Bike Week: Europe’s Best Cities for a Cycling Holiday
There’s nothing like being able to combine a city break with cycling.
All too often it’s impossible, with narrow car-heavy roads taking precedence over cycling paths, and high intensity hills meaning you have to have built up legs of steel in order to get anywhere. Here are my top five cities for a leisurely cycling break where you’re guaranteed a good amount of road space, courtesy from cars and enough long routes to make bringing your beloved bike halfway around the world worth it. For the full list, check out my Pearlshare guide below:
Copenhagen
My personal favourite city to cycle round — not only are the main roads totally built for cycling, there’s not the overcrowding you get in Amsterdam or Berlin. The city’s historic centre was founded by the legendary Bishop Absalon, and contains a host of picturesque sites including Frederiksstaden, an 18th-century district that is home to the Danish royal family. There are several sleek cafes, classy restaurants, highbrow design houses and trendy bars to explore, as well as a spectacular harbour with crystal clear water — all of which are connected by wide cycle lanes easily accessible by expert riders or total beginners.
Dublin
There’s been a recent push for cycling here in the city, which is starting to show a real impact. Over 200km of on-road cycle tracks, bus lanes and off-road cycle tracks. Some are still best left to confident city riders, but there are several routes now opening up to those less happy with busy roads. Dublin itself is full of stunning historic buildings, including Dublin Castle from the 13th century and and imposing St Patrick’s Cathedral founded in 1191, providing a remarkable backdrop to a city bustling with a host of contemporary galleries, elegant bistros, welcoming markets, lively pubs and picturesque city parks. Just make sure you don’t cycle home if you’ve had a few too many from the local bar!
Utrecht
Utrecht just keeps continually improving their offer for cyclists, widening cycle lanes and increasing bike parking. All that, and it’s really very pretty as well. Small enough to explore easily on a bike, Utrecht manages to blend fascinating history with trendy cafes, galleries and restaurants, many of which have sprang up in the old storage areas along the wharf of the canal. As well as that, Utrecht has been a religious centre for centuries; the historic city has a medieval old town, a picturesque canal system, several Christian monuments and a venerable university. A wonderful choice for a city cycle break.
Barcelona
The colourful, cosmopolitan capital of Spain’s Catalonia region, Barcelona is largely known for its spectacular art and architecture; however for me personally, it is another city who has created a truly bike friendly infrastructure, with wide lanes and a two way system. The perfect size to cycle round and see the sights, including the fantastical Sagrada Família church and other modernist landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí or the equally important Museu Picasso and Fundació Joan Miró feature modern art by their namesakes. Alongside this cultural heritage, Barcelona also has a host of restaurants, cafes and bars ranging from high-end chic to casual street corner fare.
Amsterdam
The Netherlands’ scenic capital, known for its artistic heritage, elaborate canal system, 17th Century houses and a liberal attitude towards certain intoxicants. The historic Museum District houses the Van Gogh Museum containing the largest Van Gogh collection in the world, there’s Rembrandt and Vermeer at the Rijksmuseum and modern art at the Stedelijk. Linking these cultural highlights are Amsterdam’s cycling routes, responsible for making Amsterdam one of the most cycle-friendly cities in the world. Prepare to be alert though — the cycle lanes are rarely leisurely, and bustle with those who both know where they’re going and want to get there quickly.
For the full list of wonderful cycle friendly cities I recommend my guide, up on Pearlshare now:
