As we move towards a more sustainable future, travellers plan to use more eco-friendly modes of transport while away. For city breaks, cycling offers the perfect way to cover more ground while discovering neighbourhoods, cultural highlights and local hotspots beyond the traditional tourist trail.
Here are some of the best urban cycling regions around the world…
Cycle between Seattle’s neighbourhoods, waterways and parks, Washington, USA
The Burke-Gilman Trail in Seattle, is a 20-mile route following a former railway line through some of the city’s most distinctive neighbourhoods. Starting beside Puget Sound (the second-largest estuary in the United States) at Golden Gardens Park, cyclists can pedal through Ballard and Fremont, stopping for public art, independent shops, cafés and breweries, before passing Gas Works Park and the University District and continuing alongside Lake Washington. With dedicated bike lanes and neighbourhood greenways connecting into the wider trail network, cycling offers an easy way to experience Seattle’s mix of urban culture, water and green space at street level.
Ride along Doha’s most scenic cycling routes, Qatar
Cycling is becoming increasingly popular in Qatar thanks to the continually evolving Qatar Bicycle Master Plan – an integrated national strategy launched by Qatar’s Ministry of Transport to expand opportunities for cyclists for seamless sightseeing. By connecting more than 3,800 km of bike paths directly to Doha Metro stations, visitors can easily take the train to a major hub and immediately hop on a bicycle or e-scooter. This makes reaching cultural landmarks, markets, and beachfronts incredibly simple without needing to figure out local buses or rely entirely on taxis. Head for the 5/6 Park in Onaiza, and take the 1.4km route passing a plant maze shaped like the map of Qatar and modern art installations.
Follow Denver’s riverside trails by bike, Colorado, USA
Denver’s network of riverside trails makes it easy to explore the Mile High City on two wheels, with the Cherry Creek and South Platte River trails forming two of its key cycling arteries. Both are protected from traffic and meet at downtown’s Confluence Park, allowing riders to move between neighbourhoods, green spaces and cultural attractions largely away from busy roads. Follow the Cherry Creek Trail from downtown towards the galleries, restaurants and boutiques of Cherry Creek, or take the South Platte River Trail past parks, sporting landmarks and historic sites. For visitors who want some local guidance, Mile High Bike Tours also offers a roughly 10-mile ride through downtown, combining riverside paths and bike lanes with architecture, public art and city landmarks.
Pedal from Valencia’s green heart to the Mediterranean, Spain
With flat terrain and more than 200km of bike lanes, Valencia is made for exploring by bike. The city’s cycling network links neighbourhoods and landmarks with ease, while the traffic-free route through the Turia Garden offers a greener way to cross the city, following the former riverbed past historic bridges and the striking City of Arts and Sciences before reaching the Mediterranean. Guided bike tours add local context along the way, from three-hour city loops to half-day rides out to L’Albufera Natural Park, where routes wind through rice fields, pine forests and coastline, finishing with horchata and fartons – a traditional, elongated, sugar-glazed sweet sponge pastry from the Valencian town of Alboraia.
Explore West Hollywood’s Creative 1.9 Square Miles by Bike, West Hollywood, USA
With a prime location as your starting point, cycle along the legendary Sunset Strip and through the West Hollywood Design District—a vibrant hub for art, fashion, and dining. For a guided adventure, join the West Hollywood Bike Tour by Bikes and Hikes LA. Local guides lead you past colourful murals, celebrity homes, and iconic sights like the Pacific Design Center, historic Route 66, and Melrose Avenue, bringing the city’s rich entertainment, creative roots, and LGBTQ+ history to life at street level.
Cycle the Green Heart and Growing Greenways of St Louis, Missouri, USA
With expansive green spaces and dedicated trails, St. Louis is – surprisingly to some, made for cycling. Forest Park features more than 30 miles of routes past lakes, woodland and cultural attractions, while the 16 mile Mississippi Greenway combines waterfront views with landmarks including the Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing and Old Chain of Rocks Bridge. The developing Brickline Greenway is creating dedicated, accessible routes that will on completion connect 14 neighbourhoods and four major parks, including Tower Grove Park and Gateway Arch National Park. Sections are already open, with more in development, connecting riders to green spaces, public art and cultural destinations across the city.
