10 cities to explore by bike

To support green tourism, here are 10 cities that are perfect for exploring by bicycle.

In recent years, there has been a lot of talk about green tourism. Protecting our environment should never be underestimated and that's why we're suggesting some cities that are ideal for cycling.

Bicycles are the perfect mode of transport for everyone, after all, who didn't learn to ride one when they were little? So why not give it a try?

AMSTERDAM

Amsterdam is probably best known for its many bicycles, and countless pictures are taken every day of the city's beautiful canals with bicycles in the background. Exploring Amsterdam by bike isn't an experience, it's a way of life.

Tip: Amsterdam Hostel Orfeo and the Vondelpark StayOkay offer rental bikes.

READ ALSO: 8 tips for a budget trip to Amsterdam

FERRARA

In Italy, Ferrara is known as "the city of bicycles", probably because it is almost completely pedestrianised and the only permitted means of transport, apart from walking, is a bicycle!

COPENHAGEN

When you discover that this city is crisscrossed by around 350 km of cycle paths, you can easily see why we have included it in our selection of cities to visit by bike. A third of people in Copenhagen commute by bike... so why not join them?

Tip: The Globalhaghen Hostel has a bicycle rental service.

READ ALSO: 12 free things to do in Copenhagen

Photo Credit: Kristoffer Trolle

PORTLAND

As Americans are not particularly well known for their sportiness, it may surprise you to learn that Portland has around 315 miles of bikeways and it is one of the US cities with the highest number of bicycles. If you never thought of exploring an American city by bike, this is a great place to start!

BORDEAUX

Photo Credit: David Phan

Bordeaux became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002, and thanks to that, the use of bicycles in the city has been strongly encouraged, with many cycle paths being constructed. Today, it is one of France's "Green Cities". However, one of the suggested cycle routes is a wine discovery trail, and we recommend that you don't get on your bike straight after a wine tasting!

BERLIN

Berlin is a city on a human scale, easy to get around by any mode of transport, including by bicycle. There are several organised tours, such as the one to discover Berlin's Street Art which you can join from the comfort of your saddle.

Tip: At the Lette'm Sleep Hostel Berlin you can rent a bike for free!

PARIS

Have you ever heard of Velib? This is the French capital's bike rental service. Convenient and quick, they accept credit cards and there are plenty of stations around the city for both hiring and returning your bike. Do you really want to miss the opportunity of visiting Paris on two wheels?

Tip: At the 3 Ducks Hostel you can rent a bike for free!

MADRID

Madrid always adapts to the latest trends. The city's public bike rental service is called BiciMad, and all the bikes are electric!

There are also organised bike tours of Madrid, so there's no need to feel guilty after enjoying the gourmet delights of the city!

Tip: There is a bicycle rental service at The Hat Madrid.

READ ALSO: Low cost places to eat and sleep in Madrid

SAO PAULO

In June 2015 a bike lane was opened on the city's Avenida Paulista, Sao Paulo's central hub. The city seems to have taken cycling seriously, and they are hoping to have 400 km of bikeways in 2016. Why not go and try them out?

Tip: The WE Hostel Design has a bicycle rental service.

MONTREAL

As Montreal has its own Bicycle Festival, not visiting the city on two wheels would surely be an affront!

Why not explore the old town, and be amazed by the stunning architecture?

Tip: Hi Montreal has a bicycle rental service