Best Running Routes in Barcelona

Barcelona is one of the most fun cities in Europe, a lively urban mix that fascinates at every turn. It has a real creative feel, and people fill the outdoor restaurants each evening enjoying each other's company over some tapas and a bottle of wine or a beer. You're guaranteed to fall in love on day one. And what better way to get to know some of the most interesting sights than to strap on your running shoes and head off to discover the town on your own two feet?

Morning beach run

Here are the best running/jogging routes in town...

In Parc de la Ciutadella

Top Barcelona Running Routes:

Old Town: The Barrio Gótico (Gothic Quarter) is one of the most fascinating neighborhoods you'll ever see. It's a maze of narrow, curving lanes going back to the Roman days, with some Roman gate-towers and walls sprinkled among the medieval houses. This great route also adds nearby Plaza de Catalunya, the Ramblas and Port Vell at the harbor to round it out into one unforgettable run!

Montjuïc: The Montjuïc Hill, just south of the old town, is like being on another side of the planet. It's covered by parkland, with great views out over the Mediterranean and the city, with an old fort on the peak and the awesome Palau Nacional (now the Catalonian National Art Museum).  And we'll start the run at the Plaça d'Espanya, with its Magic Fountain and the old World's Fair buildings. Enjoy this great hill run!

Barcelona Beach: Barcelona is one of the few great cities of the world with a long stretch of beach right in the city. What had once been a decaying waterside full of old factories and railroad tracks, it's now a lively, beautiful Mediterranean hangout. This run takes you along the whole stretch, past Barceloneta and other great neighborhoods. Don't forget to take time to kick off your shoes and take a dip in the water!

Parc de la Ciutadella: This park, close to the beach, isn't terribly big, but it offers a lot of variety in one short run. With fountains, promenades, unique streetlamps, the Catalonian provincial parliament, the city zoo, a lake with lovers rowing in the evenings, and the Barcelona  Arc de Triomf. Make sure you visit this great corner of town!