Looking for bike friendly cities to add to your bucket list?
This guide to the most bike friendly cities on the planet will help you choose where to explore next, by road and by cycle path. It doesn’t have to only be about city biking, either, as we’ve also looked at the chosen cities in context of what you can find in the area around each.
Do you want to explore a new place by bike? City break options to choose from are spread across the world, from France, Spain, Scandinavia and Hungary to Australia and North America. You can reach one of the best cities for cycling via a short hop from the UK, or enjoy some city cycling as part of a bucket-list trip to the other side of the globe.
Here are 9 of the best cycling cities for taking a cycling holiday…
In the interests of complete transparency, we haven’t (yet!) cycled all of the routes/events in this article. If you have ridden any of these, let us know in the comments below!
Even in the most bike friendly of cities, there will be other vehicles around and you will find yourself riding alongside traffic. Always read the local Highway Code, plan your route and take particular care when riding in a city.
Our pick of the most bike friendly cities in Europe
Copenhagen, Denmark
Best for city cycling infrastructure
Copenhagen seems to make it into all the “best cycling city” indices which look at a whole range of data, including safety levels, the weather, cycling events and the infrastructure. The fact that the Tour de France Grand Départ 2022 took place in the Danish capital is also a mark of respect for this city’s fine cycling pedigree.
Culture
So why is this one of the best cities for cyclists you’ll find anywhere? Well firstly it’s one of the safest locations – for both you and your bike. Good quality roads, low levels of accidents and theft and plenty of places to hire bikes makes this one of the most bike friendly cities in the world.
Almost 50% of Copenhageners reach school, college or work by bike, so a cycling culture is firmly ingrained in this city’s psyche. The 13-kilometer Harbor Circle route is ideal for getting up close to all aspects of city life, from touristy Nyhavn to swimming areas, houseboats, spacious parks and peaceful backwaters.
Other cyclist-friendly features of Copenhagen include plenty of bike hire places, public spaces that include a children’s cycling-themed playground (in Fælledparken) and bridges that were built with bikes in mind. It’s also a great choice if a destination’s eco-friendly credentials are important to you.
Roads
The constant presence of water in Copenhagen makes riding here a memorable experience. The city is built on islands and there are lots of canals, which are beautiful. Outside of the immediate city center, Copenhagen is quite spread out, so cycling is also a practical way to see more!
Following the 2022 Tour de France Grand Départ route is appealing – and will also take you past many of the city’s iconic sights. Including Amalienborg Palace, the Marble Church, the Black Diamond library building, Maersk Tower and Tivoli Gardens. You can also sample cycling over Queen Louise’s Bridge for yourself. The latter isn’t only a popular hangout; according to Visit Copenhagen it’s also the busiest street for cycling on the entire planet.
You can explore beyond the city too. Such as when following the Six Forgotten Giants bike route into the suburbs. And if art or wildlife are as much of a thing to you as cycling is, then you’ll love the Nordhavn art route that ends at the Nordhavstippen nature reserve.
Tips
Biking in the city is a no-brainer here, though it’s best sampled outside rush hour if you don’t want to share the city streets with a flurry of adult and child cyclists.
When we visited, we noticed how distinctly well-behaved and quiet cyclists were. Do as the premises do and you’ll fit right in.
In 2024, Copenhagen launched the innovative ‘CopenPay’ scheme to encourage sustainable tourism practices by rewarding visitors for eco-friendly actions. This includes rewarding tourists who choose to cycle around Copenhagen with free entry to local attractions!
Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Best for experiencing one of the most bike friendly cities in Europe
The Dutch city of Amsterdam has a unique city center that is a treasure trove of pretty canals, arched bridges, towering historic buildings and many bicycles!
This so called ‘Venice of the north’ is also pancake flat. This makes cycling around Amsterdam easy and the preferred mode of transport for many…When we were there, a local told us that there are two bikes for every resident of Amsterdam!
Culture
Cycling in Amsterdam is an experience like no other.
At all times of day and night, you’ll find cyclists riding past you and see bikes parked up and chained to everything from lampposts to railings to walls. The city’s extensive network of dedicated, flat bike lanes (known locally as fietspad) and impressive infrastructure (including bike traffic lights and countless bike parking facilities) have made cycling an integral way of life in Amsterdam. For locals, its the most popular mode of transportation in the city.
Roads
Thanks to over 500 bike paths, navigating the city by bike is relatively straightforward. This makes it a convenient way to get to key tourist attractions.
