With dozens of bike hire services and an increasing network of cycling lanes, seeing Barcelona by bike is becoming enormously popular, especially along the city’s waterfront. Barceloneta, the city’s salty, maritime neighbourhood is the best place to start off on your two wheels. (You could even hire them from Barceloneta Bikes, C/ Mestrança 49). With the Port Vell – the city’s main marina – on your right, head down Passeig del Borbón, Barceloneta’s main drag and home to dozens of famous fish restaurants, like La Cucina di Ivo all the way down the Plaça del Mar, a vast plaza that faces the sea. From here you can take the boardwalk in the opposite direction, heading towards the landmark twin towers at the Port Olímpic and Frank Gehry’s famous bronze fish sculpture (you can’t miss them). Along the way, you could take a break at one of the dozens of chiringuitos (outdoor bars) that line the foreshore, or at the Port Olímpic itself, which contains dozens of cafes restaurants overlooking another marina. Once replenished, continue along the boardwalk in the same direction. (After a short distance it will become a sandy track, but don’t worry, it soon reverts to concrete again). North of the ...

Barceloneta is the beach area at the Port Vell end of Barcelona’s Las Ramblas. Since the Romans, Port Vell has been the centre of Barcelona’s maritime trading and, today, it is resplendent with sailing boats, motor yachts, shops and fabulous Baceloneta holiday rentals. Adjacent to the port is Barcelona’s principal beach, Barceloneta, where you will find numerous fish restaurants: • Can Ramonet is at Carrer Maquinista 17 and is a tavern that began serving mariners in 1763 and, today, serves delicious tapas and numerous fish dishes including octopus in an historical maritime atmosphere that is unique in Barcelona. • Can Majo is at L' Almirall Aixada, 23 and is one of the finest fish restaurants in terms of the pure quality of the food in Barcelona. The shellfish tapas at Can Majo a wonderful way to start your meal. There is a great choice of main courses including variations of paella and lobster, and numerous fish, clam, prawn, and mussel dishes. Eating on the terrace in summer with the sea view is magical. • Seven Portes is at Passeig d' Isabel II and opened in 1836. It is one of Barceloneta’s most renowned fish restaurants, famous for the supreme quality of its paella ...