Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Cyclists in Manhattan
Top Things to Do in New York City for Cyclists in Manhattan
1. Central Park Loop
Pedal the iconic 6.1-mile Park Drive past meadows, reservoirs, and landmarks on a largely car-free circuit. Gentle flats mix with short climbs like Harlem Hill for satisfying laps.
✓ Why Go:
It’s Manhattan’s classic training and sightseeing ride in one—smooth pavement, reliable wayfinding, and constant scenery make it ideal for fitness riders and casual cyclists alike.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early mornings year-round for light traffic; spring and fall offer crisp air and foliage. Summer evenings are lively but cooler than midday.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ride counterclockwise and save energy for Harlem Hill around 110th Street. Water and restrooms are easiest near 72nd Street (Tavern on the Green area) and the 90s along the drives.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Cyclists praise the balance of scenery and safety, calling it a must-do loop that “feels like its own bike-friendly city within the city.”
2. Hudson River Greenway
Cruise a protected waterfront path from Lower Manhattan up the West Side with nonstop river views, breezes, and frequent park and pier stops.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the city’s most beloved long, low-stress corridor—ideal for uninterrupted spins, sunset rides, and linking neighborhoods from Battery Park City to Inwood.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Golden hour for sunsets over New Jersey; weekends early to avoid crowds. Winter is rideable thanks to good maintenance, but dress for wind off the river.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use the piers as pit stops—Pier 84 has bathrooms and water in season. Expect heavier foot traffic near Chelsea and the Village; keep speeds controlled.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Riders rave about the views and separation from cars, calling it “the West Side highway for bikes—minus the stress.”
3. East River Greenway
Follow the shoreline up Manhattan’s East Side with skyline and bridge vistas, linking Lower Manhattan to Midtown and the Upper East Side.
✓ Why Go:
It complements the West Side with quieter stretches, classic views of the Queensboro and Williamsburg Bridges, and easy access to neighborhood detours.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mornings for calmer paths; spring cherry blossoms near Carl Schurz Park and crisp fall days are especially photogenic.
✓ Insider Tip:
Stop by Carl Schurz Park for water and shade. Expect intermittent construction or detours—check signage and be ready for short street connectors.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Cyclists appreciate the varied scenery and call it a “peaceful alternative to the West Side with equally big-city views.”
4. Manhattan Waterfront Greenway Loop
Circle the island on a grand, mostly protected circuit tying together West Side, Battery, and East Side paths for a day-long adventure.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the definitive Manhattan ride—see neighborhoods change from tip to top, rack up miles without leaving the borough, and enjoy near-continuous waterside pedaling.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Start at sunrise in spring or fall for cooler temps and fewer crowds. Summer rides are best early or late; winter is doable on clear days with layers.
✓ Insider Tip:
Clockwise keeps river winds at your back more often. Bring snacks—service gaps exist uptown; convenient resupplies are around Chelsea Piers and Battery Park City.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Riders call it “bucket-list Manhattan,” praising the variety and surprisingly consistent protection from traffic.
5. Battery Park City Esplanade
Glide along a scenic harborfront promenade past marinas, lawns, and art installations with Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island views.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a photogenic, low-stress segment perfect for leisurely spins, family rides, and linking to the Hudson River Greenway and Lower Manhattan sights.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon into sunset for golden light; weekday mornings are the quietest.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pause at North Cove Marina for skyline photos. Weekends can be pedestrian-heavy—ring a bell, pass slowly, and savor the scenery.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the calm, calling it “an oasis ride where Manhattan finally slows down.”
6. Riverside Park South
Weave through landscaped piers, lawns, and river outlooks between 59th and 72nd Streets on a smooth connector off the main Greenway.
✓ Why Go:
Short, scenic, and social—ideal for casual meetups, coffee spins, or as a photogenic detour on longer West Side rides.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Spring blooms and fall foliage shine here; evenings glow with sunset reflections off the river.
✓ Insider Tip:
Refuel at Pier I near 70th Street in season. Watch for joggers and strollers—this segment rewards a relaxed pace.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Cyclists describe it as “mini-vacation vibes” in the heart of the city.
7. Inwood Hill Park
Ride to Manhattan’s northern tip for leafy paths, river views, and rolling terrain that feels far from Midtown’s bustle.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the borough’s wild corner—great for nature breaks, birdlife along the Hudson, and linking to the northern Greenway and Dyckman area eats.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late spring through early fall for full greenery; mornings are quietest. Winter rides are crisp and peaceful on clear days.
✓ Insider Tip:
Combine with a riverside out-and-back via Dyckman Street for tacos or coffee before rejoining the Greenway.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Riders call it “unexpectedly serene,” a place where Manhattan feels like a countryside spin.
8. Fort Tryon Park hill climb to The Met Cloisters
Tackle short but punchy climbs to panoramic overlooks, then cool down amid Fort Tryon’s gardens with a triumphant roll-by of the Cloisters.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the city’s favorite hill workout with a payoff—historic architecture, Hudson River vistas, and quiet park roads at the top.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings or early weekends to keep the climbs clear; fall foliage is spectacular.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use Bennett Avenue and Cabrini Boulevard for varied gradients. Bring low gears; grades bite harder than they look.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Cyclists celebrate the challenge-to-reward ratio, calling the views “worth every pedal stroke.”
9. Highbridge Park Mountain Bike Trails
Yes—singletrack in Manhattan. Flowy dirt loops and features wind through Highbridge Park for a dose of off-road fun without leaving the borough.
✓ Why Go:
It’s unique urban MTB: quick laps, technical options, and a totally different feel from the greenways—perfect cross-training for road riders.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Dry days spring through fall; avoid immediately after rain to protect the trails.
✓ Insider Tip:
Run lower tire pressures for grip on roots and rock. A bell and lights are smart for street connections to and from the park.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Riders are delighted by the novelty, calling it “a hidden gem that makes Manhattan feel like a trail town.”
10. Randall's Island Park
Spin broad paths around playing fields, wetlands, and waterfront overlooks on the island just off East Harlem—calm, open, and great for steady miles.
✓ Why Go:
Wide, low-traffic loops and skyline views make it ideal for skill-building, family rides, or relaxed recovery spins within city limits.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings for near-empty paths; spring and fall have gentle breezes and fewer events.
✓ Insider Tip:
Enter via the 103rd Street footbridge or the RFK Bridge path from East Harlem; bring water as services are spread out across the island.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Cyclists appreciate the space and serenity, calling it “a breath of fresh air minutes from uptown.”
