Barcelona has a fantastic area to enjoy a Segway with your kids without worrying about cars passing by, a very large pedestrian area right in the heart of the bohemian neighbourhood El Born. There you can enjoy a drink at the terrace of the Pitin Bar, a cosy place serving vermouth, wines and coffee since 1957, while they enjoy running up and down on an incredibly large esplanade without a car in sight. Life can be easy sometimes.
But this is not the only reason to visit this charming area, the Born’s old market holds an archaeological site that takes you back to the life of Barcelona at the end of the 17th century and start of the 18th century, yes, you can do culture with kids too, believe. Exceptional in its size, this archaeological site is presented on a historical sequence, with detailed explanations in English, to account for the city’s resistance and later capitulation, on 11 September 1714, to Philip V’s troops. It is well displayed and allows for some walking inside and around the old city’s remains.
Once you’ve finished travelling in time through Catalan history, it’s time to enjoy some fresh seafood and fish at affordable prices in one of the most original restaurants in town, La Paradeta. As you walk in, you’ll find yourself right before a fish stand, with piles of ice and a weighing scale. The food here is so fresh you first buy it per weight, as you would on a market, and then you have it cooked for you, right there and then, with parsley, garlic and a splash of olive oil. Truly unique and utterly delicious.
After lunch, have a quick ride on your Segway to the nearby Ciudadela park, which has a play ground for younger kids, a wide variety of trees to climb on and a lake, right in the middle, with boats for hire. The kids will love a boat ride and you can also come prepared with some table-tennis rackets and enjoy playing on any of the tables available, for free, on one of the corners of the park.
Whoever said relaxing with kids on a holiday couldn’t be done had clearly not come to Barcelona for a ride. Your Segway will take you to all the perfect locations so you and your troop can enjoy the best quality time together.