15 Best Cycling Tours & Destinations Around the World
Cycling offers a remarkable opportunity to explore the world while promoting sustainable travel. It allows you to embark on thrilling adventures and helps you witness different cultures and landscapes.
Whether you are a novice cyclist or an expert, multiple stunning cycling routes in this world are splendid enough to satiate any of your desires. If you want to explore places differently, cycling worldwide can be an excellent plan.
Keep reading to learn more about some of the best cycling routes in the world.
List of Cycling Destinations Around the World
Here are some must-visit cycling destinations around the world for you to explore:
1. Girona, Spain
Located in the north-east of Barcelona, Girona is a famous place for pro-cyclers. Picturesque mediaeval villages and stunning coastal lines surround it. While cycling, you will cross vineyards and olive groves, and Catalan villages.
Girona’s unique terrain is ideal for testing your cycling skills. Rococorba Climb, Els Angels, Mare de Deu Del Mont, and the coastal roads are the best cycling trails in this place.
- Distance: 53 km to 156 km
- Activities: Canyoning, kitesurfing, scuba diving, rock climbing, coasteering
- Best Time: March to June and September to November
2. Cape Town, South Africa
Known for its stunning roads and Table Mountain, Cape Town is one of the famous destinations for cycling. Moreover, you can ride alongside the Atlantic Ocean and feel the beautiful onshore breeze while cycling.
You can also go pedalling the coastal roads of Cape Peninsula to get a stunning view of False Bay atop. Furthermore, you will also encounter Boulders Beach Penguin Colony, Cape Point, and the ostrich farm while taking this route.
- Distance: 5 km to 95 km
- Activities: Enjoy water activities, cage dive with sharks, shop at Long Street, enjoy horse riding on Pearly Beach
- Best Time: January to April
3. Manali, India
The cycling adventure from Manali to Leh, Solang Valley, Naggar, Kothi, and Manikaran offers a thrilling experience, fulfilling every cyclist's dream. This route takes you through five breathtaking high-altitude mountain passes, including Khardung La, the world's most challenging and highest pass.
- Distance: 30 km to 480 km
- Activities: Camping, Trekking, Skiing, Snowboarding, Quad biking, Zorbing, Ziplining, Biking, Rappelling, Paragliding
- Best Time: June to September
4. Hangzhou, China
Located in eastern China, Hangzhou is one of the fantastic city that has invested a lot in bicycle infrastructure development and its services. Additionally, numerous bikes are available for rent here, making cycling a convenient mode of transportation in the city.
Most of Hangzhou's scenic attractions are located near West Lake, making cycling an easy and enjoyable experience.
- Distance: 7 km to 12 km
- Activities: Enjoy the Song Dynasty Show, Take a Cruise in West Lake, Photography, Visit Xixi National Wetland Park
- Best Time: March to Mid-June
5. Bremen, Germany
Bremen is a famous city in Germany known for its bike-friendly environment. It boasts a network of cycle paths that weave through the city and link it to neighbouring towns. While travelling, you will come across the Schlachte Embankment, the colourful Ostertor Quarter, and the historical market square.
Moreover, a bicycle zone in the Neustadt district of Bremen prioritises bicycles and allows for side-by-side cycling.
- Distance: 70 km to 245 km
- Activities: Visit the Rathaus, Attend the Carnival Festival, Visit St. Peter’s Cathedral, Visit the Town Musicians of Bremen
- Best Time: May to July
6. Bern, Switzerland
Cycling through this lovely capital city will take you through beautiful sightseeing routes. This place is famous for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and natural landscapes. You can visit the Swiss Bike Park in Oberried, with trails, ramps, and mind-bending tracks. Further, you can also witness the iconic Rose Garden and Bern Cathedral on the UNESCO tour.
- Distance: 30 km to 100 km
- Activities: Paragliding, Bowling, River rafting, Climb the Rose Garden, Swim in the Aare River
- Best Time: March to May and September to November
7. Malmo, Sweden
As you pedal along this route, you will pass through scenic city parks and reach the impressive Emporia shopping centre. Emporia highlights modern Swedish architecture with its beautiful hollow shape, vibrant rainbow garage, and colourful interior design.
You can go cycling along the Ribersborg beach, soaking in the coastal scenery until you arrive at the Western Harbour, where you will find the twisted skyscraper, Turning Torso.
- Distance: 30 km to 122 km
- Activities: Join a Malmo Boat Tour, Play Boule at the Boulebar, Visit Malmo Castle, Hunt the Street Art, Paddleboarding, Visit the Modern Art Museum, Go Shopping at Södergatan
- Best Time: June, July, and September
8. Copenhagen, Denmark
Add to your list of places for cycling around the world Copenhagen, having a great cycling culture, with well-developed streets ideal for cycling. A must-visit spot that you can explore by cycling is Amager Beach Park, the beautiful King's Garden and the picturesque Nyhavn, located near the beach.
