The most cyclable city in Europe revealed – and it’s not where you may think

Few things bring the Condé Nast Traveller team much joy as discovering a new city. We’re happiest when dipping in and out of Madrid’s world-class galleries, ambling along Budapest’s riverside and sampling the wares of Bruges’ chocolate shops – and that’s just us getting started.

While you’ll find most of us taking to the streets – via bakeries, bars and attractions, of course – on foot, putting our favourite pair of worn-out trainers to good use.

However, there’s another way to explore Europe’s best cities that showcases the sights in a completely different light – on two wheels! Navigating a new city on foot can be daunting enough, so it’s little surprise many travellers feel hesitant about hiring a bicycle to find their bearings.

Ferry company DFDS have compiled a guide to the top 10 cycling cities in Europe, evaluating the cycling conditions of popular destinations using a score derived from infrastructure, terrain, weather, and interest metrics.

Frankfurt on the Main, Hessen, GermanyGetty Images

DFDS’ methodology factors in things such as public bike hire availability and pricing, the level of public interest (obtained via Google Keyword Planner), two years of historical weather data and the ‘flatness’ of the city – because no one enjoys huffing and puffing their way up a steep hill.

So, which city claimed the top spot?

While Amsterdam and cycling are synonymous with each other, the capital of the Netherlands doesn’t claim the title of Europe’s most cyclable city. However, it does come fourth thanks to an extensive network of cycling paths, parks and canalside routes – more than 400km of them wind through the city.

In fact, Paris is the most bicycle-friendly city on the continent. While our memories of the French capital centre around jam-packed roads and buzzy corners where locals spill out onto the streets, the city boasts more than 1,000km of cycling lanes.