which will warm you up while stimulating your taste buds!

Tio de Nadal, christmas, celebration, tradition, market, craft, family gift

Feria de la Sagrada Familia:

Celebrated for the first time in 1972, the Feria de la Sagrada Familia is the most recent of all the Christmas fairs in Barcelona. It takes place on the same dates as the Santa Llúcia fair, and this is not by chance. In fact, it was created when there was no more room for stalls in Santa Llúcia. Several craftsmen decided to set up shop next to Gaudí’s masterpiece.

This fair has a lot in common with its two “big sisters”. You will find all kinds of figures and elements for nativity scenes, Christmas trees and plants, gift items, food and sweets. On the food side, the “churrerías” will naturally be present, and you will also find a chestnut and sweet potato stall.

In addition, there are free family activities such as competitions, workshops, music and theatre.  They also have a photocall with a giant “Tió” and a “Caganer”.

Don’t hesitate to take a walk through one of these Christmas markets!

Palao Market Fest

Palao Market Fest is an atypical market/festival, which takes place every first weekend of the month. It’s an atypical and modern concept that the organisers offer us: it’s not just a simple craft market with different food trucks, but a real dynamic festival mixing different arts, so you can live a real experience. During the month of November, the organisers have decided to add a date on the weekend of 20 and 21 December for the “Cool Christmas Fest” to get us into the Christmas spirit.

logo festival market crafts tourism activity leisure discovery

Far from the traditional markets that can be found in Barcelona such as the Boqueria or Saint Antoni, this market offers you the possibility of making artistic discoveries. Between jewellery, cosmetics, textiles or decoration, you are bound to find something you like. All the exhibitors are real craftsmen, and will make you discover their product with passion.

In addition to the exhibitors, you will also be able to find many Food Trucks of all kinds to eat, or simply to test! All types of cuisine will be present: Vietnamese, vegetarian, burger, pastry … The hardest thing will be to choose!

In order to live a real cultural experience and to make this event more dynamic, street concerts will be proposed. You will find the DJ set MIGUELITO SUPERSTAR and DJ set ZONZO on Saturday, and DJ set IVAN IVANOVICH and DJ set BUSA on Sunday. In addition, there will be 5 STREET MUSIC EXPERIENCES to make sure you have an unforgettable time.

market crafts light crowd tourist activity food stand

The market is therefore present this weekend of 20 and 21 November, but also the first weekend of December, Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 December 2021. Two time slots are available: from 12:00 to 17:00 or from 17:30 to 22:00. These times offer more opportunities to visit, but also two different atmospheres: one during the day and one at night. There is bound to be one that suits you!

The entrance fee is 5€, and it is recommended to book your place in advance on their website (https://palomarketfest.com/es/home), in order to be sure to have a place.

Regarding accessibility, you can get there by metro (SELVA DE MAR (L4)) or by bus (H14, H16/ N.BUS: 12, 29, 30). There is a bike park right at the entrance of the market, so don’t hesitate to rent a bike to get there!

Are you looking for culture, gastronomy and tradition in Barcelona? Here you have some suggestions for this weekend, come by bicycle!

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!

Spring activities in Barcelona for going by bicycle

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!

Are you worried about the best present for this Christmas? Look for it at the Christmas streets markets of Barcelona

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.

Photo by Gerhard Gellinger

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.