The beautiful Vondelpark is located just southwest of the city center. This large green space is fun to cycle around, with several beautiful lakes and cafes.
Amsterdam is also a great base to start a cycling trip of the Netherlands! Alongside many bike paths providing access out of the city, you can also easily use the trains to get out into the surrounding quieter towns and countryside. Utrecht, to the southeast, is another popular cycling city with an array of bike trails. For quieter coastal cycling, Texel Island in the north is a great option.
Tips
Due to the popularity of cycling in Amsterdam, cycling here can feel extremely busy.
Local bike commuters are typically fast and confident. This makes rush hours in the morning and late afternoon feel hectic on the cycle paths around the city. Locals aren’t afraid to tell you if you’re not following local etiquette (which is not unreasonable since you can inadvertently cause accidents if you get it wrong).
If you are new to cycling in Amsterdam, don’t be afraid to take your time and perhaps try avoiding peak travel times to begin with. Read up on local cycling etiquette and make sure you have at least one reliable bike lock to safely store your bike when you are off exploring the city.
More information
- Looking for bike friendly accommodation in Amsterdam? Take a look at this article .
Budapest, Hungary
Best for scenic cycling along the delightful Danube River
Budapest is a beautiful city with a rich cultural heritage that’s famous for its heated bathhouses and grand architecture.
Hungary’s capital is also a delight to explore by bike, with many cycle paths making it generally safe and easy to get around. Discover more about cycling in Budapest…
A beautiful sunset over Budapest
Culture
Budapest has been slowly improving its cycling infrastructure in recent years, with over 200 kilometers of bike paths and lanes now found across the city.
You can easily explore both sides of the Danube River by bike, with cycle paths located in both Pest on the east of the river and Buda on the west. This network of cycle paths connects many of the capital’s most iconic landmarks, including the imposing Parliament building and Castle Hill.
Roads
Margaret Island is in the middle of the River Danube, between Buda and Pest. It’s home to a fantastic, thriving park that’s great fun to cycle around.
For anyone looking for a lengthier cycling trip, the well-established EuroVelo 6 runs right through the city. Cycling Vienna to Budapest is a popular stretch of this lengthier route and follows the Danube river. It’s a great option for leisure cyclists looking for a rewarding city to city bike tour in Europe.
Tips
The city is also home to a network of tram tracks which the cycle paths cross. To help avoid accidents, take extra care when crossing these sections on your bike, and be mindful of any oncoming trams.
The cycle routes in Pest are generally flat. But over in Buda there are some hillier sections to navigate.
Nice, France
Best for a buzzing city on the French Riviera that has a rich cycling heritage
Nice is a glamorous coastal city in France’s Cote d’Azur region that’s blessed with a pleasant year-round climate.
Located on the turquoise Mediterranean Sea and bordering the foothills of the French Alps, Nice is uniquely located for sun loving cyclists seeking rewarding climbs by day and a vibrant city by night…
Culture
Nice is no stranger to big cycling events!
The annual eight-day Paris to Nice cycling race brings in professional riders from across the world every March. The city has also hosted stages of the iconic Tour de France, including the Grand Départ on two previous occasions.
Nice also hosted the historic 2024 grand finale. This is the first time in the Tour de France’s history that the race’s final stage was held outside of Paris.
Roads
Looking for the best cycling in Nice? The palm fringed Promenade de Anglais is a scenic seven kilometer waterfront walkway that boasts views of the Med. It is buzzing with life and has dedicated bike lanes the entire way along it.
But where Nice’s cycling credentials really come to life is in the surrounding natural landscapes! The city is on the doorstep of some of France’s best climbs, including the Col d’Èze, Col de Braus and Col de Turini (as well as many, many more!).
The popular, long distance EuroVelo 8 also runs through Nice, connecting the city with nearby Cannes and other Mediterranean towns and cities on the route.
Tips
Nice can get extremely busy in the summer months and when events are taking place, so take care on busy coastal roads. Use our routes to help you find a good way out of Nice and into the quiet mountain roads.
Make sure you book your accommodation well in advance.
More Information
- Take a look at our guide to Nice Tour de France 2024
- Guide to cycling in Nice
- Tips for cycling in Nice
Girona, Spain
Best for a pro cycling pedigree
Though Girona isn’t officially a city, it’s certainly a big enough place to be included on this list. When thinking of bike cities across the world it’s always one of the first to spring to mind. Or is that just us?
