I love riding a bike. It’s almost impossible to feel unhappy while you’re on one (unless you’re going uphill). With the wind in your hair and the sun on your face, biking takes you back to carefree days. It reminds me of childhood, when my bike was my key to freedom during long summer holidays.

Now that I’m an adult (sort of), I could rent a car, a scooter, or even hire a private driver in some countries. But whenever I’m exploring a city, I always choose a bike.

Here’s why I love bike tours, along with a few tips if you’re unsure about riding in a busy city:

You can see everything quickly but not miss a thing: Walking is slow and tedious, taking forever to get from one attraction to the next. Cars and scooters can be too fast, making you miss out on the details or the feel of the place. Bikes strike the perfect balance.

It’s cheap! Cycling is probably the most affordable mode of transport available, and most cities have numerous places to rent bikes. Remember, you can usually haggle over the rental price, but always ensure you get a helmet and a padlock.

It’s great exercise: Keeping fit while traveling can be tough without regular routines or a gym. A day on a bike compensates for those late-night drinks and helps keep off the extra weight.

You’ll feel the breeze: Walking in hot countries can be uncomfortable without shade. Biking lets you feel the breeze, so you don’t get overheated.

No parking fees: Unlike cars, you don’t need to pay to park a bicycle. This is a blessing in expensive cities like London. Just ensure you have a secure padlock and never lock your bike to railings outside someone’s home.

Top Tips:

Not a fitness enthusiast? Don’t worry! If the thought of riding uphill makes you sweat, consider ‘Downhill Bike Tours.’ I tried one in Ubud, Bali, and it was fantastic. They drive you to a high point, you hop on a bike, and then coast downhill, guided past all the sights.

Worried about traffic? Cities with lots of traffic usually have many cyclists too, which means drivers are more aware of bikes. I often feel less safe in cities with little traffic because drivers aren’t used to bikes on the road. Stick close to the curb, don’t weave through traffic, avoid undertaking, and always wear a helmet.

Don’t know where to go? Plenty of affordable cycle tours are available. Gather a group and negotiate the price. On a tour, you won’t waste energy cycling aimlessly. I did this in Amsterdam and managed to see a lot with a guide.

Is anyone else a big fan of riding a bike and taking cycling tours?