- Distance: 43 km to 129 km
- Activities: Swimming, Fishing, Sunbathing, Kayaking and canoeing, Paddleboarding, Visit museums and galleries
- Best Time: March to May and June to August
9. Utrecht, Netherlands
In this tiniest province of the Netherlands, you will explore the rolling hills, picturesque valleys, and serene lakes through this diverse terrain. Along the beautiful river Vecht, you will encounter old orchards and majestic country estates.
There is also a beautiful forest Amelisweerd in Utrecht, which is also great for cycling. In the southern region of Rivierenland, you will pass through the river forelands, with refreshing ferry crossings.
- Distance: 16 km to 113 km
- Activities: Visit The Dom Torem, the tallest church tower in the Netherlands; Shop at Vredenburg Market; visit the Central Museum and Speelklok Museum; Visit Rietveld Schröder House; Stop by Oude Hortus, Kayaking
- Best Time: April and October
10. Antwerp, Belgium
Antwerp's flat terrain makes it ideal for cyclists to explore this location. There are plenty of cycling routes here, including the Park Bridge, which connects Park Spoor Noord with Het Eilandje. Other notable attractions in this area include the MAS Museum, the Port House of Antwerp, the Red Star Line Museum, and the Park Bridge.
- Distance: 50 km to 100 km
- Activities: Discover the Diamond district, Experience the street art scene, Explore the beautiful River Scheldt
- Best Time: May to September
11. Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne adds to the list of beautiful destinations ideal for cycling worldwide. It offers stunning landscapes, cultural hotspots, and relaxed dining areas, which makes your journey enjoyable.
Capital City Trail is one of the notable cycling routes that encircle the inner city. Maribyrnong River Trail is another trail for encountering landmarks like the Flemington Racecourse, renowned for horse racing events, and the wetlands of Pipemakers Park.
- Distance: Over 135 km
- Activities: Kayaking, Skydiving, Snorkelling, Go Karting, Ziplining, Ice Skating
- Best Time: September to November and March to May
12. Montreal, Canada
Montreal is a fantastic way to explore the city's vibrant culture and beautiful surroundings. It offers an extensive network of bike lanes and paths, making it a cycle-friendly city. You can explore this location whether you are a casual rider or a seasoned cyclist.
One of the highlights here is the iconic Lachine Canal Path. This scenic route stretches alongside the historic canal, offering stunning views of the water and surrounding green spaces.
- Distance: 25 km to 122 km
- Activities: Discover Parc Jean-Drapeau, Kayaking and Canoeing, Watch the summer fireworks, Explore the Atwater Market, Visit Côte-des-Neiges Cemetery and the ecomuseum zoo
- Best Time: April and May and September to November
13. San Francisco, California
San Francisco has stunning natural sceneries to explore. The Golden Gate Bridge of this place is a famous landmark from where you can view Alcatraz Island. Wiggle is one of the cycling routes of San Francisco that lets you cruise through the city and avoid steep hills.
- Distance: 22 km to 136 km
- Activities: Visit the Grace Cathedral, Explore the botanical garden, Photography, Discover the Palace of Fine Arts, Enjoy the Japanese Tea Garden
- Best Time: September to November
14. Strasbourg, France
Known as the Cycling Capital of France, Strasbourg provides a bike-friendly environment to all cycle enthusiasts. The city's cycling strategy is centred on enticing new riders, upgrading the current cycling infrastructure, extending the Vélostras cycle highways, and exploring the possibilities of cargo bikes.
- Distance: 30 km to 600 km
- Activities: Sightseeing, Strolling in Petite France, Explore the museums and art galleries.
- Best Time: June to August
15. Tel Aviv, Israel
When you explore Tel Aviv, Israel's stylish city on the Mediterranean Sea, you will discover a perfect setting for cycling. With its flat terrain comparable to Copenhagen, Tel Aviv has all the elements of a bicycling paradise. Cycling lets you reach the lush HaYarkon Park from the central plaza, Rabin Square, and the famous Gordon Beach.
- Distance: 5 km to 51 km
- Activities: Skiing, Surfing, Wakeboarding, Visiting the Sarona Market, and Visiting the museums
- Best Time: March and April
FAQs About Top Cycling Destinations Around the World
Are there any cycling tours in Cape Town?
Cape Town Cycle Tour is an annual cycle race hosted in Cape Town. It is a 109 km circular route race from Grand Parade in Cape Town.
Is it compulsory to wear a helmet while cycling in Montreal?
According to municipal, provincial, or federal law, no one above 18 or older needs to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle. However, it is mandatory for children younger than 12 years.
Which city is known as the city of cyclists?
Copenhagen is considered the most bicycle-friendly city in the world. Here most people use a cycle as a means of transport for daily communication.