RT2015

Hi all,

So when I have looked up running options/routes in Barcelona, I read lots of recommendations to run 'first thing', before it gets busy. I would normally interpret this as meaning between 6am and 8am. But given Barcelona is a late night city and many parks seem to open at 10am (while running sites also suggesting these parks are good for running) I am thinking 'first thing' in Barcelona may be later than here in Australia.

Can someone advise? Has anyone experienced running in Barcelona? Would 8am/9am be too late to run from the Gothic Quarter, where we are staying?

Many thanks,
RT

sparkchaser

Crazy idea: try it at 8am and if it is too busy, go earlier the next day.

Dukey1

Having stayed IN that Gothic Quarter (but perhaps not in the same part as your accommodation might be) I would make sure I knew exactly where to be doing all that running. Some of the streets are rather narrow so when you say you are going to run "from" the Gothic Quarter I'd say that's probably a good idea.

As to timing, IME, just because some restaurants aren't open for business until around 9PM and people typically don't eat early doesn't mean nobody is going to be up and about at 6 or 7 AM. Frankly I like running and the earlier the better and when there are fewer folks up and about.

I think Spark above has given you good advice.

RT2015

Haha thanks sparkchaser - I'll only get two chances as only run every other day.

Dukes I also prefer running early - just concerned about jet lag combined with a friend who likes late parties, so Barcelona will be a perfect recipe for her but maybe not for running

Robert2533

What time you decide to run in Barcelona will depend on the time of year. It gets very warm and humid early during the summer months and a lot of runners choose to run in the evening. In the winter, early morning is fine unless you want to sleep in. You're on holiday. Try to relax.

Cowboy1968

If you want to be independent from the opening hours of the parks (you probably mean Ciutadella), you can run from the Gothic Quarter to the Columbus column and follow the very wide (car-free) harbor promenade of the Old Harbor/ Port Vell to Barceloneta beach. And continue on the (car-free) beach promenade to Port Olimpic and back.
Even at 9am it won't be "busy".

Ackislander

I am not a runner, but it was going to propose a route very similar to Cowboy's wit the exception that you might have to walk to the waterfront rather than running, depending on where you begin. The Promenade and beachfront would be ideal.

RT2015

Thanks everyone. The routes sound good. I find running in new cities such a wonderful way to see things - running is one of my favourite relaxing pastimes, but if it doesn't happen, or is trickier than I expect it won't be the end of the world.