With the ice rink in operation, the park kicks off its programme of special Christmas activities and shows, which will run until 5 January

The rink, located in Plaça dels Somnis and with a circular skating surface of 235 m², will be open each day the park is open until closing time, with access included in the entrance fee or with a single ticket of €5

This Saturday, 29 November, Parc d'atraccions Tibidabo inaugurated the ice rink with the best views of Barcelona, in Plaça dels Somnis. It’s the only place like it in the city and consolidates the park's appeal during the Christmas season, adding to the magical decoration and the wide range of activities and shows organised here during the holidays. 

A new, accessible circular ice rink with greater capacity

The major new addition this year is the new circular shape of the rink, which allows visitors to skate around the Christmas decoration that adorns Plaça dels Somnis and enjoy a more immersive experience. In addition, with a skating surface of 235 m², the rink has increased its capacity to 50 people, who will be able to skate simultaneously while enjoying unbeatable views of the city.

Thanks to the ice rink, Tibidabo has also reaffirmed its commitment to inclusion and accessibility. The rink has adaptations for children and people with reduced mobility such as skating supports in the shape of a polar bear or penguin, and sleigh chairs so that everybody can enjoy the experience safely and comfortably.

What’s more, sustainability is one of the key pillars of this attraction. The rink is made with recycled and non-toxic materials that make it 100% sustainable. It does not consume electricity or water, and the supplier is ISO 9001 and 14001 certified, guaranteeing quality and respect for the environment in its manufacturing process. This year marks the fourth consecutive year that the park has offered this activity, which was enjoyed by more than 12,000 people last year. 

The activity will be available each day the park is open until 5 January, from 12.00 noon until closing time. Access is included with the park entrance, although a single ticket of €5 can also be purchased for those who only want to enjoy this activity.

Lighting, shows and activities to enjoy Christmas in the most magical place in the city

Beyond the ice rink, Parc d'atraccions Tibidabo is gearing up for Christmas with magical decorations and a programme full of activities for the whole family. A large 12-meter natural tree stands over the Panoramic Area, while the park’s emblematic attractions glow with special lighting. This holiday season, visitors can also enjoy encounters with Santa Claus, a royal page and the surprising Krampus in Espai 666; shows with the park's mascots and Christmas elves; and classics such as the “Tibimarionetarium de Natal” or the TibidAvis days. An extensive programme that will run until 5 January. 

The magic of Christmas comes to BSM spaces

The Christmas programme at the Parc d’atraccions Tibidabo is part of municipal company BSM’s new series of activities for the festive season. In addition to Tibidabo, the Zoo de Barcelona has already launched its new festive activities and put up decorations; and Park Güell, for the first time, is lighting up the Sala Hipòstila and has also put up Christmas decorations to encourage local residents to enjoy the magic of Christmas in the city from the park. Meanwhile, from 20 December, the Port Olímpic will also be filled with light, excitement and tradition.

The new synthetic ice rink, located in Plaça dels Somnis, has capacity for 50 people, who can skate while enjoying unbeatable views of Barcelona  

Young and old alike will be able to enjoy magical meet-and-greets with Santa Claus and one of the Three Kings’ pages; and the bravest will have the opportunity to meet Krampus, the evil character from Hotel 666 who can only be seen at this time of year

The Christmas programme at Parc d’atraccions Tibidabo begins on Saturday, 29 November, and will continue until 5 January

This weekend, Parc d’atraccions Tibidabo will be launching its special Christmas programme and will be decked out for the festive season. From 29 November until 5 January, the park will be filled with magic and will once again become the ideal space to enjoy the festive season with family or friends. Throughout this period, a large 12-metre Christmas tree located in the Panoramic Area will welcome visitors, who will also be able to enjoy the Christmas lights adorning some of the park’s iconic attractions such as the Giradabo, the Carrusel and the Cuca de Llum. 

A new sustainable ice rink with the best views of the city 

This Saturday, the new ice rink opens to the public. Located in the Plaça dels Somnis and 100% sustainable thanks to its synthetic materials, the rink has capacity for 50 people, and its new circular shape allows visitors to skate around the Christmas decorations that will also set the mood in the square. 

Access to the rink is included in the admission price, and you can also skate there by purchasing a single ticket for 5 euros. The rink will be open from 12 noon until the park closes. 

