The best way to experience a city with all your senses is to walk its streets. But how far you get comes down to how much your feet can take. Walk too much and you'll end up slumped in a roadside café. Loosen the purse strings for cabs or public transport, and there's always a sense of separation behind that pane of glass.
But there's a third option that lets you see, smell, and feel a city’s atmosphere without draining your energy. Much like the daring explorers of old, roaming a new city on a bicycle means all the freedom without the blisters.
Cycling, or "urban biking," as it's called, requires a mindset shift. Instead of focusing on the next landmark, the journey itself becomes part of the adventure. You're more aware and present on a bike. It reminds you that the point of travel isn't just to get there, it's to be there.
Why Sightseeing by Bike is a Good Idea
Still not quite sold on the idea yet? Let us broaden your view and share some often-overlooked joys of the two-wheeled journey. For starters, forget having to tap the cab driver on the shoulder when you feel like taking a detour, or poring over maps trying to find the right train to get you where you want to go. On a bike, you're the master of your journey. Your trusty two-wheeled steed is always ready, never grumpy, and eager for adventure. Much like those choose-your-own-adventure books from childhood, cycling opens up possibilities. It takes you to places that buses and trains simply don't reach, the ones tucked-away corners only locals know about, waiting to be stumbled upon.
Another aspect of travelling is to get outside one’s comfort zone and to make new acquaintances. Biking is the perfect medium for that. There's also an unspoken camaraderie between fellow cyclists. Whether it's a flat tyre, a broken chain, or just a water break, you'll likely start conversations with like-minded riders who can introduce you to a whole new side of the city you're exploring. Unlike sitting in a cab or on a tour bus, cycling doesn't separate you from the places you visit; it drops you right into the middle. The scent of fresh bread from a bakery, the clatter of street music, and the cheerful chaos of daily life all hit you at once.
Renting a bike is usually cheaper than hailing cabs or hopping on public transport. And with no timetables to follow or tour schedules to stick to, you're free to explore at your own pace. Want to stop for a photo, a bite, or a breather in a sunlit square? You can. Want to veer off-course and follow the smell of something delicious down a quiet alley? No problem.
And here's something we don't discuss enough: the distance you can cover on a bike. It's often more than you would on foot, and far more flexible than trains. Plus, it's good for the planet and your legs. All the indulgent food you'll be trying on your trip? Consider your cycling a guilt-free trade-off.
If you're still undecided about swapping soles for spokes, consider this: many cities now have dedicated bike paths through leafy parks, along rivers, across waterfronts, and even into car-free zones for cyclists. All you have to do is hop on and start riding. The rest is discovery.
So, now that we've (hopefully) convinced you to put pedal to pavement, here's our pick of eight cities where cycling is the best way to see it all.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Why:
If biking had a face, Amsterdam would be it. With flat terrain, dedicated lanes, and a city designed around pedal power, it's no wonder Amsterdam wears the crown of the world's most bike-friendly city. You’ll find locals in business suits pedalling to work and visitors gliding alongside canals as a way of life. Around 60% of all trips in the city are made by bike. Cycling in Amsterdam is clearly woven into the city's DNA.
Highlights:
Glide along the UNESCO-listed canal belt and check out iconic bridges, houseboats, and gabled townhouses.
Cruise through Vondelpark's leafy paths and stop for a coffee or a picnic on the grass.
Ride to Museumplein and lock up for a visit to the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, or Stedelijk.
Explore the Jordaan district with its indie shops, cafés, and hidden courtyards.
Pedal through De Pijp or Oud-West for a taste of everyday Amsterdam life and great street food.
Travel:
If you want to travel from London to Amsterdam, an excellent example of how to spend Avios points wisely would be to book an off-peak Economy return using Avios points for 18,500 Avios plus £1. Business Class seats start from 30,000 Avios plus £25.
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Copenhagen, Denmark
Why:
Copenhagen is built for bikes. It has over 400 kilometres of dedicated cycle lanes crisscrossing the capital, with traffic signals, cyclist-only bridges, and even footrests at red lights. From the moment you hop on, it feels like the city is nudging you forward. Locals use bikes year-round to commute, shop, or meet friends, and you'll quickly see why. Everything is close, connected, and built to be seen on two wheels.
Highlights:
- Ride across the Cykelslangen (the "Bicycle Snake"), a raised, curving bridge designed just for cyclists and one of the best ways to see the harbour.
- Cycle through Nyhavn to enjoy rows of 17th-century buildings and docked boats lining the city's most photogenic canal.
- Follow the coastal path to the Little Mermaid statue, a scenic ride along the waterfront.
- Bike through Christianshavn and the edges of Christiania, where narrow lanes and colourful murals reveal a different side of the city.
