Whenever I explore a new city, I make it a mission to check off all the top attractions.
Typically, I spend weeks or even months mapping out my itinerary.
I put together a list of must-see spots, like museums, monuments, and stadiums, to make sure I don’t miss a thing.
For my Barcelona adventure, I had a packed agenda: Plaza de Catalunya, El Born, the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, Parc de la Ciutadella, Mercat de la Boqueria, Park Güell, the iconic Sagrada Familia, and Spotify Camp Nou, to name a few.
With just a few days to experience it all and being new to the city, I knew I’d need a smart way to navigate.
So, I decided to see Barcelona from a bike seat.
I figured it would be a perfect way to get around and soak up the city’s charm in no time!
Biking is a great way to view a new city.
Not only do you get the added advantage of a good workout but you move at a much faster pace compared to walking.
You also can still decide whether or not you would like to stop and enjoy the view of your new city.
So what’s better than riding your bike solo in a new city? Taking a bike tour!
Bike Tours are not only a great way to interact with new people but you also have an experience guide who can lead you to designated places.
The guides often provide some history of places you visit and the costs of renting the bikes usually are included in the fees.
How large are each group on the average bike tour?
It depends. I have been on two bike tours. One was when I visited Barcelona and the other was in Boston. Both tours had groups of about 15 people.
Are the bikes electronic or pedal bikes?
Some tours offer electronic bikes but the two bike tours I did were with pedal bikes.
Are there stops along the way?
Again, it depends on each bike tour but the tours I completed all had multiple stops and a lunch break in between.
When we reached iconic sites, we’d park our bikes and take a few minutes for photos. The guide would typically announce the return time, giving us a moment to capture the scenery before moving on.
Should you be an expert bike rider or a cyclist?
No. You should however be able to keep up with the group and move at a relatively fast pace.
Should you bring your own helmet?
Again, it depends on each tour but if you can squeeze in a helmet as part of your luggage, I would recommend bringing one for safety as well as hygiene purposes.
What are the lengths of the bike tours?
It really depends on the tour but usually this information is provided in the description of the tour and often you can read about it.
Again, many tours would send you a confirmation of what next steps will look like.
Are food and drinks provided, or should you bring your own?
In my experience, most bike tours don’t include meals, although some may offer bottled water.
It’s a good idea to pack light snacks that fit easily into a backpack to keep your energy up along the way.
Be sure to check with the specific tour provider. They may have additional guidelines or offerings regarding food and beverages.
Is there a recommended meeting point, and how do you get there?
Meeting locations can vary by tour.
For example, on my Barcelona bike tour, we met in front of Barcelona City Hall, a popular gathering spot where multiple tours seemed to start.
In Boston, however, the meeting point was directly at the tour company’s office.
Each tour typically has its own arrangements. It’s best to confirm the exact location and any directions provided by the tour organizers.
Is there an age limit or minimum age requirement?
Usually there are age restrictions or requirements on most bike tours.
These restriction can vary based on the type of tour.
The idea is to ensure that all riders can comfortably keep up with the pace of the group so this is not unexpected.
If you are traveling with children and would like to take them on a bike tour, do check to confirm that they meet the age requirement.
On both tours I took, if I recall correctly, you had to be a minimum of 13 years old.
Do tours operate in all weather conditions?
It really depends on each tour and their specific policies.
For example, during my Boston bike tour, we encountered some unexpected rain. Since we were already mid-tour, our guide led us to a sheltered spot to wait it out. Once the rain stopped, we got back on our bikes and continued exploring.
Always check with your tour provider beforehand, as some tours proceed rain or shine, while others may adjust based on weather conditions.
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