Magical meet-and-greets with Santa Claus, a royal page and the evil Krampus

As a new feature this season, little ones will be able to enjoy magical meet-and-greets (photos included) with Santa Claus and deliver their letters to one of the Three Kings’ pages. In addition, the bravest visitors will be able to meet, talk to and take photos with Krampus, the evil character who hangs out in the park at this time of year. 

The dates and times of these Meet & Greets are: 

• Krampus: on 29 and 30 November and every day the park is open between 6 December and 5 January, in Espai 666. Check the times on the Parc d’atraccions Tibidabo website.  
• Santa Claus: from 20 to 24 December, at 12.00, 1.30 and 3.00 p.m., in the Panoramic Area. 
• Royal Page: from 2 to 5 January, at 12.00, 1.30 and 3.00 p.m., in the Panoramic Area. 

Tibidabo’s mascots will also be dressing up for Christmas on their 10th anniversary 

The park’s mascots, who are celebrating a major birthday this year, certainly won’t be missing the Christmas fun at Tibidabo. They are now 10 years old! From this Saturday, 29 November, until 5 January, they will be performing a Christmas show in the Plaça del Jardí every day the park is open.

Before the show, which will start at 4.30 p.m., visitors will be able to meet the mascots and take photos with them. These meet-and-greets will also take place in the Plaça del Jardí at 2.00 p.m., 2.30 p.m., 3.10 p.m. and 3.40 p.m.

But the mascots will not be alone. This year, some mischievous Christmas elves will be livening up visitors’ time in the park with a new walkabout show. The elves will be around on weekends and public holidays from 29 November to 14 December and from 27 to 31 December 27, at 11.00 a.m., 12.30 p.m. and 2.00 p.m.  

The classics are back: the “Tibimarionetarium” Christmas puppet show and TibidAvis 

In addition to these new features, Tibidabo is bringing back two of its Christmas classics: the “Tibimarionetarium” Christmas puppet show and TibidAvis, which has been a hit for over 10 years now. 

The “Tibimarionetarium” puppet show, inspired by the Christmas festivities and featuring music, stars and snow, will be on this weekend and every day the park is open between 6 December and 5 January. Check the Parc d’atraccions Tibidabo website for show times. 

TibidAvis, the day designed for grandparents to enjoy the park with their grandchildren, will be held on 22, 23 and 24 December.  During these three days (one more than in previous years), grandparents will have free admission to the park with a maximum of 2 grandchildren under 16 years of age.

Thanks to this initiative, which is part of Tibidabo’s commitment to families and celebrates the key role of grandparents in helping parents achieve a work-life balance and in sharing love and wisdom, grandparents can enjoy a day of Christmas magic and fun with the youngest members of the family.

The magic of Christmas comes to BSM spaces

The Christmas programme at the Parc d’atraccions Tibidabo is part of municipal company BSM’s new series of activities for the festive season. In addition to Tibidabo, the Zoo de Barcelona has already launched its new festive activities and put up decorations; and Park Güell, for the first time, is lighting up the Sala Hipòstila and has also put up Christmas decorations to encourage local residents to enjoy the magic of Christmas in the city from the park. Meanwhile, from 20 December, the Port Olímpic will also be filled with light, excitement and tradition.

Half a century of awakening naturalist vocations and training generations committed to the preservation of biodiversity 

More than 20,000 children and young people pass through the classrooms of Zoo de Barcelona each year, learning to value and protect nature 

Zoo de Barcelona celebrated 50 years of dedication to environmental education on Thursday, 27 November, with an event that brought together numerous professionals who have been involved in this work over the past half-century. The evening featured renowned scientist Martí Boada, Doctor of Environmental Sciences, geographer and naturalist, who shared his vision of the importance of education in helping people value and protect nature.

With this event, the team at Zoo de Barcelona reaffirmed its commitment to preserving biodiversity and raising awareness among new generations. The contribution made by Zoo de Barcelona’s staff to educating the country’s children and training university students, scholars and researchers has also been highlighted through collaboration with universities and various institutions dedicated to zoology, conservation and animal welfare, among other disciplines.

