Europe is a phenomenal mix of culture, food, art, people and experiences. Cycling is a popular choice when traveling the continent to explore new places and enjoy a variety of attractions.
Can you believe that Europeans purchased 22 million bicycles in 2020? The Netherlands holds the record for the most bicycles per capita. With 39% of journeys to the train station made by bicycle, it’s no surprise.
Why is Cycling so Popular in Europe?
What makes bicycles the first choice for transport? Cycling has positive impacts on the environment, decreasing pollution, health, business, mobility, energy and more!
The total financial benefits per year in Europe are equivalent to between 150 and 155 billion euros. Health is the most lucrative with a total of 73 billion euros per annum, followed by cycling tourism at 44 billion euros.
For tourists, cycling tours are a great way to become part of the city’s culture. A fun, affordable and easy way to see new cities is what a lot of tourists are now choosing.
Car-Free Zones
A lot of European cities have set specific car-free zones that promote walking and cycling. Car-free zones are a very proactive way to tackle the climate crisis and support the population’s health and well-being.
17 of the 41 cities that Sweet Inn analysed currently have a car-free zone already established. Whilst 14 cities have developments currently being planned for or built.
Berlin has plans to develop one of the largest car-free zones in Europe within the S-Bahn ring which covers an area of 88 kilometres squared. They are eager to offer residents better comfort and safety as Germany has one of the higher numbers of vehicles per individual 574 per 1,000 people.
Cycling Lanes
Sweet Inn found that across the assessed European cities there is a total of 17,231 kilometres (km) of cycling lanes to explore.
Vienna leads with 1,654 km of cycling lanes followed by Berlin and Helsinki each with 1,500 km per city.
Cycling is encouraged across Europe due to the extensive benefits such as increased cardiovascular fitness, improved mobility and decreased stress levels.
Average Cost of Renting a Bike Per Day
The most affordable daily bike was 3 euros in Bucharest, Romania. The average daily charge was 18.7 euros per day. 7 of our top 10 cities charge 15 euros or below, with the remaining 3 charging more than the European average.
It is a far superior method to getting around and seeing the city at ground level. An immersive way to see the most local parts of a great European metropolis.
City with the Least Cycling Distance Between Top Attractions
Sweet Inn judged this based on the top five attractions from Tripadvisor. Glasgow has the largest distance to cover with just under 30 kilometres (km), while you can see the best sights in Zagreb in just 1.7 km.
If you’re planning to see Glasgow in a day and haven’t done much cycling, it’s probably worth going with some prior training! However, if you’re visiting over a few days to a week then we’re sure you will be able to see a lot more of the city.
The shorter distances apart from Zagreb include; Rome (2.9 km), Seville (3.5 km), Eindhoven (3.6 km), Ljubljana (3.9 km) and Nantes (3.9 km).
The next time you hop on a plane to one of Europe’s finest, make sure you hire a bicycle and enjoy all that cycling through these cities has to offer!
Which are the Best Cities in Europe to Discover via Cycle
Sweet Inn has gathered data for 41 popular cities in Europe, scored and ranked them out of 100 based on the following factors;
- Total area
- Car free zones
- Cycling lanes
- Average cost of renting a bicycle on a daily basis
- City with the shortest distance between top attractions
Sweet Inn calculated the top five cities to experience on a bike as;
1. Nantes, France (80 / 100)
With a score of 80, Nantes ranks first on the list. The city is well known for the infrastructure for cyclists, and the average cost of renting a bike is around 7 euros. Situated on the Loire river in upper Brittany, Nantes has an illustrious history as a port and thriving industrial centre and is home to the castle and cathedral. Nantes is famous for its vineyards that produce Muscadet white wine.
The must see attractions in this French city include; Jardin des Plantes, Les Machines de L’île, Passage Pommeraye, Château des Ducs de Bretagne and Le Voyage à Nantes that can be covered on a mere 4 km bike ride.
2. Strasbourg, France (78 / 100)
Just two below Nantes, the second most cycle friendly city on our list is Strasbourg. Strasbourg has long been known as the capital of Christmas. Memorable for its traditional architecture, rich history and classic Alsatian cuisine such as baeckeoffe, flammekueche, vol-au-vent and bretzel, the city also has 600 km of cycling lanes.
When visiting this part of France, we recommend you take a 6 km cycling tour to visit La Petite France, Cathédrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg, Centre-ville de Strasbourg, Parc de l’Orangerie and Barrage Vauban.
3. Antwerp, Belgium (76 / 100)
The diamond capital of the world, Antwerp is built around the centuries-old diamond district that is inhabited by thousands of diamond traders, cutters and polishers. In third place with 76 , this port city sits on the river Scheldt and the Flemish architecture is characterised by a central square in the old town.
Hire a bicycle and visit Antwerpen-Centraal, Cathedral of our Lady Rubens House, Grote Markt, Museum aan de Stroom and Rubenshuis. There is a distance of 5.6 km between these attractions in total. Hire a bike for 11 euros and enjoy any of the 500 km of cycle lanes.
