Europe has many cities for bike enthusiast and cycling newbies. Cruising through a city on bike is not only a great way to travel, but it also saves the pennies for those on a tight backpackers budget, as you can skip the expensive city bus tours and go on your own two wheel adventure. You won’t be surprised to find out that Copenhagen and Amsterdam often top the list as the two best cycling cities in Europe, so let’s see their pedal power credentials next to each other.
Copenhagen
As one of the most expensive cities to visit, it makes sense to take advantage of Copenhagen’s friendly attitude to cyclists to save money on your transport costs. Their popular urban bike-sharing project, Bycykler (City Bikes), gives FREE access to the extensive bike path system using robust public bicycles. Just put a 20 kroner (€1ish) piece into the bike rack and you’re free to explore the cycle paths of Copenhagen.
The city has plenty of flat terrain so it’s perfect if you’re not the fittest of wannabe cyclists. Copenhagen is often cited as the top of the cycle-friendly cities – especially helped by the €20million investment from the government. There are over 350km of cycle paths which are separated from the main traffic and another 20km of on the road cycle lanes. There are also plans to add to the 41km of greenways – aimed to allow for fast, safe and fun cycle transport from one end of the city to another.
It’s free and easy to take your bike on Copenhagen’s train network – just make sure you’re in the specified carriage at the front and rear. You can also take your bike on the waterbuses, but not on the regular buses. When your legs have ran out of pedal just drop the bike off at one of the 110 stations in the city and your money will be refunded automatically.
Cheap Copenhagen Hotels & Hostels
The newly converted Hostel Belægningen is 9km from Copenhagen Centre, in cultural Hvidovre. They have bikes for their customers to rent, year round. With modern facilities – including a TV room, a kitchenette and a free internet café – and affordable beds it’s a great choice located in the old fortification of Copenhagen. Just a few minutes from Copenhagen’s Central Railway Station, you’ll find Hotel Ansgar. With its central location you’re only a few minutes’ walk from Tivoli Gardens, the famous shopping street of Strøget and Town Hall Square. The quiet street is perfect for getting to grips with the hotel bike rental. And when you’re in need of some rest after a days’ cycling the Copenhagen streets Hotel Ansgar has a courtyard where they serve beer, soft drinks, spirits and coffee
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is another city that keeps cyclists close to its heart and on the road. Bike paths are as popular as the roads and you’ll see Amsterdammers whizzing by. They’ve really worked on the fun side of cycling with a whole host of tours – go self-guided and get a free pass for the canal boats, join a singing tour around the Red Light District or get in the countryside to see the windmills and drawbridges.
There’s 400km of cycle path in Amsterdam – perfect for exploring the 17th century city centre. Using the public bike system is faster and cheaper than public transport and you’ll get to see more of the city from the freedom of the saddle. As well as hostels offering bike rental you can also find companies in the main hubs such as Central Station, Leidseplein and Dam Square. You can rent them from three hours to a full day; the average day price is €8.
Amsterdam’s popularity as a cycling city is helped enormously by the flat terrain – at least 40% of the city prefers to get around by bike. For all you fact lovers there are around 750,000 people in Amsterdam and 600,000 bikes. But be warned some cycle parking can hold up to 7,000 bikes, so do remember where you left it.
Cheap Amsterdam Hotels and Hostels
In the heart of Amsterdam’s city centre Hostel Van Gogh provides cool modern facilities at a great price – including cycle hire for guests. It’s just a few steps from the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijks Museum and the Amsterdam City Art Museum. The secure keycard lock system will ensure you feel safe, and, if you’re a woman travelling solo, there’s also a female-only dorm. With bike rental available from the reception desk, Stayokay Amsterdam Zeeburg is a great hostel from which to explore the city from the freedom of a bike saddle. Housed in a former school from 1900 the hostel has been renovated to make the most of its history but also to modern specifications and you’re just a 15-minute cycle ride away from all the main sites of the city.
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