50 years of education at Zoo de Barcelona

In 1975, under the direction of Antoni Jonch, Zoo de Barcelona created the ‘Escuela Técnico-Práctica’ with the eminent primatologist Jordi Sabater Pi as its first head. It was a leading and pioneering department at a time when there were not as many institutions as there are today dedicated to outreach or environmental education. At that time, the zoo was in a phase of expansion and modernisation. 

Through that department, Zoo de Barcelona forged the first partnerships with schools and with the educational curriculum. They offered guided visits to the park that made it possible to learn about animal biology, always ensuring the accurate transmission of scientific knowledge and seeking an informative and educational approach. It also launched zoology courses for adults with fieldwork that achieved great prestige. Family activities and holiday schemes for children, among other more recreational initiatives, were also gradually introduced. 

Since the beginning of its educational work, Zoo de Barcelona has awakened naturalist vocations and inspired future scientific careers.

An evolving awareness programme

Zoo de Barcelona has the mission of preserving the planet’s biodiversity, and a fundamental pillar of this work is educating future generations in respect for nature and the environment. For this reason, it adapts to changes in society and currently emphasises the importance of conserving biodiversity and the effects of climate change and human activity on the planet’s ecosystems. 

Recently, the zoo has designed an innovative educational project that joins forces with schools to offer inspiring experiences so that children and young people can develop curiosity, scientific skills and an understanding of the world around them in a dynamic and enjoyable way. Each year, about 20,000 children and young people pass through the zoo’s classrooms.

Zoo de Barcelona does not operate as an isolated centre in the field of education; networking is essential for driving positive change in the world. It has always played an essential role in institutions and associations related to pedagogy and environmental education, as well as in zoos. It is part of the Pedagogical Innovation Council of Ajuntament de Barcelona, and is an active member of the education sections of the Asociación Ibérica de Zoos y Acuarios (AIZA) and the European Association of Zoos & Aquaria (EAZA).

This network of collaboration enables Zoo de Barcelona to share experiences, learn from the best international practices and amplify the impact of its educational work beyond Barcelona.

One new addition this year is a 12-metre-high Christmas tree in the Plaça de La Dama del Paraigua and a space to discover how El tió takes care of the forests  

Zoo de Barcelona's Christmas programme starts on Saturday, 22 November and will last until 5 January

Zoo de Barcelona is gearing up for Christmas with new decorations and a special programme. Starting Saturday, 22 November and until 5 January, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities inspired by this time of year, which will encourage younger visitors to learn about the importance of biodiversity and conservation.

A 12-metre-high Christmas tree and a space for discovering how El tió takes care of the forests 

For the first time, a 12-metre-high Christmas tree will be erected in Plaça de La Dama del Paraigua. In addition, there will be Christmas and winter photo opportunities throughout the zoo for both young and old to take photos, sing carols or make El tió poop Christmas presents. 

Another great new feature will be “La casa dels tions”, a space to discover how this emblematic character of the Catalan forests takes care of the natural environment and how everyone can help him. La casa dels tions will be located at the entrance to the Sabana-Sahel area. 

On 24 December, visitors will also be invited to make El tió poop Christmas presents in Plaça de La Dama del Paraigua. This event, which is a classic every Christmas at the Zoo de Barcelona, will take place at 12.00 pm.  

Another activity that is back at Zoo de Barcelona for the festive season is the Christmas gymkhana. This game promises fun for the whole family, designed to enliven the visit and provide insights into how to conserve biodiversity. The gymkhana will be available until 31 December. 

Christmas camps and grandparent days are back 

Once again, over the Christmas school holidays, Zoo de Barcelona is organising activity camps for children aged 5 to 14. They are: “Els cuiners del zoo” (from 22 to 24 December); “Apunta’t a traballar per a la conservació” (from 29 to 31 December or 2 January); and “Viatgem amb animals” (on 5 January). All information and registration details can be found on the Zoo de Barcelona website.   

For the third consecutive year, on 22 and 23 December, the zoo will celebrate Grandparents Day, two days to honour all those family members and friends who make finding a work-life balance possible in many homes. Over these two days, grandparents, uncles, aunties and childminders who visit Zoo de Barcelona will receive a free two-person ticket (one adult and one child). 

