La Mercè is Barcelona’s biggest week. With a little planning, the city is very bike‑friendly during the festival. Below you’ll find this year’s dates, two easy routes that avoid bottlenecks, where to park safely, and how to catch the finale without stress.
Festival Quick Facts
• Dates: Sep 23–28, 2025
• What to expect: concerts, street arts, castellers, correfoc, and family activities across the city
• Program & live updates: La Mercè official website and app
• Finale tradition: Piromusical by the Magic Fountain area; arrive early
Tip: download the festival app and “favorite” your must‑see events so you get last‑minute updates.
How to Ride Smart
• Use cycle lanes and 30 km/h streets
• Do not ride on pavements; walk your bike in dense areas
• Lights front and back after sunset
• Lock frame + one wheel to a fixed rack only
• Eat and hydrate early; lines grow later in the day
Route A: Old Town & Traditions Loop (easy, 7–9 km total with walking breaks)
Best for: giants parades, castellers, daytime concerts
Flow: Arc de Triomf → Parc de la Ciutadella (BAM/activities) → El Born → Cathedral → Plaça Sant Jaume → back via Passeig Lluís Companys
How to do it: Park near Arc de Triomf or Lluís Companys. Walk your bike through Gothic Quarter pinch points. Check the app for parade times, then hop between open plazas and wide avenues.
Parking hint: use street racks around Arc de Triomf and Passeig Lluís Companys; avoid improvised poles or railings.
Photo idea: Giants parade or castellers with bikes parked on the edge of the square.
Route B: Sunset Montjuïc & Finale Plan (moderate, 10–12 km)
Best for: golden-hour views and the closing show
Flow: Eixample grid → Paral·lel → Poble‑sec side streets → MNAC terraces → Avinguda Reina Maria Cristina
Timing: arrive 90–120 minutes before night shows. Lock up outside the densest zone (try Poble‑sec side streets), then walk in. Expect crowd management near the Magic Fountain area.
Viewpoints: MNAC terraces for sunset photos; step down towards the fountain as showtime approaches.
Correfoc: Watch it safely
The fire run is spectacular. Wear cotton layers, closed shoes, and consider a hat/hood and ear protection. Keep bikes parked away from the route. Families can look for the children’s correfoc, which is calmer and earlier in the day.
Where to Watch Fireworks and Night Shows
• Finale area: around the Magic Fountain and Avinguda Reina Maria Cristina
• Alternative nights: some years include beach fireworks on Barceloneta
• General rule: pick a spot early, keep aisles clear, and follow crowd‑control directions
Family Tips
• Mornings are calmer. Do Route A before lunch.
• Pack snacks and plan breaks in Parc de la Ciutadella or Plaça de Catalunya playground zone.
• Kids should ride on lanes or quiet streets; adults should not cycle on pavements. Walk bikes in busy pedestrian areas.
What to Pack on the Bike
• Two sturdy locks
• Lights + spare batteries
• Water and a compact rain jacket
• Earplugs for fireworks or correfoc
• Portable phone charger, festival app installed
Book a Guided Ride
FAQs
When is La Mercè 2025?
Sep 23–28, 2025.
Can I cycle through festival zones?
Yes on cycle lanes and 30 km/h streets. In crowds, hop off and walk. Cycling on pavements is not allowed for adults.
Where is the closing fireworks show?
Traditionally near the Magic Fountain and Avinguda Reina Maria Cristina. Times and access are published in the official program and app.
Where do I park my bike?
Use official street racks. Lock the frame and a wheel. Avoid signs, trees, and temporary barriers.
Where to stay for La Mercè (Sep 23–28)
Zones that work well
Plaça Espanya & Montjuïc: for the finale and MNAC area
- B-Hotel: rooftop pool, right by Plaça Espanya.
- Catalonia Barcelona Plaza: on the square with metro below and wide views.
- Hotel Miramar Barcelona: classic hilltop stay on Montjuïc, quiet and close to viewpoints.
Eixample Core: easy access citywide, calmer nights
- Hotel Jazz: central, quick hop to Plaça Catalunya, rooftop pool.
- H10 Universitat: steps from Plaça Catalunya and the Gothic Quarter.
- Catalonia Plaza Catalunya: comfortable base with pool and gym.
- Hotel Granvia: elegant 19th‑century building near Passeig de Gràcia.
Poble‑sec & Paral·lel: good for walking to shows, family‑friendly apartments
- Stay Together Barcelona Apartments: roomy units opposite Paral·lel metro.
- Eric Vökel Boutique Apartments – Gran Vía Suites: apartment hotel close to Plaça Espanya.
How to pick
- If you want to watch the closing show with minimal travel: stay around Plaça Espanya.
- If you want a flexible base for daytime parades and Old Town: choose Eixample near Plaça Catalunya.
- If you’re with kids or a group: consider apartments in Poble‑sec/Gran Via for space and kitchens.
