Best Cities for Cycling in Europe

by Shabana Adam | 4 August 2012

Take in your surroundings on a bike next time you travel

Everyone is going cycling mad at the moment following the recent success of Bradley Wiggins and Chris Hoy in the Tour de France and the Olympics. Cycling is also a fab way of exploring a new city - you don’t have to worry about finding somewhere to park or going the wrong way up one-way streets, so lowcostholidays.com has put together a guide to the best cities for cycling in Europe.

Amsterdam

Why it’s good for cycling

If you’re a high-vis gear and helmet sort of cyclist then Amsterdam might come as a shock to you. Almost completely pedestrianised, the locals whizz around, carefree, all year long, with only each other and pedestrians to watch out for. One of the smallest city break destinations, you’ll be surprised at how much you can see in half a day.

Because this is a city full of bikes, hiring one is ordinarily a cheap and painless experience. Spend an afternoon cycling around gorgeous Vondelpark, where you can take in live music and sculptures by some of the world’s leading artists (including Picasso). Be sure to stop off for some lunch at the famous Blue Teapot café too. Want to see some Dutch windmills? Pedal your way to the southern outskirts of the city and you’ll find plenty. Watch out for the canals – the Dutch don’t feel the need for fences or barriers!

Where to hire bikes

There are cycle hire and repair shops all over Amsterdam, it’s usually best to hire online before you get there if you’re looking for a specific style of bike. Check out Orangebike.nl, who are in Singel, just outside of Central station.

Travel info

With regular flights from the UK to Amsterdam’s Sphipol airport, you can be in the city in a matter of hours. A 3 night stay, including flights and accommodation starts from as little as £121 per person for 3 nights in September. See the easyJet holidays website for more info and prices.

Prague

Why it’s good for cycling

A city break to Prague is an unusual and rewarding choice for a cycling break. Prague has invested millions in improving its cycle lanes and there are over 185km of marked cycle routes in the city - you can even try out Europe’s “Most Expensive Bike Path” that cost $7million to make!

Cycling gives you time to catch all the best sightseeing in Prague. There are cycle paths around Prague Castle and along the river – perfect for taking in the views. There are also routes starting from Stromovka Park that loop around and vary in length from 15km to 28km.

To see the historic sights of Prague you can cycle from Old Town Square, go across the Legie Bridge and go past the National Theatre, and then you’re on your way towards the Astronomical Clock.

Where to hire bikes

CityBike cycle hires has a useful location in Prague’s Old Town close to Republic Square. They offer two hour tours of Old Town on special yellow ‘cruiser’ bikes or you can rent a bike from 300csk. Rentals include helmet, lock, map and soft drink.

Travel info

Enjoy the warm sunshine and parks in Prague this summer with a 2 night break from just £195.50 on the lowcostholidays.com website.

Palma

Why it’s good for cycling

Majorca is highly regarded for cycling, with the magnificent Tramuntana Mountains a natural playground for two-wheeled action. However the cycling fun is not exclusive to the mountains. Step in capital city Palma, a paradise for those that are looking for an urban cycling experience in Europe this summer. The city is blessed with a superb 10 mile cycle path that circles the colourful coastline, taking in the city’s cultural sights and beautiful beaches.

Palma also benefits from being a reasonably compact city, giving visitors enough time to sample the vibrant and chic atmosphere. If you are not following the cycle path you can simply enjoy roaming the countless of open spaces, historic buildings and fantastic eateries.

Where to hire bikes

Palma has a number of cycle shops to choose from and has also recently announced a public bicycle sharing scheme, similar to London’s Boris’s Bikes scheme. Palma on Bike have two stores situated near La Seu Cathedral and Palma Marina, making it easy to return your bicycle once finished.

Travel info

As one of the UK’s most popular holiday destinations, daily flights are operated to Palma Majorca across the UK’s regional airports. A 3 night stay with flights and accommodation, start from £198.50 per person in Septemer. See lowcostholidays.com for more information.

Barcelona

Why it’s good for cycling

Taking to the saddle in Barcelona is one of the best ways to see the big sights in single weekend. The city has a fantastic network of over 180km of cycle paths, meaning there is always a dedicated route to take you from sight to sight. It’s best to divide your sightseeing into two days, dedicate day one to seeing Gaudi, with the day spent cycling around the Eixample area of the city where you can easily navigate from Park Guell to the Sagrada Familia and take in Casa Batllo along the way.

Finding each sight on your bike is made all the easier with the clear signposting en route. Day two can be a laid back tour of the rest of the city, start with a ride along Las Ramblas towards the seafront, where you can branch out either for a beach front ride with stops for a swim in the sea or head towards Montjuic and the gardens that overlook the city.

Where to hire bikes

When it comes to renting a bike there are some great options to choose from. If you’re up for ultimate flexibility, sign up to the ‘Bicing’ network that is similar to Boris bikes in London. You’re then free to pick up and drop off bikes across the city as and when you require. Alternatively the city is home to some excellent bike tours, with the likes of steeldonkeytours.com a different way of touring the city by bike.

Travel info

Visit Barcelona with easyJet holidays in September from as little as £203pp including return flights, staying three nights at a four star hotel.