Barcelona Leisure

Since hosting the 1992 Olympics, Barcelona’s reputation as more than a tourist and party venue has been sealed. The Olympic facilities remain a key attraction of the city, set among a nicely landscaped park and grounds atop Mont Juïc.

Sporting events

The two main spectator sporting events that appeal to visitors are the weekly football matches of Barca – one of Europe’s leading teams and the Bullfights. Getting tickets to the former might be challenging, but during the summer bullfights are held regularly enough that tourists will always have at least one event to get to at either of the two rings located at opposite ends of the Fran Via de les Corts Catalanes. Animal rights activists might not approve, and many places in Spain are now beginning to agree with them, but in Barcelona the fights continue with all the pomp and ceremony, blood, guts and yells of “ole” that make these such an attraction to tourists and locals alike. Tickets are available at the gates, though you can expect a crush, and prices vary according to the seating. Posters across the city advertise events as if they were world championship boxing bouts, and aside from the danger and cruelty, the reaction of the crowd and trumpeting mariachis are entertaining.

Sporting activities

Fitness fans are most likely to find gyms in their hotels, otherwise a great place to jog is along the seafront or on Mont Juïc which has little traffic. It does get hot though. Swimming is a good option at the Platja de Sant Sebastià, but public pools are numerous and tourist booths can point out the nearest one. Rollerblading is also popular and the large squares provide great open spaces suitable for skating, but the best time for freedom and cool weather is later at night. Some people do also cycle around the city. A bike is hardly practical for navigating the small lanes of the Barri Gòtic or Las Ramblas areas, especially with the crowds.

Keeping fit

Barcelona is backed by a range of hills and Parc Guëll makes this natural environment quite accessible for walking, hiking, jogging or escaping the concrete jungle of the city below.

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