A new activity for learning about the importance of wetlands 

Coinciding with the Christmas programme, Zoo de Barcelona is also launching a new experimental activity to learn about the role of wetlands and their importance as natural filters, as they retain sediment and improve water quality. 

As part of this activity, aimed at families with children aged between 3 and 12, there will also be an explanation of how the operations of the pilot natural-filter plant regenerate water from the zoo's facilities for reuse. This facility was developed within the framework of the LIFE4Zoo project of “Water resources management in urban parks–FIT4USE Water recirculation technology,” funded by the European Union through the LIFE programme. 

This activity, available on weekends and holidays, costs 3 euros per child and 6 euros per adult and must be booked in advance on the Zoo de Barcelona website. 

The magic of Christmas arrives at BSM spaces 

With the launch of the Zoo de Barcelona's Christmas schedule, BSM is kicking off the season's celebration at its venues. Over the next few weeks, four emblematic locations in Barcelona: the Parc d’atraccions Tibidabo, Park Güell and Port Olympic, will be filled with light, emotions and tradition to offer residents unique experiences.

This year, decorations are particularly prominent, with iconic elements that mark the Christmas character of the season: large 12-metre natural trees preside over each of the spaces, decorated with lighting and thematic motifs that reflect the excitement of the Christmas holidays. Around them, other decorative elements, workshops, activities and shows are being organised that encourage participation and immortalise unique moments such as El tió, visits from Santa Claus's elves or the opportunity to delivery letters to the Three Kings’ helpers. 

This extensive programme has been designed for family and friends to enjoy, with BSM turning these spaces into ideal meeting points for experiencing the magic of Christmas without leaving the city. The programme begins on 22 November 2025 and will run until 5 January 2026, with events that combine tradition and creativity.

Zoo de Barcelona begins an important stage of transformation, looking ahead to 2030, offering new experiences and spaces that encourage new generations to be the true agents of change

One of the first initiatives will be the Bioscope, a knowledge centre for all ages on the evolution of biodiversity, to be conceived as part of an international architectural competition 

This important transformation, a key piece of the Ciutadella del Coneixement, will allow visitors to learn about the most threatened species and habitats, consolidating Zoo de Barcelona’s leadership in research and conservation projects in collaboration with the country's leading scientific centres 

The value proposition of the future Zoo

Zoo de Barcelona is embarking on an important stage of transformation to become a new reference space for the conservation of the planet's biodiversity. Faced with the challenges posed by climate change and the consequent loss of biodiversity, the institution is taking a step forward with new areas and initiatives that enable visitors of all ages to connect with nature through learning, enjoyment and awareness-raising experiences. 

The incorporation of immersive spaces that bring visitors into contact with nature, the use of new technologies and a varied programme of activities tailored to different audiences will make a visit to the Zoo de Barcelona a unique experience. With 2030 as the target date, the new project seeks to support new generations in becoming active agents in the defence of biodiversity. By shifting from being spectators to taking an active part in protecting species, they will become champions of our concern for the planet. 

In this context, visitors will obtain in-depth information about the most threatened species and habitats, as well as Zoo de Barcelona's leadership in carrying out research and conservation projects through partnerships with the leading scientific centres in the country.    

Bioscope, a space for understanding and taking action for biodiversity 

One of the initiatives that will soon be launched is the Bioscope, a knowledge centre that will offer a fascinating interactive journey through the origin and evolution of species.  

This new and innovative space will offer a one-of-a-kind experience for all ages, with multimedia and exhibition elements where visitors can discover and observe the ecosystems of animals such as fish, reptiles and amphibians. All of them are endangered species that play an important role in the evolution of animal species.

Thanks to the Bioscope, Zoo de Barcelona will consolidate its position as a leading educational centre. This space has also been designed as an essential visit for educational centres and as a valuable complement to current syllabus content.   

This new centre, planned for 2030, will consist of a building of approximately 3,000 m2 and an outdoor area totalling 7,200 m2; and will be located in the northern part of Zoo de Barcelona, where Carrer Wellington meets Carrer Pujades. 

The Bioscope will also feature distinctive architecture and design, and will involve an investment of €18 million provided by BSM.

This project will be developed through an international architectural competition that BSM, together with Ajuntament de Barcelona, will launch in the coming days. 

