Bike tours: discovering the city by bicycle

Bike tours are an increasingly popular alternative to more traditional types of sightseeing excursions like bus and walking tours. Whether you want to explore your own town or a foreign metropolis, cycling tours are a great way to discover a city.

See all the best sights
Most cities are bike-friendly and getting around them on two wheels is reasonably safe and straightforward. Plus, you’ll avoid getting stuck in traffic and be able to log more miles than you would if you set out on foot.

On a bike tour, accessing all the best a town has to offer is easy. Many restaurants, museums, theaters and shops provide secure lock-up facilities for bicycles. Additionally, you can visit off-the-beaten-track gems that buses can’t access such as parks, alleyways and outdoor markets.

A healthy way to get around
Cycling is a great way to exercise and has many health benefits. What’s more, biking can be adapted to a range of fitness levels, so regardless of your current health status, you’re likely to find a bike tour suited to your needs and capacity.

Biking is also a great way to burn calories — no need to feel guilty about chowing down on the local cuisine!

Additionally, engaging in physical activity helps to curb jet lag, so hopping on a bike is a great way to start a vacation in another time zone.

Types of tours
If you’re ready to explore the city by bicycle, then the next step is to decide which type of bike tour is right for you.

• Guided bike tours. If you’d like to have an expert guide show you around, you can schedule a trip with a bike tour company.

• Self-guided bike tours. If you’re looking for more independence, opt for a self-guided tour. You’ll ride on your own but with an itinerary created by someone else. Sometimes these can be downloaded online.

• DIY bike tours. If you’re keen on blazing your own trail, you can create your own itinerary. Unless you’re familiar with the city, research will be required.

Whichever type of tour you choose, discovering the city by bicycle is bound to be a memorable experience.