Signing up for a bike tour in Barcelona is one of the best ways to get orientated in the Catalan capital or any new city – especially European cities, where the relatively small size of the cities, and the advanced infrastructure makes cycling a pleasure.
Barcelona is even more delightful to bike around than most European cities, as 1) it has mostly warm and dry weather – even in winter; 2) it is mostly flat (the only hills are on the edges of the city) and 3) it boasts more than 300 kms of cycle lanes. In fact, nearly every major road has a dedicated cycling path, as the city actively encourages both residents and tourists to move around the city on two wheels! There’s even a bike share scheme, called Bicing. (This is sadly, only available to residents though).
This article covers the coolest Barcelona bike tours out here. It is an extension of our popular guide on 23 Fun Things to do in Barcelona and 77 unusual things to do in Barcelona. Read as well this guide on where to stay in Barcelona.
Arguably the biggest advantage of taking a Barcelona bike tour is how much of the city you can see in just a few hours. With a walking tour you won’t get far beyond the Old Town, but when you join a more adventurous cycling excursion you get to see some of the more local districts, hidden gems, street art and treasures that lie off the beaten path.
Increasingly Barcelona offers some cool cycling tours outside the city too, for example in the nearby wine country.
In this article we’re going to share the tours that we personally recommend from our many years of both living in, and frequently coming back to, the wonderful Catalan capital.
We’ve sorted our list into:
- I. City Bike Tours (these focus on exploring Barcelona)
- 1. SteelDonkey Bike Tours
- 2. City Highlights Bike Tour
- 3. Street Art Tour by Bamboo Bicycle
- II. E-Bike Tours (some of of these explore Barcelona, others head outside the city)
- 4. Gaudi E-Bike Tour (with Park Guell Ticket)
- 5. Ocean Bikes
- 6. Coastline E-Bike & Wine Tasting Tour
- 7. Intimate E-bike Tour with Tapas & Wine
- III. Road Bike Tours (these are more challenging rides for avid cyclists)
- 8. Montefusco Cycling
- IV. Mountain Bike Tours (some options for adrenaline freaks!)
- 9. Terra Bike Tours
- Rent a bicycle in Barcelona
- FAQ
We wrote even more articles on our home town such as best hostels Barcelona has to offer and of course the famous 23 fun things to do in Barcelona.
Overview: Best Bike Tours by Type
| 🚲 Best Bike Tour: | Steel Donkeys |
| 🚴♀️ City Bike Tour: | Steel Donkeys |
| 🚲 E-Bike Tour: | Gaudi E-Bike Tour (with Park Guell Ticket) |
| 🚲 New E-Bike Tour with Photo Tour: | Ocean Bikes |
| 🚵♀️ Mountain Bike Tour: | Terra Bike Tours |
| 🚵 Road Bike Tour: | Hills Around The City tour |
I. Best City Bike Tours
Check out our favourite sightseeing tours via classic pedal bikes (last update: 2024).
1. Steel Donkey Bike Tours
Founded back in 2010, Steel Donkeys pioneered the rise of hip, alternative tourism in Barcelona with their small-group tours (max. 8 people) and off-the-beaten path philosophy. Their aim from the beginning was to treat their customers like friends, not tourists! And show them the hidden sights of the city, along with local secrets and hip hangouts.
When you ride with Steel Donkeys your guide might take you to any one of Raval, Born, Sant Antoni, Poblenou or Gracia (all amazing districts near the centre!) and introduce you to forgotten cemeteries, dusty museums, futuristic skyscrapers, political street art and hidden courtyards. They nearly always stop off at a cool cafe or street terrace for some local pastries or refreshment en route and the pace of the tour is pretty relaxed (lasting around 4 hours on average).
Note: As they restrict bookings to just 8 people per group, their tours often sell out, especially in summer, so best to book your space as far in advance in possible!
- Price: €35
- Duration: 4 hours
- Max. group size: 8 people
2. City Highlights Bike Tour
If you’re new in town and you want to start your exploration of Barcelona with the main attractions, like Sagrada Familia and Gaudi’s epic mansions on the expansive Passeig de Gracia boulevard, then it’s hard to beat this classic bicycle tour.
