By Evelyn Evans 
Want to explore Europe without tour buses, crowded subways, or overpriced taxis? Just grab a bike.
Across the continent, many cities don’t just allow cycling—they celebrate it. From medieval alleys to riverfront boulevards, biking lets you absorb the smells, sounds, and textures of Europe’s most historic places in a way no other transport can match.
Let’s take a ride through some of Europe’s most bikeable cities—where you don’t just travel through history, you pedal right into it.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Where bikes outnumber people
Amsterdam is practically synonymous with cycling. With over 500 km of bike paths and a flat layout, this is where first-timers and seasoned cyclists alike can feel at home.
- Ride through the Jordaan neighborhood’s quiet canals
- Park your bike at Museumplein and explore the Van Gogh Museum
- Cruise through Vondelpark with a warm stroopwafel in hand
Don’t miss: The ferry to Noord—an up-and-coming arts district perfect for relaxed rides and trendy cafés.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Cycling built into the infrastructure
Copenhagen takes biking to a new level: bike highways, motion-sensor lights, and even bike-specific bridges like the Cykelslangen.
- Ride to the Little Mermaid statue or the royal Amalienborg Palace
- Follow the harborfront to discover repurposed industrial areas turned hip neighborhoods
- Stop for coffee at Torvehallerne food market—it even has bike parking inside
Fun fact: Copenhageners ride year-round—even in snow.
Ghent, Belgium
Car-free charm and cobblestone dreams
Ghent has closed its city center to most vehicles, giving cyclists full reign over a living medieval landscape.
- Visit Gravensteen Castle and the towering Saint Bavo’s Cathedral
- Follow the Lys River for a peaceful afternoon ride
- Discover vibrant street art tucked into quiet alleys
Why it works: You’re never far from a canal, a chocolate shop, or a surprise.
Seville, Spain
Sunshine, oranges, and cycling lanes
Seville’s cycling transformation is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. It now boasts over 100 miles of bike lanes, many shaded by orange trees.
- Cruise through the gardens of Maria Luisa Park
- Visit the Alcázar palace (yes, the Game of Thrones one)
- Enjoy sunset on the Triana Bridge with flamenco guitar playing nearby
Tip: Go early morning to beat the heat and catch the city waking up.
Berlin, Germany
Modern grit meets old-world grandeur
Berlin’s cycling scene is unique: you’ll pass Cold War bunkers, modern art collectives, and 19th-century courtyards—all in one afternoon.
- Bike along the Berlin Wall Trail
- Explore Tiergarten park like a local
- Ride through the former Tempelhof Airport runway (now a public park)
Unmissable: Stop at the East Side Gallery—an open-air section of the Wall painted by international artists.
Strasbourg, France
Bilingual, beautiful, and built for bikes
Strasbourg is where German efficiency meets French elegance. It’s also home to France’s most developed bike network, with routes leading through charming villages and vineyards.
- Pedal through Petite France, a district of timber-framed houses and canals
- Ride along the River Ill with cathedral views at every turn
- Cross the bike bridge to Kehl, Germany for a cross-border ride
Vienna, Austria
Imperial city with green heart
Vienna surprises many with its bike-friendly Ringstrasse that loops around the old city, past palaces, opera houses, and public gardens.
- Take a river ride along the Danube Canal
- Explore Prater Park and visit the giant Ferris wheel
- Detour into Neubau for a taste of Vienna’s trendy, youthful energy
Budapest, Hungary
The Danube as your cycling partner
Budapest’s transformation into a bike city is well underway, with scenic and practical routes crisscrossing its historic core.
- Bike across the Chain Bridge from Buda to Pest
- Visit Parliament, Heroes’ Square, and City Park in one ride
- Cap it off with a soak in Széchenyi Thermal Baths
Pro tip: Rent an e-bike if you’re tackling the Buda side—it’s hilly.
Lisbon, Portugal
Not as flat—but always worth it
Lisbon’s hills may intimidate, but its newer electric bike networks make exploring breezy.
- Ride the flat riverside path to the historic Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery
- Take in views from Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
- Sample pastéis de nata and coffee at every break—consider it fuel
Oslo, Norway
Scandinavian calm with rugged beauty
Oslo is a rising star in sustainable travel. Its car-reduced city center and scenic fjord-side trails make it a dream for quiet, contemplative rides.
- Bike to the Viking Ship Museum
- Explore Akerselva River trail through waterfalls and indie neighborhoods
- Ride the peninsula route to beaches and sculpture parks
Extra: In summer, locals even swim in the Oslofjord—bring a towel.
Quick Biking Travel Tips for Americans
- Pack light: Many cities offer high-quality rental bikes with baskets or saddlebags
- Stay central: Book accommodations near old towns or car-free zones
- Use apps: Try Komoot, Citymapper, or Bikemap for real-time cycling routes
- Respect traffic rules: Cyclists are held to the same standards as drivers in many cities
- Combine with rail: Europe’s train system is bike-friendly—bring it along for a longer adventure
Final Thoughts
There’s no better way to connect with a city’s rhythm than from the saddle of a bike. You’re close enough to hear a street musician tuning his guitar, to smell a bakery two blocks away, to pause on a whim when a Gothic spire catches your eye.
Whether you’re crossing medieval bridges in Ghent, riding along the Danube in Vienna, or rolling through Berlin’s post-war history, cycling in Europe turns travel into something intimate, active, and unforgettable.
So next time you’re planning a European escape, don’t just ask where to go. Ask:
Where can I ride?