Skate Town Love.
When skaters travel, they see a city through a different lens.
As any skater knows, not all cities are created equal when it comes to skateboarding. Some places are more welcoming to skaters than others and fortunately Europe has no shortage of metropolises where the sport is celebrated and supported.
Here’s the @battleface review of five of the best.
Barcelona, Spain
It’s no secret that Barcelona is a mecca for skaters. With its smooth, wide sidewalks and endless public plazas, the city is a paradise for anyone who loves to roll. But it’s not just the city’s infrastructure that makes it so skate friendly. Barcelona has a vibrant skate culture that welcomes riders of all skill levels.
If you’re looking for a place to test your skills, head to the famous MACBA skatepark. This massive concrete park is in the heart of the city and has become a must-visit spot for skaters from around the world. But if you’re looking for something a little more low-key, Barcelona has plenty of hidden gems like the Poble Nou skatepark for a more relaxed atmosphere and a chance to skate with the locals.
One of the biggest skate festivals in Barcelona is the annual Skate Love Festival, which brings together skaters from all over Europe for a weekend of music, art, and of course, skating.
Local hero: Marcel Cama
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is a city that takes its skateboarding seriously. In fact, the city is home to some of the most innovative skateparks in the world, including the iconic Fælledparken Skatepark. This massive concrete park is a favourite among locals and visitors alike and has been the site of countless skate competitions over the years.
But Copenhagen isn’t just about the skateparks. The city has a thriving skate scene that includes some of the most creative riders in the world. Check out the street skating scene in Nørrebro and Vesterbro to see some of the city’s top talent in action.
One of the biggest skate festivals in Copenhagen is the CPH Open, which takes place every summer and attracts skaters from all over the world.
Local hero: Rune Glifberg, ‘The Danish Destroyer’
Lyon, France
Lyon is a city that’s steeped in skateboarding history. It’s the birthplace of some of the most influential skaters of all time, including French legend Fred Mortagne and with its smooth, wide streets and numerous public spaces, it’s no wonder that Lyon has become a hotspot for skaters from all over Europe.
One of the city’s most famous skate spots is the Hotel de Ville plaza, which features a series of ledges, stairs, and rails that are perfect for skating. But Lyon has plenty of other spots to explore as well, including the Confluence Skatepark and the Gerland Skatepark.
One of the biggest skate festivals in Lyon is the annual FISE World Series, which takes place every summer and features some of the top riders from around the world.
Local hero: Aurélien Giraud
Berlin, Germany
Berlin is a city that’s known for its alternative culture, and skateboarding is no exception. With its sprawling concrete plazas and abundance of street spots, Berlin has become a magnet for skaters from all over the world. And with a thriving underground scene, there’s always something new to discover.
One of the most famous skate spots in Berlin is the Mellow Park, a massive concrete playground that’s been the site of countless competitions and events over the years. But the city is also home to several smaller, more intimate parks, like the Gleisdreieck skatepark. One of the biggest skate festivals in Berlin is the annual Berlin Open, which takes place every summer and features some of the top riders from around the world.
Local hero: Lilly Stoephasius
London, United Kingdom
Finally, we have London, a city that’s known for its rich history and vibrant culture. And when it comes to skateboarding, London has a little bit of everything. From massive concrete parks to hidden street spots, the city has something for every kind of skater.
One of the most famous skate spots in London is the Southbank skatepark, a legendary spot that’s been featured in countless skate videos over the years and constantly under threat of being lost to urban redevelopment. London is also home to several other iconic spots, like the Baysixty6 skatepark and the House of Vans.
London constantly hosts skate events ranging from Christmas-themed street skating to the return of SkateLondon featuring a mix of music, art, and of course, skating.
Local hero: Kyron Davis
Skateboarding can be something which inspires you next vacation adventure.
In these five friendly skate cities in Europe, skating is more than just a pastime. From Barcelona’s vibrant skate culture to Copenhagen’s innovative parks, there’s no shortage of places to skate, explore, and connect with like-minded riders. With a board and some wheels in your luggage you’ll soon be living your best life and giving your soul a break from the daily grind on a trip that will leave you with memories, grazes and new best friends!