Important: For actually entering La Sagrada Familia, you can buy tickets online and skip the long queue.
Your knowledgeable guide will not only introduce you to Gaudi, but also the streets and secrets of the Gothic Quarter as well as the leafy Parc de la Ciutadella. The 3-hour ride leaves just enough time to take a sneak peak at the Port Olimpic marina as well. While not quite as intimate as Steel Donkeys mentioned above, the 12 person max group size is comfortable enough.
A G-Original tour, you can book La Sagrada Familia and City Highlights Bike Tour via Get Your Guide.
- Price: €27
- Duration: 3 hours
- Max. group size: 15 people
3. Street Art Tour by Bamboo Bicycle
Looking for the most hipster two-wheeled tour in BCN? You’ve just found it!
Your ride for the day is a beautiful handmade bamboo bicycle that will make you the envy of other cyclists! After that its time to explore the colourful legacy of street art and graffiti in the Catalan capital, most of which can be found in the former industrial district of Poblenou.
This unique activity is available to book via Get Your Guide. Just use the button below.
- Price: €53
- Duration: 3 hours
- Max. group size: 10 people
II. Best Electric Bike Tours
There’s something magical about the humble pedal bike and its the most environmentally friendly and also the healthiest option for travellers. BUT… electric bikes have their charm too, and are particularly good option if you want to travel further afield.
4. Gaudi E-Bike Tour (with Park Guell Ticket)
You can’t leave Barcelona without visiting Gaudi’s gorgeous landscaped gardens, Park Guell. So why not jump on the only bike tour that takes you there, ticket included? The park is packed with interesting features and the views over the city are sensational!
That’s just the tip of the iceberg of this Gaudi Life & Legacy tour that takes you to all of the architect’s greatest works, from his unfinished masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia (unmissable!), to the UNESCO-listed mansions Casa Mila and Casa Batllo.
An unexpected highlight of the trip is taking the elevator up to the rooftop of Casa Fuster, where you can enjoy a refreshing drink with vistas over the tree-lined Passeig de Gracia boulevard.
- Price: €69 per person
- Duration: 4 hours
- Max. group size: 8 people
5. Ocean Bikes Barcelona (with Photo Highlights Tour)
Launched in 2023, with a brand new fleet of beautiful Italian e-bikes, Ocean Bikes enjoy an enviable location on the stunning Port Olimpic marina. They currently offer two tour itineraries, both fantastic in their own way.
Their Barcelona Photo Highlights Tour might just be the best introduction to the city for first-time visitors, because it takes you to all of the Catalan capital’s most photogenic locations… like La Sagrada Familia, Barceloneta Beach and W-Hotel, and the many incredible view points on Montjuic Mountain.
Their Hidden Parks & Playas Tour meanwhile is a relaxed cruise through the hip and laidback Poblenou district, which is full of urban parks and enjoys a long stretch of golden beaches. Perfect for a chilled afternoon cycle.
Good to know: when you book a bike ride with Ocean Bikes and you also get €10 discount on their 2-hr sailing trip!
- Price: €49 per person (Photo Highlights) or €39 (Parks & Playas)
- Duration: 4 hours / 3 hours
- Max. group size: 8 people
6. Coastline E-Bike & Wine Tasting Tour
Life doesn’t get much better than cycling in the sunshine up the Barcelona coast.
You’ll pass dozens of city beaches, with the sparkling Mediterranean on your right shoulder, as you head up to one of the very few remaining urban wineries in the Barcelona region. The winery is in a small town called Alella, about 16km away, which is an easy ride on an electric bike. Here you’ll tour the vineyard and cellars and enjoy a wine tasting session accompanied by tapas.
Don’t worry about drinking too much… your guide will take you back to Barcelona by train (ticket included in the tour – just check getyourguide!).
- Price: €69
- Duration: 4 hours
- Max. group size: 12 people
7. Intimate E-bike Tour with Tapas & Wine
Fancy a glass of wine in the very bar where Picasso staged his first art exhibition? And where the Spanish poet Federico Garcia Lorca would also hang out – with his close friend Salvador Dali!?