Culture
Girona doesn’t top any charts of cycling infrastructure, but ask why Girona can be the best city for cyclists and you’ll get a roll call of big names in cycling. Christian Meier and Rory Sutherland have cafes here, David Millar has made it his home and a long list of professionals are based in the area.
Add to that charming medieval architecture, glorious landscaped gardens and Roman remains, and you’ll find that Girona is somewhere you can combine history, cycling and Catalonian culture.
Roads
So cycling in the city is one option. Then you have the countryside surrounding Girona. That’s home to some of the finest cycling hotels you’ll find anywhere, and is often used for training camps too. Head in any direction and you’ll encounter well-kept roads, consider drivers and pretty scenery.
Choosing between the best places to cycle beyond the city may be a challenge, however. There’s the coastal Costa Brava routes, epic climbs like Mare de Deu del Mont or circular options such as the Els Angels loop.
The Sant Pere de Rodes Monastery route near Roses town on the Costa Brava is another great bet. Or venture even further from Coll de Banyuls via the L’Alt Emporda region to the Spanish/French border.
If you’re more keen on staying within one of the most bicycle friendly cities on earth, hang around Pont de Pedra during the mornings for your best chance of spotting a pro cyclist. Park de la Devesa in town is also great for families to explore.
More information
- Check out our Girona guide for cycling routes and more on cycling in this Spanish destination.
- Our pick of Girona cycling hotels might also be useful.
Barcelona, Spain
Best for city break + biking
Another of the best cities for bicycles can be found not too far from Girona. Though Barcelona is one of the most popular city break destinations in Europe, the region is somewhat overlooked when it comes to cycling holidays. Though it really shouldn’t be!
Cala Roca Grossa beach – Calella (photo credit: ©Guillem Casanovas, Turisme Maresme)
Culture
The weather, foodie scene and culture are all fabulous in this region. You can also cycle past rolling vineyards before sampling the fruits of the local winemakers’ labor during the evening.
The city authorities have been busy in recent years and things like 230 kilometers of dedicated cycling lanes see the city moving up the official cycling city indices. In our opinion however, the center of Barcelona still can’t really be described as a road bike city, but venture just beyond and you’ll be spoiled for choice.
Roads
Ride 100 kilometers north from Barcelona and you’ll reach the foothills of the Pyrenees, or head east to Maresme county for decent cycling during all seasons. To the west of Barcelona is the province of Lleida, known for its natural beauty, and to the south you have the olive trees, vineyards and beaches of Costa Daurada.
Will it be coastal plains, El Montseny UNESCO Biosphere or the peaks of Montserrat National Park? If the mountains are what whets your appetite, then the challenging El Turó del Home route is unmissable.
Stay in Calella or Santa Susanna to ride among the gentlemen, coastal hills of Maresme county, or head west to El Penedès to sample superb wine and experience local gastronomy. El Berguedà county in the north, meanwhile, is good for a dozen or so challenging mountain climbs.
More information
For more on cycling routes and the countryside surrounding the Catalonian capital, check out our Barcelona region guide and guide to nearby Costa Daurada .
Our pick of the best bike friendly cities in the world
It’s not just Europe that does cycling cities well! If you want to venture further afield, check out these fabulous cycling cities outside Europe.
Vancouver, Canada
Best for a great base to start or finish a cycling adventure in Canada
Vancouver’s pleasant year-round climate and epic surrounding natural wonders make it a great place for cyclists looking to visit Canada.
Its up-and-coming cycling scene and continued investment in cycling infrastructure make it one of the most bike friendly cities in North America.
Lion’s Gate Bridge above a cycle path in Stanley Park
Culture
Vancouver city has seen lots of cycling infrastructure improvements in recent years with a shared bike scheme delivered by Mobi going from strength to strength. In 2023, Mobi recorded one million rides in Vancouver, a year-on-year increase of 23%.
There are also a number of dedicated bike paths and greenways now found across the city, making streets safer to cycle and providing easier access to the city center by bike. These are regularly used by many local cyclists. Several bike shops can also be found in the city center.
Roads
Cycling in Stanley Park is one of the most popular routes in Vancouver. The park has a scenic, flat cycleable sea wall that stretches along the waterfront and around the entire park. This large park is also home to natural west coast rainforest.
The epic natural landscapes that surround Vancouver are a big draw for visiting cyclists. British Colombia is known for its vast sprawling pine forests and mighty mountains which are stunning to soak up on two wheels.