- Pass through Tivoli Gardens and City Hall Square, two stops easily reached via Copenhagen's protected bike lanes.
Travel:
If you're flying from London, off-peak Economy return British Airways reward flights to Copenhagen start at 18,500 Avios plus £1. Business Class seats are available from 30,000 Avios plus £25.
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Berlin, Germany
Why:
The Wall might have come down, and Checkpoint Charlie might be relegated to a historical footnote, but Berlin remains a biker haven thanks to its perfectly flat terrain, expansive layout, and well-marked cycle routes, which make it surprisingly rideable for such a sprawling capital. With over 1,200 kilometres of bike lanes and countless quiet side streets lined with trees, you can explore beyond the typical tourist circuit. You'll find yourself effortlessly weaving between historic landmarks and creative neighbourhoods, without the hassle of traffic or strict transit schedules.
Highlights:
Cycle alongside the remains of the Berlin Wall and discover thought-provoking street art in places like the East Side Gallery.
Roll up to the Brandenburg Gate and Pariser Platz and soak in the symbol of German unity from the saddle.
Cruise through Tiergarten's lush avenues and hidden pathways, a green lung in the city centre.
Hop off at Museum Island for a stroll through Berlin Cathedral, the Pergamon Museum, or Neues Museum.
Pedal through Mitte's lively streets and down to Hackescher Markt, stopping at cafés or independent shops along the way.
Travel:
You can travel from London on off‑peak Economy reward flights for 18,500 Avios plus £1 or Business Class for 30,000 Avios plus £25.
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Barcelona, Spain
Why:
Barcelona's layout is a mix of broad boulevards, flat coastal stretches, and car-restricted zones, which makes bike-riding quite easy. Over 200 kilometres of bike lanes connect key neighbourhoods, and the city's mild Mediterranean climate means you can comfortably ride almost year-round. If you want some extra love, don your favourite Barca player's jersey, and you might get a few friendly honks of approval as you pedal down the road.
Highlights:
- Ride up to the Sagrada Família and circle around to see Gaudí's towering basilica from every angle.
- Navigate the Gothic Quarter's maze-like alleys before emerging into El Born's café-lined streets.
- Cruise along Barceloneta's seafront promenade, one of the city's most scenic and relaxing bike routes.
- Take a detour through Parc de la Ciutadella, home to shaded paths, fountains, and locals on a lazy afternoon.
- Head toward Bogatell Beach for a quieter stretch of sand and a breezy ride beside the water.
Travel:
If you're flying from London, off-peak Economy return British Airways reward flights to Barcelona cost 23,500 Avios plus £1 while Business Class starts from 40,000 Avios plus £25.
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Paris, France
Why:
The 'City of Love' makes no distinction between humans and bipedal machines. The bicycle has gone from a scenic curiosity to a serious, everyday mode of transport in Paris. New bike-only corridors, widened lanes, and greenways crisscrossing historic neighbourhoods make exploring without relying on the Metro easier than ever. The Vélib' bike-sharing system is one of the largest in the world, with thousands of pick-up points that let you grab a ride near almost any landmark. No wonder holidays to Paris are increasingly being planned around two wheels instead of train lines.
Highlights:
- Cycle up to the Eiffel Tower and pause on the wide bike lanes along the Champ de Mars for a postcard-perfect view.
- Follow the newly pedestrian- and bike-only river paths along the Seine to see Notre-Dame and the Louvre from a unique angle.
- Ride down the historic Champs‑Élysées before branching off into quieter side streets shaded by chestnut trees.
- Head uphill to Montmartre's hilltop village; yes, it's a climb, but the views over Paris (and the fun of the descent) are worth it.
- Take a spin through Le Marais for its lively markets, hidden courtyards, and old-world atmosphere.
Travel:
If you're flying from London, off-peak Economy return holidays to Paris using Avios start at 18,500 points plus £1, while flights in Business Class begin around 30,000 Avios plus £25.
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Montreal, Canada
Why:
Canucks are famous for being the nicest, most easy-going people around, so it's little surprise that the same general hospitality has seeped into their attitude towards cyclists. Montreal is considered North America's most bike-friendly city, a title they wear proudly. With over 1,000 kilometres of bike lanes, including fully protected corridors and scenic greenways, cycling is deeply embedded in the city's identity. The layout is manageable, the infrastructure is strong, and the French and Canadian culture mix gives every ride a unique local flavour.
Highlights:
- Explore Old Montreal's cobbled streets and riverfront views. There are plenty of spots to hop off and wander.
- Ride along the Lachine Canal, a scenic route that passes markets, cafés, and industrial relics.
- Head up to Mount Royal Park for panoramic views and a leafy escape in the city centre.