Aïllats, a space for delving into the uniqueness of island species 

As part of this value proposition, Zoo de Barcelona will soon launch the Aïllats [Isolated] project, an immersive and interactive experience where visitors will delve into the world of islands, considered authentic natural laboratories of evolution. 

Aïllats will offer visitors an insight into the uniqueness of island ecosystems, while also highlighting conservation and reintroduction projects underway at Zoo de Barcelona, such as those involving the Majorcan midwife toad and the Ibiza wall lizard.   

Descobrint la Mediterània: a walk through Mediterranean habitats 

And the third project that Zoo de Barcelona has begun working on is Descobrint la Mediterrània, a large area that will allow visitors to immerse themselves in a Mediterranean landscape and discover its exuberant and important biodiversity. 

At Descobrint la Mediterrània, visitors will be able to learn about environmental problems and biodiversity loss in the Mediterranean deltas, as well as observe emblematic Mediterranean species that are currently threatened and for which Zoo de Barcelona has active preservation projects. 

A space dedicated to the preservation of biodiversity and to wellbeing through contact with nature

Spanning 13 hectares, Zoo de Barcelona is the largest facility in the Ciutadella del Coneixement, the project that will turn Parc de la Ciutadella and its surroundings into a leading hub for knowledge, outreach, research and innovation in Europe. 

Thanks to the construction of the new access to the park on Carrer de Wellington, Zoo de Barcelona will be physically integrated into this knowledge hub. This access, planned for 2027, will link the Born and Ribera neighbourhoods with Vila Olímpica and will open Zoo de Barcelona more fully to city life, enhancing its visibility and transforming it into a meeting point and place for connecting with nature. 

The first STEAM workshop, aimed at Year 5 and 6 primary school students, focused on architecture and technology through the figure of Gaudí 

Throughout the 2025-2026 academic year, more than 8,000 students will participate in a total of six STEAM workshops organised in iconic city spaces such as Zoo de Barcelona, Anella Olímpica, Parc del Fòrum and Parc d’atraccions Tibidabo

BSM has launched a new edition of its STEAM series: educational workshops combining science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics with fun and interactive activities. The programme, organised in cooperation with the Escola d’Enginyeria de Barcelona Est (EEBE) de la Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya - BarcelonaTech (UPC), is for students from primary school to baccalaureate and promotes scientific and technological professions amongst young people, especially girls.

The workshops will take place throughout the 2025-2026 school year and will be held in six iconic city spaces: Park Güell, Zoo de Barcelona, Anella Olímpica, Parc del Fòrum and Parc d’atraccions Tibidabo, which will become settings for active learning and experimentation. Each location will host a morning event on a theme tailored to the participants’ curriculum and educational level. Throughout the academic year, with the support of 140 UPC students, more than 8,000 students from 200 schools across Barcelona and the surrounding area will participate in these educational events. 

Kick-off at Park Güell, coinciding with the centenary of the park as a public space

The first STEAM workshop was held today at Park Güell, with more than 500 Year 5 and 6 students from 12 schools in Barcelona and its metropolitan area. The session focused on architecture and technology through the figure of Antoni Gaudí. The start of the new edition of the series in this iconic setting coincides with two anniversaries: the centenary of the park as a public space and the centenary of the architect’s death, which will be commemorated throughout the Any Gaudí. 

On 4 March, the Parc del Fòrum will host the second session, featuring collaborative biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics activities for fourth-year compulsory secondary education (ESO) students and first-year science and technology baccalaureate students.

Zoo de Barcelona will host two consecutive STEAM sessions on 17 and 18 March next year. Over the course of these two days, the zoo will become a space for exploration where first- and second-year ESO students will be able to delve deeper into different aspects of biology. 

On 24 March, the Anella Olímpica will host a session for second- and third-year ESO students. This event will focus on applied science, with activities covering five areas of knowledge: the brain, matter, energy, art and technology.

Laia Bonet, first deputy mayor and president of BSM, emphasised “the importance of educational and experimental initiatives that spark an interest in scientific fields amongst new generations. The STEAM workshops organised by BSM and the UPC, held in unique city locations, make careers in these fields more accessible to young people, by offering inspiring learning experiences that connect knowledge, creativity and heritage.” 