On this Bohemian-style, small-group tour named eBike with Tapas and Wine you’ll not only enjoy an insightful bike ride around Barcelona’s Old Town, but you’ll also get to stop for tapas and wine tasting at the legendary 4Gats cafe-restaurant, a historic venue which first opened in 1897!
Other highlights of the tour include Santa Maria del Mar church and the Citadel Park.
- Price: €59
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Max. group size: 10 people
III. Best Road Bike Tour
For those who are comfortable on the roads and able to cover long distances and ascents…
8. Montefusco Cycling
Established by Claudio Montefusco, a passionate Barcelona-based cyclist, this company offers both road bike rental (with delivery to the airport or your hotel), as well as a range of lung-busting tours in the beautiful Catalan countryside – such as the Montseny and Montserrat mountain ranges.
If you have a little less time on your hands you can opt for the Hills Around The City tour and enjoy truly epic views over Barcelona from the local Collserolla mountain range.
- Price: €90 per person
- Duration: 4 hours
- Max. group size: Private (up to 4 people)
IV. Best Mountain Bike Tour
For an MTX experience check this out:
9. Terra Bike Tours
If you want to get out of the city for a day and do some off-road mountain biking then these local specialists are a great point of call. Established in 2005, they’ll not only be able to rent you a high quality bike (which they can deliver to your hotel, with helmet), but they can offer you both guided or self-guided tours of some excellent local trails.
Your best bet is to contact them directly for advice and options.
More Tours…
If you’re looking for even more bike tour recommendations check out this list.
Bicycle Hire in Barcelona
If you prefer to sightsee completely independently, there are plenty of places you can pick up a set of wheels and get pedalling. Here are a couple of our faves:
1. Color Bikes
These beautiful Dutch-style bicycles come in a range of bright and pastel shades – so just go ahead and pick the colour that fits your personality, or your mood. You can rent them for the afternoon (4 hours) for just €10, or even for 24 hours for just €15.
The shop is on one of our favourite streets: Carrer Tallers. A great place for vintage shopping!
Website: www.color-bikes.com
2. Spinlister
This cool peer-to-peer bike rental service enables you to choose from a wide range of bicycles and hire directly from the owners themselves. Just type ‘Barcelona’ into their search menu to check your options!
Website: www.spinlister.com
If you need help knowing where to go this cool article by Driftwood Journals highlights some excellent bike routes.
FAQ
Well, we have provided you best bike tours Barcelona has to offer so we are sure that you already have your favorite one in mind! Below we list all the frequently asked questions.
What are the best Bike Tours in Barcelona?
The 3 best bike tours in Barcelona, Spain are:
- SteelDonkey Bike Tours
- City Highlights Bike Tour
- Gaudi E-Bike Tour (with Park Guell ticket)
How much is a Bike Tour in Barcelona?
A bike tour in Barcelona starts from €27 per Person. The most popular bike tour costs €35 per person.
Is Barcelona a bike friendly city?
Yes, Barcelona is bike-friendly. The city has been recognized as the most bike-friendly cities in the Mediterranean.
Summary
The bicycle is your best friend to explore Barcelona. Of course, renting a scooter is also an option. bare in mind, this requires experience as well as an international drivers license.
Please note that we keep this article as fresh as we can, yet sometimes prices can change depending on season. Therefore, make sure you check the price with GetYourGuide, Tiqets.com or the website of the tour provider. For Bike tours, I have never experienced hidden fees, nothing to worry about here.
Now that you have your bike tour in Barcelona sorted, let’s check the accommodation. We wrote up the absolute best guide on the planet about Best Hostels in Barcelona.
For hotels and apartments, check out this guide on the best areas to stay in Barcelona.
For more things to do, check our guides:
- 8 hidden gems in Barcelona – a secret guide free to download
- 23 fun things to do in Barcelona
- 77 unusual things to do in Barcelona
- 53 Free things to do in Barcelona
Any questions?
Please leave us a comment below. We would love to help you
Safe travels,
The Hostelgeeks
