Barcelona is a fantastic city for running: flat seafront paths, green parks, a hill with city views and a natural park right behind the city. From our store in El Born, COLLECT Running, you can reach several of the best routes on foot. Here is our selection of the best running routes in Barcelona, with the type of terrain to expect and the shoes we would pick for each one.

1. Parc de la Ciutadella: the easy loop next door

The Ciutadella park is a few minutes from Carrer del Rec and the most convenient green space for runners in El Born. Its paths are flat and mostly on packed ground, which makes it ideal for easy runs, warm-ups and short loops before work. You can easily extend your run along Passeig de Lluís Companys towards the Arc de Triomf.

Terrain: flat, mixed packed ground and paving.

Our shoe pick: a versatile daily trainer such as the Hoka Clifton 11, with its soft compression-moulded foam and smooth ride.

2. Barceloneta and the seafront: flat and fast

From El Born, it is a short run to Barceloneta and the seafront promenade. The route along the beaches is flat, wide and open, perfect for steady runs, tempo sessions and long runs with a sea view. It gets busy with walkers, cyclists and tourists later in the day, especially in summer, so early mornings are best.

Terrain: flat paving.

Our shoe pick: the Saucony Ride 19, a neutral daily trainer with a supercritical PWRRUN+ midsole and an XT-900 carbon rubber outsole with greater coverage, or the On Cloudmonster 3 if you like a more rolling, rocker-shaped ride.

3. Montjuïc: hills and views

When you want to add some climbing, head to Montjuïc. Starting from the Plaça d'Espanya side, you can run up past the Magic Fountain and the Palau Nacional, then explore the roads and garden paths around the Olympic Ring. Expect steady climbs, a few steep sections, and great views over the city and the port.

Terrain: asphalt roads, stairs and garden paths, with plenty of elevation.

Our shoe pick: a cushioned road shoe that stays stable on descents, such as the Clifton 11 or the Ride 19. If you mix in the dirt paths, a road-to-trail shoe works well too.

4. Carretera de les Aigües: Barcelona's balcony

For a first taste of trail running without technical terrain, the Carretera de les Aigües in Collserola is a classic. It is a wide, mostly flat gravel track along the hillside above the city, with views that make every run memorable. It is popular with runners and cyclists, especially at weekends.

Terrain: wide gravel track, mostly flat, with climbs to reach it.

Our shoe pick: a cushioned trail shoe such as the Hoka Speedgoat 7, with a Vibram Megagrip outsole and deep lugs, especially if you plan to leave the main track. For more ideas, read our guide to the best trail running shoes for Collserola.

5. Into Collserola: towards Tibidabo

Once you are comfortable on the Carretera de les Aigües, Collserola has many paths that climb towards Tibidabo. The terrain becomes more varied, with loose gravel, roots and rocky sections. This is where proper trail shoes and a little planning make a difference: bring water, check your route and tell someone where you are going.

Terrain: single-track and fire roads, loose and rocky in places.

Our shoe pick: the Speedgoat 7, or browse our trail running collection.

What to wear for running in Barcelona

Barcelona's climate means you will often run in the sun. A few essentials help:

• A light cap: the Optimistic Runners Nylon OR Cap is ultra-light and breathable, with an adjustable strap.
• Technical socks: the Bandit Lite Run Quarter Socks have a honeycomb mesh crown and Coolmax yarn to wick sweat, designed for warm-weather training.
• Breathable clothing: see our running clothes and running sunglasses.

Tips for running in the city

• Run early in summer to avoid the heat and the crowds on the seafront.
• Respect pedestrians in the parks and on the promenade.
• Carry water on longer routes, especially in Collserola.
• Match your shoes to the surface: road shoes for the city and the seafront, trail shoes for Collserola.

Try them in Barcelona

Planning a new route and need the right shoes? Come and see us at COLLECT Running, Carrer del Rec 26, El Born, just a few minutes from the Ciutadella park, or at COLLECT, Carrer de la Palla 25, in the Barri Gòtic. Our team will help you choose the right pair for the way you run. You can also browse all running shoes online. Size availability may vary between stores.