Europe has long been at the forefront of urban cycling, with many cities embracing
two-wheeled transportation as a solution to congestion, pollution, and the need for
sustainable living.
From dedicated bike lanes to city-wide rental schemes, these European destinations
are pedaling their way into the hearts of locals and tourists alike. So, grab your
helmet, and let’s take a tour of the 25 best cities in Europe for bike-friendly travel!
Amsterdam, Netherlands
No list of bike-friendly cities would be complete without Amsterdam. With more bikes
than people, this Dutch capital is a cyclist’s paradise. Pedal along picturesque
canals, through the Vondelpark, or out to the windmills of Zaanse Schans.
Just remember to lock your bike and watch out for tram tracks!
Copenhagen, Denmark
The Danish capital gives Amsterdam a run for its money when it comes to cycling
culture. With over 350km of dedicated bike lanes, it’s no wonder that more than half
of Copenhageners commute by bike.
Don’t miss the Cykelslangen (Bicycle Snake), an elevated bike lane that winds through the city.
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Utrecht, Netherlands
Often overshadowed by Amsterdam, Utrecht is a cycling gem in its own right. The
world’s largest bicycle parking facility, with space for 12,500 bikes, can be found at
Utrecht Central Station.
Take a spin around the medieval city center or along the tree-lined canals. You might find yourself pedaling back in time!
Münster, Germany
Known as the bicycle capital of Germany, Münster has more bikes than residents.
The Promenade, a green belt circling the city center, is perfect for a leisurely ride.
Keep an eye out for the Leeze, the local nickname for bicycles. Can you think of a
better way to work off all that German beer and bratwurst?
Antwerp, Belgium
This Flemish city is rapidly becoming a cyclist’s dream. With the introduction of a
low-emission zone in the city center, bikes are taking over.
Pedal along the Scheldt River or through the diamond district. Just be sure to park your bike properly – the locals take cycling etiquette seriously.
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Malmö, Sweden
This Swedish city is connected to Copenhagen by the Öresund Bridge, forming a
mega bike-friendly region. Explore the Western Harbor district or take the Bike &
Ride system to combine cycling with public transport.
Don’t miss the Bicycle House, a hub for all things cycling.
Bordeaux, France
Famous for its wine, Bordeaux is also intoxicating for cyclists. With over 200km of
bike paths and a successful bike-share program, it’s easy to explore this UNESCO
World Heritage city on two wheels.
Cycle along the Garonne River or out to the surrounding vineyards. Just remember to bike responsibly if you’ve been wine-tasting.
Seville, Spain
In just a few years, Seville has transformed itself into one of Europe’s most bike-
friendly cities. With 170km of bike lanes and a popular bike-share scheme, it’s easy
to explore this Andalusian gem on two wheels.
Pedal through Maria Luisa Park or along the Guadalquivir River. Can you think of a better way to work up an appetite for tapas?
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Helsinki, Finland
The Finnish capital is embracing cycling culture with gusto. The Baana, a former
railway line turned bike superhighway, cuts right through the city center.
In winter, many bike lanes are plowed before roads, showing the city’s commitment to year-round cycling.
Berlin, Germany
The German capital is a cyclist’s playground, with wide streets, ample bike lanes,
and a relatively flat terrain. Pedal through history at the East Side Gallery, or take a
spin around sprawling Tiergarten Park.
With the city’s efficient bike-share system, you’re never far from your next adventure.
Oxford, United Kingdom
This historic university town is perfect for exploring on two wheels. Cycle along the
River Thames, through the University Parks, or out to the picturesque village of
Woodstock.
Just watch out for absent-minded students nose-deep in books while cycling!
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Ljubljana, Slovenia
Slovenia’s capital has made great strides in becoming bike-friendly, with a car-free
city center and an extensive network of cycle paths. Pedal along the willow-lined
Ljubljanica River or up to Ljubljana Castle for panoramic views.
Don’t forget to ring your bell – it’s a friendly local custom.
Ghent, Belgium
This Flemish city is a hidden gem for cyclists. With a car-free city center and an
extensive network of cycle paths, it’s easy to explore Ghent’s medieval architecture
and vibrant cultural scene by bike.
Don’t miss the chance to cycle out to the nearby countryside.
Vienna, Austria
The Austrian capital is increasingly embracing cycling culture. Ride along the
Danube Canal, through the sprawling Prater park, or out to the vineyards on the
city’s outskirts.
With the city’s Citybike Wien system, you can easily hop on and off as you explore. Just be sure to stop for a slice of Sachertorte along the way.
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Nantes, France
This city in western France has undergone a cycling revolution in recent years. With
over 500km of cycle paths and a successful bike-share scheme, Nantes is a joy to
explore on two wheels.
Don’t miss the whimsical Machines de l’île, best reached by bike.
Bern, Switzerland
The Swiss capital might be small, but it’s mighty when it comes to cycling. Ride along
the Aare River, through the UNESCO-listed Old Town, or out to the nearby Gurten
Hill for panoramic views.
Just be prepared for some hills – this is Switzerland, after all!
Bristol, United Kingdom
This quirky city in southwest England has embraced cycling culture with open arms.
Pedal along the Bristol and Bath Railway Path, through the hip Stokes Croft
neighborhood, or out to the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Keep an eye out for Banksy artworks along the way – they’re best spotted by bike.
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Bologna, Italy
Known for its food, Bologna is also developing a taste for cycling. The city has
introduced extensive bike lanes and a successful bike-share program in recent
years.
Cycle under the famous porticoes or out to FICO Eataly World, the world’s largest agri-food park.
Odense, Denmark
The birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen is writing its fairy tale when it comes to
cycling. With over 540km of cycle paths and innovative features like rush-hour green
waves for cyclists, Odense is a dream for two-wheeled travelers.
Don’t miss the chance to cycle out to the nearby fjord. It’s a story-book perfect ride.
Groningen, Netherlands
This university town in the north of the Netherlands has the highest percentage of
cyclists of any city in the world. With car-free zones and dedicated ‘cyclist streets,’
bikes truly rule the road here.
Take a spin around the Noorderplantsoen park or out to the nearby countryside.
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Freiburg, Germany
This sunny city in southwest Germany is leading the way in sustainable living,
including a robust cycling culture. Ride through the car-free old town, along the
Dreisam River, or up into the nearby Black Forest.
Don’t forget to fuel up with a slice of Black Forest cake – you’ve earned it.
Basel, Switzerland
Straddling the borders of Switzerland, Germany, and France, Basel is a cycling hub
with an international flavor. Pedal along the Rhine River, through the medieval old
town, or out to the Vitra Design Museum just across the German border.
Just remember which country you’re in when following traffic rules.
Tallinn, Estonia
The Estonian capital is rapidly developing its cycling infrastructure with new bike
lanes and a popular bike-share system. Ride through the UNESCO-listed Old Town,
along the Bay of Tallinn, or out to the hip Kalamaja district.
Can you think of a better way to explore this Baltic gem?
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Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
This lesser-known Spanish city is a pioneer in urban sustainability, with an extensive
network of cycle paths and green spaces. Pedal through the medieval old town,
around the Green Ring of parks encircling the city, or out to nearby vineyards.
Plan Your Next European Adventure on Two Wheels
From the canals of Amsterdam to the hills of Lisbon, Europe’s cities are embracing
the bicycle as a key to sustainable, enjoyable urban living.
If you’re looking to explore historic sites, sample local cuisine, or simply experience daily life like a local, these bike-friendly destinations offer the perfect blend of practicality and pleasure.
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