- Cruise through the Plateau (Montreal's most bohemian district), known for its street art, patios, and neighbourhood charm.
- Spin through Parc La Fontaine's tree-lined paths for a more residential feel.
Travel:
If you’re flying from London to Montreal, off-peak Premium Economy return reward seats from London cost 85,000 Avios plus £305. Business Class seats cost 160,000 Avios plus £375.
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Tokyo, Japan
Why:
With "The Land of the Rising Sun" being more famous for bullet trains, kimonos, and cherry blossoms, you can be forgiven for expressing shock at associating biking with Tokyo. Despite its density, it's surprisingly easy to navigate on two wheels, especially if you stay within a single ward or stick to key neighbourhoods. The city has an extensive network of quiet backstreets called shutō, often more comfortable for cyclists than the main roads.
There's also a reliable bike-sharing system with hundreds of docking stations, and more rental shops are popping up near major stations and tourist areas. Add to that mostly flat terrain, courteous drivers, and well-organised traffic systems, and you've got one of the most unintimidating megacities to cycle through.
Highlights:
- Start your day in Asakusa, weaving past market stalls and up to the towering Senso-ji Temple.
- Ride the loop around the Imperial Palace, a flat circuit popular with local commuters and casual riders.
- Detour into Shinjuku Gyoen, a sprawling park known for its landscaped gardens and seasonal cherry blossoms.
- Cruise through the backstreets of Yanaka and Nezu, old neighbourhoods with narrow lanes, artisan shops, and a quieter, nostalgic Tokyo vibe.
- Stop at a local konbini for a quick snack, or pull over near Ueno for museums and galleries tucked just off the path.
Travel:
Return Premium Economy reward flights to Tokyo from London start at 100,000 Avios plus £405, while Business Class flights begin at 200,000 Avios plus £575.
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Portland, Oregon, USA
Why:
Being home to major running brands, Portland's claim to being a runner's paradise is justified. But as any cyclist will tell you, there's no place that two feet go where a two-wheeler won't follow. Portland has over 500 kilometres of bikeways, everything from protected lanes and neighbourhood greenways to scenic riverside trails. The infrastructure is deliberate. Bike racks are everywhere, traffic is respectful, and the terrain is mostly flat, which means you can ride to a trailhead, food truck, or the office.
Highlights:
- Ride the Waterfront Loop along the Willamette River, which has views of the city skyline and lush riverbanks.
- Cross several iconic bridges, such as the Hawthorne, Steel, and St. Johns, with dedicated bike lanes for safe and easy navigation.
- Explore the Pearl District, a former industrial area turned stylish hotspot full of art galleries, breweries, and bike-friendly streets.
- Spin by food truck pods in places like PSU and Alder Street, and stop to sample local treats between rides.
- Detour into Forest Park via bike-friendly roads for a lush escape from city life.
Travel:
An off‑peak Premium Economy return to Portland from London starts around 95,000 Avios plus £355, while Business Class seats begin at 180,000 Avios plus £475.
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Tips for Urban Bike Sightseeing
A bit of planning goes a long way. Here are a few practical tips to make sure your two-wheeled adventure stays safe and memorable:
- Use a local rental or bike-sharing app: Most major cities now have reliable bike-share schemes, many integrated into public transport systems. For example, there’s Vélib' in Paris, BIXI in Montreal, and Docomo in Tokyo. These services are affordable, easy to use, and often available right where you need them: near major landmarks, metro stations, or your accommodation.
- Download offline maps or use cycling mode on Google Maps: City cycling doesn't always follow the same logic as driving or walking. Cycling mode helps you find bike lanes, avoid traffic-heavy roads, and spot detours through parks or waterfronts. Downloading maps ahead of time also helps if your data signal disappears halfway through your ride.
- Know the local bike laws: Rules around helmets, riding on sidewalks, and crossing intersections vary from place to place. For example, cyclists often share sidewalks with pedestrians in Tokyo. In Montreal, helmets aren't legally required for adults but are recommended. A quick read-up before you ride can help you stay safe and avoid fines.
Plan a loop, not a line: Point-to-point routes are fine, but a circular route lets you see more without the hassle of figuring out return transport. Choose a route that takes in major sights while steering clear of steep climbs, complex road crossings, or heavy-traffic areas, especially if you're riding with kids or cycling on jet lag.
Final Thoughts
Biking slows things down just enough to let the details sink in, without ever feeling like you're missing out. If you're wondering how to spend Avios points in a way that delivers real value, city cycling adventures make for a wise, low-cost, high-reward choice.
So next time you plan a trip and wonder how best to explore, consider swapping the bus pass for a bike saddle. You might just find that the journey between the sights becomes the best part of the adventure.