“As a polytechnic school, we have a special interest in getting young people involved in science and technology,” said Adriana Farran, the director Escola d’Enginyeria de Barcelona Est (EEBE) de la Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya - BarcelonaTech (UPC).  “We believe that one of the best ways to do this is by experimenting, and if it can be outdoors, in a dynamic, fun way, so much the better. That’s why we offer the organisers two of our most valuable assets: our lecturers, who help to design the activities, and our students, who act as guides in various workshops and will serve as role models for the young participants.” 

The annual festival will take place on Sunday 16 November and will feature puppet shows, gegant giant figures and the traditional ball de bastons stick dance, among other activities   

On Sunday 16 November, Parc d’atraccions Tibidabo will be celebrating its festa major, or main annual festival, with a programme full of folk culture that will offer young and old alike a special day out at the ‘Peak of Excitement’. 

Throughout the day, the park will host puppet shows, gegant giant figures, ball de gitanes folk dances and plenty of hot chocolate, among many other activities. 

Tibidabo is turning 124 this year, and the annual festival coincides with its anniversary, celebrated each year in November. To mark the anniversary, entry to the Miramiralls is free every Sunday this month.

Programme for the Parc d’atraccions Tibidabo annual festival 

• 11 am - Hot chocolate in Plaça dels Somnis
• 11 am - Muppets entertainment at the Panoramic Area
• 11.30 am - Gegants and gralla players from Palau-Solità i Plegamans in Plaça del Jardí
• 12.30 pm - Ball de gitanes folk dancing groups from Palau-Solità i Plegamans in Plaça dels Somnis
• 1 pm - Bastoners de Gràcia stick dancers in Plaça dels Somnis
• 4.30 pm - Mascots show in Plaça del Jardí
• 5 pm - El Retorn dels Putxinel·lis (Titelles Vergés) puppet show in Plaça dels Somnis

With the theme ‘Connecting Barcelona to the mobility of the future’, BSM will present its contribution to the city’s mobility

Over the course of three days at the Congress, BSM’s stand will host conversations with sector experts on key issues, including the future of e-mobility, the digitalisation of mobility and Bicing as a model of shared urban mobility

For the fourth year in a row, BSM, an Ajuntament de Barcelona municipal company and a key mobility stakeholder in the city, will be taking part in the Tomorrow Mobility World Congress (TMWC), taking place from 4 to 6 November at the Fira Barcelona Gran Via site.

With a 100 m² stand at Pavelló 2 (stand D140) and the theme ‘Connecting Barcelona to the mobility of the future’, BSM’s participation will reflect its contribution to mobility in the city, both in the sphere of Mobility and Public Space and in Urban Mobility Services. This showcase highlights BSM’s position as a key operator in the running and transformation of mobility in Barcelona with a clear vision: a healthier, smarter, more connected and more sustainable city that prioritises people.

Throughout the three-day Congress, the BSM stand will become a space for conversations and several round tables on the major mobility challenges facing cities like Barcelona. The first session will take place on Tuesday 4 November at 11 am and will be moderated by Xavier Castellsagué, the head of Endolla Barcelona. The event will focus on e-mobility and the need to adapt urban infrastructure to meet increased demand and a wide range of needs. The conversation will bring together leaders in the energy, automotive and charging network management sectors, who will share their experiences and strategies for guaranteeing an efficient, accessible, future-proof network.

The second activity, led by Bicing head Mario Rodríguez, will take place on Wednesday 5 November at 11 am and will explore Bicing as a shared urban mobility model in an increasingly complex and dense setting. The session will also look at Bicing’s role as a key tool for encouraging active, healthy, sustainable mobility.

The third session, which will be led by the director of Mobility and Public Space at BSM, Sergi Vidal, will take place on 6 November at 11 am and explore smart, connected mobility, with a focus on digitalisation as a tool for improving mobility management and use of public spaces. The conversation will bring together professionals from the public and private sectors, who will reflect on how technology can contribute to making mobility more efficient, safer and more people-oriented. 

By participating in the Congress, BSM is reasserting its commitment to urban mobility that evolves with the city and prioritises innovation, technology and people.

