Don't think your only options for getting around Barcelona are by a crowded tour bus, an expensive private tour or even public transport. Get outside when the weather's just right (which is almost always), see the sights in your own time, and get to know the city close-up. From a government sponsored bike program to various bike rental compaines that offer hourly rates and all day tours around the city, the options are endless. If you're feeling especially adventurous, try one of the segway tours or a bike tour package that not only takes you around the city but some include stops at restaurants for delicious tapas.
Bicing is Barcelona's version of a city bike share. By paying an annual fee of €47.16, Bicing members get a card they can use to take a bicycle from one of the terminals placed all over the city. The first 30 minutes are included in the fee, but if you exceed that time limit, you'll have to pay 74 cents for every extra half hour, up to two hours.
They've got urban, highway and mountain bikes for rent (€5 an hour for urban bikes) and they also offer guided tours in Barcelona's main neighbourhoods, mountain tours and specialised tours for business groups. From the third day on, you pay just €7 per day.
Born Bike will provide you with a map of the city with must-see spots marked and the necessary information provided to make sure you don't miss a thing. While the tours are similar to others, if you decide to keep exploring after your tour, BornBike will give you a discount on one of their two-wheelers. Two hours will cost €6 and they also have tandem bicycles. A tapas tour will cost you €32.
Located in the Born, Un cotxe menys ('One Less Car') not only hires out bikes (€5 per hour, €10 for four hours, €12 for a full day) and does tours in Barcelona, but they also organise tours throughout Cataloniaa (Olot, Terra Alta, el Delta de l'Ebre, among others). Olympic Barcelona, historic Barcelona and Modernist Barcelona are just some of the routes you can find on their website, along with specialised gymkhana courses.
If you like the idea of two wheels and being outside, but you're not so keen on pedalling around all day, you might be up for a guided tour by Segway. The standard Barcelona Segway Tour (€59) takes you to various waterfront sites and the Ciutadella Park. Another option is the Segway Packs, which range from €70 to €80 and include a Segway tour and another tourist activity, such as tapas or dinner at the Hard Rock Café.
Here their speciality is the sale, rent and distribution of electric vehicles with two or three wheels: electric mopeds, electric bicycles, electric scooters and more. Hiring a vehicle for one hour costs between €6 and €25, depending on the type and model. They offer guided tours through Barcelona for about €20 to €60. If you're not fond of the routes they offer, you can design your own, whether it's for one, two or 20 people.
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