From the city, there are regular ferries to beautiful Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast, where you can find many more peaceful cycling routes. You could also take on a longer distance cycling journey through the stunning British Colombia countryside and into neighboring Alberta, home to the mighty Icefields Parkway, Banff and endless Rocky Mountain vistas…
Tips
Vancouver experiences a large amount of rainfall so don’t forget to pack your waterproof clothes in case of any heavy downpours.
This is also a large urban city, with a lot of traffic in and out of the city. For cyclists looking to get out into the surrounding scenery, you’ll need to be prepared to ride in some heavy traffic, including large trucks, at times. Vigilance is therefore essential for your safety on these sections.
More information
- See this guide to cycling Calgary to Vancouver.
- Guide to cycling Vancouver Island and Prince Rupert .
San Francisco
Best for varied landscapes
Of all the most bike friendly cities in the US, San Francisco is among both the best and the most beautiful. While you can cycle within this city by the bay, the real stars of the show are yours to discover when heading outside the city limits to explore places like Tiburon, Sausalito and Marin County.
Culture
San Francisco is perhaps not among the most bikeable cities if you’re not a lover of steep ascents, though some flatter and more family-friendly routes do exist. E-bikes are also popular in San Fran!
What’s worth venturing beyond the city for, though, is the sheer variety of landscapes you can encounter. There’s redwood forests, state parks, rural farmland, lakes and marshes as well as the harbor towns, lagoons and breathtaking beaches you might expect.
Roads
Though you can expect a few 14% inclines during a ride, plenty of cafes en route make the prospect far more palatable. Marin County is where many San Franciscan cyclists love to go for a spin, and from here you can also access Sonoma County via the local SMART train service.
Amongst the most-recommended routes in the San Francisco area are the Marin Headlands, Stinson Beach, Ocean Beach and San Fran to the Ferries rides. The Tiburon Loop forms part of the latter, and is ideal for those seeking a laid-back route. For more climbing, head for Stinson Beach.
Locals and visitors can park for free at various spots in Marin. Behind Mike’s Bikes in Sausalito is one of these, and this local cycling business also organizes weekly summer rides.
More information
- Our San Francisco guide shares cycling routes and all you need to know about cycling in the city, Marin County and beyond.
(All photos in this section are credit: Sarah Llewellyn)
Melbourne
Best for coffee, coastline and climbing
Though Melbourne is one of the cycling cities that may be more famous for coffee culture than cycling, Melbourne is not a city to overlook. Coastal routes, climbs among the Dandenong ranges, access to the Surf Coast and regular group rides are among this destination’s biggest draws.
Admiring the view…
Culture
What makes it one of the best cycling cities in the world? Melbourne has plenty of minor roads so you can avoid the freeways, and the roads and cycle paths are generally well maintained. Beyond the Yarra Boulevard suburban route – where you may encounter a flying fox colony – you can venture towards Altona beach to uncover heritage, wildlife and the beautiful Victorian coastline.
Roads
Local hotspots include Yarra Boulevard, Beach Road, the Albert Park Grand Prix circuit and the Mount Pleasant Loop. As well as city sights, here you can see local wildlife – including Australia’s iconic kangaroos – plus untouched bushland, tranquil creeks and the peaks of the Dandenongs.
Opt for a Melbourne cycling holiday and you could also follow the iconic State Route 33 – otherwise known as Beach Road. If you have a head for heights and the lungs for a climb, take on four by tackling The Crucifix, or take the Mount Pleasant Loop from Federation Square to spot kangaroos.
If you don’t mind driving 100 kilometers or so from the city and can handle a tough challenge, super steep Mount Baw Baw awaits. With what’s said to be Australia’s steepest sealed road, this isn’t one for the faint-hearted!
More information
- Find cycling routes and more info in our complete Melbourne guide.
- Our guide to Geelong and the Surf Coast will also be of interest.
(All photos in this section are credit: Chris Grabyn)
What next?!
Would any – or all – of these cities make it into your list?
An honorary mention goes to Singapore . This is a popular pit stop destination for many cyclists heading on to other Asian destinations and we have lots of tips and cycling route suggestions for anyone spending longer than a day here.
Looking for more long haul city breaks? Don’t miss our guide to cycling Québec City.
Do you know a better place for bikes in the city that you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments!
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Clare Dewey is a cyclist with a passion for travel. She set up epicroadrides.com in 2018 to help make it easy for cyclists to explore the world by bike. Today her mission is still inspiring cyclists to discover new places on two wheels – and doing what she can to make sure they have the best possible time while they’re there. Clare has visited 50+ destinations around the world, many of them by bike.
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