By Sam West
Whether you’re a leisurely rider or a serious cyclist, exploring a city by bike provides a uniquely immersive way to connect with local life and culture. Many European cities offer extensive paths, bike-friendly infrastructure and even guided routes to showcase their highlights. If you’re intending to explore Europe on two wheels, the four cities we’ve shared below should be on your shortlist.
Vienna, Austria
Known for its classical architecture and green spaces, Vienna is remarkably easy to navigate by bicycle. The city has expansive paths, many of which link directly to Vienna’s iconic sights like Schönbrunn Palace. Or if you’re looking to escape the urban buzz, you can follow the scenic Danube Cycle Path for amazing riverside views and passes through the tranquil Vienna Woods.
Renting is straightforward with numerous bike-share options available throughout the city, making Vienna an accessible and charming option for a cycling holiday.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
It’s hard to think about biking holidays without considering the Dutch capital. Amsterdam holidays offer seamless cycling, with a widespread network of paths and a culture that truly embraces the bicycle. As you pedal along canals and historic streets, you’ll find yourself immersed in an urban environment built around the needs of cyclists.
Cycling gives you effortless access to the city’s rich cultural heritage, including the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House. For longer excursions, you can explore picturesque nearby villages like Edam and Zaanse Schans by bike, taking in Dutch landscapes and windmills.
Passau, Germany
Nestled where three rivers meet, Passau is an idyllic starting point for a cycling holiday in Germany’s breathtaking countryside. The town is the gateway to the Danube Cycle Path, which lets you cycle into Austria or even further into Eastern Europe if you’re feeling ambitious.
In Passau, you’ll cycle past Baroque buildings, lush riverbanks and rolling hills, with plenty of chances to stop at local beer gardens and sample Bavarian specialities. Navigating Passau’s small, pedestrian-friendly city centre is uncomplicated, and bicycle rentals are readily available for those looking to embark on a multi-day journey.
Barcelona, Spain
The Spanish city’s mild Mediterranean climate and improved cycling infrastructure have made it an increasingly popular destination for urban cyclists.
Travelling by bicycle in Barcelona allows you to weave through historic neighbourhoods, visit iconic landmarks like La Sagrada Família and enjoy beachfront paths along the Mediterranean. The Carretera de les Aigües route, just outside the city, provides a scenic escape from urban life with stunning views over Barcelona and the sea.
Each of these cities offers a unique cycling experience, from Vienna’s classical charm to Barcelona’s coastal views. By exploring them on two wheels, you’ll avoid the crowds and uncover a more personal, immersive side of each destination.
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Le Grand Tour on a Bike Called Wanda, was published in May 2024 and recounts Andrew P. Sykes’ journey around France, into the Alps and down the Rhine in the summer of 2022. It is available as a paperback and as and eBook from Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com (and other international Amazon sites). The paperback is also available from Waterstones or Foyles and the eBook from Apple iBooks.
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