In 2026, the plan to expand the service will be complete with 36 new stations, 11 of which will be located in hillside neighbourhoods to strengthen the service in these areas of the city

Barcelona has made cycling an everyday form of transport, mainly thanks to Bicing. With over 166,000 active users, a network of 557 stations and a fleet of 8,000 bikes (5,000 electric, 3,000 mechanical) this public bike sharing service managed by BSM has become a key part of the city’s sustainable mobility ecosystem.

Since the new Bicing was launched in early 2019, the service has seen steady growth, with a 68.2% increase in users and more than 100 million journeys. But the service had a new goal for 2025: reach 20 million annual journeys (5% up on last year), in order to position itself as an essential service that promotes a healthier, better-connected Barcelona.

An expanding network that strengthens links between neighbourhoods

With a view to improving coverage across the city and guaranteeing fairer mobility, this year, Bicing has installed 30 new stations, eight of which are in hillside neighbourhoods such as Sarrià – Sant Gervasi and Horta – Guinardó. Thanks to this expansion, nearly 10% of the network is found in these areas.

We are now entering the final phase of the expansion, which will be completed in 2026, with the incorporation of 36 additional stations located strategically in all of the city’s districts. Out of the total, 11 will be installed in hillside neighbourhoods, thus strengthening the service’s expansion in these areas, prioritising connection between neighbourhoods and bringing the service to parts of the city with the highest demand. 

With these installations, which will mark the completion of the announced plan to open 74 new stations, Bicing will have achieved one of its most ambitious expansions. Overall, 31% of the new stations will be in hillside neighbourhoods, in a clear effort to balance the service’s distribution across the city and facilitate day-to-day mobility in historically less well-connected areas.

The budget for this initiative, along with the expansion of the electric fleet carried out between 2024 and 2025, is 2.8 million euros, partly funded by the Next Generation EU programme.

 ‘Bicing is now an essential infrastructure resource for thousands of Barcelona residents’ day-to-day mobility,’ says First Deputy Mayor and the head of BSM, Laia Bonet. ‘As well as growing in terms of user and journey numbers, the service is expanding throughout the city in order to guarantee fairer mobility. We’re establishing a healthier, more sustainable, better-connected city model. We will continue to strive to make Bicing an increasingly accessible, unifying service that can address future urban mobility challenges.’

A driving force for day-to-day mobility in the city

Bicing usage patterns paint a picture of a city that cycles to work, to school and for leisure. More specifically, 76% of journeys take place on weekdays, with peak times early in the morning and in the evening. Meanwhile, leisure journeys are more popular on weekends, which speaks to the service’s flexibility and recreational value.

E-bikes have emerged as Bicing users’ favourite option and the mainstay of the service. Currently, 8 out of 10 journeys are made on an e-bike, which reflects their functionality and suitability for urban mobility. Journeys on e-bike are also significantly longer: the average distance per journey is 2.63 km, compared to the 1.84 km covered on average by a mechanical bike. This difference shows that, as well as facilitating mobility in hilly districts, e-bikes expand the service’s coverage and better meet users’ real needs in their daily journeys.

The market is free to visit and will be held at the Moll de Mestral wharf on 2 November, from 11 am to 6 pm

Visitors will find over 80 exhibitors offering vintage products and local design, plus a chance to enjoy sustainable food, live music, workshops and activities for all audiences in an event that promotes responsible consumption and reuse

Port Olímpic will be hosting a new edition of the Flea Market Barcelona on Sunday, 2 November, from 11 am to 6 pm. In a nod to the host venue, this edition will be called Port Flea. 

Taking place at the Moll de Mestral wharf, the event is open to everyone and will feature over 80 exhibitors offering vintage products, unique pieces and local design, as well as food trucks committed to sustainability, live music, creative workshops for children and adults and a variety of other activities.

Organised by the Associació Mercat de Segona Mà, Port Flea is more than a second-hand market. The market seeks to continue revitalising the Port Olímpic by promoting responsible, local consumption, encouraging the reuse of products, and raising awareness of the environmental impact of fast fashion and the importance of supporting the local economy. Visitors can check out visual exhibitions about the impact of fashion industry on the marine environment and participate in upcycling and art workshops.

The event reflects the Port Olímpic’s commitment to being an open space that engages with the city and its residents through an ongoing programme of activities connecting culture, sustainability and urban life in a unique setting.