Beyond Amsterdam: 9 Underrated Destinations for Bicycle-Loving Travelers

When it comes to cycling-friendly cities, Amsterdam and Copenhagen dominate the conversation, and for good reason. For urban riders looking to explore vibrant cities with a strong cycling culture, plenty of other destinations deserve the spotlight. Here are nine underrated cities that offer incredible bike infrastructure, scenic routes, and a cycling-friendly atmosphere.

1. Bogotá, Colombia

With one of the most extensive cycling networks in Latin America, Bogotá is a paradise for urban cyclists. The city boasts over 600 km of bike lanes and is home to Ciclovía, a weekly event where more than 120 km of streets are closed to cars every Sunday. Whether you’re weaving through the historic La Candelaria district or tackling the climb up to Monserrate, Bogotá’s cycling culture is thriving. The city’s hilly terrain also provides an extra challenge for those who want to push their limits, while the flat sections make it accessible to all skill levels. Bogotá’s bike-friendly policies have made cycling a major mode of transportation, and its growing cycling community ensures you’ll never feel alone on the road.

A bike tour in Bogota Colombia (Visit Bogota)

2. Taipei, Taiwan

Taipei has quietly built a reputation as a cyclist’s dream. The city’s YouBike bike-share system makes getting around easy, and the network of dedicated bike paths—including the stunning riverside trails—offers a smooth and scenic ride. The Tamsui River Cycling Path is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, offering breathtaking views as it winds past temples, parks, and night markets. For those looking for a more challenging ride, the climb to Yangmingshan National Park provides both a workout and stunning panoramic views of the city. Taiwan’s commitment to cycling infrastructure extends beyond leisure, with bike lanes integrated into many of its major roads, making commuting by bike both safe and convenient.

The separated cycling path around Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan. Photo by David Niddrie

3. Ljubljana, Slovenia

This compact and picturesque European capital is ideal for cyclists. Ljubljana has car-free zones in the city center, a well-connected network of bike lanes, and an easy-to-use bike-sharing program. One of the best cycling routes takes riders along the Ljubljanica River, passing through charming neighborhoods filled with historic architecture, vibrant cafés, and public art installations. A ride through Tivoli Park offers a peaceful escape into nature, with plenty of shaded trails and scenic spots for a break. Ljubljana’s focus on sustainability and green urban planning has made cycling a top priority, and with a flat terrain and mild climate, it’s an easy and enjoyable city to explore on two wheels.

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

4. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires has quietly transformed into one of South America’s most bike-friendly cities. With over 250 km of dedicated bike lanes, the city’s Ecobici bike-sharing system is free to use, making it easy to explore neighborhoods like Palermo, San Telmo, and Recoleta. A particularly popular cycling route is along Avenida del Libertador, which connects some of the city’s most iconic green spaces, including the Bosques de Palermo and the Jardín Japonés. The city’s relatively flat terrain makes it accessible for riders of all levels, and with more protected bike lanes being added each year, Buenos Aires is continuing to grow as a cycling hotspot. The city’s warm weather and vibrant street life add to the experience, making every ride feel like an adventure.

5. Quebec City, Quebec

Want to head to Europe without cross the Atlantic, think Quebec City. With its rich history and charming old-world atmosphere, Quebec City is a hidden gem for cyclists. The city’s picturesque cobblestone streets and vibrant neighborhoods are easily navigable by bike, and its well-developed network of bike lanes makes exploring the city on two wheels a delight. Quebec City’s commitment to sustainable urban mobility has resulted in the creation of several bike paths that link the historic Old City to modern developments. For cyclists seeking a bit more adventure, the scenic bike route along the St. Lawrence River offers beautiful panoramas and takes riders through lush parks, ideal for a leisurely ride. Quebec City’s compact size, mix of historical charm, and growing cycling culture make it an ideal destination for those looking to explore a unique and bike-friendly Canadian city.

Quebec City cycling (photo: Stephane Audet, Destination Quebec)

6. Seville, Spain

Once a city dominated by cars, Seville has rapidly become a cyclist’s haven. Over the past decade, it has built more than 180 km of protected bike lanes, making it one of the best cycling cities in Spain. A standout cycling route is the Guadalquivir River Path, which offers stunning views of the city’s skyline while passing by landmarks like the Torre del Oro and the Triana district. The city’s compact size makes it easy to get from one attraction to another, and its mostly flat terrain ensures a smooth ride. With a warm climate year-round, Seville is a great place to explore by bike, whether you’re commuting, sightseeing, or simply enjoying the atmosphere of this historic Andalusian gem.

Seville, Spain

7. Minneapolis, USA

Minneapolis might not be the first city that comes to mind for cycling, but it’s consistently ranked among the most bike-friendly cities in North America. The Midtown Greenway, a 9-km long dedicated cycling corridor, makes commuting a breeze, and the city’s extensive network of trails and bike lanes makes it easy to explore parks, lakes, and lively neighborhoods. One of the most scenic rides is along the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway, a 82-km loop connecting the city’s lakes, parks, and the Mississippi River. Minneapolis embraces winter cycling as well, with a strong community of cold-weather riders and city-maintained bike paths even in snowy months. With its mix of urban and nature routes, Minneapolis proves that great cycling cities exist outside of Europe.

Minneapolis one of the highest bicycle-friendly ratings for a city in America

8. Antwerp, Belgium

While Brussels struggles with bike infrastructure, Antwerp is a hidden gem for cyclists. With wide bike lanes, low car traffic in the historic center, and one of Europe’s best bike-share programs, Antwerp is a delight to explore on two wheels. The Scheldt River Path provides a scenic route along the waterfront, while the Ringfietspad, a 35-km loop around the city, connects various districts and green spaces. Antwerp’s cycling infrastructure is well-integrated into daily life, with designated bike lanes on most major roads and bike-friendly policies that encourage commuting by bike. The city’s blend of historic charm and modern cycling amenities makes it a fantastic destination for urban riders looking for an alternative to Belgium’s more famous cities.

Antwerp

9. Edmonton, Alberta

Edmonton, often overlooked in favour of cities such as Vancouver or Montreal, has quietly become one of Canada’s most cycling-friendly cities. The city boasts over 300 km of dedicated bike lanes, many of which are part of the city’s expansive river valley trail system, one of the largest urban park networks in North America. Edmonton’s bike infrastructure continues to improve, with the introduction of bike-share programs and new cycling paths that connect various neighborhoods to the downtown core. The North Saskatchewan River Valley offers stunning scenic routes, with rides that provide gorgeous views of the river and surrounding greenery. The city’s commitment to cycling includes winter infrastructure as well, allowing riders to continue enjoying their bikes even through the snow. With an emerging cycling culture and an increasing number of bike-friendly policies, Edmonton is quickly becoming a destination for those seeking adventure on two wheels.

Ready to Ride?

These cities may not have the global reputation of Amsterdam or Copenhagen, but they offer fantastic cycling experiences for urban riders. Whether you’re looking for scenic routes, top-tier bike infrastructure, or a thriving cycling culture, these destinations deserve a spot on your travel list.