If you’re wondering if you can rent bikes in Barcelona easily, and how easy is it to ride around the city to make the best out of your visit, you have come to the right place.
Of course, public transportation in Barcelona is cheap, easy, and efficient. But as a visitor, you probably want to be out and about rather than stuck underground on the subway. Without a doubt, one of the best ways to see this vibrant city is by bicycle. Thankfully, renting bikes in Barcelona is fairly easy for visitors.
More than 200 kilometers of bike paths wind through Barcelona, making it feasible and fun to move around by bike. Not only do you get some exercise and fresh air, but the views of the city whizzing by from your bike are unbeatable.
Ready to bike around the Catalan capital? Here’s where you can rent bikes in Barcelona, and what to know before you set out.
What to know before you rent bikes in Barcelona
Cycling lanes in Barcelona are clearly marked and often found on wide, main roads such as the Diagonal and Avenida Meridiana. More grid-like neighborhoods such as the Eixample are best for biking thanks to their more open layout, while navigating the narrow streets of areas like the Gothic Quarter on two wheels can be cumbersome.
Much of Barcelona is quite flat, making it easy for cyclists of all skill levels to explore. But if you’re looking for more challenging terrain within city limits, consider biking up Montjuic. The Passeig de les Aigües trail just 20 minutes outside the city is another fantastic option for mountain biking that offers spectacular views.
You might spot stations of bright red rental bicycles throughout the city as part of the Bicing network. However, Bicing is only available to locals. So, unless you have proof of residence in the city, you won’t be able to use this system. No worries, though—there are plenty of places where visitors can rent bikes in Barcelona.
Where to rent bikes in Barcelona
Amazing architecture can be found throughout Spain, but Barcelona stands out as one of the best cities for Modernist designs. Of course, Antoni Gaudí is the creator of most of the city’s iconic buildings. Find out about his life, his vision, and his works on our Complete Gaudí Tour: Casa Batlló, Park Güell & Extended Sagrada Família Tour.
When planning your route, we strongly encourage you to keep these places in mind and choose a place to rent bikes that makes it easy for you to plan your itinerary, visit all these places and return the bike in a seamless and feasible way, according to your level. Some places, like Park Güell, may be a bit harder to reach if you start far away from them. While you’re planning, keep in mind these easy travel tips for Barcelona.
Mattia 46
If you’re on a budget, Mattia 46 is one of your best bets to rent bikes in Barcelona. Their rates are extremely affordable, and include a bike lock and city map, so you can plan your route around town.
You can reserve your bike in advance online, and pick it up from their convenient, centrally located shop between the hours of 9:30 and 19:30.
Barcelona Rent a Bike
One of the most flexible services available to rent bikes in Barcelona, Barcelona Rent a Bike features four locations all over the city.
Bike rentals are reasonably priced, and there is a variety of styles available. The company also offers unique bike tours around the city, in several languages. It’s a fun and relaxed way to enjoy the sights of Barcelona while getting a good workout in.
Ocean Bikes Barcelona
Ocean Bikes Barcelona is dedicated to showing Barcelona’s best beach haunts. From premium electric bikes to private family biking tours, this group offers just about everything.
Although they offer quite a few guided bike tours within the city, their most popular tour is leading groups through the palm tree-lined promenade of Barceloneta beach, right up to the iconic beachfront W-Hotel.
Green Bikes
A dedication to top-of-the-line, quality equipment and friendly customer service makes Green Bikes stand out as one of the top places to rent bikes in Barcelona.
In addition to great value bike rentals, they also offer fun bike tours and a full-service repair shop, should you run into trouble.
Bike Rental Barcelona
Bike Rental Barcelona is another convenient option. Unlike with most other companies, you don’t have to go pick up the bike yourself at their shop (although that is an option).
Their bike delivery service will bring your rental to wherever is most convenient for you. Don’t underestimate this service, as it might prove to be very useful depending on your route, and after a long day of biking.
The rental bikes here are among the best in the city. In case you’re staying for longer, they also offer good quality second-hand bikes for sale at low prices.
Update Notice: This post was updated on March 8, 2024.
Once you’re finished exploring Barcelona by bike, why not stop and enjoy some local tapas on our Barcelona at Sunset: Tapas & Wine Tour? Local guides will take you off-the-beaten path to introduce you to the best of Catalan wines and tapas. It’s a perfect way to finish the day after biking around the city.
Went searching for Mattia 46, walked up & down carrer de la Unio about 10 times- nowhere to be seen. Thanks for that!
Hi Kat—we just checked with the team at Mattia 46 and they confirmed that they recently moved locations. Their new office is near Plaza de España at Gran Via de Les Corts Catalanes, 392. We apologize for not catching this sooner and have updated the post.
Went searching for Mattia 46, walked up & down carrer de la Unio about 10 times- nowhere to be seen. Thanks for that!
Hi Kat—we just checked with the team at Mattia 46 and they confirmed that they recently moved locations. Their new office is near Plaza de España at Gran Via de Les Corts Catalanes, 392. We apologize for not catching this sooner and have updated the post.