Here are 12 amazing cities to explore by bicycle in 2023

Bicycling is one of the best ways to explore a new city. Not only is it an eco-friendly and affordable mode of transportation, but it also allows you to see the sights at a leisurely pace and get some exercise in the process. While well-known cycling cities like Copenhagen and Amsterdam are always worth a visit, there are also plenty of lesser-known cities around the world that are perfect for exploring on two wheels. Here are 12 of our favourite cities to explore by bicycle in 2023.

Girona, Spain

Girona is a charming and picturesque city located in the heart of Catalonia, Spain. With its rolling hills, stunning countryside, and winding streets, Girona is a great place to explore on two wheels. The city has an extensive network of bike lanes and paths, as well as a bike-sharing program, making it easy for visitors to get around without a car. Some of the highlights of cycling in Girona include the Girona Greenways, which follows an old railway line through the city and the surrounding countryside, and the winding streets of the city’s historic center.

Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Plovdiv is a historic and cultural city located in the heart of Bulgaria. The city’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and cycling is a great way to explore its winding streets and picturesque alleys. The city has an extensive network of bike paths and trails, as well as a bike-sharing program, making it easy for visitors to get around without a car. Some of the top cycling routes in Plovdiv include the Maritsa River path, which follows the river from the city center to the surrounding countryside, and the climb up the Nebet Tepe hill, which offers spectacular views of the city and the surrounding mountains.

Tartu, Estonia

Tartu is a small and charming city located in the heart of Estonia. The city is home to a vibrant student community and has a rich history and culture with a vibrant live music scene. The bicycle is a great way to explore the city’s winding streets and picturesque neighborhoods. The city has an extensive network of bike paths and trails, as well as a bike-sharing program, making it easy for visitors to get around without a car. Some of the top cycling routes in Tartu include the Emajõgi River path, which follows the river from the city center to the surrounding countryside, and the climb up the Toome hill, which offers spectacular views of the city and the surrounding countryside.

Cycling in Tartu, Estonia (photo: @visittartu)

Tainan, Taiwan

Tainan is a historic and cultural city located in the south of Taiwan. The city has a rich history and culture, with plenty of temples, museums, and art galleries to explore. Cycling is a great way to get around Tainan, as the city has an extensive network of bike lanes and paths, as well as a bike-sharing program. Some of the highlights of cycling in Tainan include the Anping Tree House, a historic warehouse that’s now home to a forest of banyan trees, and the Tainan Canal, a scenic waterway that’s perfect for a leisurely bike ride.

Odense, Denmark

Odense is a charming and picturesque city located on the island of Funen in Denmark. The city is best known as the birthplace of the famous fairy tale author, Hans Christian Andersen. Cycling is a great way to explore the city’s winding streets and picturesque neighborhoods. The city has an extensive network of bike paths and trails, as well as a bike-sharing program, making it easy for visitors to get around without a car. Some of the top cycling routes in Odense include the Odense River path, which follows the river from the city center to the surrounding countryside, and the Hans Christian Andersen Trail, a cycling route that takes visitors through the city and to some of the most important places in the author’s life.

Odense bicycle pathway and light rail. (Photo: Visit Odense)

Bern, Switzerland

Bern is a charming Swiss city surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including the Bernese Alps and the Aare River. Bern is also home to an extensive network of bike paths and bike-friendly streets, making it easy to get around on two wheels. Some of the highlights of cycling in Bern include the historic Old Town, the picturesque Rosengarten, and the panoramic views from the Gurten Mountain.

Utrecht, Netherlands

Utrecht is a lesser-known city in the Netherlands that is great to explore by bicycle. The city has an extensive network of bike paths and is home to the largest bike parking garage in the world. Utrecht is also a great starting point for cycling trips to other Dutch cities, such as Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Some of the highlights of cycling in Utrecht include the beautiful medieval city center, the scenic Vecht River, and the iconic Dom Tower.

Cycling at Koppelpoort Amersfoort, Utrecht (photo: Lotte Stierhout)

Tel Aviv, Israel

Tel Aviv is a vibrant city that’s perfect to explore by bicycle. The city is home to a growing network of bike paths and bike-friendly streets, making it easy to get around on two wheels. Tel Aviv is also a great starting point for cycling trips along the Mediterranean coast. Some of the highlights of cycling in Tel Aviv include the beautiful beaches, the Bauhaus architecture of the White City, and the vibrant nightlife.

Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An is a small and charming city located on the central coast of Vietnam. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and charming architecture. Cycling is a great way to explore the city and its surroundings, and the city has an extensive network of bike paths and trails, as well as a bike-sharing program. Some of the top cycling routes in Hoi An include the Hoi An Loop, a scenic route that takes visitors through the city and its surroundings, and the Tra Que Vegetable Village route, which takes visitors through the countryside and to a local vegetable farm.

Hoi An, Vietnam

Seville, Spain

Seville is a beautiful city in southern Spain that is flat and compact, making it easy to get around on two wheels. Seville is also home to a growing network of bike paths and bike-friendly streets, as well as a popular bike-sharing program. Some of the highlights of cycling in Seville include the stunning Plaza de España, the colorful Santa Cruz neighborhood, and the beautiful Maria Luisa Park.

Bogotá, Colombia

Bogotá is a vibrant city that’s perfect for cycling. The city is home to one of the world’s largest bike-sharing programs, as well as an extensive network of bike paths and bike-friendly streets. Cycling in Bogotá is a great way to explore the city’s vibrant street art, colorful markets, and lively neighborhoods. Some of the highlights of cycling in Bogotá include the iconic Monserrate Hill, and the beautiful Simón Bolívar Park.

Cycling in Ljubljana (photo: Mankica Kranjec/ Nea Culpa)

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana is a charming and picturesque city that’s located in the heart of Slovenia perfect to explore by bicycle. Cycling is a great way to cover more ground and take in the sights at a leisurely pace. The city has an extensive network of bike lanes and paths, and there are plenty of bike rental options available. Some of the highlights of cycling in Ljubljana include the Ljubljanica River, the Tivoli Park, and the castle hill, which offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside.