Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Biking Tours
Top Things to Do in New York City for Biking Tours
1. Central Park Loop
Pedal the famous one-way loop through meadows, woodlands, and landmark sights like Bethesda Terrace and the Reservoir, with gentle hills and plenty of photo stops.
✓ Why Go:
It’s NYC’s classic ride: car-free drives, varied scenery, and easy access from Midtown make it perfect for first-time cycling in the city.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early mornings on weekdays for the calmest conditions; spring blossoms and fall foliage add extra magic.
✓ Insider Tip:
Shorten the ride via the 72nd, 86th, or 102nd Street Transverse roads, and always keep to the bike lane on the park drives.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Beloved by locals and visitors for safety and scenery, though popular sections near Columbus Circle can feel busy at peak hours.
2. Brooklyn Bridge
Roll across the East River on the city’s most iconic span, taking in Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn skylines from a dedicated bike lane.
✓ Why Go:
Few rides deliver such instant wow-factor views and a triumphant gateway into Brooklyn for waterfront explorations.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunrise for soft light and fewer crowds; evenings for glittering skyline views and cooler temps.
✓ Insider Tip:
Continue into Brooklyn Bridge Park for the best bridge backdrop shots without stopping on the bridge itself.
✓ What Visitors Say:
A bucket-list crossing that riders find thrilling and straightforward, though winds and noise can be intense.
3. Hudson River Greenway
Cruise Manhattan’s signature waterfront path past piers, lawns, and public art with uninterrupted river views from Lower Manhattan to the Upper West Side and beyond.
✓ Why Go:
Flat, protected, and scenic—ideal for relaxed touring or connecting to neighborhoods all along the West Side.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon into golden hour for sunset over the Hudson; arrive early on weekends to beat pier crowds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use park piers for water fountains and restrooms; keep speeds moderate where joggers and families are present.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Consistently praised as NYC’s most enjoyable long, low-stress ride with postcard views throughout.
4. Prospect Park Loop
Circle Brooklyn’s leafy heart on a car-free drive with smooth pavement, gentle climbs, and lakeside scenery.
✓ Why Go:
It’s Brooklyn’s answer to Central Park—great training laps for avid cyclists and a relaxed loop for casual riders.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings or early evenings; autumn colors and spring blooms are standout seasons.
✓ Insider Tip:
Expect the loop to run counterclockwise; the east side includes the main climb, so pace accordingly.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Locals call it a perfect blend of nature and city energy, though festival days can bring heavier foot traffic near the lake.
5. Governors Island
Ride car-free paths around historic forts, public art, and lawns with sweeping views of the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan.
✓ Why Go:
A breezy harbor escape that feels miles from the city while sitting right in its harbor—tailor-made for relaxed touring.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late spring through fall for lush landscapes and picnic weather; weekdays are especially tranquil.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a lock and ride up to The Hills for the best skyline panoramas before looping the waterfront.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families and casual riders rave about the stress-free vibe and ferry adventure that frames the day.
6. East River Greenway
Pedal along Manhattan’s east side with close-ups of the Williamsburg, Manhattan, and Queensboro bridges and constant river breezes.
✓ Why Go:
A complementary counterpart to the Hudson route, it links neighborhoods from Lower Manhattan to Uptown with waterside views.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mornings for shade and lighter foot traffic; plan around rush hours near ferry landings.
✓ Insider Tip:
Combine with the Brooklyn or Williamsburg Bridge to craft a photogenic loop across both riverfronts.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Appreciated for its perspectives on the bridges and skyline; riders note occasional pinch points but love the continuity.
7. Randall's Island Park
Trace quiet shoreline paths and ballfields with views of Hell Gate and the Harlem River, far from city traffic.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a serene, flat circuit that suits families and photography-minded riders seeking space and sky.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Daytime on weekends or late afternoons for golden light; check for major event days that can add crowds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Access via the Ward’s Island Bridge at E 103rd Street or the RFK Bridge path from Astoria for a scenic approach.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Often described as a surprising oasis with ample room to ride and picnic, with easy connections from Manhattan and Queens.
8. Coney Island Boardwalk
Spin along the oceanfront on the Riegelmann Boardwalk, passing classic amusements, wide beaches, and salty breezes.
✓ Why Go:
A seaside chapter to any NYC bike day—great for pairing with the Ocean Parkway Bike Path from Prospect Park.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early mornings for open space and cooler air; weekdays outside peak summer are the most relaxed.
✓ Insider Tip:
Mind posted cycling rules and dismount zones, especially near the amusements and beach entrances.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Riders love the nostalgic atmosphere and ocean views; expect more pedestrians on hot summer weekends.
9. The High Bridge
Cross NYC’s oldest standing bridge, a former aqueduct linking Washington Heights and the Bronx with lofty river vistas.
✓ Why Go:
A short but memorable ride that layers history and skyline views, ideal to tack onto a Harlem River Greenway spin.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Daylight hours for clearer sightlines and easier connections through the surrounding parks.
✓ Insider Tip:
Approaches include steep ramps—use lower gears and watch for pedestrians at the landings.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised as a hidden-gem crossing with rich history and rewarding views without heavy vehicular traffic.
10. Brooklyn Bridge Park
Navigate designated routes along rolling piers, lawns, and waterfront promenades with unbeatable angles on the skyline and bridges.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the best stage for bridge photography and a natural connector to DUMBO, the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway, and ferry landings.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings or sunset for dramatic light; winter sunsets can be spectacular and less crowded.
✓ Insider Tip:
Observe slow zones and dismount areas on the piers; continue south to Red Hook for quieter waterfront riding.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Universally loved for views and amenities, though peak weekends bring lots of strollers—ride courteously and enjoy the scenery.
