Biking is one of the best ways to see a new city, representing the perfect compromise between walking and being in a car, and there are few cities better than Barcelona to explore on two wheels. With miles of bike paths, boardwalks, and Gothic alleyways, it's one of Europe's most bike-friendly places, and an afternoon's ride reveals all sorts of surprises. While Barcelona's legendary Bicing bike-sharing program is for locals only, visitors to the city have several options for bike rental and guided bike tours. Outfits like Barcelona Bikes and Budget Bikes rent out mountain bikes and cruisers that are perfect for a leisurely ride among the parks, promenades, and striking Gaudi-designed buildings. And if you want some inside information while you pedal, sign up for a tour with Barcelona By Bike or Fat Tire Bike Tours of Barcelona. The former offers tours like the Classic Tour, Night Tour, and Tapas Tour, a culinary tour that takes riders from one tapas bar to the next. Those who want to dip their toes in the Mediterranean can take Fat Tire's city tour, which makes a 45-minute stop at an outdoor beach bar where you can go for a swim if the mood strikes you. Don't forget your bathing suit. Starwood has two Barcelona properties, Le Méridien Barcelona and Le Méridien Ra Beach Hotel & Spa.

[image via Barcelona By Bike]