Nothing beats a cycling tour of Europe, a continent that offers visitors a truly unique experience as they enjoy exploring, meeting people and immersing themselves in the local culture. They are sure to return home in good shape and with plenty of memories.
With so many paces to see, it can be difficult knowing where to begin. There are destinations offering fantastic sights, a wide range of flora and fauna and a wealth of archaeological and historic highlights, while others will appeal to food enthusiasts and wine buffs. Taking a cycling tour of Europe means travelers are free to explore at their own pace; whether it be a lazy lunch or a trek to an ancient chateau, the possibilities are endless.
Here are five of the coolest, most cycle-friendly cities to check out.
Copenhagen
The Danish capital is one of the best biking cities in Europe; almost 37% of all locals use bicycles to get around. With miles of cycle tracks throughout the city, it is difficult to avoid taking a bike tour around Copenhagen. Ride over the Dronning Louises Bridge into the center of the city during ‘Bicycle Rush Hour’, when 35,000 cyclists cross the bridge on their daily commute. There are historic squares and cobbled streets to see, but be sure to stop off at one of the many charming tea shops, such as AC Perch’s, which is Europe’s oldest.
Copenhagan by Andrew Hayward via Flickr (creative commons)
Paris
The traffic in Paris can be quite challenging, so cycling in the city is best left to experienced bikers. However, a bike tour of Paris is still a beautiful way to take in the City of Light. One of the best routes is along the Seine, where many Paris hotels are also located. From the Marais district head for the Picasso Museum. Next, continue to Place de Vosges, the oldest square in the city. Park the bicycle and take in a little shopping in Les Halles, perhaps followed by refreshments at Rue Monorgueil, where Patisserie Stohrer, Paris’ oldest pastry shop, is located.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam, with a population of 700,000 has a staggering 600,000 bicycles. For one of the most leisurely rides, filled with plenty of attractions along the way, head south along the Amstel River. Check out the people rowing on the river and fishing on the banks among old windmills. There are numerous riverside cafes and picture-perfect stops. Bike paths are well signposted, making exploring easy and pleasurable.
London
London is known for its parks and views, but is not often thought of as being bicycle friendly. However, sightseeing on two wheels provides a different way of viewing this old city, especially since several biking “superhighways” are currently under construction. One of the lesser-known routes passes through Stoke Newington and Stamford Hill, leading to Lordship Lane. Be sure to cycle all the way up to Alexandra Palace for impressive vistas across London.
London by Flickr user JohnGoode (creative commons)
Rome
The ancient city of Rome is best experienced on two wheels, especially for tourists looking to take in the sights near the Tiber. Riding at an easy pace makes it possible to visit all the main attractions in one day, including the Coliseum, Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. Encountering Roman art and architecture on a bicycle is an entirely different experience to walking or touring by car.