4. Zagreb, Croatia (75 / 100)
Ranking fourth with a score of 75, Croatia’s capital city offers the opportunity to immerse in 18th and 19th century Austro-Hungarian architecture. Right in the centre, you will find the twin-spired Zagreb Cathedral, near here is the pedestrian-friendly Tkalčićeva Street packed with outdoor cafes. The main square is situated in lower town where you will find shops, museums and parks. There are 270 km of cycle lanes to discover and the smallest distance between attractions of 1.7 km!
Pick up a bike for 13 euros per day to see the top attractions; Tkalčićeva Street, Gornji Grad, St. Mark’s Church, Museum of Broken Relationships and Museum of illusions.
5. Ljubljana, Slovenia (74 / 100)
Well known for its university and beautiful green spaces this city came in with a score of 74. Ljubljana’s old town and commercial centre are divided by the Ljubljanica River which is flanked by quaint cafes. Unique as the green capital of a green country, the picturesque bridges and central market are distinct in characteristics thanks to architect Jože Plečnik. There is a car free zone, 300 km of cycle lanes and an affordable daily hire rate for bicycles of 10 euros!
Besides Ljubljana old town, you should make time during your stay to cycle to Tromostovje (triple bridge), Tivoli park, Preseren square and Union Experience. There are only 3.9 km between these, easy to do in a day including stop offs at various cafes.
The full list of the remaining cities in Sweet Inn’s ‘best city to explore on a cycle’ ranking include;
6. Bordeaux, France (73 / 100)
7. Bremen, Germany (67 / 100)
8. Helsinki, Finland (65 / 100)
9. Rome, Italy (64 / 100)
= Vienna, Austria (64 / 100)
10. Berlin, Germany (63 / 100)
11. Amsterdam, Netherlands (61 / 100)
12. Madrid, Spain (60 / 100)
13. Utrecht, Netherlands (58 / 100)
14. Bucharest, Romania (57 / 100)
15. Stockholm, Sweden (56 / 100)
16. Prague, Czech Republic (55 / 100)
17. Malmö, Denmark (53 / 100)
18. Warsaw, Poland (53 / 100)
19. Eindhoven, Netherlands (52 / 100)
= London, UK (52 / 100)
20. Geneva, Switzerland (51 / 100)
= Porto, Portugal (51 / 100)
21. Paris, France (50 / 100)
22. Belgrade, Serbia (48 / 100)
23. Barcelona, Spain (47 / 100)
= Munich, Germany (47 / 100)
= Seville, Spain (47 / 100)
24. Budapest, Hungary (43 / 100)
25. Milan, Italy (42 / 100)
26. Athens, Greece (41 / 100)
27. Glasgow, UK (40 / 100)
= Hamburg, Germany (40 / 100)
28. Edinburgh, UK (39 / 100)
= Oslo, Norway (39 / 100)
29. Copenhagen, Denmark (38 /100)
30. Dublin, Ireland (34 / 100)
31. Brussels, Belgium (33 / 100)
32. Lisbon, Portugal (26 / 100)
33. Zurich, Switzerland (25 / 100)
34. Bratislava, Slovakia (19 / 100)
Our Favourite Cycling Cities in Europe
Paris
Famously known as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Paris has a lot to offer. We recommend touring the city by bicycle and taking in the gastronomical delights you find in the gorgeous cafés. Top attractions include; Musée d’Orsay, Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, Sainte-Chapelle, Palais Garnier and Eiffel Tower.
Milan
In the northern Lombardy region of Italy you will find Milan; a global capital of fashion and design. This financial hub is known for its extravagant restaurants and shops. Part of your discovery of Milan will include art, culture and rich history through the spectacularly grand landmarks.
In 3.4 km you can cycle around; Duomo di Milano, Il Cenacolo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Castello Sforzesco and Pinacoteca di Brera.
Brussels
The perfect place for your stomach to lead the way through a city. Brussels is famous for its local waffles, chocolate, french fries and different types of beer. Some of the city’s historical and architectural landmarks are registered as UNESCO world heritage sites. Brussels is quintessential Belgium, bursting with art deco taverns, unique Flemish art, guild houses and impressive Gothic cathedrals.
When you aren’t sampling the gastronomical delights, hop on your bike and visit; Musée des Beaux-Arts d’Ixelles, Musee Constantin Meunier, Happy Day Art & Live and Train World.
Barcelona
The cosmopolitan capital of the Catalonia region of Spain, Barcelona is particularly special because of its football team, architecture, thriving nightlife, flawless beaches and mouth watering food. Enjoy traditional favourites such as Paella, Croquettes, Patatas Bravas, Jamon Iberico and Gazpacho among others.
Hire a bicycle for 16.5 euros per day and see Basílica de la Sagrada Familia, Barri Gotic, Casa Batllo, Palace of Catalan Music and Casa Milà – La Pedrera.
Vienna
Vienna is a leading bike friendly city with 1,654 kilometres of cycling lanes. This beautiful city is known for its fine art, classical music, museums, architecture and coffee houses. World renowned as the capital of classical music centuries after composers such as Mozart and Strauss played her.
Some of the top attractions in this Austrian destination include; Schönbrunn Palace, Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna, Historic Center of Vienna, Tiergarten Schoenbrunn – Zoo Vienna and Albertia.
