Astounding: Budapest among Europe’s top cities for cyclists
Budapest has surprised many by securing a spot on a prestigious list: sneaking its way into the top ranks of a new survey, the Hungarian capital has been named one of Europe’s best cities for cyclists by the Epic Road Rides portal. The evaluation considered a wide range of criteria, and with further cycling developments planned across the city, Budapest’s already impressive position may rise even higher in the future.
Scenic cycling routes in Budapest
Across Europe—and in its heart, Budapest—cycling is becoming increasingly popular, whether for commuting, health-conscious lifestyle changes, or leisure tours. One of Budapest’s greatest advantages is that the entire stretch of the Danube running through the city can be cycled along, largely parallel to the river, on both the Buda and Pest sides. This offers cyclists some of the most spectacular views in the city.
Budapest’s cycling infrastructure is steadily improving. For example, BKK recently announced plans to design the city’s Bicycle Expressway along the Grand Boulevard (Nagykörút). It has also been revealed that the Bubi 3.0 scheme is on the way; as part of this, the popular bike-sharing system will undergo a major upgrade. The fleet will be significantly expanded, and electrically assisted bicycles will become available as early as January 2026. With such progress, Budapest’s high ranking—just behind Copenhagen and Amsterdam—is perhaps no longer so surprising. Since 1 January, bicycle transport has even been made free on certain routes of the city’s public transport system.
Road conditions, weather, safety
According to Epic Road Rides’ latest ranking, Budapest comes third as one of Europe’s most bike-friendly cities, ideal for both urban tours and cycling excursions. “Assessments took into account road quality, weather, safety, and the presence of cycling events,” reports drive.hu.
The evaluation praised the picturesque cycling routes along the Danube embankments, the city’s rich cultural heritage, its thermal baths and architectural landmarks. The portal noted that many bike paths serve the local cycling community—typically safe and easy to ride. It also highlighted that, although infrastructure has been developing gradually in recent years, Budapest now offers over 200 km of cycle paths for both residents and visitors.
What cyclists should be aware of when biking in Budapest
The report emphasises that both the Pest and Buda sides can be explored by bicycle, with many major landmarks accessible by bike, including the Parliament Building and Buda Castle. Margaret Island and the EuroVelo 6 international cycling route—running from Vienna to Budapest—are also mentioned as excellent options, particularly the latter for long-distance riders thanks to its high-quality construction and scenic route along the Danube.
Cyclists are, however, advised to take extra care when crossing tram tracks, as Budapest has an extensive tram network. It is also worth noting that while Pest offers flat, easy terrain, Buda is characterised by hills and slopes.
Copenhagen and Amsterdam lead the way
So why did Copenhagen top the list for European cyclists? The city boasts excellent road quality, rare accidents, plentiful bike rental services, and secure bicycle storage. It is no surprise that half the city’s residents travel by bike. The 13-kilometre Harbour City tour is especially recommended, taking riders past iconic sights such as the colourful houses of Nyhavn.
Amsterdam, meanwhile, stood out for its canals, arched bridges, historic buildings, and more than 500 cycle paths, complete with dedicated parking and traffic signals. Locals here are also famously enthusiastic about getting around on two wheels.
Other European cities on the list:
4. Nice (France)
5. Girona (Spain)
6. Barcelona (Spain)
And from around the globe:
- Vancouver, Canada;
- San Francisco, United States;
- Melbourne, Australia;
- Singapore;
- Québec, Canada.
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Hey Steiner,
Wouldn’t you illustrate for us how stupid idea it was to have cycling roads in Budapest?
Oppps, after short time it has been proven that Bp in the third position, WOW.
Stiener’s tonugh has been eaten
Steiner here.
Yes, it was, and is, an incredibly stupid idea to spend taxpayer money on this. Who cares if Budapest is first in the universe in this; it brings absolutely no benefit to the taxpayers whatsoever. Indeed, it often inconveniences us, such as with that monstrosity they did in Ulloi. They have caused even more drivers to sit in gridlocked traffic for even longer while these expensive bicycle tracks stand empty.
Also, they are pushing mass take-up of cycling without developing a cycling culture first. So, you have plenty of retards who tear down roads AND SIDEWALKS playing Tour de France, run red lights, go the opposite traffic, etc., all without ever being stopped by the cops.
Try walking between the Szabadsag and Erzsebet hidok on the Buda side on any given day. Between the cyclists and scooTURDS, you’ll be lucky to come out of that stretch without having been clipped or run over by one of them.