To enjoy Barcelona’s beautiful cityscape, using bike sharing is highly recommended!
When sightseeing in Barcelona, many people struggle with choosing transportation methods. Public transportation like subways and buses have complex route systems, and the walking distance between tourist spots can be longer than expected. In this context, we introduce the maneuverable bike share service “Donkey Republic” as a means to achieve efficient sightseeing. With reasonable pricing and high convenience, it will become a strong ally for your Barcelona tourism.
What is Donkey Republic?
Donkey Republic, familiar with its orange-colored body
Donkey Republic is a tourist-oriented bike sharing service that has spread throughout Europe, including Barcelona. It’s similar to bike sharing services that are rapidly spreading worldwide, but it has a major difference and characteristic: there are no fixed cycle ports.
Donkey Republic bikes are scattered throughout Barcelona city
You can return bikes anywhere at virtual station locations displayed on the map, and this flexibility enhances usability for tourism. It’s also the most cost-effective bike sharing service available to tourists in Barcelona, making it perfect for those who want to efficiently utilize their limited travel budget.
Detailed Usage Instructions
Registration and Finding Bikes
To use Donkey Republic’s bike sharing service, first download the app on your smartphone and register as a member.
You can search for available bikes centered around your current location in Barcelona city. Since cycle ports aren’t fixed, bikes are scattered throughout various locations in the city. Once you find your desired bike on the app’s map, select the device using the unique name assigned to that bike and proceed with the rental process. With a smartphone, the process is very simple and easy to understand.
Each bike is assigned a unique “name”
Pricing Plans
The main pricing plan options are:
• Pay-per-use plan: 1 euro for 15 minutes (1 euro added for every additional 15 minutes)
• Hourly rental plan: From 5 euros for 6 hours
If you plan to visit multiple tourist destinations, the hourly rental plan is overwhelmingly cost-effective. However, in this case, you’ll generally continue using the same bike, so choose according to your long-term sightseeing plans.
From Rental to Riding
The bike lock uses an attached keychain system
After completing the rental process with your credit card, use the app to unlock the bike. The chain key installed on the bike will then be unlocked. Properly attach this chain key to the bike or store it compactly, and you’re ready to start riding. You might initially struggle with the somewhat heavy bike, but you should get used to it quickly.
Return Method
Bike poles like this are installed throughout the city, so find return locations by comparing with station positions on the map
When returning, search for virtual stations on the app’s map. Poles for securing bikes are installed at designated locations, so secure the bike to these poles with the chain key, execute Lock in the app, and then complete the rental termination process. This completes the ride and finalizes the credit card charge.
Lock and return operations following the app
Also, when temporarily parking the bike during sightseeing, always secure it to nearby poles with the chain and apply the lock. It’s important to always carry valuables with you and not leave them on the bike.
Actual Usage Experience and Ride Quality
Bike Performance
Donkey Republic bikes are equipped with 6-speed gears, allowing smooth riding on flat terrain and reasonably steep hills. The frame is somewhat heavy and acceleration when starting requires some effort, but once you get going, it’s very maneuverable and served as a more convenient transportation method than the subway. Especially for travel between tourist destinations, there’s the advantage of being able to head directly to your destination without worrying about bus or subway transfers.
Tourism Applications
Being able to visit tourist spots like Sagrada Familia with light footwork regardless of time is the greatest benefit
The exhilarating feeling of smoothly cycling to tourist spots like the Gothic Quarter (Old Town) and Sagrada Familia is exceptional. The experience of enjoying the cityscape while riding through the wind became a special memory of Barcelona tourism. Also, even in areas or time periods where security is a concern, traveling by bike feels like it has a lower risk of getting involved in crime, allowing relatively safe enjoyment of sightseeing. Places that feel a bit far on foot can be easily visited by bike, which is also pleasant from a time-saving perspective.
Size Adjustment Tips
Local bikes generally have saddles set quite high. This is probably adjusted to match the leg length of local people. Considering average height globally, this can likely cause instability if left as-is. By adjusting the saddle height before starting your ride, safer and more comfortable cycling becomes possible. Adjustment is easy, so be sure to match it to your body size.
Barcelona-Specific Precautions
Road Conditions and Traffic Rules
Barcelona’s new town area has an orderly grid-like road structure, but it’s characterized by right-hand traffic and many one-way streets. When unfamiliar, it’s easy to take wrong turns, and traffic rules can also be confusing, so I recommend initially riding calmly while checking surrounding traffic conditions. Especially for right and left turns at intersections, there are different rules from many countries, so caution is needed.
Bikes also need to follow the same rules as cars when there are no dedicated lanes, and even for places that are close in straight-line distance, there are cases where you must make large detours. By using navigation apps like Google Maps concurrently, you can select safer cycling routes.
Right-hand traffic bike lanes can be challenging when unfamiliar. If you’re not confident, don’t push yourself and follow behind local riders.
Topographical Features
Barcelona has a north-south slope, and especially when heading north to places like Park Güell, you need to pedal up considerable uphill climbs. Since Donkey Republic bikes don’t have electric assist and have heavy frames, they may not necessarily be the optimal choice for routes involving large north-south movements. In such cases, I recommend using other electric-assist bike sharing services (details to be introduced in the article below). Also, when uphill climbs continue, it’s important not to overdo it and take breaks along the way.
Summary
Donkey Republic is an efficient and economical transportation method for Barcelona tourism. It’s especially optimal for sightseeing in flat areas or relatively short-distance travel. By making adjustments suited to yourself, such as saddle height, and setting routes that consider topography and traffic regulations, you can enjoy even more comfortable Barcelona sightseeing.
Initially, you might be confused by local traffic rules, but once you get used to it, your sightseeing range will greatly expand, allowing for a more fulfilling travel experience. Being able to enjoy the city’s atmosphere from a bike’s unique perspective, which you can’t experience on foot or with public transportation, is also one of its charms. When sightseeing in Barcelona, please use Donkey Republic to achieve efficient and memorable travel.
