Rad’s Guide To Barcelona, Spain

We’ve selected the top 10 activities, events, and things to do during your stay in one of the world’s most unique cities. Situated between the Balearic Sea and the Collserola Mountain Range, Barcelona, Spain is a dream for people who want to enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing city life. Its vibrant culture is reflected in the works of Antoni Gaudí, one of the world’s most loved architects. His colorful and creative structures can be found throughout the city, adding magic and mystique to a region that celebrates a fusion of culture, flavor, language, art, and adventure.

1. Rock Climbing in Siurana

It’s easy to understand why Siurana lures travelers from all over the world, particularly sport climbers. Perched on a hilltop, this quaint village is encircled by blue water, lush greenery, and best of all – limestone cliffs.

Most offer nearly vertical, technical face climbs, but with 30 crags in the vicinity of town, you’ll find 45 degree overhang, lengthy slabs, tufas, and more. Regardless, visitors of all interests will enjoy this picturesque, quintessential Spanish town.

2. Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya

Every year since 1992, Barcelona has hosted a MotoGP Grand Prix. Taking place 25km north of town on a closed 4.7km track, the event can entertain up to 100,000 spectators each June.

If you love rockets on two wheels, be sure to pack a pair of sunglasses, a camera, and some ear plugs.

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3. Mountain Biking in the Parc de Collserola

The Collserola Mountain Range extends northwest of Barcelona, offering stunning views of the city and sea below. At the edge of the range where the mountains meet the city, you’ll find the Parc de Collserola.

With nearly 20,000 acres to explore, this is the largest park in Barcelona and a great area for active types to enjoy nature while still in town. The main 12+ mile trail is a huge draw for mountain bikers, but also hikers, runners, nature enthusiasts, and birdwatchers, and has miles of trails branching off of it.

4. Imagin Extreme Barcelona

Every year, Barcelona hosts an annual extreme sports festival, Imagin Extreme. The event takes place in June at the Parc de Forum, right on the water.

Two full days of competitive BMX, streetboard, longboard, and scooter events combined with food trucks, vendors, music, and demos make for a jam-packed weekend even couch potatoes will enjoy.

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5. Bridge Jump with Catalonia Adventures

Catalonia Adventures is one of the city’s premiere adventure touring companies. If you’re up for it, they offer bridge jumping in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia. This municipality of Barcelona is a production hub of cava, a sparkling wine produced only in Catalan.

Be sure to find a tasting room on your return from an exhilarating (or frightening) bridge jump. You may need it!

6. Skateboard MACBA

MACBA, the Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona, is quite possibly the skateboarding capital of Europe and maybe even the world. Located in the El Raval neighborhood in the Barrio Gotico (Gothic Quarter / old city center), the museum’s smooth flat ground and ledges are perfect for grinding.

Tuesdays and Thursdays after 2:30 pm are technically the designated skateboarding days, but skaters are out most days, keeping their eyes peeled for Catalonian coppers. Most of the time, the cops aren’t interested in hassling skaters, but just be aware.

7. Catalunya En Miniatura

Take to the sky (and the trees) at the Catalunya En Miniatura adventure park. Featuring four different adventure courses, two of which are for children, this theme park runs through a miniature model of Catalunya.

Sightsee the area’s most important buildings while trying your hand at rock climbing, ropes courses, and zip-lining! 

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8. Trial Indoor de Barcelona

The Trial Indoor Solomoto de Barcelona, an indoor moto trials comp, was started in the late 1970’s courtesy of SOLO MOTO magazine. The publication’s director envisioned a new type of competition, one that takes place indoors on artificial features.

2017 saw the 40th anniversary event at the Palau Sant Jordi stadium, but look out for next year’s event in early February, 2018.

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9. Olimpic Cable Park

Skiers, wakeboarders, and kneeboarding enthusiasts will surely get a kick(er) out of the Olimpic Cable Park.

Located on a canal, the park offers boxes, spines, and rails for grinding, equipment rentals, locker rooms with hot showers, a relaxation area, children’s park, and a restaurant.

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10. Spanish F1™ Grand Prix

Globally, Formula 1 has over 500 million annual viewers, making it one of the most popular sports in the world. Montmelo will host the Spanish Grand Prix in May of 2018, just 30 minutes north of the Barcelona. It will land as the fifth event in the year’s schedule, with 16 more to follow it.

Thursday will see a private pit lane tour for ticket-holders only, while Friday and part of Saturday are reserved for practice. The first GP2 and GP3 races will commence Saturday evening. On Sunday morning, another GP2 and GP3 race will run, followed by a Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup race. Around noon, there will be an F1 parade, a presentation, and finally, the main event – a 66 lap F1 race.

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