Here you can read our adventurer guide on cycling in Madrid, including the best cycling routes through the city’s best attractions, bike rentals. With so many beautiful parks, lakes and buildings, Madrid is best explored on bicycle.
In fact, the city recently launched its own public electric bike hire service. Locals and tourists alike can rent bikes from any one of the 165 pick-up points throughout the city — you can check your nearest pick-up point on the corresponding app.
This makes it easier than ever to explore Madrid’s best attractions — Rio park, the historical center, and Retiro park — on two wheels.
Rio Park
Alongside Madrid’s Manzanares river runs a great, family-friendly cycle route. Running a total of 30 kilometers, it’s the perfect place to spend the day out on the bikes getting some exercise and bonding with family.
There are several bike shops around the river where you can rent bikes for the day. On the route, you’ll come across various play parks for both children and adults, and quiet parks to sit and relax in the sun, as well as numerous restaurants and cafes.
There’s also the Matadero, a former slaughterhouse and cattletown, which has now been converted into a popular cultural and arts centre. Depending on what’s on, you can attend music and performances, art exhibitions and book readings.
The Historical Center
Madrid’s historic center, built during the Habsburg Dynasty, is easy to get around on bike — as long as you’re okay with navigating crowds. Begin at Puerta del Sol, a central city square where you can see the Royal Palace of Madrid, the Church of San Gines, and Almudena Cathedral.
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Then cycle along Calle Mayor to reach the Palace of the Councils and the Plaza de la Villa, one of the oldest and prettiest squares in the city. You can also explore the nearby Almudena Cathedral and its neighbour, the Royal Palace and the gorgeous, Classical-style Sabatini Gardens.
Don’t forget to check out the Debod Temple (past Plaza de España) — it’s an ancient Egyptian temple dating back to the 2nd century BC.
Retiro Park
Spanning 125 hectares, Retiro Park is one of the largest and most beautiful parks in Madrid. Retiro Park is great for exploring by bike — it’s well-paved, safe (no roads), and suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Here you’ll find many fun things to see and do.
You can take a boat trip out on the lake (it costs just a few euros to rent a rowboat). Kids also love feeding the fish and ducks on the water. Crystal Palace is one of the parks main attractions — it’s a stunning building made almost completely of glass.
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The palace is surrounded by a lake which often has birds, ducks and frogs on the water. Inside, you can view art exhibitions. You’ll also want to check out Jardines de Cecilio Rodríguez, an enclosed area of the park with majestic peacocks strolling around.
Packed with beautiful scenery and fascinating architecture, Madrid offers endless activities and attractions. Exploring on bike is a fun and memorable way to see all the city has to offer.
Top Selling Cycling Tours in Madrid
Here we only suggest the proven ways and top rated ones with travelers’ comments. You can feel free to book one of the below top selling tours.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before activity starts
