A weekend of sport and fitness in Barcelona
Barcelona is a great destination for a weekend of sporting activity to get you back on top form! Ready? Steady? GO!
Pick the best hotel for your weekend of sports
is perfect for a sports-oriented stay. With its themed décor and adjoining gym, it has everything you need to get – and stay – fit.
The Bed and Bike hostel is a great landing point for cyclists.
If your budget is slightly higher, try the Madanis Hotel, located opposite the mythical Barcelona FC stadium. The prices are very reasonable, since it’s on the outskirts of the city, but it’s also right by a metro station and surrounded by local shops and restaurants. Bargain!
For a luxurious option, try the Barceló Raval, right in the city centre. This fabulous designer 4-star hotel has its own gym – a great way to start and/or end the day!
Discover Barcelona whilst getting fit
Barcelona by bike
Thanks to the mediterranean climate, Barcelona is a great place to explore by bike. Better still, you’ll save time on every trip.
A bike tour off the beaten track combines exercise with exciting discoveries, offering another fabulous alternative!
Organise a visiting marathon
Another fun way to see Barcelona is to spend the day going from one attraction to the next. You’ll need plenty of stamina, as the list of things to do is extremely long!
Wander the streets of the Old Town, before heading up the Passeig de Gràcia, where you’ll see superb art nouveau buildings such as Casa Amatller, Casa Batlló and La Pedrera. Next, on to Sagrada Familia to admire the spectacular architecture, before going up to Parc Güell.
Looking for places to visit wth a sporting theme? Take a trip to the Olympic Village at Montjuïc, built for the 1992 Olympic Games.
It would be impossible to forget Camp Nou, a mythical stadium which has played host to many a historic match. Visit the stadium and museum in the company of a sports journalist or even go to a match – a truly memorable experience.
Keep on movin’: experience Barcelona’s nightlife
Still not tired? We have just the thing to burn off a few more calories! A night out in Barcelona should help you reach your 10,000 steps… and to make it more fun, we suggest a clubbing marathon with the Barcelona Night Card, a pass which will get you into 22 clubs for the price of one. Just remember not to dirnk too much, it could hamper your performance…
Best places to exercise in Barcelona
On the beach
Keeping fit is so much more fun out of doors! In Barcelona, the locals have obviously understood, as a number of public sports facilities have been created on the sea front.
Take your pick from the many possibilities: go for a run, use some of the open-air fitness equipment, go climbing, or… swim! You’ll see people out swimming all year round, even in winter. If you’re brave enough and have a wetsuit, just dive in!
The Club de Natació Atletic de Barcelone, located on Sant Sebastià beach, is another great place to swim. The entrance price gives you access to a gym and a superb outdoor pool with views of the sea.
The outdoor pool at Montjuïc is also great, and overlooks the city. It played host to the diving events at the 1992 Olympics.
Head for the hills!
If views are your thing, try the Carretera de Les Aigües, a wide mountain path in the hills above Barcelona. It’s popular with runners, walkers and cyclists who want to relax and unwind far from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
Take on the Barelona Marathon
The Barcelona Marathon is held every year during the month of March. Running 26 miles through the city’s iconic streets, you’ll have plenty of chance to admire the scenery… if you don’t think you’ll be ready in time, there’s also a half-marathon every February.
- For more information, see our article on the Barcelona Marathon.
Healthy, balanced food
Vegetarian restaurants
Take good care of your body with fresh, healthy and easily-digestible food. Our article on vegetarian restaurants includes plenty of great addresses.
Healthy, tasty options
If you want a healthy option but without necessarily forgoing meat, you’re sure to find something for you at Granja Petitbo, Brunch & Cake or Federal. These hip cafés/restaurants are very pleasant places to eat and are open all day long. Whilst the menus include meat and fish options, there’s also plenty of choice for non-carnivores.
Relax at a spa
After all that effort, you deserve a break! Following an intensive weekend of sports and discovery, enjoy a relaxing treat at a spa. Your muscles will thank you for it.
Alas, it’s time to head home now… but after such a great weekend of sports and relaxation, you’ll be ready for anything life throws at you!