Explore Arizona’s cities on two wheels, USA
Arizona is constantly ranked as a top destination for cyclists. With thousands of miles of cycle-friendly roads, Visitors can try the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt in Scottsdale – perfect for an afternoon ride under the sunshine passing parks, lakes and golf courses, with multiple opportunities to stop at some of the city’s best foodie hotspots. Alternatively, embrace a section of the Chuck Huckelberry Loop, a system of more than 138 miles through Pima County, Marana, Oro Valley, Tucson and South Tucson.
Cycle between grand boulevards and Danube-side paths in Budapest, Hungary
Combine striking architecture with scenic riverside routes and expansive green spaces via Budapest’s user-friendly bike-share scheme, MOL Bubi. Visitors can cycle along the Danube, taking in views of landmarks such as the Hungarian Parliament Building, Chain Bridge and Buda Castle, before heading to the car-free paths of Margaret Island for a more peaceful ride beneath the trees. With plenty of cycle-friendly routes linking both Buda and Pest, plus countless opportunities to stop for authentic Hungarian coffee or a thermal bath along the way, Budapest offers an enjoyable and active way to experience one of Europe’s most beautiful capitals.
See the greener side of Memphis on the Shelby Farms Greenline in Memphis, Tennessee, USA
Swap Memphis’ music-filled streets for a greener side of the city on the Shelby Farms Greenline, a 12.94-mile paved urban trail connecting Midtown Memphis with Shelby Farms Park and onwards to Cordova. Following a former railway line, the traffic-free route takes cyclists beneath leafy tree canopies and through local neighbourhoods before reaching the 4,500-acre Shelby Farms Park – one of the largest urban parks in the US. From there, cyclists can continue exploring more than 40 miles of paved and unpaved trails, passing lakes, woodland and open green spaces – and may even spot the park’s resident buffalo herd.
Pedal between Houston’s breweries with Tour de Brewery, Houston, Texas, USA
Combine urban cycling with Houston’s booming craft beer scene on a guided ride with Tour de Brewery. This cycling tour offers a different way to explore the city, pedalling along flat roads and bike trails while taking in colourful murals, historic neighbourhoods and local landmarks between brewery stops. The Downtown and East End route covers around seven miles and visits three breweries, including Houston institution Saint Arnold Brewing Company, with beers included at each stop. Bikes and helmets are provided and the easy-going route makes the experience suitable for a range of cycling abilities.
Explore Aspen and Snowmass Village on two wheels for free, Colorado
Also known as Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley, visitors toAspen and Snowmass Village can explore the two unique mountain towns with WE-cycle – the community bikeshare scheme. With conveniently located stations and rides of up to 30 minutes free, visitors can pedal between restaurants, shops and experiences while soaking up the spectacular Rocky Mountain surroundings. For a longer, more challenging ride, join the scenic 42-mile Rio Grande Trail, which winds alongside the Roaring Fork River through some of the valley’s most beautiful landscapes.
Discover Zurich’s picturesque lakefront and historic Old Town by bike
Zurich’s bike-sharing schemes, rental stations and growing cycling infrastructure make exploring the city on two wheels quick and easy. The city has extensive infrastructure to enjoy cycling around the city including the 440-metre Stadttunnel which opened just last year and provides a car-free, two-way cycling corridor beneath Zürich’s main railway station and allows riders to avoid a lengthy surface-level detour.
Trace scenic riverfront trails and vibrant neighbourhood streets in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh’s expanding network of bike lanes, shared bicycles and bike-friendly streets makes it easy to explore the city on two wheels. Follow the Three Rivers Heritage Trail spanning 33 miles of riverfront paths taking riders through waterfront parks, iconic museums such as The Andy Warhol Museum and two of the city’s iconic sports stadiums, before heading into local neighbourhoods. Alternatively, visitors seeking a longer adventure can join the 150-mile Great Allegheny Passage, beginning in downtown Pittsburgh and ending in Washington. Bikes are available from Golden Triangle Bike Rental, with half-day rentals starting at $30.
